Willy Lang

Known mainly for his Poyas, the Genevois artist Willy Läng settled down in Château-d’Oex over 40 years ago. Here we interview the septuagenarian, who lived in Polynesia for 7 years and was a building manager, an accountant and a diving instructor before settling in the Pays-d'Enhaut to pursue his passion.

Why painting?
"When I was a child I would often visit my next-door neighbour when he was painting. His house was like a refuge for me. Maybe if he had made music, I would have become a musician instead (laughs). However I never took classes, I taught myself everything I know. Today, I am lucky enough to live from my art. It's very motivating."

You have been painting Poyas for more than 20 years, why is that?
"Emile Pernet, a former postman in Château-d'Oex, suggested one day that I create hand-painted Poyas. As I was not very good at drawing, he did the cows and I was doing the painting. I subsequently met Arianne Freudiger. It was she who took up the reins. If I do all the landscapes of the paintings, she does the cows and the figures around them. Arianne has the patience and thoroughness to draw all the horns and legs. I paint quickly. I like things to move."

How do you work?
"Each Poya is different. I work using photos according to the wishes of my clients. Farmers sometimes ask me to paint their cows. It can also be such mountain, a dog or something totally unusual. The crazier it is, the more I like it. In summer, I sit on my balcony in the breeze and the birds, and in winter I paint in one of the rooms in my chalet. I always enjoy it. As I am retired, I take advantage of the day to do other things: hiking, skiing, picking mushrooms and plants, card games. I love to play."

Is there a Willy Läng style?
"Regarding Poyas, I am well-known for my mountains and my Fir trees, which I paint in relief. I also like using natural colours, which do not attract the eye. In general, my style is very realistic. I think that's what people like. My Poyas always have two kites floating in the sky. That’s my signature."