
Journal
Chapter One - Instalment 4 - Her life looked enviable. Lately, it felt more like endurance.
Her name was etched into the glass outside her corner office.
Evangeline Hart, Senior Corporate Strategist.
Once upon a time, seeing those words had thrilled her — proof that she had made it. That the long nights, the college degrees, the pressure had all led somewhere important.
Now, it just felt heavy — not in any obvious way, but in that quiet, airless way certain lives begin to feel once they’ve stopped evolving.
She knew this work backwards. Could navigate it in her sleep.
But with each year, it interested her less and less.
Her father still told her she should push higher — partner, board seat, something impressive.
She knew she was capable, but even the thought of it made her chest tighten, like trying to climb a never ending hill with a boulder chained to her ribs.
She didn’t want to rise anymore — not in this profession at least.
Chapter One: Instalment 3 - When the life you built begins to feel too small for the woman you’re becoming…
When the life you built begins to feel too small for the woman you’re becoming…
The day unfolded as it always did. Smoothly. Efficiently.
Emails responded to. Table cleared. Linen napkins folded, not because anyone noticed, but because it pleased her. There had always been a quiet satisfaction in tending to details — it was her way of bringing beauty to the ordinary.
But lately, even that had begun to dull.
Chapter One – The Turning Point (Instalment 2)
Everything Was in Place—Except Her Heart
The turning point never announces itself with fanfare.
It arrives quietly—often in the middle of something that used to feel like a dream come true.
Her house was beautiful, of course. High ceilings. Pale stone floors. The kind of quiet elegance that came from old money and even older taste. It was the sort of home that made people exhale when they stepped inside, a home that smelled of sandalwood and bergamot, with velvet drapes that softened the morning light like a sigh.
Painting a Story, One Chapter at a Time
Over the coming months, my work will unfold in a new way — as a story told in chapters. Each art series will now form a Chapter in the life of a woman named Evangeline — a character I believe many of us, including myself, will recognise. This is an ongoing narrative of beauty, restraint, longing, and quiet transformation. It will unfold like a novel: chapter by chapter, page by page, post by post. Each Chapter will contain its own collection of paintings, just as my series always have — but now, beneath the brushstrokes, a deeper story begins. The first Chapter is called The Turning Point.
The Unexpected Journey of Becoming an Artist
Becoming an artist wasn’t something I planned—it was something I discovered. Life has a way of guiding us down unexpected paths, sometimes through challenges we’d never choose for ourselves. My journey to becoming a full-time artist is a testament to that.
Art found me during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While it was a difficult and unexpected chapter, it also clarified my purpose in a way I hadn’t felt before. I realized that my calling was to create art that resonates deeply with others, art that reflects the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.
Interactive Art: Exploring QR Codes in Beyond the Door series
Art has always been a powerful way to tell stories and evoke emotions. With my upcoming collection, Beyond the Door: When One Door Closes, Another One Opens, I wanted to take this storytelling a step further by creating an experience that goes beyond the canvas.
That’s why each painting in this collection features a QR code—a gateway to a deeper connection with the art.
How My Garden Inspires My Artwork
There’s something magical about spending time in a garden. The gentle rustle of leaves, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the quiet cycles of nature all serve as a reminder of resilience, transformation, and beauty.
For me, my garden isn’t just a place to unwind—it’s a constant source of inspiration. Every brushstroke in my upcoming collection, Beyond the Door: When One Door Closes, Another One Opens, carries a piece of that inspiration, reflecting the themes of growth and renewal that are so abundant in nature.
Why Art Matters During Life’s Transitions
Life is full of transitions—some we choose, others are thrust upon us. Whether it’s a new chapter after a relationship ends, a career shift, or the journey through personal challenges, these moments can be overwhelming. They can also be the catalyst for growth, self-discovery, and transformation.
Behind the Canvas: The Story of the Hidden Keys
Keys have always fascinated me. They’re more than just objects; they’re symbols of possibility. A key represents the power to open a door, unlock a mystery, or start a new chapter. Including hidden keys in my paintings felt like the perfect way to mirror the themes of this collection: transformation, resilience, and new beginnings.
These keys invite you to look closer and connect with the story behind the art. Just like in life, sometimes the most meaningful treasures aren’t immediately visible—they’re waiting to be uncovered.
From Heartbreak to Hope: How Life’s Challenges Inspire Art
When a relationship ends unexpectedly, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. But as time passes, many of us discover that the loss made space for something far more beautiful—a soulmate, a deeper connection, or a renewed sense of self.
Unlocking a New Chapter: Beyond the Door: When One Door Closes, Another One Opens
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, a door closes so abruptly—a relationship ends, a career path shifts, or a life event takes us by surprise—that it feels as though the ground has shifted beneath our feet. In those moments, it’s hard to see the bigger picture or imagine what could possibly lie ahead.