I Am

Light-Seeker Student spotlight with Sophie Kerdellant

Today I'm delighted to share with you the second "Light Seeker student spotlight" from my online class Layers of Light! And even more delighted to introduce you to a fellow french artist: Sophie Kerdellant.

The focus of Layers of Light is on exploring our relationship with Light, both inside and out, expressing it creatively and letting it shine through our art! Being Light Seekers, but also Light Bearers. And to me, one of the ways to shine a light for others, is to create space for them to step into the light, own their gifts, shine their truth and inspire you!

Sophie Kerdellant

Sophie Kerdellant is a french painter. The following text is a beautiful "poetic affirmation" that Sophie wrote as part of a journaling exercise in the class. I am so delighted that she accepted to share these powerful and intimate words here, as well as a glimpse of her story as an artist, woman and mother committed to shining her true light in the world.

I Am

"I am the dawn every day reborn
Calm and confident, she grows.

I am the warmth of the home
I soothe and nurture.

I am the spark and crackle of the fire
That springs and surprises and lives only an instant.

I am the thunder, the lightning that pierces the night.

I am the rain that washes everything away
Leaving only bubbles of light.

I am the sunbeam that darts and pierces
And warms through the leaves of the trees.

I am the candle, the flame, the torch
That is passed on and shared."

(Read Sophie's original text in French HERE)

This inner work and poetic exercise was part of Laly's class and allowed me to find the words to precisely describe what motivates me and makes me grow as a human being and an artist. To understand this poetic affirmation on the theme of light, I would need to tell you my story and explain to you why I have chosen to put colors and light in my life, in spite of the shadows that could dwell there.

For as long as I can remember, I was always creative, imaginative and curious. Art came to me through the example of my mother, who used to paint, and my great-uncle, an artist and painter in whose studio I loved to visit. At the age of 18, I met the man who, 30 years later, is still by my side. We had a beautiful son who is now 21 years old. Loris is an extra-ordinary kid, with a mental and physical disability. In the face of handicap, I have chosen and sworn to choose light and joy, to be happy so that he could be too.

Art has always been a part of my life but I've fully engaged on this path for the last few years. Just like on a canvas, the many layers that compose our life (the joys and the sorrows, the struggles and successes…) allow the emergence of a light, a strength, a harmony, energies that need to be spread and shared.

I have discovered how magical art really is, and how much it transforms and soothes me. Painting is the way I express myself, my vision of the world the way I'd like it to be. It is not only filled with my joys and sorrows, but with the joy and light I need and paint in it.

Nature is one of my main sources of inspiration, but through this cherished theme, traces of my own story appear here and there. I know I still have a lot to say and to paint, many buried emotions still waiting to emerge. But to me this is what the artist's work is all about, a long, personal journey.

What will remain constant is what motivates me and pushes me forward as a woman, mum and artist, the desire to share. To pass on and share my energy, my joy, my inner light, through art. I share and teach to young people with disabilities, guiding them to find and cherish this tiny creative spark that wants to burst into light. And the magic of art and color keeps working again and again!

Connect with Sophie:

• Find out more about Sophie Kerdellant's art and creative journey on her blog HERE.

• Follow her on Instagram: @sophiekerdellant