Joie de vivre
A mural in the countryside of Northern France
In the serene countryside of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, a region in northern France, lies a stately country estate surrounded by rolling farmland and patches of dense woodland. The Roc River meanders quietly through the grounds, adding to the natural charm of the property. It was here, in the grand stairwell of the estate’s main house, that the owners envisioned a mural, one that would capture the spirit of the house, a place for relaxed togetherness in connection with its natural surroundings.
From my very first visit, the lush beauty of the garden and landscape enveloped me in a sense of tranquillity. There was something timeless about it all, as if I had stepped into a dreamscape untouched by the rush of modern life. Every moment spent there filled me with a profound sense of joie de vivre, a joy so elemental and pure that it stirred something deep within me.
That feeling became my inspiration. In seeking a deeper connection with nature through my materials, I turned to mineral pigments for the mural. This journey led me to Stoopen & Meeûs, a pigment and paint manufacturer based in Antwerp known for their environmentally conscious approach. Their products, composed primarily of natural minerals and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), offer a sustainable alternative to conventional paints.
For this project, I chose Crustal, a textured mineral wall paint that reflects the essence of the natural world. While the colour palette is more restrained compared to synthetic options, the hues possess a quiet, elevated beauty, subtle, earthy, and deeply harmonious. They don't shout for attention, but rather echo the serenity and balance found in nature itself.
With each brushstroke, I sought to translate into colour and shape that fleeting, radiant sensation, an attempt to capture not just a place, but an emotion. The mural stands now as a reflection of that happiness, serene yet full of life.
When the owners finally saw the completed mural, their reaction was simple and heartfelt: “Saw it today—beautiful, Inez!”