Modern Cat Lady: A Conversation with The Purrisian
Boshemia designer and newly-Parisian-by-adoption Lauren sat down for a discussion with Mathilde Maire, better known as The Purrisian. Mathilde is a self-defined ‘crazy cat lady’ and book-hoarding librarian who is an up-and-coming illustrator in based in Paris. Her work can be followed on Instagram @thepurrisian or on her website thepurrisian.com. She is available for customized commissions.
Boshemia: So, when did your cat obsession start?
Mathilde: I think it started when I was born. My family always had cats, and when I was a baby, like… my babysitters were cats. I’m not kidding, there’s actually a picture of me as a baby in my rocker and there are two Siamese cats either side of me … so I guess it started very early. I have three older brothers but they’re a lot older than me. I kind of grew up like an only child, and my friends were basically cats. I would just walk around with the cats in the garden. And you know how you’re the horse girl? I’m the cat girl. I had a whole wall dedicated to cat pictures. Whenever I would go to flea markets, I would buy all the cat figurines. I was crazy about cats. I still am.
Boshemia: So you’re basically going from a cat girl to a cat lady.
Mathilde: Yeah, basically. That’s the natural transition I guess.
Boshemia: So what draws you to this mid-century aesthetic that you have going on?
Mathilde: I guess I’ve always been inspired by vintage things. I would go to flea markets when I was a kid, and my mom grew up during the 60s, so there was that as well. But my obsession with the 50s, 60s really started when I was in high school because I watched that movie The Boat that Rocked, and basically it changed my life because I became obsessed with the music, clothes… everything. I’m still into it seven years later.
Boshemia: Yeah, your colour palette definitely gives you a coherence and an identity throughout all of your work.
Mathilde: I’m really inspired by that era’s illustrations and design. They would always use primary colors … sort of bright, slightly faded colors. Even the fonts, I just really like it. I’m glad it’s becoming trendy again right now. Even in children’s books you can see it… it’s really inspiring.
Boshemia: How are you trying to reclaim the “crazy cat lady” trope?
Mathilde: Well, the “crazy cat lady”... you don’t have to be crazy, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Even if you want to grow old surrounded by 100 cats, do your thing.
Boshemia: Do you have personal aspirations of being a spinster or cat lady?
Mathilde: Well… yes! I do want 100 cats. Ok, maybe not 100, but like 10… that would be nice. I don’t like dating. I’m not into romance or anything. I’ve tried but it didn’t work out. I got bored very easily, so I think I’m just happy to be on my own. So the idea of becoming a “spinster”, I guess, is appealing to me… I’m very comfortable with my own solitude, and I don’t see myself living with someone … except if it’s the cats.
Boshemia: It’s interesting because you’re a librarian as well, and we often have that kind of stereotype of the spinster old librarian…
Mathilde: (laughs) I guess I have all the clichés … cat lady, librarian. I do wear glasses most of the time, and a beret… I love clichés, I guess, when they’re being playful.
Boshemia: Speaking of not feeling the need to date, how is it perceived for you being alone in Paris, which is often seen as the city of romance or love... or does it not really affect you?
Mathilde: It doesn’t affect me really, but I guess because I don’t really care about it. (laughs) Even the way I dress, I don’t care if it’s considered cool, I just do my own thing. It doesn’t concern me. I’m like a granny, like, (grumbles) ‘I’ve had enough.’ I just don’t care anymore.
Boshemia: Do you have a ‘process’, or do you change things up? When you think of an illustration, what comes first?
Mathilde: It depends. I have a list on my phone with ideas, but it just becomes like a cat, or something… there’s always a cat in my illustrations. Even when I try not to include a cat, there’s always a cat slipping in. I start with an idea and sometimes I look for inspiration on Pinterest with children’s books, like for colors, and then I start drawing.
Boshemia: How did you think of the name the Purrisian, and why is that important to your identity?
Mathilde: So, basically the Purrisian is a pun on the word “Parisian” and “purr”. I love cats, and I live in Paris, so I thought that would really represent myself. Even though I’m not from Paris originally -- I’m from Brittany -- I do kind of lead a very Parisian lifestyle. I live in a “bobo”, gentrified area. I can’t deny that. It’s very trendy. I dress a certain way, I wear a shit ton of berets, so I guess I look very Parisian. Even people who don’t know me, and don’t know I’m not from Paris, say, ‘Oh, you’re so Parisian.’ Like, actually I’m not, but okay.
Boshemia: Which is funny because you kind of look like Madeline, from the Madeline books.
Mathilde: (laughs) Which is funny, because I’ve never read it. I don’t think it’s something French people read. We’ve actually got a copy at the library, but in English. I haven’t seen a French copy.
Boshemia: What draws you to depict women in solitude?
Mathilde: Well… I don’t like drawing men, which I think … I don’t find men pretty, to be honest. I don’t really like hanging out with men. Even when I look at my friends, I don’t have many male friends. I don’t find them that interesting. Sure there are exceptions, but … I just want to draw girls and cats. It’s who I am.
For more art & culture, check out our latest issue of Boshemia Magazine: ORIGINS, available to purchase now.