Voyage Artistique: My Journey Through Colors and Canvases
Bonjour, mes chers lecteurs!
As I sit in my studio surrounded by vibrant hues and bold strokes, I'm transported back to my humble débuts in Québec. Art, for me, has been a voyage – both metaphorically and literally. Each canvas tells a story of moments lived, of emotions felt, and of places visited.
One specific moment from my early days in Québec stands out vividly: the day I decided to quit my job as a waitress and dedicate myself fully to my passion. It was a bold step, especially considering I had just graduated with a degree in interior design. But my heart was in art, and the unwavering support of those who collected my art gave me the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly. Their belief in me fueled my creativity, inspiring me to create more and share my vision with the world.
When I paint, I feel joy. I find solace in the act of letting go, the so-called “flow state,” allowing the paint to flow freely, and watching as my visions take shape.
My journey took a significant turn when I first visited California. The energy, beauty, and boundless opportunities made me dream bigger. I remember thinking, 'Why not me? Why not us?' It was here, amid the golden dreams of California, that I envisioned a future where my art would thrive.
Yet, this journey wasn't without its challenges. Being far away from my family, separated by miles and borders, is a constant ache in my heart. Also, when I embarked on my California dream with Greg, we did not have much of a financial safety net. I painted to sustain our travels, and we rented our condo while on the road to the U.S galleries I had secured relationships with. I was determined to make my passion my livelihood.
The immigration process to the United States was another mountain to climb to turn my California dream into reality.
In 2015, my dedication was recognized when I was voted number one during the ARTEXPO New York challenge. This accolade was a testament to the power of art and the journey that had brought me to this point. It was a moment of validation for the countless hours, emotions, and experiences poured into each canvas. Also, this was a year of major transition for us since we had been living in the US on a Visa. We now needed to decide if we were all in going to move to the US or return to Canada. We developed strong relationships with the right people and went for the permanent resident green card. In 2016, my first daughter was born in Palm Springs. We had a lovely 4 years in the beautiful Coachella Valley but returned to the coast of Orange County. My 2nd daughter was born in 2021, and happy to say Greg and I have been strong for 15 years.
My journey from Québec City to the California coast is a story of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. It's a story that continues to unfold with every stroke of my palette knife. Thank you for joining me on this artistic voyage.
Here's to many more years of creation, innovation, and joie de vivre!
Merci!
Joëlle
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