Text: Ramena Birri and Orion Ramos
Ila is a 34 year old illustrator, and she is originally from Italy. Like us she fell in love with this island and moved here 9 years ago.
Her illustrations come from a dreamworld and it seems that there is so much that inspires her. From Acroyoga to skateboarding and beyond. Her positive vibe is contagious. Talking to her it is easy to drift into all kind of topics as you will notice in the following conversation.
Hey Ila! How is life? I know you just finished a beautiful mural for a Yoga studio. What are you up to now?
Hi guys! I’m very well, thanks! I’m excited about this project of Pulaumi’s souls and also a little nervous about the interview hahaha
I’m really happy with the mural in the studio, it was fun to be able to contribute to a beautiful project like Manipura Circus Art! Manipura Circus Arts
Right now I’m illustrating for the new collection of Juls, a jewelry brand from Milan. I already made some illustrations for them last year and I love the connection we have. They allow me to create freely and my biggest inspiration are the feelings that their designs transmit. For me, they have a touch of magic! Juls Handmade
You also work together with Pulaumi as an illustrator and pattern designer. How is your relationship with the brand?
Pulaumi is really a piece of my heart, as many know my friend Misha (who I consider my sister) and I created this brand together a few years ago. Our project helped us to create a friendship that is one of a kind. After different experiences that life put in my way, I realized that I have to be free. I’m quite restless and I always need new stimulation, that’s why I left the project. But I keep illustrating for Pulaumi, having a very special affection to Misha and the brand. Also, Misha has got used to my personality by now hahaha (maybe not always) 😉
You are into so many different things. Where do you get most of your inspiration?
As I said before, I’m quite restless. Every day, I try to do something that makes me feel happy; be with my daughter, my friends, go on excursions, surf, skate and sports in general.
I also love to do my “handmade witchcraft”; cosmetics and natural dyes, for example!
Living on this island is a constant inspiration for me. There are a lot of interesting people, the contact with the ocean, wonderful places where you can connect with your ideas and your very self. My curiosity leads me to continually discover new things, which add to my growth as an artist and let my creative side develop. Some things pass by and some of them stay leaving their marks in my projects.
You are an extremely active person. Does this sometimes interfere with the quiet act of illustrating and drawing? How do you keep that balance?
Yes, I have a lot of energy 🙂 Most of the time it is a serene energy, and I channel it into what I do. When I draw I literally let go of everything I feel through the technique or the project I’m doing. Drawing is my form of meditation, my calmness and my true nature.
Do you think there is good and bad art?
Good and bad art, hahaha what a good question… There are several tastes and several ways to see reality, so I don’t think you can classify art as bad or good! Something else is if we talk about racist and offensive forms of expression. For me this kind of expression doesn’t deserve to be called art anyway.
You have a lovely daughter that looks like a mini version of you. Do you share a lot of the same interests? What is she into?
Yes, I’m a very lucky Mum! I share a lot with my daughter Nami!
We have a lot of passions in common and I get to spend time with her where we both have a great time! We enjoy camping on the beaches of the island with Gustavo, our Volkswagen T3, that is more than a van, it’ s a member of the family!
Nami loves to draw, and we also share a lot of skate sessions. In fact, I started skating again after a few years, because she wanted to be in the skatepark all the time and I can’t just sit there and watch! hahaha
There is a lot of cool Mums around and you are definitely one of them. Do you have a good tip for a soon going to be father/mother?
Hahaha thank you! For me, the main thing is to share and dedicate time while remaining yourself. With Nami I learned to put a lot into everything I do, because we do have a lot more to give than we think and by giving it all, we generate even more!
Every time we meet, we end up talking about extraterrestrials and UFOs… Why is that?
Hahaha that’s the main question! Yes! We always end up talking about UFOs, it’s true. I really don’t know why! But we vary occasionally with paranormal stuff, Mexican purification rituals or horrible tattoos…our topics are awesome haha !
Thank you so much Ila for taking time for this interview and sharing a little bit of your world with us.
