As part of this mini-series “Tendre terre” 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

It was around sunset when I wandered through the streets of a small village in India, where time seemed to have stood still. A herd of buffaloes made their way home from the fields, their heavy steps kicking up dust in the golden light. Women were busy cooking, baking chapati over an open fire, while others returned from the fields, balancing bundles of firewood on their heads. Children laughed and played in the street.

Three women stood together, watching me with curious eyes. They smiled and gestured for me to come closer.  “Where are you from?” they asked, in a mix of English and hand gestures. They invited me to join them for chai. Once we were inside, they removed their headscarves, just us women among ourselves, it was so lovely.

As we sat together, sipping our tea, I made a few sketches to capture the moment. This portrait, ‘Rising Sun’, is a tribute to that lovely unforgettable encounter, a memory of warmth, connection, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

xTiny

A drawing on the back of a love letter made on an old typewriter. I love to re-use paper, because it has a story. The faded color, the holes & wrinkles…so mysterious and poetic.

xTiny

“Nongkrong” – in Indonesian language “relaxing & hanging out with friends”. At the time I was a student in Indonesia. We sat together with friends having coffee and talking. “Nongkrong” is all about the pleasures of sharing time with friends.

xTiny

Golden light softly touching her face, creating a magical atmosphere...

xTiny

Evening Glow

Palms whispering,
their leaves sway slow,
a gentle sea breeze
begins to blow.

The sky is warm,
in golden glow,
so peaceful
as the sun sinks low.

And with it comes
a silent vow:
tomorrow brings
a fresh new now.

xTiny

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

Female faces are always a big inspiration to me. I enjoy especially drawing the eyes and this is what I start with. It is the most difficult part of the painting but also the most exciting to find out her expression, her character while drawing.

xTiny