Milola Meets – Ivan Micello, Painter and Co-Founder of Micello & Cie
At Milola, we are always drawn to creators who see interior spaces as a true field of expression, where art, materials, and architecture come together to bring places to life. Ivan Micello perfectly embodies this approach. Trained as a building painter and co-founder of Micello & Cie, he has also developed a personal artistic universe through painting, drawing, and mural work. At the crossroads of craftsmanship and artistic creation, his work transforms everyday surfaces into true visual experiences. We spoke with Ivan about his journey, his inspirations, and his way of integrating art into living spaces.
My name is Ivan Micello. I am a trained building painter and co-founder of the company Micello & Cie, based on the Riviera Vaudoise (with a branch in Valais). Alongside my profession, I have been developing a personal artistic practice for several years around painting, drawing, and mural work.
“A well-chosen artwork can be enough to give identity to a space. You have to let the work breathe and avoid overcrowding the walls."
How did you discover your passion for drawing and painting?
Since childhood, I have always loved drawing. Like many children, I spent time with a pencil and paper, but for me it was almost a necessity.
Later, I followed the profession of my father (a building painter). This trade taught me precision, technique, and knowledge of materials. But deep down, there was always this need to create freely. Over time, the two worlds eventually came together. Today, my artistic work is directly nourished by my experience in the profession.
On your Instagram, we can read: “The child I was dreamed of drawing and painting; the man I am lives this dream every day.” Can you tell us a bit more about this phrase and what it represents for you?
This phrase represents my journey in a way. When we are children, we often have simple dreams: to draw, to create, to imagine. Life sometimes takes us down different paths, but I believe the most important thing is never to lose that childlike part of ourselves.
Today, between my profession, my murals, and my paintings, I live every day surrounded by colours, paint, and creation. In a way, I have managed to connect the child who dreamed, with the adult I have become.
Which artists have influenced your work the most?
I am inspired by several different worlds. I really love the strength of colour in Van Gogh’s work, the freedom in composition in some modern artists, and also the energy you find in comic books and urban art.
But my influence also comes a lot from everyday life - walls, construction sites, tools, materials. My profession is a constant source of inspiration.
Between joining Privat’Art and winning a prize at the exhibition “À la manière de Courbet”, 2025 seems to have been a very important year for you. How did you experience it, and what does 2026 hold for you?
2025 was a very important year for me. It marked a recognition of my artistic work after several years of creation. Joining Privat’Art and receiving a prize during the exhibition À la manière de Courbet gave me a lot of motivation to continue developing my craft.
For 2026, I want to continue on this path with new exhibitions, murals, and new artistic projects. The goal is to keep evolving my artistic language while remaining faithful to my roots in the building trade.
Can you explain your creative process for a mural or a painting, from the initial idea to the final work?
My process often begins with a very simple idea - a shape, a rhythm, or a colour. Then I make sketches or quick drawings to structure the composition. I really enjoy working with geometry because it allows me to create visual balance. When I move on to painting, I also leave room for instinct. Textures, material, and brushstrokes play an important role in the final construction of the work.
When you design a mural for a home or a public space, how do you think about its interaction with architecture, furniture, and light?
For me, a mural must dialogue with the place. I always take into account the architecture, the space, the light, and even the furniture. The idea is not to place an image on a wall, but to create something that becomes part of the space. A successful mural is one that feels as though it has almost always been there.
You often use leftover paint to create your works. How do you choose colours and textures, especially when they need to integrate into a client’s interior?
Leftover paint is a real source of creativity for me. I first look at the colours available, and then I try to imagine how they can interact with one another. Sometimes it is very unexpected combinations that produce the best results. When the work is intended for an interior, I also take into account the atmosphere of the place, the light, and the furniture. The idea is that the painting integrates naturally into the space.
Your work mixes geometric forms, landscapes, portraits, and influences from comic books. How do these inspirations translate into an interior?
In an interior, I try to create a piece that brings a strong visual identity while remaining balanced. Geometry provides structure, while colours and freer forms bring life and movement. The goal is for the artwork to attract the eye without completely dominating the space.
In your opinion, what makes a work of art truly integrate into an interior rather than simply being a decoration hung on a wall?
I think a work truly integrates when it creates an emotion with the place. It is not only a question of colour. It is mainly a question of balance and the atmosphere of the room. When a work finds its place, it almost becomes a natural part of the interior.
Which work are you most proud of, and why?
Each work represents a step in my journey, so it is difficult to choose just one (although I have a small preference for my wood-imitation still life canvas). I am particularly proud of the pieces that mark an evolution in my work - those where I managed to go further with the material, the colours, or the composition. These are often the ones where I take the most artistic risks.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to integrate strong artistic elements into their interior without overwhelming the space?
I would say it is better to have one strong piece than many small things. A well-chosen artwork can be enough to give identity to a space. You have to let the work breathe and avoid overcrowding the walls. The balance between emptiness and presence is very important.
Finally, among the Milola furniture pieces, which is your favourite and why?
What I appreciate about Milola pieces is their ability to combine design and simplicity. I particularly like pieces that have a strong presence while remaining refined. The UMA armchair is a good example - its silhouette, its lines, and its simplicity give it a real presence. It is exactly the type of furniture that resonates with art.
Want to work with Ivan?
NAME:
Ivan Micello
COMPANY:
Micello & Cie
LOCATION:
Riviera Vaudoise, Switzerland
COVERAGE:
Switzerland
INSTAGRAM:
@micello_et_cie @micello_art
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/micellopeinture
https://www.facebook.com/fresquesmicello/
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