How Artists and Collectors Found Solace in Painting During a Turbulent Time in the World

“I wanted to create something to remind us to soften and not let the world make us hard.”

In this intimate video, I take you behind the scenes of creating ‘From Here to Serenity’ (also known as ‘Here to Eternity‘ – because it isn’t eternal serenity what we crave), a 900mm x 1200mm mixed-media artwork on board. This piece was born in 2020, during a time when the world felt harsh, divided, and overwhelmed. It was part of my Soften Series created during the turbulent LockDown years—a heartfelt visual meditation inspired by the tranquil textures of Italian frescoes and the luminous beauty of Botticelli’s Primavera.

For art collectors: Discover the story behind this soul-infused painting and why it sold to a private collector who was deeply moved by its serene energy.

For wellness influencers: This artwork is a powerful reminder of the healing power of art. From Here to Serenity is more than a visual statement—it’s a tool for emotional alchemy, created to elevate the vibration of any space with softness, light, and peace.

For fellow artists: I share my experiences of using art to transform anxiety and self-doubt into joy, and how painting became my sanctuary. I also discuss how showing my work led to a healing experience of letting go of trauma and pain, and embracing the sacred alchemy of art to uplift myself and others.

You’ll witness the layering process—smears, daubs, and soft washes of color blended with my fingertips—and catch glimpses of the piece in progress, from raw board to final reveal.

I also share my journey to Florence, Italy in 2014, where I trained in the ancient art of fresco painting and drew inspiration from the Renaissance masters.

Let this video be your reminder that beauty is medicine, and art is a sacred path to serenity.

The desire for beauty inspired this painting, as it does all my art, and I loved referencing the soft patinas of Italian frescoes. I am at my most soulful when feeling anxious – painting is so transcendent. To fellow artists who may suffer from anxiety, self-doubt or fear of showing your work….the wonderful experience of selling this painting and the amazing feeling it evoked is a reminder of how by overcoming resistance and making a decision to ‘play’ and share your heart you not only uplift yourself but the lives of those around you.

I also share the inspiration I found in Sandro Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’ – also known as Allegory of Spring (a tempera panel painting created ca. 1482). Recently I have been playing with creating some tempera paintings myself.

As I share in my video, I very rarely plan my paintings. I just let them speak to me and see what secrets turn up. I’m an intuitive artist, I don’t do any planning, I just let colours and spirit guide me and whatever feelings are wanting to be expressed.

A medium once told me that paintings are how spirit talks to me. I like to sit with them, watch them, and let them speak to me and see what special secrets the paintings may give up.

People often ask, “how do you know when a painting is finished?” In this case, I just felt such overwhelming love. My partner was less convinced and said it didn’t look finished.

But I felt it in my heart.

This is where we have to have faith in ourselves. I felt sure someone would love it as much as I did. And then in walked Jenny Wilson with celebrity chef Jo Seagar—two of the first visitors to my as yet unfinished gallery.

Jenny loved it straight away. And it now hangs in the most perfect spot, in a beautiful home on the river opposite the historic Stone Store, Kerikeri, The Bay of Islands.

Thank you for watching! I hope you find my videos inspiring and love my work.

From Here to Serenity, 2020

https://www.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/workshops-around-the-globe

Interested in commissioning a piece, collecting soulful art, or collaborating? Contact me at  https://www.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/

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