The economist is well versed in cryptocurrencies, product management and accounting. Additionally, she programs retro games such as Snake and draws NFT’s as a hobby. Besides her activities as an economist, Dilan also works as a self-employed artist.

*

Out & About: Do you describe yourself as an artist? 

Dilan: I make art, I am art, and I connect people with art. If that makes me an artist, then I accept that title. However, it was never my goal, because my only desire was and always will be: to transfer a part of my soul on canvas and inspire people with it, to bring out emotions.

“A big part of my inspiration also comes from Rammstein.”

What inspires you?

My inspiration is emotion-based. All my feelings and experiences also inspire my art. Since I paint mainly abstract expressionist, each picture tells a moment from my life. Good but also very bad feelings give me the inspiration to paint impulsively.
A big part of my inspiration also comes from Rammstein. I like to listen to hard rock. Besides Rammstein, I also like to listen to bands like Slipknot, Black Sabbath and Metallica. However, my art is mainly influenced by Rammstein. I have even dedicated the picture Metzgerwand the band.

How did you start?

Already on the first day when I heard the word “abstract” in painting class at school, I felt a huge attachment. The abstract, asymmetrical and everything that is different from norm and normality, I found very interesting. One day when I was very emotional, I went to a store, bought the necessary things and within 3 to 4h I painted my first picture. This was the beginning of my journey and I am looking forward to the next years, how my art will change.

If you had the chance to study art, would you do it? 

No, I would have chosen the same path as today. I learn the techniques and the knowledge I want independently as a process. I do not want to get anything prescribed and compulsively learn. Since art is a sign of freedom for me, I want to be able to decide freely about it forever.

“I make art, I am art and I connect people with art.”

Do you think further education or training would have gotten you to where you are now faster? 

No. My life’s journey brought me to art and also shaped my style. Anything else would never have been as intense for me as the path I had to go. Every technique and every single picture came about impulsively. That’s why it means all the more to me, because I could tell a story for each picture.

Do you have any additional sources of income? 

Yes. I studied economics at the University of Basel and work in auditing.

How did your first exhibition come about? 

My art is exhibited in various places in Switzerland. In several doctors’ offices but also in a bar in Zurich. Currently, I also work with other artists and look forward to the joint projects. In addition, a solo exhibition abroad is coming soon. Most of all I am happy about interpretations of the viewers.

“Every technique and every single picture was created impulsively. That’s why it means even more to me, because I could tell a story for each picture.”

Do you have any advice for emerging young artists? 

Never deviate from your style just because a certain direction is more in demand at the moment! Trust your art and never stop, even if success does not come immediately.

Dear Msrock, thank you very much for your inspiring answers! We wish you much success on your further way as a freelance artist.

Interview: Ina Bandixen

*

In the interview series “Artists without a degree in art” we have conducted interviews with artists who have no formal training in the liberal arts and who combine different backgrounds. It is important to us to show that the often still elitist thinking in conservative art institutions represents a barricade for many people, for example when discriminatory structures, racist and sexist attitudes, or even financial barriers make it difficult for them to enter art studies. On the other hand, it is also about understanding that life courses do not always follow a linear and clear line, and that detours and backgrounds outside the field can represent great added value. In the series, seven artists answer the same ten questions about their own CVs and how they ended up where they are now. They tell of very individual and stubborn paths to art, which show how diverse the path to professional creation can be.