My Artistic Path
The Way Back to Art
Any seven-year-old will tell you: chocolate cake beats broccoli every time. For me, art class was just as obvious a favorite. I loved rummaging through drawers of pencils, flipping through illustrated books, or wandering the art department in stores. But when it came time to think about the future, art felt a bit like chocolate cake: wonderfully delicious, but not something you could live on. It simply drifted into the background, naturally, as life moved forward.
In my adult life, circumstances gave me the unexpected gift of time. When my husband and I moved abroad, I left behind my career as an editor and found myself in a position where I no longer needed to work. Although we had imagined a future of bedtime stories and building blocks, life had other plans for us, and I suddenly had the time and energy to dedicate to a new chapter. I chose to draw.
Around that time, Miga came into our lives—a puppy so delightful she looked like she had stepped straight out of a Disney movie, too cute and sweet to be real. Her playful charm and quiet determination made me see how deeply animals touch our lives and how much personality they carry in the smallest gestures. They became my main source of inspiration. As I explored different materials and styles , I found myself drawn to graphite, a medium that allowed me to capture the fine details of feathers, fur, and all the tiny quirks that make each creature unique. It felt like I had finally found my place.
Drawing as a Craft
Each portrait I create begins with a carefully chosen reference photograph, often sourced from talented photographers whose work I deeply respect. Selecting the perfect image is a thoughtful and deliberate process, as I seek subjects that inspire emotion, beauty, and a connection to the natural world. When it comes to my beloved Brontë and Miga, I photograph them myself—an adventure filled with laughter, patience, and endless movement. These playful sessions are as much about capturing their personalities as they are about creating art.
Once the reference is ready, it’s time to sharpen the pencils and get to work. Drawing is a ritual I cherish, filled with patience and care. From the first layers of powdered graphite, which leave my hands and table delightfully messy, to the careful repetition of strokes, every part of the process feels meaningful. Each drawing carries with it a mix of emotions: the calm focus of repetition, the nervous energy as I near completion, and the ever-present uncertainty—will everything go as planned?
I am grateful for the time I can dedicate to drawing, the beauty of traditional fine art materials—you’ll always find me near the Faber-Castell display—the joy of discovering resources in unexpected places, like sponges and makeup brushes, and the small delights of the craft: highlighting the wet shine on a creature’s nose, chasing a rebellious curl, or deepening a pupil just a touch more. It’s all part of a creative world that feels like a privilege to inhabit.
My Adorable Team
Miga: My Loyal Companion
At eight years old, Miga is our first dog—a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a personality far bigger than her small, sturdy frame. She moves through life with a mix of slow, deliberate grace and sudden bursts of pure joy.
Most of the time, she’s the queen of soft snores and unhurried steps, a picture of serenity. But mention a ball, and everything changes. Her tail wags with such enthusiasm that her whole body joins in, turning every game into a celebration.
Miga’s happy place? Crowded spaces. Whether it’s a bustling market or an international airport terminal, she thrives on attention, collecting adoring pats from strangers as if it’s her job. She doesn’t bark; she doesn’t need to. Her quiet charm speaks louder than words.
Brontë: My Wild Little Girl
At just one year old, Brontë is our tiny Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—a rule-breaker with lightning speed and a tuft of curly hair that gives her a hilariously mischievous look.
Out on the street, she’s a whirlwind of nerves—hiding between my legs, barking at other dogs, then crying as if embarrassed by her own theatrics. But every walk is an adventure for her inner treasure hunter, always returning home with a branch, a pen, or a tiny toy. She races back with her finds, her wild hair bouncing and her eyes shining with triumph.
In her safe spaces, she transforms—shy and anxious on the outside, but endlessly playful, affectionate, and a little rascal once she feels secure. She’s a sweet, funny little secret waiting to be discovered.