Creating Connection

Meet these four inspiring artists whose work fosters connection through shared stories, relatable experiences, and the simple, powerful act of creating. Explore their work, discover the meaning behind their pieces, and experience firsthand how they bridge expression and connection at the upcoming Spring Show, April 25 – 27. 

Kristin Heldt is a digital illustrator whose work focuses on providing an accessible connection to nature. She digitally draws each piece, typically incorporating moons, botanicals, and balanced patterns that allow the viewer to pause, take a moment to breathe, and find peace. 

What do you enjoy most about creating? 

Kristin: The process and the people. It has been amazing to hear how people connect to my work. I’ve had countless people message me to let me know that my art has gotten them through some tough times, and others mentioning how seeing my work totally changes their day. It’s such a beautiful position to be in — to have a positive impact on others while using your gifts.

Has there been a crucial moment in your career as an artist?

Kristin: Back in 2020 I was in a dark place, working for an agency that paid good money, but it wasn’t feeding my soul. However, that wasn’t enough for me to quit unless something truly moved me to do so. Of course, the pandemic happened which led me to quit my full-time job to pursue my digital illustration dream. 

What makes your art one-of-a-kind?

Kristin: I’ve been able to create a resource for others who are looking for peace — a form of nature that is accessible to those who need it and connect to it. I’m not just making art; I believe I’m changing people’s lives through it. 

Joni Watson hand pours 100% soy candles using quality wax, fragrance oils, and vessels that promote self-love, self-care, and tapping into the peace of the present moment. Not only do these candles encourage taking care of oneself, they also elicit laughter with their unique scent names like ​“Hello 5 Ex-Boyfriends”, ​“Mama Needs a Minute”, ​“Jamaican Me Crazy”, etc.

What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Joni: ​“Out of the darkness comes light.” After a very rough time in 2020 dealing with anxiety, depression, a very negative inner voice, and feeling hopeless, I started focusing on self-love and practicing self-care and that is what our brand is all about. We need to talk about mental health more and people need to know they are not alone. Our tin packaging is intentionally dark with the candlelight coming from within and our logo is a lotus flower to symbolize resilience, strength, and rebirth. 

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Joni: Hands down, my favorite part about what I do is connecting with the customers at events. It’s truly all about the people for me…the candles are just the vessel that help me connect with them by inviting them to my booth.

What makes your business unique? 

Joni: Our message is what sets us apart. We offer a natural based, quality product using the safest scents in the industry at an affordable price, but anyone can do that. We truly care about our customers and building a relationship with them. My heart and love for others is what makes Right NOW Candle Co. unique. 

Inspired by her love of Art Deco style, retro theatrical costumes and film, artist Martha Colón creates hand-drawn illustrations and paintings that mirror her muse– a fictional fashionista named MeowCleeva, and her furry companions. 

What inspired MeowCleeva? 

Martha: It started as a logo for a lingerie business I once had. Throughout the years, the logo evolved into a character that I find fun to dress up! I’ve come up with a short story about the character, and that is what’s been helping me come up with the designs. What I have now is a collection of storyboards that I implement on various products as well as the original art. 

Why do you create? 

Martha: I love the process of using my hands to make things come to life, that includes drawing, painting or sewing. My passion for designing has me consistently creating artwork which also helps my well-being and mental health. I find it a form of meditation that makes me feel calm, happy and productive. Creativity is my outlet.

Why is your work important?

Martha: My customers forge an emotional connection with my work. They tell me that my art makes them happy and that they see themselves or someone they know and love in the designs. 

Virginie Dyvorne started Whimsy Jewelry in Paris in 2005 and is now a NYC based one-woman shop offering conversation starters in the form of dainty colorful jewelry. Each piece has a visual storytelling component that promotes connection to self and to others. It is the central focus and primary motivation for her designs. 

Tell us about your work. 

Virginie: I design and handcraft jewelry using the best quality materials in an environmentally friendly way and I add my personal dainty and minimal style that is often figurative and loaded with meaning which makes people connect to it on a deeper level than with most jewelry brands. 

Is there a reoccurring theme in your work? If so, why is it significant to you? 

Virginie: Nostalgia is definitely a recurring them in my work. To me, it is a connection to my inner child and keeps dear memories alive. The spinning necklace ​“Counting Daisies” is one of them, it shares a piece of my French culture in a playful way and was a technically challenging piece to achieve.

Has there been a pivotal moment in your career as an artist? 

Virginie: My first One of a Kind Show was in 2012; I had recently moved from Paris to New York and it was my first time stepping up my game to create a more upscale presentation of my work. It was challenging but it helped me grow as a brand owner.