Where are you from and which Nationality are you?

French Canadian by birth, but truly I am all nationalities, and yet none. I am a universal child. At the very core, I do not see differences between us. I never did since I was a child. My friends always have been an international group of people. We connect and get to know each other on a soul level; the rest is a garment. We all are "humans", right? -- Experiencing duality in the same way in this world. Sufferance and pleasure is all part of our lives.

Are you a Buddhist & is some of your work Buddhist art?

My work is not Buddhist art. Yes, I am a Buddhist, but I am also a Christian, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jain and a Jew etc. I embrace all religions. I love very much Jesus Christ, the Buddha, Krisna, Mohammed and all Sages, Saints and enlightened beings etc. For the essence of truth, universal principles and human values, which governed this creation, lie dormant in all religions. We are just caught up with the symbols we have created for these religions, in order to categorize and differentiate us. That is the ego speaking. And, that is one of the major causes of war-our own inner battle. The Divine (whatever that might be for us) is manifested in every cell and atom of this universe. Just the fact of its existence, is the proof. Let's just take a good look around us, and then go deep inside us. We would discover such a marvelous beauty- a precious lotus in full-blown under the sunlight. Regardless of our religion, the Divine is within. That is our true nature. We just need to awake to this reality; that we are waves of vibrations in this vast cosmic Ocean. Thus, my work is not of any religion. The voice speaks to the soul in the universal language of Love!

Why did you paint an American Flag if you are not American?

I don't know. It just came to me in a vision. So, I had to paint it. That is why I exist, because painting is like breathing to me. This flag is not like the usual American flag. Actually, it is not even an American flag-more of a universal flag symbol with fifty-two stars and only eleven stripes on it (reflecting on the 9/11 events as well as honoring all nations and religions of the victims who perished in that tragedy). United as One speaks at a deeper level, and stirs the soul not necessarily with patriotic feelings. If you really look at it closely, this piece speaks about being a true American. America is a cultural web woven with a very rich palette of colorful threads, representing different nationalities and their cultural and religious backgrounds. Isn't this the foundation of America? And, yet America has grown enormously. Whether we realize it or not, we are all interconnected at many levels, and need each other in order to function within a country and a world which is safe, peaceful, loving and harmonious. Perhaps, I am a dreamer, but there are more than a few of us feeling that way. That is the true American Spirit I see. So perhaps, this piece could bring hope to the hopeless, vision to the blind, healing to the wounded, and love to the deprived.

*See San Francisco Chronicle Newspaper article entitled
"San Anselmo artist shows our true Colors"

How do you feel when you create a work of art?

It must be like labor! It is truly like giving birth to a baby--the moments are filled with everything: pain, pure joy & love, even ecstasy. That is the reason why it is an exercise of letting go at which time I release one of my babies into the world. My shakti (energy) is in it.

Have you studied to become an artist?

Yes, I graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Fine Art in 1999-2000. However, I feel one is born an artist. Studying art only disciplines you and helps you bring up what you already know intuitively. It is actually a good excuse to meet other kindred spirits. Then, we can share and grow.

See Biography for more information

Where have you shown your work before?

My works have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and also abroad, including the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Roscoe Village, Ohio; the Yosemite Museum in Yosemite, California; the Williamsburg Art and Historical Society of New York City; the Peace Museum in Chicago; the Blue Dolphin Gallery in Pensacola (now, called Seven Heaven Gallery), Florida; Woman Made Gallery in Chicago; Powell Street Gallery in San Francisco; and Castle Kruenburg, Austria.

See Biography for more information

What is the source of inspiration?

The Divine, the great mystery of the Human Spirit, Eastern thoughts, the Yoga tradition and the life force which manifests and permeates this entire creation.
I am only a vehicle to express and glorify this wonder and beauty.

See Artist Statement for more information

Do you belong to any art movement & how would you call your style?

I don't know. Do we really need a title or a name to define the essence and existence of something? Let's just enjoy it for what it is. Categorizing a thing is using the intellectual and reasoning faculties. It confines us to a box, because the mind is limited to a reality experienced only with our five senses. The heart has unlimited possibilities, and an infinite Garden of love. That is our connection to the Divine-our sixth sense, or if you will our intuitive faculty. We must see with the heart only. Art must be connected with the heart, not with the mind.
The world must be seen with the heart. That is why I do not subscribe to any art movement, because their focus is mainly theories based on logic. Yet, my style of art has no name. Yet, it is for sure contemporary figurative art, reflecting the image of our era we live in. I would not know how to categorize it, for the act of categorizing locks oneself in a cage. The voice should always be free to flow like a river. However, echoes of the past do resonate in my art. The Renaissance painters, Pre-Raphaelites, Victorian Neo-Classicists, Surrealists, Symbolists, Fauvists, Cubists, German Expressionists, as well as the Abstract Expressionists have all had a certain influence over my work.

See Style/Technique for more information

Are you available for art commission?

Yes, I am available for art commission. It would all depend on the project and circumstances.

*Write me an email for inquiry, or call TOLL-FREE (866) SOUL ART for more information and inquiry

Do you do portraits or murals?

Not really. However, I had the honor so far to do a few portraits of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. If I would do more, they would be more creative portraits rather than traditional ones. Regarding murals, it is always possible. It would all depend on the project and the location.

*Write an email for inquiry, or call TOLL-FREE (866) SOUL ART for more information and inquiry

How long have you been painting?

I have been drawing since I was a child. It was just natural. Regarding painting with oil, it has been since 1997 when I was a student at SFSU. Drawing and craftsmanship is the most important aspect and foundation to Fine art.

How many original artworks do you create in one year?

Depending on which events are happening in my life, different projects, flow of creativity, the size of the work and the volunteering service I do during the year. It could vary between 15 to 30 original artworks. My productivity will never be at a manufacturing level. I truly paint when the creative flame and the Divine spirit takes over my soul.

 

Who is "the soul team"?

The Divine which is the guiding force behind everything we do, my beloved husband, Michael, myself, Spirit (our crazy clown Samoyed dog), Snowflake (our sweet Husky/Samoyed mix), and my adorable kitty cats, Simba, Maya, Tina La Ballerina, Lila and Puja. We are the team, and are here to serve you, and make your art acquisition a celebration!

	With love, Vivi
	Namaste