Embracing Wonder, Creativity, and Healing through Art
Exploring the festive streets of Delhi during Holi (March 2019)
Celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, Holi is also a time for people to come together, transcending social divides in a color- and joy-filled moment. Stay tuned for future photography-filled articles about my past travels & the cherished lessons they’ve taught me.
My Story
Early Explorations
Since before I can remember, I have had a deep fascination with the world around me. This led me to developing a keen sense of observation that would startle and delight my family. It also meant I would frequently wander off, drawn by something that intrigued me. Quickly, this endless curiosity took on a more creative form, from crafting intricate stories with my friends and toys, to picking up any medium I could ‘make’ something with. Flowers, dirt, sand or pencils, crayons, and paint… the world was my muse.
A Detour through the World of Business
I hesitated for a long time about which path to follow after school, having no clear ‘vocation’ calling to me and being drawn to countless areas of study. Seeing that I was a clever, hard-working student, and having grown up half-French, half-Texan, in an international and multilingual environment, those closest to me encouraged me to make the ‘sensible’ choice that would open my career to the world: business school.
Creativity and Curiosity as a Common Thread
Trying to bring my fascination with human nature into the corporate world, I specialized in marketing and worked in a variety of organizations. I even managed to draw on my creativity in each of my roles, from organizing a sculpture exhibition to managing various projects within a design agency, or even creating graphics and interacting with the communities of various brands as a social media manager.
Rediscovering My Path
A series of events pushed me to slow down, reconnect with my values, and redefine what a ‘successful life’ means to me. Following a major health issue in 2015, I realized I needed to prioritize my physical – and emotional – health. It was through this process that I radically changed my life, leaving my job in Paris to settle in Toulouse to start my own business.
This radical life shift gave me the mental space and time in my calendar to rediscover art as a form of expression, connection, and healing. In truer alignment with myself than I have been for decades, I finally feel ready to share my art and journey with the world, as I see where my creativity calls me.
“Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.”
– Margaret Shepard
When I’m not making art you can find me…
Running my business, The Social Palm, where I help trailblazing conscious entrepreneurs connect with their community & dream audiences through social media.
Spending hours in my garden. I live in my grandparents’ old home & have taken over their urban jungle. I might be planting vegetables (that I share with neighbors & family) or flowers (for the bees & butterflies). Maybe getting a workout from battling weeds. Perhaps even making pottery in the shaded corner while listening to the birds, or a gentle breeze in the trees.
On cold, rainy days, I’m more likely to be indoors, sipping some chicory coffee in a mug made by me or a talented potter I’ve crossed paths with. I might be journaling, getting crafty, reading a book (fellow bookworm? Follow me on Goodreads!) or watching tv (probably Schitt’s Creek, the Great Pottery Throw Down, or Murder She Wrote).
Whatever I’m up to, in the garden or at home, my muse & feline companion Lufi is likely right by my side. Or on my lap. Or off on an adventure of his own somewhere.
Maybe, just maybe, you’re here on a day where I’m exploring someplace new. I’ve been blessed to visit 38 countries already and, while I don’t travel as much as I used to, I still love going on an adventure. Nowadays, I’m more likely to hop on a train and explore a nearby village in the south of France than on a plane to go to Vietnam (still on my bucket list though). But everything can be an adventure and I am always willing to lean into my wanderlust.
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
– J.R.R. Tolkien
Making art with heart
I believe in the power of wonder, soul, and intuition as guides for self-discovery and creative expression.
Art has the power to help us find our voice, cultivate kindness, and embrace connection, while building a more sustainable and inclusive world for all.
I hope you will join me in rebelling against conformity, redefining the role of art, and embracing the transformative power of creativity.
I want to read the full manifesto