My First Artist Project Experience
Last weekend, I exhibited at The Artist Project in Toronto for the very first time.
Let’s just say: it was a rollercoaster. The first two days were tough—I didn’t know what to expect, and the nerves hit hard. But something shifted by the weekend. I was able to slow down, take a breath, and truly enjoy what I was there to do: meet people who resonate with my work and invite them into my world.
I presented:
4 pieces from my Lucky Girl collection (2 sold!)
3 new artworks in vintage gold frames (all sold!)
6 small new pieces under $1K (none sold—but they sparked great conversations)
A few fellow artists told me small, affordable pieces always sell best. But this experience showed me that my strength lives in my larger, bolder portraits. That’s where I shine—and that’s where I’m going to stay.
A note a woman left me after visiting my booth : my work reminded her of Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that is often described as the appreciation of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".
I also had a powerful conversation with a gallerist who encouraged me to go deeper. He said he could see my work hanging in museums one day because of how it echoes our modern world. I cried after he left. It touched something deep inside me—because that’s what I hope my art does for others, too.
This show taught me that not everyone connects with portraiture, and that’s okay. I’d rather be deeply loved by a few than casually liked by many. And for those who do connect with my work, they don’t just see a face. They see a mirror, a witness, a possibility.
I’ve already been selected for the 2026 edition of The Artist Project, and I can’t wait to come back.
Until then, I’m diving into a new body of work: ✨ My Memory Garden ✨
This collection explores the duality of structure and surrender—where the soul’s gaze stays grounded, but everything else is free to unravel. Think loose brushwork, pastel tones, symbolic outlines, and vintage-inspired frames. It's an homage to childhood summers in our grandparents' gardens—mudpies, lake swims, and the beauty of growing up.
I’ll be creating at least 7 new pieces, and I’d love for you to follow along as they bloom. You can follow me on [Instagram] or join my mailing list [here].
With gratitude,
Amélie
