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Inside the Studio: Marily Vaillancourt
Vibrant, bold, and endlessly evolving—Marily Vaillancourt's art is a reflection of joy, passion, and creative exploration. From her signature Pop Art Ice Cream Cones to large-scale murals and NFT projects, Marily has built an artistic career that blends pop art, abstraction, and digital innovation. With a background in business and marketing, she navigates the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, seamlessly integrating her work into galleries, hospitality spaces, and fashion collaborations.
In this exclusive Inside the Studio interview, Marily shares her journey—from discovering painting as a teenager to becoming an internationally recognized artist. She talks about her inspirations, the impact of collaborations, and her vision for the future.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Marily Vaillancourt :
1. You began painting in high school as a means to focus and center yourself. Can you share more about how this early experience influenced your decision to pursue art professionally?
Absolutely! I first picked up a paintbrush in high school as a way to find focus and clarity amidst the chaos of teenage life. Art became a form of meditation for me—something that allowed me to channel my creativity and energy into something tangible. I found that when I painted, time slowed down, and I could fully get immersed in the process.
This early experience planted the seed for my professional journey. As I continued to paint, I realized that art wasn’t just an escape—it was a calling. The ability to translate your ideas into color and movement became something I wanted to explore on a deeper level. Over time, I refined my technique, developed my own artistic voice, and recognized that sharing my work with others could be just as fulfilling as creating it.
Now, as I have gallery representation with Alessandro Berni Gallery and opportunities to showcase my work, I see painting as more than just a personal practice—it’s a way to connect with others and contribute to the broader conversation.
2. Your "Pop Art Ice Cream Cones" have become iconic in your portfolio. What inspired this particular motif, and how do you see it evolving in your future work?
The Pop Art Ice Cream Cones have always been about spreading joy and positivity. Ice cream is a universal symbol of happiness, nostalgia, and indulgence, and I wanted to capture that feeling in a bold, colorful, and contemporary way. Each piece features a carefully curated combination of changeable tones—the cream, the cone, the shadow, and the background colors—which create depth, vibrancy, and a signature aesthetic that has become recognizable in my work.
As for the future, I see endless possibilities for the design. I’m excited to explore new mediums, bringing a new dimension to these pieces. Expanding into wearable art is also something I’m passionate about, and I plan to continue incorporating the Pop Art Ice Cream Cones into my clothing line, making the joy they represent even more accessible.
Art should make people feel something, and that feeling is happiness. I look forward to evolving this series in ways that surprise me!
3. You've mentioned Andy Warhol as a significant influence due to his experimentation with pop art and repetition. Are there other artists or movements that have shaped your artistic vision?
In the beginning of my artistic career, I was very drawn to Andy Warhol’s work. I was captivated by his use of repetition and bold, rich tones, which created a striking visual impact. As a self-taught artist, I began analyzing how I could develop something within the same realm while staying true to my own artistic signature. This led me to design the Pop Art Ice Cream Cone and further explore the world of Pop Art.
Another significant influence on my work is Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was not only Andy Warhol’s collaborator but also a visionary in abstract and neo-expressionist art. I admire Basquiat’s raw, expressive style and the way he infused deep cultural and social commentary into his pieces. His ability to merge abstract elements with powerful narratives has inspired me to incorporate more layers of meaning into my own work.
Over time, my artistic vision has evolved into a series of Pop Art and Abstracts, blending vibrant colors, bold compositions, and expressive textures. This fusion allows me to continuously experiment while staying true to my creative identity.
4. Your work spans various styles, including abstract, pop art, street art, and digital art like NFTs. What motivates you to explore such diverse mediums, and how do you decide which medium to use for a particular concept?
I am someone who thrives on learning new skills and continuously evolving as an artist. In a world where technology and artistic mediums are constantly advancing, it’s important to stay ahead and embrace emerging trends.
For the first two years of my career, I focused exclusively on my Pop Art series to establish myself in the industry and build recognition. In major art hubs like Los Angeles, NYC, and Miami, where both emerging and established artists are constantly pushing boundaries, I knew I needed to stand out with signature pieces that set me apart.
After collaborating with other artists and exploring new techniques, I felt confident in expanding my artistic range. This led me to launch new collections incorporating abstract, street art, and digital art, including NFTs. Each medium allows me to reach a wider audience and attract new collectors while also keeping my creative process innovative. The choice of medium depends on the concept I want to express—whether it’s the bold energy of Pop Art, the depth of Abstract, the high maintenance of Street Art, or the limitless possibilities of digital art.
5. Being the first Artist-in-Residence at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood during the pandemic was a unique experience. How did this residency influence your artistic practice and approach to public engagement?
Being the first Artist-in-Residence at the Dream Hotel in Hollywood during the pandemic was truly a unique and transformative experience. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I received from the world-renowned hospitality group, especially being part of the inaugural Artist-in-Residency program. I had the privilege of building a relationship with the General Manager, Vaughn Davis, who discovered me and made it possible for me to establish my studio at the hotel, along with numerous other benefits related to the venue.
Spending my days in the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the Dream Hotel, I worked closely with the management and marketing teams to develop an art concept for hotel guests. This collaboration led to the introduction of an NFT gallery in the entrance lobby and several events that brought together local emerging artists and community.
This residency allowed me to rethink my approach to art and public engagement, which inspired a major shift in my own practice. It motivated me to rethink my online gallery and ultimately launch my first abstract collection in 2020, marking a significant step forward in my artistic journey.
6. You've collaborated with various organizations, including Art Hearts Fashion and the Andaz Hotel. How do these collaborations impact your creative process and the themes you choose to explore?
Art Hearts Fashion was a pivotal moment in my artistic journey and one of the main reasons I moved from Montreal to Los Angeles to pursue my career as an artist. I was invited to exhibit some of my first Ice Cream Cone paintings with the representation of Six Summit Gallery from NYC. At the time, I was staying at the Dream Hotel for my first exhibition, which ultimately led to my discovery and selection as the Artist-in-Residence. Art Hearts Fashion was the launchpad for my career, connecting me with a vast network of artists in major art hubs like LA, Miami, and NYC. Watching the runway shows was incredibly inspiring—I absorbed the color combinations and textures, which later influenced my art collections.
Collaboration is an essential part of my creative process. Engaging with other artists and organizations introduces new perspectives and ideas, which continuously shape my work.
Through my connection with Vaughn Davis, I was introduced to Julian Tucker, the General Manager of Andaz Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. They were looking to add murals to the back of the hotel facing the Hollywood Hills, and I was selected to paint a piece in memory of a rock star who had performed at the venue in the past. I designed and painted a mural of Jimi Hendrix, placing it at the center stage of the back wall—where it remains visible from the rooftop pool area.
These collaborations push me to explore new themes, experiment with different mediums, and engage with audiences in meaningful ways. Whether drawing inspiration from fashion, music, or community-driven initiatives, each partnership leaves an imprint on my creative evolution.
7. With a background in business administration and marketing, how do you navigate the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship in your art career?
My background in business administration and marketing has been instrumental in shaping my approach to my art career. Navigating the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship requires a balance between artistic vision and strategic thinking. Understanding branding, market positioning, and consumer engagement allows me to present my work in a way that resonates with collectors, galleries, and a broader audience.
Beyond creating art, I see my career as growing—one that requires planning, networking, and adaptability. Whether it’s curating exhibitions, collaborating with brands, or leveraging digital platforms to reach new audiences, I apply my business knowledge to ensure that my work remains both creatively fulfilling and viable. This mindset has helped me establish valuable partnerships, secure opportunities with galleries and hospitality groups, and develop innovative concepts like the Artist-in-Residency program.
Ultimately, my goal is to create meaningful art while building sustainable value. By blending creativity with business thinking, I’m able to push artistic boundaries while ensuring that my work reaches and connects with the right audience.
8. Looking ahead, are there any new projects, exhibitions, or mediums you're excited to explore? How do you envision your artistic journey evolving in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new projects that push my artistic boundaries and expand my reach. I’m seeking new gallery representation, including with Alessandro Berni Gallery, to further establish myself in the high-end art market. I also look forward to continuing my collaborations with hospitality groups and contractors, integrating my art into unique spaces that enhance guest experiences. Large-scale installations and murals remain a passion of mine, and I’m eager to collaborate with brands and public spaces to create impactful, immersive works.
In terms of mediums, I’m intrigued by the intersection of physical and digital art. My previous involvement with NFT galleries has sparked an interest in exploring how technology can complement traditional painting, whether through augmented reality elements or blockchain-based art experiences.
Ultimately, I see my artistic journey evolving through continuous innovation, collaboration, and expansion into new markets. I want to create work that not only resonates aesthetically but also tells a story and builds connections across different industries and audiences.
Marily Vaillancourt is an artist who refuses to be confined by a single style or medium. Her work is a testament to the power of reinvention, blending nostalgia, pop culture, and contemporary art into a bold and recognisable visual language. Whether through her Pop Art Ice Cream Cones, large-scale murals, or digital art explorations, she continues to push artistic boundaries.
As she looks ahead, Marily is excited about new gallery representations, large-scale installations, and the fusion of physical and digital art. One thing remains certain—her artistic journey is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where it leads next.
You can learn more about Marily Vaillancourt’s and her work via these links:
Website: https://www.marilyvaillancourt.com/
Instagram: @Marily Vaillancourt
Facebook: @Marily Vaillancourt
Pinterest: @Marily Vaillancourt
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