Interview
Yves De Vocht
Yves is a Belgian artist based in Antwerp, working primarily with ink, pencil, and gold paint. His practice is rooted in meticulous draftsmanship, where every line is built with patience and precision. Yves draws inspiration from history, mythology, and the visual traditions of Antiquity and Byzantine art. Over the years, he has developed a distinctive style that merges fine line drawing with symbolic imagery, creating works that feel both intimate and monumental.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have been drawing for as long as I can remember — it was my first and most natural way of expressing myself. Growing up, I was always fascinated by history and mythology, and these narratives pushed me to search for a visual language that could connect past and present. Over time, ink, pencil, and gold paint became my tools of choice. With them I can combine precision with symbolism. I often say that each work carries a fragment of my soul, because every line and symbol I put on paper is a reflection of my own inner search.”
What inspires you?
“I draw inspiration from the great visual traditions of Antiquity and Byzantine art, with their strong symbolism and spiritual depth. Mythological stories, historical archetypes, and sacred imagery give me endless material to reinterpret. Nature is another constant source: flowers, butterflies, cycles of growth and decay. These elements remind me that fragility and transformation are universal. My inspiration is not just about subjects but also about atmosphere — I am interested in silence, intensity, and the way symbols can speak beyond words.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My central themes are transformation, mortality, and timelessness. I try to explore the fragile balance between what disappears and what endures. The underlying message is that impermanence does not mean loss; it often means renewal. Every drawing is my attempt to give form to that cycle — to capture the tension between chaos and order, the fleeting and the eternal. Each work is not just an image, but also a meditation, and in each one I leave a piece of myself behind.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is detailed, symbolic, and contemplative. The technique relies on fine lines in ink and pencil, which I build layer by layer until the image becomes alive. Gold paint brings light and permanence into the composition. Stylistically, I stand between figurative and symbolic art — my figures and motifs are recognizable, yet they also function as archetypes. I want my drawings to feel both intimate and monumental: close enough to touch, but carrying weight beyond the individual.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My influences are twofold: traditions and individuals. I am deeply drawn to Byzantine art and Antiquity, for their sacred intensity and timeless visual language. These traditions remind me how powerful symbols can be. Among individual artists, I admire Albrecht Dürer for his precision, Gustav Klimt for his use of symbolism and gold, and the way Byzantine icon painters turned images into spiritual experiences. Contemporary artists who balance technical mastery with meaning also resonate strongly with me.”
“My work is detailed, symbolic, and contemplative. The technique relies on fine lines in ink and pencil, which I build layer by layer until the image becomes alive.”
What is your creative process like?
“My process often begins with research — into myths, symbols, or historical references — and sketching ideas. From there, I allow the drawing to grow organically. I work line by line, slowly building detail, like an archaeology of the mind. At a certain moment the image begins to ‘speak back,’ guiding the next step. Gold paint is added last, almost as a ritual. It seals the drawing, elevating the fragile pencil and ink lines with a sense of permanence and light.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role is to create spaces for reflection. In today’s fast and noisy society, art can slow people down, confront them with silence, and invite them to look deeper. Artists connect memory with the present, continuity with change. That role will only become more vital in the future. As the world grows more digital and distracted, art offers something irreplaceable: a physical, human trace that speaks beyond trends.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In August 2025, I participated in Art(ist)Meeting in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, where I was able to present my drawings to a wide and diverse audience. The exchange with fellow artists and viewers was very enriching. Another important milestone for me is being selected for the book 100 Artists of Europe, which will be published in 2026. For me, this is not just a publication but also an opportunity to share my vision with a broader international community.”
