WilR is a self-taught artist whose drawing practice dates back to childhood. From an early age, he explored this form of expression intuitively, sketching in the margins of his notebooks or on small scraps of paper. Over time, this simple and spontaneous gesture became an essential mode of expression, deeply rooted in his daily life.
His imagination was nurtured by the graphic worlds that shaped his early years—such as the biting humor of Gotlib and the Dingo Dossiers, the inventive curiosities of Pif Gadget, and the lively, offbeat adventures of Tom-Tom and Nana (by Jacqueline Cohen and Bernadette Després). These playful and generous influences helped form his curious and sensitive outlook on the world.
In September 2018, WilR began a more regular drawing practice during his train commutes. He adopted a dedicated sketchbook, which has since become an inseparable companion in his creative process. Whether traveling, at home, or at work, every free moment became an opportunity for graphic exploration. This consistency gradually transformed his approach, anchoring drawing into a routine that is both intimate and structuring.
The works created in this sketchbook, though spontaneous, gradually brought to the surface memories, buried emotions, and forms drawn from a long-silent inner space. Drawing thus became a medium for emotional reconnection as much as a field for visual research.
At first, WilR embraced a minimalist approach: a sketchbook and a black felt-tip pen. He values this freedom to create without material constraints, staying attuned to the surrounding world as well as to his own inner ferment.
Over time, the sketchbook format proved insufficient. The artist then began working on sheets of paper of various sizes, thus expanding his gestures toward new horizons. Soon, the need to introduce color became apparent. Not identifying as a painter and being unconvinced by colored pencils, he explored other alternatives.
He developed a personal digital method: his drawings are scanned and then converted into vector paths. This process preserves the fluidity of the line while allowing for large-format printing. The coloring is done manually, without any automation or artificial intelligence. Each color is carefully selected, in pursuit of formal and chromatic balance. The completed works are then printed on fine art paper or on 3 mm Dibond aluminum, giving each piece a strong and lasting physical presence.
At the same time, he allows himself periods of free experimentation: water-soluble ink, collages mixing images, fragments of text, reworked prints… These variations feed his curiosity and continuously open his practice to new perspectives.
Today, WilR’s work moves between drawing, color, digital tools, canvas, printing, and formal research. Yet, he remains faithful to his original gesture: spontaneous, sincere, deeply connected to childhood, and carrying a sensitive expression that continues to unfold over time.
