From November 29th to December 9th 2018, I will be participating in a well-known Christmas market at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal for the second year in a row: the Marché Casse-Noisette / Nutcracker market. It is my biggest show of the year, in the sense that I will have a large booth to present my world to you - all those colors, feelings and inspiring scenes that make you connect with Veni Etiam!

This year, I thought I'd offer a sneak peek at some of the large pieces that will be showcased in my booth, to give you a special chance at reserving them in advance at a special VIP rate (10% off).

Why? These large specialty pieces take over 2 weeks to produce, so by reserving them early, you make sure you have them before the holidays. It's also a way of thanking you (and rewarding you!) for being bold with your decor decisions, and for being part of my community. 

Here are the large pieces you could reserve right now (until November 26th):

Li Prisuddi (Italy)
Satin print 16x24 inches
White wood frame included
Framed: $125 CAD
Reserve before November 26th and receive 10% discount

New Life in Hiroshima(Canada)
Satin print 12x18 inches
Black wood frame included
Framed $100 CAD
Reserve before November 26th and receive 10% discount

Mirror Waters of Levico (Italy)
Brushed aluminum (metal) art 12x18 inches
Floater frame and wire attached to the back (ready to hang)
$189 CAD
Reserve before November 26th and receive 10% discount

If any of these large ready-to-hang or framed pieces have your name on it, contact me right away to reserve it at 10% off. (Please note that the item must be paid in full in advance). 

To get an early start on your shopping, visit my shop or my Etsy shop and use the coupon code INMTL to pick up your purchase to save on shipping fees and delays.

I can't wait to help you find inspiring decor items this holiday season. See you soon!

From my heart to yours.

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Where did the year go? I mean, wasn't it summer two weeks ago?!

The holiday preparations have hit and I have been SO busy creating amazing things for you! Don't miss my Holiday Gift Guide which gives you great ideas of how to treat others (and yourself) this season. You'll also see my list of upcoming holiday events if you want to shop in person or pick up your orders. 

So, what's new for you? Two products that you've been asking me about FOR YEARS. 

Postcards and a Montreal calendar.

The postcards measure 4x4 inches, because there's something special about square prints! Typically, the smallest size prints I offer you is 8x8 inches, but now you can get several of your favorite images on a smaller size, still on great quality textured paper. 

You can write a message on the back and send them, or you can keep them as art prints by creatively displaying them or framing them. I'll have a few framing options available on hand if you like that idea.

I'll be unveiling this postcard collection at the Nutcracker Market (Marché Casse Noisette) in Montreal at the Palais des Congrès between November 29th and December 9th, so stop by to see them and choose your favorites. If you want VIP access, sign up to my newsletter and I'll tell you how to get VIP tickets and a special discount before the event opens to the public!

The Montreal calendar is another very simple gift idea. The calendar consists of 12 sheets of eggshell cardstock measuring 5x7 inches, with 5x5 high-quality photographic prints that you could easily cut out and keep for yourself or gift to others as high-quality prints or cards once the month is done. 

The images are my color + black and white photographs of Montreal - many of which have become your favorite bestselling images from my collection!

As I'll only be printing a small batch of these calendars, you could reserve yours by placing an order through my Etsy shop. You can pick it up in person at one of my next events by using the coupon code INMTL.

Aside from these two main lines of products, I've also added tons of new prints fresh off the printer. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide to see more!

Are you planning on coming to any of my holiday markets this year?
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From my heart to yours.

Well, that's a wrap! 

For our September show, anyway. The next Etsy Montréal show will take place in November (22-24) at the Windsor Station, and then there will be one more holiday show in December (15-16) at the Théâtre Denise-Pelletier in Hochelaga. 

Last week, I shared with you a little bit about why I love participating in AND co-organizing the Etsy Montreal shows. 

If you couldn't make it to the show to enjoy the atmosphere and shop from incredible local shops, here is a taste of what it was like! I snuck away from my booth for a few moments here and there to snap a few photos of the event.

To see my full album, visit my Facebook page.

Mark your calendar for the two next Etsy Montreal shows, will you? 

Nous voilà à la fin de septembre déjà!

Chaque automne, Etsy Canada et ses équipes régionales de créateurs passionnés organisent un marché d'automne dans une trentaine de villes canadiennes. C'est le marché Etsy Made in Canada (qui s'appelle aussi «Etsy Fait au Québec» dans notre province).

Le weekend du 29 et 30 septembre au Locoshop Angus à Montréal, plus de 100 créateurs et designeurs seront réunis sous un même toit pour exposer leurs bijoux, papeterie, arts visuels, articles de décoration, accessoires de mode, aliments, articles pour enfants, et produits pour la peau faits localement avec amour!

J'ai eu la chance de découvrir cette communauté dès le lancement de Veni Etiam en 2015. J'ai fait du bénévolat pour l'équipe pendant quelques marchés et j'ai ensuite été recrutée comme l'une des leaders d'équipe. Ce que j'aime le plus dans mon travail au sein de cette équipe, c'est de constater à quel point notre communauté est incroyablement talentueuse et d'encourager son épanouissement. Non seulement nos exposants sont des superbes créateurs de produits fait-main, mais ils sont également des entrepreneurs super inspirants avec des parcours de vie intéressants.

Leurs parcours de vie et leurs préparatifs sont partagés cette semaine sur Instagram et Facebook dans le cadre de notre défi médias sociaux. Vous pouvez nous suivre avec le mot clic #EtsyMtlChallenge2018. Je vous promets que vous serez inspirés par ce que ces artistes ont à partager sur leur métier et leurs boutiques!

Lorsque nous faisons la sélection d'artisans pour nos marchés, le processus est minutieux et long. Nous évaluons près de 500 candidatures à chaque fois et marquons celles qui se distinguent selon notre liste de critères, qui comprend l’originalité, l’image de marque, la qualité des photos soumises et la pertinence pour nos clients en fonction de la saison. Cette première évaluation est déjà difficile à cause du calibre des candidatures que nous recevons. Nous devons ensuite passer par au moins 300 candidatures, catégorie par catégorie, avec un jury composé de membres de l'équipe. Nous le faisons en personne, souvent jusqu'aux petites heures du matin, puis nous continuons à peaufiner notre sélection avec une discussion en ligne.

À chaque édition, chacun des organisatrices a au moins un coup de coeur pour des boutiques qui viennent de se joindre à notre communauté ou qui ont vraiment amélioré leur marque en tant que les produits proposés et comment ces marques se présentent.

Si vous êtes à Montréal ce week-end, passez découvrir le marché Etsy Montréal! Je serai là moi aussi avec mon art mural, mes photographies encadrées et mes accessoires de déco, y compris certains de mes nouveaux plateaux. Comme plusieurs de ces artistes, je vais également prendre des commandes personnalisées et exposer plusieurs nouveautés qui ne sont pas encore dans mes boutiques en ligne!

Voici la liste complète d'exposants et voici les détails de l'événement.
L'entrée est gratuite et les premiers 30 invités en ligne chaque matin à 10hrs recoivent un sac plein de cadeaux et de coupons rabais! 

Si vous n'êtes pas à Montréal, vérifiez si un marché Etsy Made in Canada aura lieu dans votre région! Je vous encourage fortement de découvrir ce marché pour encourager les créateurs d'ici et notre économie québécoise. 

Avez-vous une boutique préférée dans votre communauté? Laissez le nom en commentaire ci-dessous pour nous la faire découvrir! 

It's that time of year again!

Every September, Etsy Canada and its regional teams of passionate leaders host an annual fall show in almost 30 cities across the country. It's the Etsy Made in Canada market (which also goes by the name "Etsy Fait au Québec" in our province.)

On September 29th and 30th at the Locoshop Angus in Montreal, over 100 makers and designers will be gathered under one (historical) roof to exhibit their locally-made jewelry, paper goods, home decor items, fashion accessories, food, children's items, skin care products and more! 

I was fortunate to discover this scene almost as soon as I launched Veni Etiam back in 2015. I volunteered for the team for a few shows and was later recruited as one of the team leaders. What I love most about working on this leadership team is witnessing how incredibly talented our community is, and encouraging it to thrive even further. Not only are our participating vendors creative artists, but they are also inspiring entrepreneurs with unique life journeys. 

Those unique life journeys and behind the scenes moments are being shared on Instagram and Facebook this week as part of our seven-day social media challenge. You can follow us with the hashtag #EtsyMtlChallenge2018. I promise you you'll be inspired by what these artists have to share about their craft and their shops. ​

If you are in Montreal this weekend, stop by our show! I'll be there with my photographic wall art, framed prints and decor accessories, including some of my new trays. Like many of these artists, I will also be taking custom orders and exhibiting lots of new items that are not listed in my online shops! 

Here is the full list of participating vendors and here are the full event details.
It's FREE to enter and the first 30 guests in line each day get a special goodie bag!

If you're not in Montreal, have a look whether an Etsy Made in Canada show is coming near you this weekend! I promise you it's a special feeling to support local makers and your local economy!

Do you have a favorite shop in your community? Leave a comment below and spread the love. ​

Tonight, I am both moved by life and mad at life at the same time.

​Last Christmas, I met a lovely young woman at one of my holiday shows. She fell in love with one of my prints almost immediately. She held it in her lap for a long while, and I watched as it made her face come alive. Her presence in my booth really touched me. It did not matter that she was in a wheelchair. It did not matter that we had to use signs to communicate. All that mattered was that there was a connection, and she was happy.

This evening, the father wrote to me to tell me that she passed away this week, that the awful degenerative neurological disorder she suffered from had taken her away. He wrote to me to tell me that he had taken the photograph back from her room and that he would keep it, in memory of her. He thanked me for the photograph, and I was moved to tears.

​That day at the market, her presence had made me feel connection and purpose. We are so focused on numbers nowadays, but I had felt grateful that I could impact ONE life. Tonight, I am thinking of that one life, and am grateful to have been useful for a brief micromoment within it.

Here's to her, that stranger, that happy girl. Her favorite: "Bicicletta" ​

Mothers' Day is just around the corner and, although most Moms will tell you they don't need any gifts, they surely appreciate being spoiled with pretty things that will inspire them year-round. 

Mothers' Day is especially touching to me for all those women who are not (yet) moms, but wish it wholeheartedly. Let's take a moment to think of them and send them love.

Having heard from MANY of you in person or through your written requests, I know which items often get chosen as gifts for Mom. I also know which items my own Mom adores!

​So, without further ado, here is a visual list of gift ideas for Mom, either on Mothers' day or "just because". Clicking on each image will take you to my Etsy shop, because Etsy is sponsoring a Canada-wide free shipping promotion until May 14th! 

If you're in Montreal, come see me on Mothers' Day Weekend (Saturday + Sunday) at the Etsy Montreal show at the Locoshop Angus. Details here. It's free! I'll have ONE of each of these with me. Reserve it if it's perfect for Mom! 

From my heart to yours.

Click on each event to find out more and to add it to your calendar.

West Elm Montreal Pop Up Shop: 29.04.2018
Etsy Montreal Marché Créatif Spring Printemps: 12&13.05
Marché de Mai On Sème: 19&20.05
Etsy Fait au Québec Printemps (Quebec City): 26&27.05
 Etsy Made in Canada Spring by Cheerfully Made (Ottawa) : 9&10.06
West Elm Montreal Pop Up Shop: 16.06.2018

If you know me a little already, you know that I'm a creative soul and a scientist bottled into one. This week, I was interviewed by the McGill Reporter about how I balance science, art and entrepreneurship, in the context of an event happening at my alma mater called "Artists Among Us" on November 1st. This annual show and sale celebrates students, staff, faculty and alumni members of the McGill community who, in addition to their academic careers, are passionate about creating art. 

I truly enjoyed answering Neale McDevitt's interview questions for his article, as I have been reflecting a lot lately on the intersection of my scientific and artistic careers. 

We compared their native (Italian) and second-language (English) to native-speakers of each language, as well as to second-language learners of Italian. Our aim was to study whether, and in which areas, changes might occur in how a native-language is used and processed due to influence of a second-language and due to factors related to the individual’s experience (e.g., age of learning, amount of exposure, length of residence, etc.) ​

Veni Etiam Photography is a fine-art photography shop where I sell my local and international travel photography as wall art and other home decor products. My mission is to inspire and transport people with a piece of art that represents who they are, where they have been and where they dream of going. I transform the photographs I have taken in our city and all over the world into innovative wall art (on paper, canvas, aluminum, acrylic, wood), designer furniture (coffee tables) and small gift items like coasters, notebooks and magnets. There is something in my shop for every decor, mood, memory or dream. Veni Etiam is a Latin phrase meaning "return again". No place is ever the same (and neither are we) and therein lies the beauty of returning. I have an online shop and an Etsy shop where the full collection can be found. Several Montreal shops carry images from my local collection, and I participate in markets and shows in Quebec and Ontario year-round. 

It’s hard to tell. I have almost always been academically-minded and passionate about a career in science; I was the girl who carried an encyclopedia in her backpack and asked her 4th grade teacher whether she could do independent “research” while her peers did their schoolwork! But I have also been very creative from a very young age. I haven’t always been a photographer. Rather, my first and favorite form of art is writing. I have always filled notebooks with ideas, impressions and recollections.

​After my B.Sc from McGill, I moved to Europe for two years to pursue an unconventional M.Sc program in three European countries. My parents gave me my first digital camera as a “bon voyage” gift. Those travels enabled me to write, but also to discover a new form of storytelling -- photography. I learned mostly by doing, until photography became so natural to my daily routine that it changed the way my eyes were accustomed to seeing the world. As I conducted a part of my PhD research abroad and travelled to international scientific conferences, I collected more photographs and stories to tell. For this reason, I always say that my career in science fueled my art and accelerated my vision for an online art shop, culminating in its launch during the most intensive part of my PhD (data analysis and manuscript-writing). 

​As both creative and scientific sides are deeply ingrained in me, I feel like I need both to thrive. I remember when I first launched my shop, my mind was suddenly on fire with ideas both for my dissertation and my art. I don’t believe in dichotomies, and I think that if we look around, nobody in our circle is all one thing or all another. For as long as I can remember, I have been fervently interested in multiple things. My B.Sc course-list included both Neuroscience and Venetian Art History! I could imagine my life going a whole bunch of different ways (and still can).

​I think we all have this in us, perhaps some of us more than others, and it’s more about following the drive to pursue those interests to see where they might lead, what we might learn, how we might impact others. That is what has led me to have an unconventional academic experience, where I was involved in so many different initiatives and living in multiple places. People, including myself, have not easily been able to fit me into a box, and I consider that both a great blessing and a great challenge, primarily because of expectations we are confronted with all the time. In academia, there are certain expectations of you and what your path should be, and the artistic community also has expectations of your approach to your craft. A track is often seen as a linear trajectory, and any deviation as unfocused or a waste of skill. But, truthfully, the only waste I see is a calling or opportunity not explored.

Yes, there are aspects of art and science that intersect for me, because both are infused with my interests, skills and experiences. Everything I have learned along the way gets transferred into whatever I am doing. I think there is as much room for creativity in science as there is room for a strategic approach in creative endeavors. I unexpectedly became fascinated by business and marketing over the last two years. In business, just like in science, I am organized, analytical and data-driven. My scientific training has helped my business planning, in determining what I wanted to offer, the problems I wanted to solve, the niche I wanted to carve and who my audience is. In both art and science, ideas come naturally for me, whereas the technical skills take more practice to master. In both, I have the same work ethic, and I value networking and training experiences because there is always more to learn.
​
I am about to launch a second business that allows me to combine all these facets of me and all my scientific and creative skills. I hope it will work out because that would be a real dream.

​The biggest gift my art has brought me is the heartwarming and motivating feeling of having inspired others. I love witnessing shoppers’ reactions to my artwork in person, which is why I pack my schedule with as many local events as I can handle! Knowing that something that inspired me at the time has touched someone else and is now part of their everyday space is a special feeling. I love the connections I have made with clients through my work online or in person. I genuinely enjoy helping them put together a gallery wall for their home, knowing that together we are creating a space that will be their sanctuary and bring them joy. 

Thank you to Neale McDevitt from the McGill Reporter for this fun interview!

This past weekend, one of the most scorching September weekends on record in Montreal, Etsy Montreal hosted the fourth edition of Etsy Fait au Québec, a nation-wide event (called Etsy Made in Canada in other provinces) that showcases the talents of Canadian artists, designers and crafters and encourages the population to shop local.

As one of the leaders of the Etsy Montreal team and as a participating vendor with Veni Etiam Photography, various tasks in planning for this event had filled the pages of my agenda for months. It is always an amazing cause to celebrate (and a bit of a relief) when over 7000 visitors come through our doors and happily discover the creations of over 100 artists. The energy in the room is almost indescribable, the smiles all around are truly contagious, and the feedback that comes from vendors and shoppers is uplifting. The show is a true community endeavor, and puts forward so many important values that strive to make our community - and our future - better. 

During the event, I snuck away from my booth to snap some candid action shots of shoppers and vendors interacting. On my Facebook page, you can find the full album of photos (nearly 200 of them) of the event, with artists' tagged in the images and a full vendor list for you to peruse.

​But if you've only got a minute or two, here's a video compilation of some of the shots. 

As a vendor, participating in Etsy Made in Canada / Fait au Québec is one of my favorite parts of the year. I am always uplifted and humbled by the support, enthusiasm and love my work receives from attendees and fellow artists alike. 

I am not quite sure where the dream came from, this dream to make inspiring art for your homes and your heart. It just sort of snuck up on me, like the best dreams do, I suppose. A couple of years into having launched my business, some of my absolute favorite places have found a place on your walls, in your homes, in your daily routines. What could I possibly say to that? It's amazing. And what could I possibly say about the truly inspiring exchanges I have had with other incredible members of the artistic community? For everything you have taught me and continue to teach me, thank you!

Mi-septembre déjà, bien que la météo soit convaincue que nous soyons en plein été (je ne me plains pas!) Cette période de l'année signifie que le marché Etsy Fait au Canada et son édition locale Etsy Fait au Québec Montréal s'approche à grands pas. 

Plus de 100 artistes, designers et créateurs de la région de Montréal se réuniront sous un toit (historique) pour exposer et vendre leurs produits faits-main de qualité. 

Voici 12 artisans que j'ai bien hâte de rencontrer ce week-end, car j'adore leurs produits et leur vision artistique. 

3. Paskaleidoscope ​

Pour voir la liste complète d'artisans, suivez ce lien.
Pour confirmer votre présence à l'événement (c'est gratuit!), c'est ici. 

Veni Etiam Photography sera présente aussi avec plusieurs nouveautés dans la collection Montreal, la toute nouvelle collection de la Havane, des aimants et des objets cadeau, les tables en bois de bouleau, une nouvelle ligne de produits non disponible en ligne (venez la découvrir en personne!) et des cadres prêts à accrocher dans les grandeurs de mes impressions! J'offrirai des rabais sur mes produits ainsi que sur toute commande spéciale confirmée sur place, donc contactez-moi si vous avez des questions avant votre visite!

P.S. Cet article est présenté dans le cadre de #TradeThursday. Les artisans faisant partie du marché participent dans un défi collectif sur les réseaux sociaux où ils partagent des aperçus de leur vie d'entreprise, leur atelier et leurs préparatifs dans les jours qui précèdent le marché. Suivez-nous sur Instagram avec les mots-clés #etsyfaitauquebecmtl and #etsymtl. 

En espérant vous voir cette fin de semaine!

De mon coeur au vôtre.

It's mid-September, although the weather gods are still totally convinced it's mid-July (fine by me!). And mid-September means one thing for certain every year: it's time for Etsy Made in Canada and our local edition Etsy Fait au Québec Montréal.

Over 100 artists, designers and makers from the Montreal area will gather under one (historic) roof to showcase and sell their incredible products with the community, which is becoming increasingly interesting in buying local.

To see the full list of vendors, follow this link.
To RSVP to the event (it's free!), go here.

Veni Etiam Photography will also be there all weekend long with tons of new items in the Montreal collection, the brand new Havana collection, magnets and gift items, coffee tables, a surprise new product (come see for yourself!) and new frames available on the spot in the exact sizes of my prints! I'll have reduced prices on prints and custom orders, so if you have questions about sizing or anything else, feel free to reach out even before the event!

P.S. If you're curious, this post belongs to the theme #TradeThursday, part of the Etsy Montreal Social Media Challenge. The artists who are participating as vendors in the annual Etsy Fait au Quebec (Made in Canada) market are encouraged to share behind the scenes posts as they prepare for the show. Follow along with all of us on Instagram with the main hashtags #etsyfaitauquebecmtl and #etsymtl. 

We all hope to see you there!

From my heart to yours.

This past spring, I was proud to be one of the participating artisans of the One of a Kind Spring Show. I met so many wonderful people during the show, and our conversations about travels and life were mutually inspiring. It made me happy when they found a piece of the world (and of my heart) to take home with them, but I have ESPECIALLY loved hearing from them after the show. I love it when they tell me where the piece hangs and how it brings them joy every time their eyes land on it, or how my art and my stories offer a perspective that they may have missed before. 

It is for this precious "connectedness" that I was so excited to set up my *new* One of a Kind Online Shop.

​Now, show-goers (and anyone, of course!) can easily find me year-round. 

Here's a peek:

If you are stumbling upon Veni Etiam for the first time, WELCOME! Through my travel photographs from near and far, my mission is to inspire and transport you, while enlivening your space. Each piece can be created for you on canvas, aluminum, acrylic, wood or fine-art paper, in the size of your choice. There is something for every decor, mood, memory or dream.

On the OOAK shop, you'll find a selected collection of my prints and wall art from Montreal, Toronto, parts of Europe and Asia, and - coming very soon - Havana. 

So, until we meet again at a future OOAK show, you know where to find me! 

From my heart to yours.

"When I find it, I'll know" had been her reply.

She was so happy to discover my work, and to finally fill that empty wall. I was so touched, especially because we may have just as easily not have crossed paths at all.
Among the prints she chose was a brand new one in my Montreal collection called "Bloom where unlikely". This captured my eye because sometimes beautiful things come when you don't necessarily expect them, and they have the power of moving you.

It's these moments that truly boost my passion and my motivation to do what I do. Inspiring you inspires me. Thank you for that immense gift. 
 
From my heart to yours. 

Psst! I'm also on Instagram!

Last weekend, I took part in the Etsy Canada Day market that was (perfectly!) organized by Emily from Cheerfully Made, in partnership with Etsy Canada. The market took me to Almonte, Ontario for the first time.

The two-hour drive was a wee bit stressful, because the sky was dropping bucketfuls of rain - so much so, that we were forced to pull over on the side of the road for a few minutes and drive with flashers part of the way. The weather literally put a damper on some of the day's plans, and the venue had to move from outdoors to indoors. As we all set up, we hoped the community would still brave the weather to enjoy the market and discover all the Canadian talent gathered in the Town Hall. 

Right when the doors opened, it became clear that the community would not disappoint the organizers and artists! Shoppers came in with smiles and tote bags, most of them all dressed up in red and white, with glitter on their faces and leis around their necks. Despite being elbow to elbow, everyone was in a fantastic mood and the atmosphere was so cheerful that I doubt anyone truly missed the sun. It was heartwarming to meet the residents of Almonte and its surroundings, and to see first-hand how much they appreciated and supported handmade goods.

By afternoon, the sun even decided it wanted to be part of the fun. Once the market closed, we joined the crowds on Mill street and enjoyed the charming feel of the town. There was a palpable positivity in the air! The local shops were bustling and people of all ages were enjoying the day, strolling with ice creams in hand and soaking up the unexpected sunshine. 

I had a lot of fun discovering Almonte, finding opportunities for photographs almost everywhere I looked. 

I visited the Cheerfully Made shop and also fell in love with the Tin Barn Market, where I honestly felt I could find a home for every item in the store. 

​If you have a chance to stop by Almonte for a few hours, it's definitely worth the visit! Thank you to all the locals of the town who made our Etsy Canada Day Market a success!

From my heart to yours.