From Montreal to the Netherlands: My Journey Back to Painting
In 2013, during a bustling convention, a woman approached me and posed a question that would alter my creative journey: “Would you ever want to have a solo show in New York City?” At the time, I had only painted a handful of commissioned pieces—five or ten at most—but her enthusiasm was contagious. She encouraged me to create a body of work for this potential solo exhibition. The idea was both exhilarating and terrifying, but I’ve always believed in embracing new challenges.
Beginnings in Montreal: Testing the Waters
Back then, my wife and I were still living in Montreal. It was the off-season for conventions, so I decided to give painting a serious shot. I bought some canvases, set up my workspace, and started creating. Out of the four pieces I began, only two were completed to what I considered my best ability at the time. But life was hectic—we were also in the midst of preparing for a major move to California.
When we finally learned more about this supposed “solo show,” it became clear it wasn’t what we had envisioned. The woman didn’t have gallery connections or a plan to help us network. Instead, she was merely identifying spaces where we could hang art and take on the monumental task of creating buzz ourselves. If I’d had the resources or reach to do that, I wouldn’t have needed her help in the first place. It was a disappointing revelation, but I chose to close that chapter and focus on our new adventure in California.
California: A Shift Away from Painting
In California, life became a whirlwind of conventions, shirt designs, and hustling. The unfinished 4 paintings lingered in my mind, a nagging reminder of something incomplete. I did manage to experiment with ten smaller pieces during our time in the U.S., but painting never took center stage. There was always another t-shirt design to finish, another convention to prepare for, or another project demanding my attention.
Rediscovering My Artistic Voice in the Netherlands
Everything changed when we moved to the Netherlands. Immersed in European culture, I was surrounded by art in a way I hadn’t been before—gallery visits, stunning works displayed in homes, and the sheer inspiration of the European environment. Watching other artists share their journeys on Instagram rekindled my desire to paint. The emergence of AI art and NFTs also pushed me toward creating something tangible, something that couldn’t be replicated digitally. I began asking myself: What am I waiting for? Why not now?
And so, I dove in. Over the past five years, I’ve been practicing and experimenting and created more than 40 paintings, with countless new ideas jotted down in my sketchbook. Each piece feels like a step closer to fulfilling the promise I made to myself back in Montreal. The act of painting has become a grounding force in my creative life—a way to connect with my art on a deeper, more personal level.
Finding Balance in Creativity
Ironically, I’m busier now than I’ve ever been. I still design 2 shirts a month, illustrate a new book almost every year, and now, I’ve added painting to the mix. Yet, I feel like I have more time to be creative. Conventions used to consume so much energy, from preparation to long hours manning a booth. Now, I have the freedom to focus on what truly drives me: creating.
Looking Ahead
The journey from those first four haunting paintings to where I am now has been anything but linear. But it’s also been profoundly rewarding. Painting has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of pursuing your passion—even if it takes years to circle back to it. I don’t know where this path will take me, but I’m excited to find out, one brushstroke at a time.
For anyone feeling stuck or waiting for the “right time” to pursue something you love, let me tell you: the time is now. Don’t wait until later to start bringing your ideas to life. You might surprise yourself with what you can create.
