Gratitude lessons

from a sold-out show

Last night I went to bed with the happiest heart and a big smile on my face, after we closed my first online solo show: ALL the artworks have found new homes! I'm still pinching myself and I'm feeling SO very grateful. Not just for the sales, but also for the incredible warmth and support of the people who attended and cheered me on during those crazy two days. You’ve no idea how much it means to me.

I believe that we each have our own way of bringing light and joy into the world, and making art is the way I do it, just like so many of us in this sweet creative tribe. Knowing that my art is going to bring joy to people all over the world, instead of sitting on a shelf in my studio… that makes me feel whole and so much more confident: my art is fulfilling its purpose, and so I am too.

But I'll be very honest: it hasn't always been this way. I know what it feels like to put all your energy in a solo exhibition, spend hours and hours talking to people, get amazing feedback and connection… but no sales. And go home with pretty much all of the art (except for the painting my sweet mom never fails to purchase). I know what it feels like to apply to group shows and get rejected. That happened again no later than this week. And I know what it's like to feel disappointed and just so very sad that these paintings you've put your soul into are staying stuck where they are.

This all changed last winter when Stephanie Gagos invited me to participate in her online Holiday Event with some wonderful artists. I was excited, a little scared too, and I really didn't know what to expect when my turn came. But 24 hours and 24 sales later, it felt like a door to a whole new world had been opened for me. A world of possibility, where my art finally had a chance to meet the people it had been meant for all along, fulfill its purpose and find its place.

I created this “Earth” series in my early years, yet they are some of the work I am most proud of. I am so glad they will soon fly together to their new home!

Playfulness, joy, love and a sense of wonder are so important to me, and they are also at the heart of these online events. Stephanie has created an opportunity for art, art lovers and artists to come together in way that is not intimidating, but warm, inviting, a little magical and above all so much fun. I am an introvert, but she is a true Connector and this makes all the difference. I am forever grateful that our paths connected and I so look forward to doing this again. But first, I have to go make more art!

I truly believe that making art is only one part of the story, and sharing it with others is at least as important. It's always vulnerable, yes, but the world needs art and artists, today more than ever. I like to teach by example and I hope that by sharing my art, I can inspire others to step up bravely and share theirs more confidently. It never has to be "perfect", but it has to be seen. So many souls are craving beauty and the magic of art in their lives, and it's up to us to put our work out there (and yes, that means putting a price-tag on it too) so people can take it into their homes and be inspired by it every day.

Teaching is the other way I share my creative light, and now that the show is over, I’m happy to open a few more seats for my latest class Soulful Abstracts! I know that many of you have been waiting since the end of the summer, so now is your chance! Registration opens on Monday, click below to find out more:

Find out more about soulful abstracts

NB: This is the last session of Soulful Abstracts this year and seats are limited!

Landscape of Intention, one of the paintings I created as part of Soulful Abstracts. All the paintings from this class were included in the show!

Sharing your creative gifts with the world is so important. Please don't keep them hidden or tucked away for "later". Whatever your way of shining your light, do it, show up, put your work out there no matter what.

Your creative gifts are just that: a gift to the world.