Dare to Dream

The work of many artists starts with a dream — a vision only they can bring to life. Discover how these four artists, whom you can meet and shop from at the Spring Show, April 25 – 27, chase their passions, nurture their purpose, and turn dreams into reality. 

Jenny Lin is a contemporary-indie artist, whose work often reflects her own dreamscape explorations. As primarily a digital illustrator, she carefully selects bold color palettes to bring whimsical elements to life, often drawing inspiration from Wes Anderson’s films, Tara McPherson’s work, space, as well as weather motifs such as Chinese auspicious clouds.

What is the meaning behind some of the symbols featured in your work? 

Jenny: I enjoy using hidden symbols that feel both familiar and otherworldly. Through surreal elements like Chinese auspicious clouds and a lot of weather-inspired elements, I invite viewers into a world that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Weather and space serve as metaphors for emotion, change, and the unknown.

Why do you create?

Jenny: I love bringing my dreamscapes to life and sharing them with others. Creating helps me explore my imagination, every piece feels like a small adventure, and that excitement keeps me inspired. Additionally, creating is a way for me to experiment — no constraints, just pure exploration. Each piece is an opportunity to capture a moment, an idea, or tell a story. 

What has been a pivotal moment in your career as an artist? 

Jenny: A pivotal moment for me was showing and trying to sell my art at my first show. Seeing people genuinely resonate with and enjoy my work made me realize that I could really do this; it was a turning point that gave me confidence. 

Dhruvi Solanki’s creative process is deeply personal and fueled by her passion for inspiring others. Each scent is created from scratch and aims to serve a purpose in everyday life. Through her creations, Dhruvi aims to inspire others to pursue their dreams, follow their passion, and live more intentionally and confidently.

Are there any recurring themes in your work? 

Dhruvi: Yes, especially the idea of dreams and inspiration. The name ​“Dreams Candles” itself represents the journey of pursuing one’s passions and the belief that dreams are worth chasing. I also often incorporate symbols of growth, positivity, and transformation, which are reflected in both the scents and design of the candles. 

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Dhruvi: What I enjoy most is creating candles that bring both beauty and meaning into people’s lives. I love imagining new scents and hand-formulating them to enhance daily experiences. Along with candles, I’ve expanded my creations to include alcohol-free, non-toxic room, fabric, linen and laundry sprays, as well as candle refill bags — offering more ways to bring comforting and inspiring scents to my customers.

What makes your brand unique? 

Dhruvi: Every scent is hand-formulated and imagined from scratch, created with the intention to enhance everyday life. I focus on crafting candles that not only smell beautiful but also evoke emotions and inspire action. My journey as a self-learner allows me to bring personal stories, growth, and motivation into each product, making every candle more than just a fragrance — it’s a piece of inspiration.

From a young age, French artist Jessica Keer studied art before specializing in architecture. Then, she worked as an interior designer for 14 years while continuing to paint on the side. Having relocated from Paris to Chicago, she now has devoted herself to her personal dreams full-time. 

What inspires your work?

Jessica: My paintings are inspired by my passion for dance. I explore movement, femininity, and the human body– its energy and strength. I work mostly from pictures, whether mine or from ballet companies, then try to translate the poetry of motion in them.

What keeps you creating?

Jessica: The excitement of beginning a new project, the peace of painting sessions, and the satisfaction of the last brushstroke. I never get used to it, or bored. It’s my dream come true. 

Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your career as an artist?

Jessica: A pivotal moment was definitely moving to Chicago, it was a big change in my personal and professional life. It pushed me to devote my time to painting and really start a new career here. It’s been one of my best decisions! 

What began as a hobby, slowly expanded into the small business of Yoali Torres’ dreams. Yoali is inspired by her passion for sustainability, travel, photography, and fashion. She also believes each day is a chance to celebrate and enjoy our intimate creative expression using the canvas of our own bodies. 

Tell us about your work. 

Yoali: I predominantly work with metal, wood, cork, and leather to create lightweight, hypoallergenic, and versatile designs that are functional and practical, complement any outfit, and can either be dressed up or down.

What do you love about creating?

Yoali: I love using my hands to play with wood, cork, and leather pieces. I love the smell and feel of the materials I get to work with and knowing that I am giving the upcycled materials a second life. 

What have you learned about yourself in your career as an artist? 

Yoali: My entire journey as an artist has been a learning experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know myself more throughout the process of living out my dream, as well as meeting other artists who are also on their own creative paths.