Artist Deniz Pelister on Routine, Travel, and Motherhood

Sometimes, the smallest daily rituals are the ones that quietly spark creativity. That’s why the everyday lives of artists like Deniz Pelister feel endlessly inspiring. We spoke with her about the pulse of daily life, the transformative nature of travel, and the rituals that keep her grounded.

How do you usually start your day?

With a glass of warm water. I brew a cup of filter coffee and stir in a spoonful of coconut milk. I wash my face with Senka Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam, which I discovered in Japan, and finish with rose water. My skin is quite sensitive, so I’ve pared back on products. I used to love Shiseido and Chanel, but realized they didn’t really suit me. With my little one keeping me on my toes, I can’t always stick to routines—but lately, I’ve been trying out those viral skin-icing.

 

Do you feel more productive in the mornings or at night?

At night, without question. My husband and I both work from home, so we usually spend the quieter parts of the day together. Once the day winds down, I feel like I’m starting fresh—that’s when I can truly carve out space for myself and create.

Are there rituals you turn to that help you tune in when you paint?

If I’m planning to work in the evening, I spend the day visualizing the composition and sketches in my mind over and over. Before I start painting, I always have my coffee ready. Music or the news is usually playing in the background. Sometimes, I even start by chatting with my husband.

 

Your paintings draw inspiration from everyday life. How does the chaos of daily life affect you and your creative process? And when you need to slow down, how do you restore yourself?

When I feel overwhelmed, I stay away from social media and spend time with my family. My family is, honestly, my biggest source of healing. I don’t push myself to paint when I’m drained; sometimes I go days without creating anything. But once I completely recharge, I can start again. Exercising also helps me feel better.

You lived in Thailand for a while. What did that experience bring into your life and art?

Life is in constant motion. Change can sometimes feel confusing, but I’ve come to see how much it nourishes my work.

Living in Thailand gave me the chance to experience things I never would have otherwise. I’m usually a homebody who likes rules and structure, but that chapter showed me I could open myself up to new ideas and projects. Stepping into an unfamiliar life wasn’t just about relocating—it was about leaving my comfort zone and surrendering to the unknown. I discovered new layers of life—and in turn, rediscovered myself.

I believe artists are shaped by the transformative power of travel. To me, art is the journey itself. Because whether I’m moving toward something new or arriving at it, what really drives me is the desire to keep evolving.

 

 

How did becoming a mother reshape your world?

Motherhood is extraordinary. It challenges me in new ways every single day, but it also brings me so much joy. As a parent, you inevitably give up comfort, sleep, and ease—your routine shifts. Over time, though, you adapt and realize just how precious this chapter really is. Naturally, my body went through big changes after giving birth. I’ve always cared about how I look, so seeing my body change and the wrinkles on my face deepen was tough. I had Botox for the first time this year. Now that my child is nearly three, I feel like I’m entering a phase of reclaiming myself.

You have vitiligo. How does that affect the way you approach body care?

I have to be extra careful in the sun—otherwise, I can burn easily. So I avoid direct sun exposure whenever I can. I don’t use special treatments, but for years I’ve relied on Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil or Yves Rocher Monoi Body Oil for my arms and legs.

What does beauty mean to you?

To me, beauty radiates from people who feel confident and at ease with themselves.

 

 

Your makeup is usually quite minimal. What are your everyday staples?

I have four daily staples: Chanel eyelash curler, Sephora eyeliner to accentuate my freckles, Dior Addict Lip Tint 421, and a nude lip liner from MAC Cosmetics.

On special occasions, I add a touch of eyeshadow. Since my lips are usually in brown tones, I like to pair them with soft salmon shades on the eyes.

What’s your favorite flaw?

My hands. They’re larger than average, bony, and marked by vitiligo. I used to hide them as a teenager—now, I love that they’re different.