Art / painting
When Bristol painter sold art to Billie Eilish
What are the chances of a global music superstar sliding into your DMs? Infinitesimally small, but not zero. That was exactly what happened to Bristol-based artist Sylvie Baker.
The artist, known for painting animals in vibrant colours, is used to selling original works and prints online and receiving messages from buyers.
But when the multiple Grammy award-winning music artist Billie Eilish appeared in her Instagram, a mix of emotions ran through her – elation, disbelief and trepidation, fearing it might be a scam.
But it was the Billie Eilish, who purchased the original work on canvas, Fire Horses and sent a message of support: “Absolutely love your work. I just ordered your live horses on canvas. So excited.”
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The painting, which depicts two horses with their movement accentuated against a cobalt blue backdrop, caught the eye of the music star.
Sylvie, who has painted animals for most of her life, developed her distinctive style using bright colours two years ago to emphasise movement and features, particularly of dogs and horses.
Working primarily in oils and acrylics, but also at home with pencil and charcoal, the Bristol artist said she was overjoyed by the recognition, especially from the artist whose album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? propelled her to global stardom.
Print version of Fire Horses – photo: Sylvie Baker
Billie Eilish bought the painting for £800, but it was not the sale itself that mattered most to her, the validation from another artist, particularly when she was going through a lean patch.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Sylvie said: “You have to do what you love, you never know how it could turn out. It’s lovely that such a huge artist took the time to support my art.”
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Sylvie documented the wrapping of the piece but remained tight-lipped about the sale until it had safely reached its destination in Los Angeles.
Apart from the original works, Sylvie also sells prints of the original works. She also runs a monthly print club which provides subscribers an A6 art print, a sticker and a mystery gift.
Some of Sylvie’s works already adorn foyers of popular Bristol restaurants, such as Pizza On The Park on Berkeley Square.
Billie Eilish purchased Fire Horses painted by the Bristol artist Sylvie Baker – photo: Sylvie Baker
Main photo: Sylvie Baker
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