What is the best thing that I love about my work ? I love combining fragments of images to create my own universe. In a way, the elements that constitute reality are redistributed to reveal a hidden meaning.

What is my idea of perfect happiness ? A good night’s sleep… I love dreaming, it’s the most beautiful way to travel. It’s also another way to discover the world, to explore its hidden side.

What is my greatest fear? No longer hearing the secret voice of images and things, it guides me in my artistic work and in my writing. You could also call it inspiration.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I deplore my lack of self-confidence… Everything I do wrong come from it. With experience, this defect doesn’t disappear.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I don’t have living person in my head… I recently discovered Alejandra Pizarnik, an Argentinian poetess. She has struggled with depression and has translated her discomfort into images and surprising poems. I have a certain admiration for her.

What is my greatest extravagance? Stop wearing dark clothes. I dress in colours and bleach my hair white. One of the ways I rebel against the norm and stereotypes. I decided to do what I want!

On what occasion would I lie? I hate hurting people, so I try to present the truth differently. I lie by omission, by diplomacy

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? This is one thing that does not change: cleaning the crafting room after making collages: magazines, reviews and papers broke are everywhere. But the most depressing is to rearrange books on shelfs or put in order notes and drafts. An in-order room doesn’t really live.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happy when I have finished a work or writing in the silence of my studio. I am also happy in front of the public. I like to see their reaction and answer their questions.

If I could, what would I change about myself? Nothing in fact. I took so much time to be myself that I don’t want to change an atom. My flaws are also a part of me…

What is my greatest achievement in work? It’s selling or seeing published my artworks, having the point of view of readers… Recently, I have published two thrillers : Une infirmière dans le Jardin (éditions de l’Ilôt, 2021), Un cadaver dans le cellier (éditions de l’Ilôt, 2022) . I’m very proud that I’ve managed to put my ideas into words and that my plots appeal!

Where would I most like to live? Everywhere: in deep country as in town, I like travelling. I feed on changes and on discoveries. I don’t like habits and routines. I would love to discover Argentina. One of my characters goes to live in Argentina, hired by a military company. I’d like to know the country
to write the rest of his story.

What is my most treasured possession? My inspiration, my way of seeing the world. It is an important part of my personality.

What is my most marked characteristic? In my collages, it is the omnipresence of a mouth – preferably red. It is also my sense of humour in my collages and in my writing.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The most inspiring time in a city is market day. It’s like a holiday ! For me, market is the better place to feel alive. All appetites grow! You feed your imagination also.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? There is a new restaurant in Périgueux: 66 degrees. The chef is an artist and always offers surprising flavours. Another good address, the Silver howl, is a cocktail bar. There is a very good atmosphere, and the cocktail menu is very original.

What books influenced my life and how? I like reading correspondences and the intimate newspapers. They help me to understand the real existence of the artists, their fears, their doubts… They are a sort of mirrors. Who are my favorite writers? Colette, Alejandra Pizarnik, Garcia Marquez, Olivier Larronde, Arthur Rimbaud…

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? No music, just the voice of my friends, their laughs…

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My first heroine was a princess, Leia in Stars War. For the first time, I saw a princess who could be also a warrior. I disliked fairy tales because of princesses, too fragile and too sappy.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? All the strong and proud women, from the mother to the stateswoman… Anybody who fight for his beliefs… like Vandana Shiva or Tarana Burke.

Which movie would I recommend seeing once in a lifetime? No title sorry… I don’t like going to movie, I can’t stand a long time without doing anything!

What role plays art in my life and work? Art has a central place in my life. It’s the shielding which protects me against stupidity. It’s above all, the best expression of my inner self and my opinions. Creating allows me to take a step back.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? When I was young, I met women -teacher like M. Novello or a professor like I. Zinguer, M. Camus– who help me to boost my confidence and my motivation. Today, I think it’s my man who’s also an artist, the abstract painter Artno. He understands my questionings, my doubts even when my explanations aren’t clear… He’s patient, good advice and always asks the good question…

Whom would I like to work with in 2023? I would like to design wine labels again. I would also like to work with a clothing designer. I love challenges, new things. I would especially also like to meet a gallerist who exhibits my work.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2023? Florence Collard, she’s a Belgian drawer, painter, graphic designer. I interviewed her by phone for the magazine Colette by les Bouches rouges. I would like to meet her, her universe is so poetic, colourful, invigorating!

What project, in 2023, am I looking forward to work on? I can’t wait to start writing my third thriller. I have ideas, the plot, but no time!

Where can you see me or my work? When they’re not exhibited, all my artwork can be shown on http://www.nellysanchez.fr The complete list of my writings, even books, is on https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/ My latest publication, Renée Vivien. Lettres inédites à Jean Charles-Brun (1900-1909): Édition intégrale, augmentée des Lettres inédites à Mme Suzanne is available on amazon

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Even if she changes form or support, the Passion is always there… I would like to experiment the stained-glass window or the mosaic.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Angélique Bayet, a passionate wine merchant, self-employed. She founded the magazine Colette by les Bouches rouges. I publish small stories in it… She’s very courageous; she’s impressive.

How can you contact me? Write me at san.nelly@yahoo.fr