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.

La fin de semaine prochaine, celle de la Fête des Mères (13-14 mai), On Sème organise leur 3ème Marché de Mai à Montréal. C'est l'occasion parfaite pour accueillir (finalement) le printemps et d'acheter des semis, des fleurs, des produits gastronomiques, des thés et des créations uniques conçues par 40 créateurs montréalais.

​L'entrée est gratuite et l'ambiance est familiale. C'est l'occasion idéale pour trouver un beau cadeau pour gâter Maman (et pourquoi pas vous gâter aussi?!)

Provenant directement de la Concordia Greenhouse, l'équipe de City Farm School vous offrira des semis de tous vos légumes: aubergines, betteraves, brocoli, cerises de terre, choux de Bruxelles, choux, chou-fleur, chou-rave, chou kale, fenouil, haricots, oignons, piments forts, poireau, poivrons, tomates, concombres, melons, citrouilles, courges, ainsi que plein de verdures, de fines herbes et des fleurs à découvrir sur place.

Vous pourriez aussi acheter des billets pour 5 ateliers:

• 13 mai, 12-12h30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
• 13 mai, 14-15h. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
• 14 mai, 11-12h30. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
• 14 mai, 13-14h30. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
• 14 mai, 13-15h. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)​

Vous y trouverez aussi une sélection variée d'entreprises montréalaises et leurs créations d'art, bijoux, fleurs, confitures, épices et d'autres produits gastronomiques. Pour voir la liste complète des artisans, consultez la description sur la page Facebook de l'événement. 

J'ai super hâte de passer mon weekend dans une atmosphère communautaire dynamique, entourée de plantes, de fleurs et de personnes sympathiques! Venez nous saluer et célébrer l'arrivée du printemps à Montréal.

On Mother's day weekend (May 13-14), On Sème will be hosting their 3rd annual May Market in Montreal. It's a wonderful opportunity to finally welcome spring and buy your seedlings, flowers, local food, teas and unique creations by 40 Montreal artists.

​The event is free, totally family-friendly and the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful gift for Mom -- and perhaps also a treat for yourself and your beautiful home!

Directly from the Concordia Greenhouse, the City Farm School team will provide thousands of ecological seedlings. There will be eggplants, beets, beans, broccoli, cherries, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale, fennel, onions, chilies, leek, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and all sorts of greens, herbs and flowers to discover at the event.

The edible and permaculture plant nursery Neumark Design will also be on site, offering fruit and nut shrubs, perennial vegetables and flowers, tea and herb plants, mediterranean and tropical edibles, permaculture landscaping plants and more. MicroHabitat will also be offering compost, ecological fertilizers, pots, as well as gardening advice. 

There will also be 5 workshops you could purchase tickets to attend. 

• May 13, 12-12.30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
• May 13, 2-4pm. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
• May 14, 11-12.30pm. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
• May 14, 1-2.30pm. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
• May 14, 3-5pm. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)

A diverse selection of Montreal artists will be selling art prints, jewelry, flowers, jams, spices and other food items. To see the full list of exhibiting artists, hit "see more" in the description of the Facebook event page. 

What I am most looking forward is spending my weekend in a vibrant community atmosphere, surrounded by plants, flowers and kind people. Come say hi and celebrate spring in Montreal. 

This spring in Montreal, you can find me at 3 exciting events, all free admission!

On the weekend of April 22-23, the Etsy Montreal market promises to be another huge event. This is our biggest event yet, with over a hundred local creators under one roof. For event details and to RSVP, please check out the Facebook page. 

On April 29th, I'll be exhibiting my collection at the gorgeous West Elm store in Montreal for the first time. I'm super excited because I adore the store and I'm eager to see whether the loyal West Elm clientele will feel inspired by my work. Let me know you're coming to support me!

On the weekend of May 13-14, I'll be participating in a wonderful agricultural initiative organized by On Sème (literally, "we sow" but phonologically also "we love each other"), where you'll find everything you need for your garden this year, along with a bunch of local artists to make your Mother's day weekend joyful and memorable. My food photography and floral prints and magnets will be making their debut for the event (perfect for your kitchen or garden decor!) but I'll also have some of your favorites from my Canadian and International collections. More info can be found on the event Facebook page. 

If you're not in/around Montreal, you can still always keep in touch with me by subscribing to my VIP list, and by shopping online or on Etsy. I ship worldwide, and always with love!

​Happy spring!

As you know by now (from my incessant mentions on Facebook and Instagram), I’ve been at the One of a Kind Show & Sale in Toronto all week long. It has been an incredible experience for me so far, both as an entrepreneur and as a person. The show itself is IMMENSE and super exciting -- there are so many beautiful things and beautiful people gathered under one single roof. It's actually overwhelming (in a positive sense!)

Here are my 8 of my favorite finds at the show. These are makers I just discovered, and who inspired me either because of their unique story or unique stuff! 

​Light and Paper has blown me away on Instagram on numerous occasions with their stunning and intricate papercutting and lasercutting artwork. Ali creates original wall art, personalized cake-toppers, coasters and more. Check out this video of Ali's story by Makeology.ca and be wowed by her work! 

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​Aside from loving their shop name (which makes me think of “beaucoup” but is actually a combination of the owners’ family names), I adore the tones and textures of their products, from their screen-printed notebooks to their textile products like pillows and pouches. Everything that John and Arounna create is handmade and made slow. And can I just mention that I can stare at their Instagram feed for hours?

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

This was one of the first booths I was drawn to, before the show even opened! Stephen and Marco are two cousins who make wooden silhouette wall art out of reclaimed wood of all kinds and all colors. They have many beautiful scenes, ranging from landscapes to maritime elements, animals, Canadian emblems and everyday objects. The way the wood comes through makes for a truly stunning effect, and a highly original piece for your walls.  

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​I love coasters, but these ones particularly stand out for me with their original designs. Whether you love colors or geometric patterns – or both – you’re sure to find a set of coasters that appeals. The creator Elizabeth Billiald makes each item by hand with love out of paper that she carefully sources, and donates 10% of all proceeds to “Habitat for Humanity” for those struggling with homelessness.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Marie-Joël & Jordan create ceramics inspired by the sea, with color palettes and patterns mimicking the traces of salt and sand left on maritime objects. As I am a sucker for ceramics and all things related to the sea, their work drew me in right when I saw it.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Karolina's work immediately stood out for me in its sea-inspired design and multipurpose use. Her beautiful collection consists of ceramic candle holders, pots and planters based on underwater sea life, especially coral. Karolina explained how she grew up on both coasts and was always fascinated by the underwater world, its natural growth and decay. The lanterns cast a gorgeous patterned shadow when they are lit, making them look as dreamy in the dark as they do in the light.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

​The first time I saw Sharon Nowlan’s work, I had to lean in closer: are these heartwarming images truly made up of pebbles, sea-glass and other natural finds? Sharon makes original art depicting seascapes, birds and nature, love, friendship and family. Some of her compositions are simply touching. 

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

Janet Hinkle's ceramics are fun and pretty to look at. She makes small dishes, jewelry rests, planters and mugs in whimsical styles and soft colors, all of them handmade in Toronto.

Shop | Instagram | Artisan profile

If you’re in/near Toronto, you still have this weekend to come and astonished by one-of-a-kind handmade creations from hundreds of passionate Canadian artists. 

The show is open 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday

For a special discounted ticket, head here right away and put in the promo code ETYUMPWG.

Oh, and if you’d like to come say hi to me and see all the dreamy prints and wall-art I have from all over the world, I’m at booth P44E in the Marketplace!

From my heart to yours!

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There are many reasons to choose to shop from local, independent businesses. 

Independent shops often have unique creations that you may not find in mainstream places. These make one-of-a-kind additions to your home, original gifts and sometimes even fun conversation pieces. There is something really satisfying about getting or giving something that is different. 

By buying local, you are supporting small business owners who are passionately pursuing their creative vision and expertise. It isn't easy to be an entrepreneur - it takes a lot more than "just" making something. Endorsing their work makes you a good person. ?

You are also supporting your local economy and community, both of which grow and flourish when local businesses thrive.

You often get to interact with the local artist, which adds value to the product and to the experience. You get a better sense of what you bought, how it's made, and why it's special. ​

Buying from independent makers can become a wonderfully addictive habit, for all the reasons listed above. 

Say it with me: #makersmakeitbetter !

This spring, you can find me at a few local Canadian markets. Please be sure to check out all the amazing makers that will be participating along with me at the One of a Kind Show and the Etsy Montreal Spring Show. There is so much inspiring talent around, and so many beautiful things! 

From my heart to yours!