Exploring a Love of Art

Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Malibu artist Irene Biery moved to Los Angeles when she was 19.

“Growing up in a working-class Austrian family, it was unacceptable to be an artist or pursue art in any way,” Biery said. She always loved art and painting but never dreamed of pursuing it in any serious matter.

“After moving to LA, I decided to study graphic design. It was my way of being creative but financially secure,” she explained. “I worked as a freelance graphic artist for a few years.” Later, she married. “After having a baby, I had no time for painting or creative expression,” she said. “I went through a divorce when my daughter was two years old. As a single mom, I had to be financially responsible for two people, and so I returned to bartending full time.” Biery missed painting terribly.

Standing at the December 3 opening of the Music Inspired Art exhibit at Malibu City Hall Gallery, Biery explained the importance of her displayed work and what inspired her to resume expressing herself through art.

“It is only in the last year that I started painting again,” she said. “My boyfriend is a Flamenco guitarist. His music and playing have greatly influenced my recent work. Flamenco music and dance are so powerful and filled with passion. It is this passion and vibrancy that inspired this piece.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Irene Biery for persuing her love of art and sharing her gift with the Malibu community.