Ornamental Angel II: The Creative Process

My participation in the Calais Street Art Festival, organized by Les Ateliers du Graff, was with Ornamental Angel II, a radiant female figure representing inner strength and calm. Her wings, inspired by delicate filigree and ornamental sculpture, blend classical elegance with a modern touch, creating a visual balance between the spiritual and the tangible.

Visiting France always fills me with inspiration, but this experience was even more special thanks to the warmth of Amis and Lionel, the family who welcomed me at the wall. They not only provided me with a unique space to create but also offered their friendship and hospitality, making every moment truly memorable.
I want to give special thanks to Anje Lag for the invitation and constant support throughout the entire process. Although I only had one week to complete the mural and the weather was a bit tricky, we managed to bring the mural to life with great enthusiasm and positive energy. Between laughs and intense work, this experience became a very special memory.

Calais: An Open-Air Museum in Progress
The Calais festival has an ambitious and beautiful purpose: to transform the city into an open-air urban museum. Various French and international artists are working on different spots throughout the city, filling the streets with color and life. Although the project is still young, its cultural and touristic impact is already noticeable, establishing Calais as a new urban art reference in France.

My Creative Process: From Space to Mural
Every wall is a challenge and an opportunity to create something authentic that dialogues with its surroundings. Before starting, I thoroughly research the location using Google Maps: studying angles, natural lighting at different times of the day, and viewpoints from which the artwork will be most visible and appreciated. This careful observation allows me to design a mural that not only fits the space but enhances it, creating an immersive visual experience for those who discover it.

Inspiration and Design
My recurring themes,

 animals, female portraits, and organic shapes — form the basis of each project, but I never repeat a pattern. Every wall has its own voice, and I aim for the composition to breathe life and movement. Everything starts on my tablet with Procreate, where I experiment with different poses and references, mixing classical and modern elements. Here I build the ornamental base of the piece, combining technical precision with a touch of improvisation that adds freshness and originality to the work.

Technique on the Wall
To transfer the design onto the wall, I use the “doodle grid” technique, a method that allows me to scale and align the sketch precisely on the actual surface. Then, I start painting with spray paint, my favorite tool, which offers versatility to achieve smooth gradients, dramatic contrasts, and fine lines that give the mural rhythm and energy. Every stroke is designed to create depth and dynamism, making the piece come alive before the viewer’s eyes.