Florence: "I changed career at 60!"
What was your course ?
I first started studying literature and then studied Fine Arts for two years. But at age 20, I did not dare to get into the life of an artist so I abandoned painting. So I started a training as a consultant, because human relations have always attracted me. As graphic design and the history of writing also interested me, I worked a lot with graphology. The marriage consultant graphologist worked so well that at age 40, I opened my own practice and hired a team.
Was painting still part of your life at that time?
I had two children, I worked a lot ... so my works were mostly portraits of my children! Nevertheless, I intensively resumed painting at age 35, but did not really get started.
For what reasons ?
First because I loved my job, rich in meetings. I still exposed at age 45 for the first time, but despite the success of this event I still did not feel ready to go frankly.
What was the trigger ?
After taking a Geistalt training, I started giving art therapy seminars. I encouraged others to create. And there, I felt an immense: "To you now!" I knew that my turn had come. Especially that at the same time, I followed executives who were going to retire. I accompanied them in this new stage. And I was very surprised to find that all were lost. I told them that they had certainly had younger passions or dreams, that it was finally time to realize them. Then at 60, we still have 30 years ahead, an ideal time to start a new career!
Has the change of life done easily?
It took about two years. This is the time that I put to close my professional activities, and get started in painting full time!
Concretely, what is happening to you today?
I am currently exhibiting at the Dessertenne Gallery until April 15th mini formats made in 2005. It is going very well. It's hard to go from the solitude of the studio to the public exhibition. But everyone's eyes are always very constructive.
What is your painting style?
Rather abstract, forever. My teachers are Nicolas de Stael, Vieira Da Silva. For me, the abstract is the painting that paints the inside of the soul. I abandoned oil for acrylic a long time ago, but I want to explore new things, why not watercolor or paint with pigments. To live your dream, to follow your vocation, it gives a great energy!
