During a lovely talk with my Finnish friend she told me about “sisu”, a word that implies “inside”. Translated from Finnish it means “inner strength” which is a unique form of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. However, I remember being a kid that had to much “sisu” as a way to survive difficult times. Now I know that healthy sisu means asking for help, knowing when to take a break and taking time to sort through feelings rather than rushing to the next event. Hence, I painted “La balance”.

xTiny

As part of this mini-series “Tendre noir” is inspired by the Japanese concept “wabi sabi” which is about the perception of beauty. Accepting the transient nature of life, authenticity serves as a focus point of wabi sabi cherishes the cracks and imperfections. They symbolize the passage of time and loving use. Love as the antidote to a throwaway society built on disposable goods and mass-produced homogenous items.

xTiny

Like a lotus flower
trusting the light.
Pristine petals rise
from murky waters.

Opening with the rising of the sun 
and closing as night falls. 

Every morning is a new beginning.
Soft and peaceful.

Breaking through the water's edge
the beauty is inspiring.
My heart is following the sun.
A symbol of beauty, purity and enlightment.
I love the lotus flower.

xx Tiny

And she looks like the moon. So close and yet, so far. Following her intuition. Enchanting like a blue moon.

This portrait was originally painted on linen with a Japanese brush. The unpolished strokes, the imperfections – all of them celebrating serendipity. This is where the magic is.

xTiny

 I’m inspired by the unique shapes of the mountains, the trees, the flowers and the beautiful underwater world, the coral wonders in shades of orange and pink.

 xTiny