Embracing Authenticity in a World of Expectations

Embracing Authenticity in a World of Expectations
My wild self , she is the wind that cannot be captured, a force of nature dancing in untamed freedom.

Hello, dear friends. Today I come with the intention of continuing to open my heart and my intimacy around topics related to my personal growth, and one of those areas is deeply linked to my sensitivity and love for art.

The world of art has always drawn me in with great intensity, though I saw it as something almost unreachable, surrounded by a nearly impenetrable elite. If you don’t play the social game, if you aren’t extraordinary, or if you don’t have connections, the path becomes difficult. I thought my extroverted personality and talent would be enough to integrate into that circle. But the reality was different.

I found myself in a maze of ideologies, trends, and competition where solidarity was scarce. Those in privileged positions rarely reach out to help others, and connecting with a curator or gallery often depends more on luck than merit.

Over time, I realized that waiting for external validation wasn’t the way forward; instead, I chose to value myself and find a balance between my art and sustainability.

That’s when I set out on a new adventure, exploring what I truly enjoy and how I could make it my life. In this search, the idea of creating a space emerged—a place that could offer what I myself had longed for: a safe space where a creative soul could feel welcomed, safe, and free to create in community, in an environment of solidarity and understanding.

That’s how Soul was born, a constantly evolving project. My goal is for it to be a shared space, one that grows collectively, and where every visitor leaves their mark. Soul is a place for those seeking freedom and authenticity.

Soul Coliving in Vila Franca de Xira for creative nomads
Soul Coliving: A vibrant coliving space in Vila Franca de Xira, near Lisbon, offering a community-driven lifestyle for creative nomads.

This project led me to another reflection: true art is largely the art of being an entrepreneur in the artistic world. When I began sharing my pieces, photographs, and collages, I realized the need to become a salesperson. Though I have a knack for it, selling my art never felt the same as selling a product, because my work is my language, my fantasy world, my creative garden without limits.

Over time, I understood that creating art is a way of living, a creative act in itself. It’s a slow, passive observation, like a painting that takes form drop by drop, reflecting what moves and questions me. For me, art is present in every detail of life, from drinking coffee to recreating an imaginary scene in a new project.

Creating is a spontaneous, natural act—a living root that grows if it’s nurtured with calm and peace. I realized that art needs to be for me, for my soul, for each breath that encourages me. Sometimes, I don’t even need to express it; the art lives within me. I’ve learned to be my own gallery, to enjoy my creative acts, and to make my life a world of art.

Las hermanas

By sharing my work without expecting to be understood or appreciated, I discovered that true success isn’t in selling or fitting in, but in expressing my most authentic self. That is the greatest victory: living in peace with what you create, without depending on external recognition. In the end, the great artists also broke away from superficiality and found peace in their authenticity.

Now, I’ll say goodbye as I listen to a subtle and masterful piece, Erik Satie - Gnossienne No.1. This moment connects me to the beauty of the art of living.

Take your time, savor life, be grateful, and keep creating.

Hugs,

Val