ITW – Gwendoline Blosse, a multifaceted artist…

5 MN

ITW – Gwendoline Blosse, a multifaceted artist…

Gwendoline Blosse is an illustrator, a graphic designer, a comic book writer, even a wrestler… A multi-faceted artist, her hand dances to the rhythm of her projects.

paysage-desert-nuit

Hi Gwendoline! You studied in Nantes and still live there today; what drew you to this beautiful town (one that is also very important for OLOW)?

I moved here to study, but it was also a good excuse to be closer to Brittany, where I was born but where I had never lived. Since then, ten years have flown by, and what I found great about this place then was that you could do whatever you wanted (that might be less true now). Create an association, organise concerts in an apartment, organise a festival, open an artists’ squat, create activist events, do wrestling, drawing, etc. I arrived here from a small town in the South of France that was rather right-wing, and I admit that my arrival in Nantes was incredibly inspiring. Since then, the town has changed and the stakes have shifted. I find that the “cultural amusement” back then has made way for growing socio-political struggles… Doom and gloom have taken over. What’s happening on the political scene is very stressful… But I’m straying from the question! I like Nantes for its weather, its estuary, its river and its clouds!

abstrait_gwendoline-blosse

You draw many different characters; where do you find the inspiration behind each one?

A long time ago, I ran a satirical blog where I drew the daily life in Nantes (its parties, associations, shops…), and I tried to slip some friends or acquaintances in my stories by caricaturing them. It was kind of successful. As time went on, I realised that what interested me the most wasn’t to portray them perfectly using an incredibly realistic style, but each of their distinctive signs. It’s all about the details, and expressions instantly change with every move. An arched eyebrow, a slightly sloping lip, the shadow of an eyelid, the slight grin in a cheek, the tilt of the head, a big jaw, a long nose, etc. But there’s more… there’s also the variation of the stroke. It won’t have the same effect whether it’s fine or bold. So I like playing around with all that. I often start with a face and shoulders, and then vary. Sometimes a photo found on the internet, newspapers, an exhibition, or a painting will give me ideas, like a posture or an action. If I had not seen that picture of a boxer’s profile, I wouldn’t have seen hearts instead of his gloves. It all comes down to viewpoints, interpretation and timing.

profil-gwen

It looks like you mainly use a graphics tablet to create your illustrations; could you describe your creative process?

When I have an image in mind, I research the internet, I try to find that particular bulldozer model, that variety of cactus or the posture of that football player. And then I create. A close-up? Maybe that wheel is interesting but not the rest of the truck? I really like how she’s leaning back on her chair… but it’s really just about her posture, not her physique or her gender or her environment… You make a rough draft, and then you go over it by evening out the strokes or by concentrating on details, etc. The advantage of using digital is that you can experiment with a lot of things. But you have to keep in mind that it’s not the software that makes you creative, you have to first do observational drawings and work hard to finally be at ease with the tool. Sometimes you realise that your idea is too far-fetched or too complicated: so you either concentrate on what’s essential, and if it still isn’t working (you can generally quickly tell whether an image is good or not) you give up, get thinking again, and start over. I sometimes have to go over and over an eye, a mouth, or even a hand, looking for that exact expression.

flamingo-blosse

You often use bold colours in your creations, how do you go about choosing which ones to use?

For a long time, colour stressed me out; I even had books on how to match shades. It constrained me, blocked me, frustrated me, I found my drawings to be shy, not adventurous, not radiant. And then one day I updated my graphics tablet and realised that I could draw directly on my computer! From then on I felt liberated, no more scanning, no more hours spent tidying things up with a rubber, I could create a drawing in one go, spontaneously. But the best thing was being able to experiment with the RGB colour coding, which really reconciled me with colour. I could try out loads of things. I still find it crazy! Other than that, I don’t really have a method for choosing colour. Sometimes I apply the three-colour rule, or a dominant tone with its variants and a saturated colour, etc. I also like using white as a colour, which I never used to before. For me, white was the paper, full stop. I couldn’t fathom using a coloured background. Now, thanks to my tablet, I realise that it’s interesting to use one.

charles

How long have you been drawing for? We can feel a true evolution in your work: how can you explain it?

Since I was a kid, like many children… But I have only just felt comfortable doing what I do for the past four or five years. But that’s not innocuous, everything started after a family tragedy, I think I was angry, I had no more stakes and didn’t care about anything anymore. Which just goes to show that your history, your personality has a knock-on effect on your creative process. It seems obvious now.

profil-gwendoline-blosse-3

You are part of a particular club from Nantes, the “Catch de dessinateurs à moustache”. Can you tell us a bit about this project?

I don’t know what you’re talking about. Apparently I’m Carmen Vegas… but don’t believe all that you read. After a seven-year career, Carmen Vegas retired somewhere in Latin America, she has apparently been seen rearing goats with her friend El Pepito.

On a ring, two artists battle it out during a two-round match creating two large drawings whose theme has been chosen by the audience. At the end of the fight, they pick the best composition. With each new dual, the drawings get bigger and bigger, the pace quickens, cheating and sanctions increase, during which the audience grows more and more feverish by the minute. The members of the audience whose subjects were drawn by the referee leave with the drawings. The arthletes (artists/athletes) put their all into graphic improvisation on themes put forward by the public, with, at times, special hits, constraints and fatal hits. The mustachioed wrestling illustrators put on a two-hour, ultra violent and good-mannered show that rivals even the biggest American superproductions.

lovegwen-4-3

What’s the most beautiful trip you have ever taken?

I’d day Cambodia. My father lives there, and I’m now lucky to have a French/Khmer half brother, so that trip will always be the most beautiful.

Bisous

tee-shirt_glove_blanc-min

Buy now the Gwendoline Blosse “GLOVE” tee-shirt !

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More information on Gwendoline Blosse on her website and her Instagram.

Interview réalisée par lucilequeru
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After you have submitted an order, the Customer receives by email and without delay a confirmation of his approval of the Order.

The Customer also receives by email and without delay, a receipt of the order sent electronically, regarding as a confirmation of the order (“Order Confirmation”).

The Customer receives electronically, the confirmation that the Goods have been dispatched.

The delivery shall take place at the location indicated by the Customer at the time of the Order.

Additionally, by undertaking these different steps to Order, the Customer accepts to strictly comply with this Agreement, in accordance with section 1316-1 of the French Civil Code.

The Vendor undertakes to deliver the Goods and Services subject of the Order Confirmation. In the event that a Good ordered is unavailable, the Vendor will promptly inform the Customer about this.

However, under section L.122-1 of the French Consumer Code, the Vendor reserves the right to cancel your Order if the Order is abnormal, involves bad faith or for any other reason that is under the sole discretion of the Vendor. The Vendor also reserves the right to reject orders from any customer with whom the Vendor have an ongoing legal dispute regarding a prior order.

Free delivery and exchange offered

For orders over €120, delivery is free.

Returns are free from France thanks to our prepaid label.

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Shipping cost

Collection points: €5

Home delivery with signature: 7.5€

Free delivery for orders over 120€

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Bahamas, Canada, États-Unis, Mexique

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Home delivery: €15

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Delivery time

5-9 working days

Argentine, Brésil, Chili

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €27

Free delivery for orders over €120.

Delivery time

6-9 working days

Arabie Saoudite, Bahreïn, Chine, Corée du Sud, Émirats Arabes Unis, Hong-Kong, Indonésie, Israël, Japon, Malaisie, Qatar, Singapour, Taiwan

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €24

Free delivery for orders over €120.

Delivery time

4-7 working days

Australie, Nouvelle-Zélande

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €27

Free delivery on orders over €120.

Delivery time

6-10 working days

Returns

You have received your order but the product does not suit you?

You can return your products within 15 days of receiving your package, for any order.

For the festive season, the deadlines are extended to 30 days.

The items must not have been worn, washed or damaged and must be returned in their original packaging, in perfect condition for resale.

How do I return my package from France?

Return shipping from France is free via Mondial Relay.

To return your parcel, it is very simple :

  1. Go to “My account”, in the “My purchases” section,

  2. In the list of your orders, select your order,

  3. If your order is eligible for return, please tick each product you wish to return. If a product has been ordered in several copies, you can indicate the quantity to be returned.

  4. Indicate the reason for the return at the bottom of the order details and click on “Request a return”. You can track your return request in the “Returns” section of the “My purchases” section.

  5. Once your return request has been validated by our team, all you have to do is stick your pre-paid label (provided at the time of delivery) on the package, insert the completed returns form in the parcel and drop it off at a Mondial Relay point.

How can I return my package (International online returns)

International return packages are at the customer’s expense (including cost of shipment by the chosen carrier, customs & duties, taxes, etc.)

To return your parcel, it is very simple :

  1. Go to “My account”, in the “My purchases” section,

  2. In the list of your orders, select your order,

  3. If your order is eligible for return, please tick each product you wish to return. If a product has been ordered in several copies, you can indicate the quantity to be returned.

  4. Indicate the reason for the return at the bottom of the order details and click on “Request a return”. You can track your return request in the “Returns” section of the “My purchases” section.

  5. Once your return request has been validated by our team, simply download the return form and place it in your package. 

  6. Send your package to the address indicated on the return form.

Want to make a return request with a guest account?

It's very easy : contact us by email at service-client@olow.fr indicating your order number, the items you wish to return and whether you wish to request a refund, a credit note or an exchange.

How long does it take to get my money back once my package has been sent?

Refunds will be made within 10 days of receipt of your items and automatically to the account associated with the credit card used for payment or to the Paypal account used for payment.

Is it possible to return my item in the shop?

No, for all internet orders, returns can only be made to the address mentioned above.

What can I do if my item has a defect?

We take great care in the manufacture and finishing of our products. However, if you wish to report a manufacturing defect on a product, we invite you to contact our customer service by e-mail: service-client@olow.fr.

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How to order?

Please follow the following instructions in order to submit an Order:

  1. Visit the Website;

  2. Follow the instructions on the Website to place your orders and especially the instructions given to create a Customer account;

  3. Fulfil the Ordering form. After extended inactivity you may encounter an automatic cancellation of the Goods you submitted. You shall start a new Order of any Good and Service you wished to order;

  4. You shall check the Goods and Services you Order, and if necessary, please identify and correct the error;

  5. Confirm the Order, the Total Price as well as the All-Inclusive Price (the “Order Confirmation”);

  6. Follow the payment Website instructions in order to pay the All-Inclusive Price.

After you have submitted an order, the Customer receives by email and without delay a confirmation of his approval of the Order.

The Customer also receives by email and without delay, a receipt of the order sent electronically, regarding as a confirmation of the order (“Order Confirmation”).

The Customer receives electronically, the confirmation that the Goods have been dispatched.

The delivery shall take place at the location indicated by the Customer at the time of the Order.

Additionally, by undertaking these different steps to Order, the Customer accepts to strictly comply with this Agreement, in accordance with section 1316-1 of the French Civil Code.

The Vendor undertakes to deliver the Goods and Services subject of the Order Confirmation. In the event that a Good ordered is unavailable, the Vendor will promptly inform the Customer about this.

However, under section L.122-1 of the French Consumer Code, the Vendor reserves the right to cancel your Order if the Order is abnormal, involves bad faith or for any other reason that is under the sole discretion of the Vendor. The Vendor also reserves the right to reject orders from any customer with whom the Vendor have an ongoing legal dispute regarding a prior order.

Free delivery and exchange offered

For orders over €120, delivery is free.

Returns are free from France thanks to our prepaid label.

Prices and delivery times

Shipping cost

Collection points: €5

Home delivery with signature: 7.5€

Free delivery for orders over 120€

Delivery time

2-4 working days

Allemagne, Autriche, Belgique, Bulgarie, Chypre, Danemark, Espagne, Finlande, Grèce, Hongrie, Italie, Malte, Pays-Bas, Pologne, Portugal, République Tchèque, Suède, Ukraine

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €9.5

Free delivery for orders over 120€.

Delivery time

4-7 working days

Andorre, Biélorussie, Croatie, Islande, Monaco, Norvège, Royaume-Uni, Russie, Suisse, Turquie

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €9.5

Free delivery for orders over €120

Delivery time

5-8 working days

Bahamas, Canada, États-Unis, Mexique

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €15

Free delivery for orders over €120.

Delivery time

5-9 working days

Argentine, Brésil, Chili

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €27

Free delivery for orders over €120.

Delivery time

6-9 working days

Arabie Saoudite, Bahreïn, Chine, Corée du Sud, Émirats Arabes Unis, Hong-Kong, Indonésie, Israël, Japon, Malaisie, Qatar, Singapour, Taiwan

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €24

Free delivery for orders over €120.

Delivery time

4-7 working days

Australie, Nouvelle-Zélande

Shipping cost

Home delivery: €27

Free delivery on orders over €120.

Delivery time

6-10 working days

Returns

You have received your order but the product does not suit you?

You can return your products within 15 days of receiving your package, for any order.

For the festive season, the deadlines are extended to 30 days.

The items must not have been worn, washed or damaged and must be returned in their original packaging, in perfect condition for resale.

How do I return my package from France?

Return shipping from France is free via Mondial Relay.

To return your parcel, it is very simple :

  1. Go to “My account”, in the “My purchases” section,

  2. In the list of your orders, select your order,

  3. If your order is eligible for return, please tick each product you wish to return. If a product has been ordered in several copies, you can indicate the quantity to be returned.

  4. Indicate the reason for the return at the bottom of the order details and click on “Request a return”. You can track your return request in the “Returns” section of the “My purchases” section.

  5. Once your return request has been validated by our team, all you have to do is stick your pre-paid label (provided at the time of delivery) on the package, insert the completed returns form in the parcel and drop it off at a Mondial Relay point.

How can I return my package (International online returns)

International return packages are at the customer’s expense (including cost of shipment by the chosen carrier, customs & duties, taxes, etc.)

To return your parcel, it is very simple :

  1. Go to “My account”, in the “My purchases” section,

  2. In the list of your orders, select your order,

  3. If your order is eligible for return, please tick each product you wish to return. If a product has been ordered in several copies, you can indicate the quantity to be returned.

  4. Indicate the reason for the return at the bottom of the order details and click on “Request a return”. You can track your return request in the “Returns” section of the “My purchases” section.

  5. Once your return request has been validated by our team, simply download the return form and place it in your package. 

  6. Send your package to the address indicated on the return form.

Want to make a return request with a guest account?

It's very easy : contact us by email at service-client@olow.fr indicating your order number, the items you wish to return and whether you wish to request a refund, a credit note or an exchange.

How long does it take to get my money back once my package has been sent?

Refunds will be made within 10 days of receipt of your items and automatically to the account associated with the credit card used for payment or to the Paypal account used for payment.

Is it possible to return my item in the shop?

No, for all internet orders, returns can only be made to the address mentioned above.

What can I do if my item has a defect?

We take great care in the manufacture and finishing of our products. However, if you wish to report a manufacturing defect on a product, we invite you to contact our customer service by e-mail: service-client@olow.fr.

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