I often have creative blocks. I guess it’s impossible to feel like creating all the time. I can’t really control when I’m going to feel inspired. I learnt from experience that inspiration comes in many forms. It comes by going about my everyday occupations, by experiencing life. If I don’t have a photomontage idea right now, it’s because I haven’t encountered the ‘thing’ that will spark my imagination yet.

I felt burnout when I used to work in offices, for other people. I felt stripped of my creativity and self. Being an artist means I am my own boss, manage my own time and make my own decisions. Of course, it’s not perfect all the time, I am very often too hard on myself and still have a lot to learn. I’m a work in progress, like everyone else.

I enjoy the challenge of taking all the photos myself. It’s tricky at times and it limits what I can use in my photomontages, but it is also very exciting and rewarding. I love the fact that I share a personal connection with each element of my compositions: I know the models (usually me or my boyfriend), have been to all the places, stroked the animals, ate the foods, played the instruments…

The aim of my work is to inspire, to offer a refreshing way of seeing the world we live in. Once I realized that art was going to be how I express myself, I started to look for the best ways to share my work with people. Instagram was a very quick and direct way to share my art with the world and get instant feedback. Plus, I get to discover and follow lots of amazing artists. We all support each other and share tips, it is a really wonderful digital community.

Do something unique, see the world with your own eyes. There are so many so-called ‘artists’ who merely copy the work of other artists. I know I’m not the only person doing photomontages, but I always make sure I come up with new concepts and I also differentiate myself by only using my own photos (lots of people use stock images). Let yourself be inspired by other artists (I most certainly do), but strive to bring your unique view of something, your own ‘ingredient’.