Dear reader,
Since the beginning of time, humans have needed someone or something to be inspired by.
Over the years, I have had many idols, and each period of my life has had its own. Today, there are artists, writers, and people who inspire me and help me become the artist I am, and I have decided to tell you about one of them.
Today is the birthday of a very special person, someone who more than anyone else deserves to be featured in this blog about creativity, life, and beautiful things! My aunt Imara is celebrating 80 trips around the sun today—80 years so full of life that perhaps a book would be needed to truly tell her story, rather than just a blog post. In her life, she has done it all: she has been a daughter, mother, wife, an incredible businesswoman, a world explorer, and a true citizen of the world. And now, she told me just a few days ago, she is preparing to be an 80-year-old lady—who, in reality, looks nothing like the idea of an «old lady» at all!
She has simply done everything.
For me, she is a great role model, an amazing teacher, and one of the most important people in my artistic journey.
When I was about ten years old, we took a road trip through the Camargue in France. I still remember the wild horses and breakfast by the window of our hotel… Then we traveled to Spain, where she introduced me to the great Spanish artists—Dalí, Gaudí, Picasso. I remember when she took me to Dalí’s museum (I still remember buying a soft ruler… what a marvel! Only my aunt and Salvador Dalí could make me love such a technical object like a ruler!). I was completely fascinated by the madness of that man, who became for me another incredible example of art, creativity, but above all, freedom of expression.
I have returned to visit his museum many times, and no matter how familiar it is, I never stop being amazed, never stop discovering new details and sources of inspiration. As far as I know, the museum has remained more or less the same… It’s my eyes that change with every visit, seeing something new each time.
Our final destination was Monells, a village of artists . I have fragmented memories—little flashes of corners, people, and emotions… Looking back, I believe that trip was one of the most significant of my life, though at the time I didn’t realize it.
After that experience, my perspective on everything changed. A building was no longer just a square, dull thing—it was fluid, full of art and life. A drawing was no longer just a reproduction of what I saw—it was a complete reinterpretation by the artist. Adults could be fun and enjoy creating and drawing, just like me. And finally, a ruler was no longer stiff and boring—it was soft, and suddenly, one of my favorite objects.
Without knowing it, my aunt taught me all these things, and so many years later, she continues to teach me. Every lesson she shares becomes another precious treasure I store away.
Let me share 4 lessons my aunt has taught me:
1. My aunt never tells you what to do.
She is like Tom Thumb leaving breadcrumbs—she drops little hints here and there, provokes you, stirs your thoughts, challenges you to spark a reaction. And without even realizing it, if you learn to listen to her and play along, you arrive at a solution.
But first, you’ll question absolutely everything, switch perspectives, change ideas, and reformulate them. As she always says, from chaos comes chance.
Artistic and life lesson: SHAKE THINGS UP, BREAK THE RULES.
This taught me to always question my creations and my style. To shake everything up without fear. To avoid labeling myself and to let go. Last year, I woke up one morning and decided I no longer recognized myself in my art. It was a drastic and debatable choice that shocked my followers. But now, I can say it… IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY because, for the first time, people can truly see my essence.
2. She always has a different perspective that helps her sidestep problems. As she would say, “In life, you must be healthily lazy.” Anything that makes us angry and wastes our energy on negative thoughts is just a waste of time.
I once had an ex-boyfriend who believed in artistic torment. He said that to create true art, you had to suffer. I can almost guarantee, even though I’ve never asked her, that my aunt wouldn’t agree. She’s far too lazy to indulge in the luxury of torment.
Artistic and life lesson: BE HEALTHILY LAZY.
This taught me not to be influenced by others’ judgment—or, more importantly, my own. I create without torment, purely to express myself, without fear of the blank page, without worrying whether others will like it or not, asking myself only if it makes me happy and proud of my work. At the same time, I try to live my life the same way—without fear of new beginnings, without letting negativity affect me, and always with a smile.
3. Many years ago, when my dream was to become a book illustrator, my aunt looked at me and said, “Write to J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter!” She was asking me to write to the richest, most famous writer on the planet. Me, Andrea, a nobody illustrator. I never wrote to her, but I know that the version of me today would write if my desire to become a book illustrator was still so strong. Actually, you know what? Maybe I’ll write to her anyway—who knows!
Artistic and life lesson: DREAM BIG—NO, DREAM ENORMOUSLY!
This is one of my aunt’s most valuable lessons. It’s the driving force behind my work, helping me find clients and live off my art. It’s also what has allowed me to live such an exciting life in such a short time.
Everything I’ve imagined has come true. (Fun anecdote: Once, a friend asked me to choose a diary. The covers mimicked those of great classics, and without a second of doubt, I chose Cinderella. Honestly, I feel just like her! After all, she dreamed big and turned pumpkins into lavish carriages.)
4. Last but not least: My aunt is 80 years old today, and she still laughs until she cries and gets excited about things that thrill her. Her mind is so flexible that she can immerse herself in situations as only a great expert or a completely free-spirited child could. In her, I don’t see the fears typical of someone her age; instead, I see immense courage, the kind that only someone who approaches life playfully can have.
Artistic and life lesson: PLAY! Approach life as if it’s a game, and everything will be more fun
In conclusion: If everyone had an aunt like mine, the world would undoubtedly be a more beautiful, artistic, and creative place.
Happy birthday, Auntie!
Here is a small collection of inspirations from the very beginning to till today.
dear reader, for today I think is enough!
Enjoy this February full of love!
