Meet The Artist

"Creativity takes courage."—Henry Matisse

 

I've thought about that quote a lot over the years, and I have come to realize, for me at least, that the reason creativity takes so much courage is because there is so much vulnerability in it.

Unlike math or science, there is no definitive answer to creativity. It is completely subjective from the maker and the viewer. And their interpretations of the same thing can be completely different. Misunderstood even.

There are a more than a billion ways to be creative with the stroke of your brush, the scratch of your pencil, the words on your page, the pressure of your hand to clay.

Each time someone decides to share their creativity with the world, they are standing a bit naked before the world and allowing the world to judge them, don't you think? At least that is the way I feel whenever I share my art. I guess because whenever I pick up my brush, I am laying my small part of my heart and soul on the paper or canvas I touch.

I once was a technical writer and web/UI designer working an 8-5 job in the big corporate world, but hated it.

After spending several wonderful years raising my son, I decided to open an antique & luxury home decor business for a few years. I love beautiful things. To see it. To be surrounded by it. To create it. I love every detail, texture, and experience surrounding beauty.

Eventually, my paint brush moved from furniture to a canvas. Art has been a part of me since I was a little girl. It has always been a way for me to work through and express my feelings.

A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place, where I needed more than the therapy and medication I was taking to pull me up. So, I began painting watercolors, and eventually, added other water-based paints like acrylics and gouache. It was really a way for me to do some self therapy. I took all of those bad days and mustered up enough courage to get out of bed and make paintings that brought me joy. It became inspiration that brought me back into the sun again.

When the pandemic arrived, and we were all quarantined in our homes in 2020, I began sending paintings to friends, just to spread a little joy out into the world. After a lot of encouragement from friends and family, I decided to start selling my art. So, here we are.

The name Plein de Bonté translates to "Full of Kindness" or "benevolence" and came from my desire to bring some kindness to the world. I believe we could all use a little more kindness, especially now.

I love to give, whether it's a perfect gift, a needed smile, an encouraging word, or donating my time/talents or funds when I can. When I sell my art, I allocate a percentage of my sales to charitable giving. A portion of the proceeds I make from selling my art goes back into the community and philanthropic causes.

I hope as you browse through these pages, you find a piece of joy for yourself. And perhaps, you choose to add something from my collection of art to your life.

If you'd like to stay connected, sign up for my email updates. I send out emails to my members to let you know of upcoming events, collections, and pop-up sales I am having. I also give early access to these events where you have first dibs to purchase one of my pieces before the rest of the world does. I promise not to bombard your inbox! You can also email me at hello@pleindebonte.com.

xo,
Connie