Newsletter #14
[06/2023]
Dear friends!
A lot happened since I last shared with you in Tbilissi, Georgia. The “bouquet final” (climax) of my 7 months of backpacking took place on beautiful Nepalese hills. I arrived there early April for a therapeutic retreat akin to magic, in that it rooted me in what’s life has best to offer: a deep sens of belonging and love. Then I set off trekking amongst the Annapurnas, blessed with nature’s beauty and blooming rhododendrons. Those last few days of solitude had me ready to come back, to measure the changes that had occurred. I had left London in October because I was struggling with life and didn’t know what could help. My travels took me through a lot, and I went through some of my worst before it got better. Anxieties to the roof. But then I met wonderful people, heartwarming places, and eventually sides of myself I wasn’t used too. It’s fairly cheesy to put it in words but that’s how it went, and I came back changed. I still have physical symptoms of years of suffering (oh that inflamed chest) but deep down I gained precious trust in myself, and a much kinder inner monologue. My new task is to learn to be good and soft to myself, and I’m very grateful I’ve reached this stage. I dearly hope each of you for whom life can be too painful at times will have the chance to take the time like I did, to ask for help and find your tribe.
And if you’d like to go back to previous newsletter, more content and access to my sketchbooks, here it is!
You can find original works through I share on Instagram; and here for commission work or by contacting me directly
A new home on wheels
There’s still a lot of change incoming as I’m continuing to embrace a nomadic lifestyle: my new home took all of my focus and sweat lately. After the past three years on a small narrow boat, I’ve learnt that I feel good in a small, contained space, with just what I need in term of comfort and belongings. I also understood that I do much better in the quiet of nature.
The uneasiness attached to the thought “I do not know where home is” became the exciting “I don’t have to decide on where home is”. So without overthinking, as to not let too much fear sneak in, I put my savings into a second hand car and spent the past couple of months doing it up (and big thanks to my parents for their help).
Moving out of the studio
With this minimalist chapter I’m diving into, I’m in the process of moving my belongings out of London; and generally speaking I’ll be spending more time in France for the time being, so here’s a head up if you’re interested in some of my work now is a good time to avoid the soaring shipping prices since Brexit..! I dont usually offer such discounts but space in the van being limited I’d love my paintings to go to lovely homes rather than storage - this offer is just for the next couple of weeks as I’m leaving the studio mid-July - let me know if you’re interested in one of those, or any other work that is on my Instagram, I’ll let you know if it’s still available.
On the painting front
I haven't had much time painting for myself lately, but I trust it'll be time soon, I just need to remain patient! Thankfully I did teach in May which came as a beautiful break from working on the van. What I treasure from such retreat is the gift of unapologetically thinking/feeling/talking about nothing else than painting all day. Thanks to the @dulwichartgroup for trusting me once again.
Below some little 'end of the day' gouache paintings, holding on to the sweet informal moments of this week in Provence.
Here's for me, I hope you're well.
Let’s remain soft to one another,
Suzon xx