you're braver than you think

Hello creative tribe!

It's a lovely Sunday morning, wet and cloudy after last night's thunderstorm, and the air feels full of magic and possibility... I love this bittersweet, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Ideas are fluttering like bright little wisps and I'm trying to catch them quick before they fly away.

Last week was the opening of my new solo show (I've got lots of new art to share with you soon!). It has taken most of my time these past weeks but it was so worth it: it's probably the most beautiful exhibition I've ever done (find out the details HERE).

And now I'm back to my other, even more exciting dream: creating online mixed media classes for you! Speaking of which, I want to say a big thank you to so many of you who have already signed up for my classes wait list. Your amazing response and kind comments mean so so much to me. THANK YOU.

(if you'd like to get updates on my future classes, please sign up below!)

You're braver than you think

Both these projects have turned out to be great opportunities to meet with other artists and art-lovers, discuss the creative process, share experiences and stories. Which almost always involves discussing fear, courage, doubt and vulnerability...

Whether you are a beginning or seasoned artist, or even if you don't consider yourself an artist at all (and I believe that, as a human being creating your own life, you very much ARE an artist), I bet you are braver than you think!

Vulnerability is this willingness to step forward, be yourself, do your best, take that next step even if you feel awkward, "not good enough" or that "you're not there yet". That's what courage really is: It's about showing up. It's doing the work and putting it "out there", again and again, in spite of those nasty little voices, in spite of this feeling of standing naked in front of a crowd. Courage means answering your inner callings, owning your truth, giving your dreams the love, attention and devotion that they deserve. That YOU deserve.

We're in this together

Live or online, many of you have shared little bits of your journey with me: your doubts, your sparks of hope, your dedication, your roadblocks.

On my classes page I've asked you to "make a wish", to tell me what you would like to learn. Little did I expect to receive such honest, heartfelt and yes, BRAVE answers: what you are expressing is not just what you'd like to learn, but also the challenges and the doubts you encounter on your own creative journeys. And even more importantly, the desires of your heart, the dreams of your inner artist.

Let me tell you, these are the same struggles I've been through, or am still bumping against. And the same dreams I'm reaching out for, day after day.

Even though I was always creative, for most of my life I had no idea I was an artist. I didn't go to art school (which I now consider a blessing, but good luck having a conversation with a french gallery owner). To be honest, I didn't know who I really was and what my life purpose was. There was just this stubborn, undeciphered longing that drove me crazy!

But almost six years ago, I bought my very first blank canvas and just decided to go for it and see what would happen. I haven't looked back since, moving forward one step at a time. I'm not "there" yet either (are we ever?), but I'm dedicated to my path. This is who I am.

So I really want to honor your courage: daring to make art takes guts. The desire to learn means being ready to go out of your comfort zone, opening yourself up to something different, something new. It's a brave and vulnerable place. And we're in it together.

This next step, teaching, is probably the scariest, most vulnerable one I have taken so far. And believe me, I've tried to hide and run away from the whispers of my soul. It's been quite a journey before I finally let go of the resistance. But it also feels right, and good and exciting! In perfect alignement with my truth, my dreams... so I'm going for it. I hope you'll join me!

Light & Love

PS: I just can't resist sharing one of my favorite courage boosters, enjoy and go create something today!