This month I’m launching what I intend to be a regular feature – “Meet my Creative Friend”. So let me introduce you to Nathalie Villeneuve, an inspiring artist and very grounded woman living a rich creative life.
Although we have only met in the virtual world (so far), we spoke for over an hour on our first phone call. I definitely count her as a creative friend and we hope to meet in real life.
Originally from Canada, Nathalie Villeneuve now lives in New England. Since I’m originally from New England and now live in Canada it seems we kept the world in balance. (You’re welcome.)
Want to meet her? Read on!
What does “being creative” mean to you?
Being creative to me means developing the ability to view life from a different perspectives.
If you are a painter and want to paint the ocean, you can paint it exactly how you see it or decide to change the colors and add more waves.
If you are an entrepreneur, you can look at your business and want to expand, you have a choice to see it’s pain points and address them creatively. You can grow or continue to avoid change and stay the same.
In other words, being creative is removing yourself from your comfort zone and venture towards problem-solving. You creatively shift your approach towards life.
When did you first realize that you absolutely had to lead a creative life?
I’ve always loved to draw and paint. After going to school in art, I tried to fit art into a career but I didn’t want to become a teacher. I’m proud of the fact I’ve had several exhibits and sold my art in many states.
However, when I turned 50, I decided it was time to stop ignoring my inner artist. I founded my own business in the “sip and paint” industry and now devote 100% of my time to leading a creative life AND sharing my love for painting with others.
What inspires you?
I paint women. I am inspired by women. I find my inspiration from images, art, daily life situations. I also get inspired when I attend Church.
What do you want your art to communicate?
Mostly emotions. I like to communicate inner emotions (mainly isolation).
People go through so many emotions and often keep the negative ones to themselves. I hope for my art to become a mirror where people can relate and hopefully reveal something. I want to help them heal through hope, love, togetherness and self-discovery.
I think when people relate to one another through art or other form of communication growth, healing and happiness becomes possible.
Describe your creative process. What kind of patterns, routines or rituals do you have?
Honestly it’s never the same but lately, I seem to be more creative at night. When all my errands are complete and dinner is done I can relax more and abandon myself to my art.
I started my YouTube channel so now I setup my camera to film videos twice a week. That has become time consuming (especially the editing part). I love it though, because it enables me to share painting and pastel tutorials to a large audience.
What is the most challenging part of the creative process for you and how do you meet that challenge?
I am very busy with my business and I create artwork for my Pause and Paint painters. This has made my art more commercial…but I plan to have an exhibit of my own work at the end of this year.
My challenge is to make time to create larger paintings and paint more freely for my exhibit.
What’s the best advice you ever had about how to be more creative?
“You have a God given talent so you owe it to God to use it” ~ Sarit (my girlfriend…lol)
Is there anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?
I would like to add My WHY, My Vision and My Mission ?
MY WHY: Is to uplift and support women through art, creative outlets & venues.
MY VISION: Every woman will wake up inspired to live a more joyful life through expressing themselves freely and creatively.
MY MISSION: Is to commit all my talent and all my energies to build that world of inspired women so I paint, make videos, teach and invite. I do anything I can to advance my VISION that was set in motion by my WHY.
Links to My Creative Friend, Nathalie Villeneuve
Website and Blog: NathalieVilleneuve.com
My Group: The Women of Facebook Create
GIRLFRIENDS’ JOURNEY CARDS (SET OF 10) www.GirlfriendsJourney.com
▼ SOCIAL MEDIA ▼
✧ YouTube
✧ Twitter → @paintwithnat
✧ Instagram → @PaintwithNat
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions about creativity and allowing me to introduce myself. I liked taking the time to review what I have been doing especially in the past 3 years! I have been in business with Pause and Paint for 3 years now and time just flies when you are having fun. I am looking forward to meeting all your artists friends! I hope to meet you in person soon!
Wonderful interview, Aprille. I admire Nathalie’s vision and her dedication to realizing it!
Hi Victoria,
I am so thrilled you got a chance to know me a little more through Aprille’s wonderful blog interview. I just read your interview and I can’t wait to connect with you and follow your artistic journey!
Thanks for doing this interview, Aprille. It allowed me to get to know Natalie a bit better and also to understand her Why and what motivates her.
Thank you for sharing more of who you are at the core, Natalie. Excellent interview!
Thanks for dropping by to visit. I also enjoyed getting to know Nathalie better through the interview. She is definitely a woman on a pweorful mission.
Thank you Aprille…”Power Mission”…I love that!
Hi Yvonne, Sorry for the late reply. I am so glad you got to read this blog as I think it introduces more of who I am through Aprille’s great questions! Thank you for stopping by!
Oh my goodness, wonderful interview, Aprille. After knowing Nathalie online for a while it is such a treat to get to know her better via this interview. I really appreciate Nathalie’s application of artistic creativity to other aspects of life, and the way she uses her art for uplifting others.
And thank you both for keeping the world in balance – lol!
Reba, you are welcome. I was impressed by Nathalie’s vision which mirrors my belief that claiming our creative voice can help to re-balance the world. And thank you for the work you do as well!
Hi Reba, You are such a wonderful presence always…I always enjoy reading your comments and little special notes. Thank you for coming by to read Aprille’s interview.
Love the interview and love Nathalie. I know her quite well but was great to read this indepth interview. Always good to know what inspires another artist . Love the series too thank you xo
I love learning about what inspires an artist and also getting to peek into their studios. Thank you for the kind words about the series. I’m excited about its possibilities. Creativity heals and builds. Making the connections is part of that.
Thank you for your sweet comment Suzie! I feel like I’ve known you forever! 😉 Sometimes it’s great to take a closer glimpse inside our peers life and Aprille’s interviews are truly a catalyst to get to know new (and not so new artists, creatives friends.