The Next Chapter is Called…
Moving to Italy to Pursue Art
My exhibition opening last Sunday went surprisingly well, and I was really happy about everyone who came and showed interest in my work.
I truly enjoyed talking to you about the artworks and how they speak to you. It meant a lot to hear your perspectives and the details you noticed—some of which I hadn’t even considered myself. That brought me so much joy.
Only 36 hours later, I was already on my way back to my parents’ house to drop off all my belongings. Now I’m preparing for my move to Italy, with my flight being on Monday, March 30.
The two weeks leading up to the exhibition were quite stressful, as I had to prepare both the exhibition and my move out of Heidelberg at the same time. I even got severely sick during the second week, which only added to it. But God willingly, and with the help of my friends, I managed to get through everything without any trouble. It honestly feels like a miracle to me, I don’t think I could have done it that smoothly without them.
Even though I won’t be around Heidelberg anymore, you can still visit Heart & Soul and see some of my works there until May 22.
It was not an easy goodbye leaving Heidelberg. That time of my life was deeply transformative—for my personal growth and for leading me onto the path I am on now: becoming a self-sustained artist, sharing my work with the world and inspiring people through it.
I will always look back and remember the people who made my time there so special, along with all the memories we created. I never expected that before moving there—especially in the beginning, when I felt so lost in my life. That was also when I painted Storm of the Still Sea. It feels like such a contrast to where I stand now, having just painted Fire Lilies. I still need time to process everything, and I hope to have that time in Italy.
I plan to have a calm first month after arriving, to strengthen my body and prepare myself mentally for what’s ahead, including new works and commissions. I need that quietness to reconnect with my creative flow. From experience, I know that nothing truly meaningful can be forced—especially not in art. At least not in the way I create.
For me, it always requires the right moment at the right time. I’m glad I’m not a machine that can just produce endlessly. There is nothing factory-like about art and that’s good. It takes time, and it takes energy. I only create when I feel called to. I’ve tried to force it before, and I always ended up hating the process—not because the result was visually unpleasing, but because of the tension and stress attached to it. When I create in that state, it becomes something I associate with pressure and urgency—and that’s just not how I want to create.
That is why I will only do what I feel called to do, and it may include not being very consistent with my posts on social media for a while. I believe this is so secondary in my life as an artist. Even though it’s still important for growth and visibility I think it can wait a while. Lets just see what happens.
See you next in ITALY!
