Tag Archives: Expat

What a year! I wish I could say it was over, but we are still in the midst of Covid here in Paris.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I’m sorry for that. This past year has completely changed the dynamics of our household, and it has taken some juggling and some getting used to in order to be able to create in an apartment, with no real space of my own. This had never been an issue because the kids were usually in school and my dear man and I would often work from home, so we have a mutual respect for each other’s space, no matter how small that space happened to be.

I honestly didn’t think it would effect me as it has, but just to give you an example… I have been interrupted 8 times while writing this paragraph, and now my dear man just received a call that he is what they call here a contact Covid case. So, out come the masks at home, yet again. This is the 3rd time that one of us has been a contact case. I’m sure that there are a lot of you who can relate to all of this. My autoimmune illness adds further stress and constraints to the situation, but I try to remain positive. I’m thankful to have the Bois de Vincennes of Paris nearby to reconnect with nature, and I’m fortunate to have my children and dear sweet man by my side. I cannot complain, nor do I want to because so many have suffered, and my heart goes out to them.

I’ve tried to maintain my Twitter and Instagram accounts, and I know some of you have found your way to me there and I’m thankful for that. Your continued support has meant the world to me.

So, without further ado… What have I been up to?

The French tech show, ORLM, invited me to test out the iPad Pro 7 and the iPad Air 4 for a couple of weeks. They filmed and a little segment of me during one of their shows. As many of you know, I’m not one to put myself in front of a camera, but I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to test out these to products. This actually changed they way I work today. I loved both but decided on the Pro being better adapted for my needs. Prior to this I was using a computer with an attached graphics tablet. It took some getting used to, and I’m not sure if I ever truly adapted after having to stop painting my large canvases for health reasons.

ORLM episode: http://youtu.be/mD11lIj6j2k My little segment appears around the 37:07 point in the video. It’s in French but you will get the idea. 😉

Oh, and no, I am not sponsored by them or anyone else to say what I am about the iPad (I wish! 😁). I’m sharing this because I have often tried to share my process with you. There’s something about being able to paint or draw directly on the screen that is quite liberating, and the fact that I can physically move around, changing positions, helps reduce the pain I get when I sit or stand in the same position too long. I’m literally lounging on my back while typing this. 😅

I’m thankful that I have been able to find a state of mind that enabled me to create in all of the craziness going on around me. Below are 4 of my most recent creations, each of which were done on the iPad. The piece entitled, Synergy was the first time since I stopped oil painting that I was able to create something that resembled my paintings. I got that incredible same sensation when I realized that it was finished. There is nothing like disappearing into the music, to just create.

Synergy by Bellanda
The Synergy of my physical oil painting merged with today’s digital world… a coming together of techniques to create a new mode of expression that enables me to continue expressing myself despite the physical limitations my illness has placed upon me. This is the first of many to come!
Transcendence by Bellanda
Allowing myself to disappear while I paint is a huge part of my process… there is a moment when I can feel myself let go completely. My brain turns off, so to speak, from trying to control the output. When I stepped back to see what I’d done, this piece quite literally filled my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
Spring Feeling by Bellanda
Using my new tools, and new techniques, this piece is different because it was inspired by the beauty I came across during my most recent outing in the Bois de Vincennes of Paris. I started reconnecting with nature by taking long walks because I have felt so isolated from the world this past year. I think it was the first time in quite a while that I actually felt hopeful, as if things were finally going in the right direction. I decided to immortalize the feeling that these blossoms had brought to me.
Innocence by Bellanda
A pensive moment during what should be the innocence of youth in the midst of a changing world. It breaks my heart what our children are having to live through during these Covid Days.

In addition to these 4 pieces, I’ve begun a completely new series of what I am calling Collectible Characters (they’re a lot of fun), of which I will feature in my next post. Some have been minted as NFT tokens. This is something I’ve recently become interested in because I think it will change the future of art and artists. I look forward to talking more about this Collection of Characters and NFTs in detail.

In the meantime, I’ve updated my about About Page on this website. It’s a far more detailed piece of writing that lets you truly into who I am and why I do what I do. I will be updating the rest of the website over the next couple of weeks.

Until, then, stay safe… Send any extra positive thoughts and energy our way, as we could use them this week. Due to the Case Contact we are in complete lockdown. My dear sweet man will be getting the first of two mandatory tests Monday. Stay safe, everyone…

Bellanda ❤️

EVOCATIVE SERIES – Unedited Film Photography

"Evocative Series" Bellanda  ®

EVOCATIVE… it’s time. After many years of keeping Evocative a personal experience, limiting its exposure, I have decided to allow this series to enter people’s homes and hearts. Evocative was created in 2002, and was born from a mix of emotions that words could not convey. When I entered France, I could barely speak a word of French. Frustrations, extreme changes and tremendous life experiences were mixed together in such a turmoil that they apparently became evident in my photographic work. It was then that my photographs took an unintentional inward turn, and became one of self-expression, filled with color… instead of my former black and white representation of stolen candid moments of people from around the world.

I was offered a delicate purple orchid by the man I treasured most just before he left for Africa. He was part of a very dangerous documentary film crew, and promised to return to me in one piece before the flower had begun to fade and die. While he was gone, I decided to immortalize his gesture for eternity by creating Evocative N°1. In his absence, this project made him forever present. Over the next several weeks, I ended up creating an entire series of work. I arranged the photographs preciously around my apartment. Seeing these images helped comfort me in those frightening moments as I wondered if he was in danger… if he was hurt. The absence of news was deafening, but as promised he returned to me safely before the flower had faded and we enjoyed these photographs and all they stood for together.

Evocative N°1 – Unedited Film Photography – Bellanda ®

Not long after, a friend of a friend stopped by my apartment in Nice. Immediately, he asked me to enter my work into a selection process for a one man exposition overlooking the beautiful beach and sea of Monaco. At first, I refused… they were simple flower photographs, yet somehow these photos were part of me and showing them gave me an uncomfortable feeling. It was as if I was naked… as if everyone would know more about me than I wanted them to know. I know that it is probably rare that someone would need to be convinced to show their work in an Art Exposition, but the idea terrified me. After refusing several times, I eventually agreed to show, but not sell my work. I couldn’t get over the concept of selling my soul, as silly as that sounds.

The show featured all 15 of my unedited film photographs from the Evocative Series and was dedicated to others like myself:

Evocative Series – Dedication – Bellanda ®

It was overwhelming to see people react to my work at the Red Carpet Opening. Many were indeed able to see inside of me, and yes, their comments made me blush more than once. I accepted exposing the Evocative Series several times in France, while my Photographic Artwork took on a more and more abstract nature.  This newer work is about capturing a moment, one of emotion and of a state of mind. Although my newer work is far more abstract and can have many interpretations from one person to the next, Evocative remains precious in my heart. It was the first step that led me to develop my current abstract photographic art and painting creations.

It’s true that I had no desire to sell Evocative, but when I saw the pleasure that it gave to others, it felt almost selfish not to allow them to have this in their own homes. I have been selling many of my more recent paintings and photographic art, and have since changed my thinking of seeing my artwork inside the homes of others. Unfortunately, just as I had come to terms with letting the Evocative Series go, transportation from its most recent exposition caused some slight damage to several of the photographs/frames that I had designed especially for the Evocative Series. When I say damaged, I mean little scratches or indents on the frame, etc. I was devastated. Everyone keeps telling me that they don’t notice them or can hardly see them, but with my eye and heart… I see them.

After talking it over with several people, including the dear sweet man who inspired this work, I decided to sell them at a reduced rate. The idea of leaving them in storage breaks my heart. They have traveled long and hard and it is time for them to find a home with someone who will appreciate their history… someone who will appreciate the value of true, unedited film photographs, printed on traditional photo paper versus that of digital on inkjet… someone who will fall in love with their story of love.

Evocative Series Choices:

The Evocative Series is the only artwork that is sold on a limited basis. All of my more recent works are sold on a one-of-a-kind basis. As with all of my work, each Evocative photograph and/or series, framed or not, will come with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity. It was designed to protect the security and genuineness of your limited edition. It will assure authenticity, and include the title, size, and number in the series.

There have only been a total of FIVE sets of the 13 photographs ever made. No further prints will be printed in the future.

  • FOUR sets of the Evocative Series are sized at 30 x 20 cm *Each individual photo will sell at a sale price of 50€ + shipping. *For the purchase of more than one photograph or the entire series, please contact me directly for a special package price.
  • Only ONE set of the Evocative Series is sized at 60 x 40 cm  For pricing details, please see the framing selections below:

Photographs mounted on a floating aluminum structure and built into a black wooden frame designed by Bellanda – Size: 80 x 60 x 5 cm may be purchased for 450€ + shipping   *There are a limited number of black wooden frames, which will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

Evocative Frames - Unique design by Bellanda
Evocative Frame choice: Signed & Dated Floating Unedited Film Photograph on aluminum, mounted on a Unique Black Wooden Frame designed by Bellanda – Size: 80 x 60 x 5 cm

Photographs mounted on a floating aluminum structure – Size: 60 x 40 x 3 cm (without wooden black frame) may be purchased for 300€ + shipping

Evocative Frame choice: Floating Photograph on aluminum 60x43x3cm
Evocative Frame choice: Floating Unedited Film Photograph mounted on aluminum by Bellanda  – Size: 60 x 40 x 3 cm

Please contact me if you would like to know further details about the Evocative Series, as well as any of my newer work. I would be happy to discuss this with you personally.

To purchase or ask for more information concerning one of these photos, please fill out the confidential form below. We will be happy to provide further information about a particular work and/or give you a price quote for your particular region. Please note: all work will be delivered free of charge in the Paris, France region, and special discount rates will apply to purchases of more than one photograph.

*All rights to these images are fully retained by the artist, Bellanda. Any unauthorized reproduction or use is a violation of copyright law.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

MAGMA: Oil on Canvas By Bellanda ®

Turmoil of Light and Darkness,

of Spirit and of Soul…

A battle of Wills and Hope.

Magma by Bellanda ® Oil On 100% Linen Canvas 73 x 100 cm
Magma by Bellanda ®
Oil On 100% Linen Canvas
73 x 100 cm

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

 

Making of MAGMA… Oil on Canvas By Bellanda ®

Everything began on Monday…

and your music suggestions played throughout the Atelier.

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

The mixing of colors…

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

Inspiration guided movement of each stroke…

Making of MAGMA  By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

The movement of brushes…

Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®
Making of MAGMA By BELLANDA ®

First attempt at Time Lapse:

Unfortunately the video color representation was not as accurate as I had hoped, but this quick clip will give you a little look inside my painting creation.  I have convinced my dear partner to do a movie clip for our NEXT Painting Atelier, using our Canon Mark III. This will enable me to give you better image quality next time.

Bellanda Time Lapse: Making of MAGMA

MAGMA will be published tomorrow.

Please Stay Tuned!

A Glimpse Into My Painting Atelier… A Glimpse of Me At Work.

“The light shines through… the music flows… and with each and every stroke of the brush

I am guided into a journey

of mind, body and spirit.”

Bellanda ® 

Latest Painting Atelier with Bellanda ®
Latest Painting Atelier with Bellanda ®

Latest Painting Atelier with Bellanda ®
Latest Painting Atelier with Bellanda ®

Oil Painting Atelier Scheduled for Next Week!

As promised, here is the announcement for our next painting atelier.  Thank you for such wonderful musical suggestions. It has been difficult to make a selection, as your suggestions were fabulous.  For this reason, I have chosen several and have left myself open to adding others as I paint.  Your participation is greatly appreciated, as is your patience.  I’m thrilled to be well enough to express myself again through movement and color, and to be able to share the painting process with you via photos and time-lapse.

Painting Atelier Announcement

I look forward to seeing where my inspiration from your music suggestions will take this next painting… Thank you for being here with me.  Believe in dreams… for they can come true.
Bellanda ®

Believe in dreams... for they can come true. Bellanda ®

It’s Almost Time For Our Next Online Atelier!

Call for Music:

The time has come...

As promised, the time has come for you to take part in the making of my next painting.  Many of you may already know that music is imperative to my creation process… and the choice of music is equally important.  It can influence the stroke of the brush… the choice of color and the actual painting itself.

Although he may not know it, Ludovico Einaudi has taken me on many a glorious journey during my painting process.  His musical genius is inspiring… and I adored allowing his work take me where it did.

Today, I am going to ask you to take part in helping select the music for our next Online Atelier… I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas about the music you’d like me to listen to while I create.  I will listen to all music in the days to come, allowing my instincts to select which musical artist I will select for our Online Atelier.  I will reveal the name of the music as I am about to begin so that you can listen and see where it takes you, while I allow it to take my paintbrush in a direction of its own.

Your participation in this process will make this a lot more interesting and perhaps add an unexpected dimension to my work.  I hope you will play along by adding the name of a song and musical artist.  I can’t wait to see where this new discovery will take us!

One of Kind Film Photography – Series – Espoir N°2

Hope is what we cling to when life brings us in a direction we hadn’t expected,

It’s what allows us to see beyond despair, fear and tragedy.

Hope is what makes surviving possible.

Bellanda

N°2 of 7 different images that make up the series entitled: Espoir Unedited Film Photography – Espoir Series – Espoir N°2 All rights reserved BELLANDA ®
N°2 of 7 different images that make up the series entitled: Espoir
Unedited Film Photography – Espoir Series – Espoir N°2
All rights reserved
BELLANDA ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Oil Painting: ENVELOP

Here is the painting that started in one direction and color scheme,

and finished in a totally new way.

The beauty is that one never knows where a painting will lead

when we allow ourselves to let our cerebral self go

in order to let our inner soul speak.

Bellanda ®
Oil Painting on Linen Canvas
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Sometimes a painting takes on a new life… even before it is born.

Bellanda  ®
First Life – Bellanda ®

Sometimes the unexpected happens on the very same canvas…

and the painting takes on a new life all by itself.

Bellanda ®
Second Life – Bellanda ®

Stay turned to see the end result…

Film Photography – One of Kind – Illusion N°1

Everything is far from what it seems,

So stop asking yourself what the object might be,

And allow yourself to truly see.

Bellanda

All rights reserved BELLANDA ®
One-of-a-Kind Unedited Film Photography – Illusion N°1 of 21 different photographs in the Illusion Series. 
All rights reserved
BELLANDA ®

 For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Oil Painting: Naissance du Papillon

Bellanda ®
Bellanda ®

As the sounds of Ludovico Einaudi’s music resonated throughout my atelier, Naissance du Papillon was created…

With it shines the soft light of something new and positive.

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Making of Oil Painting… turning green into something more

With Atelier doors open and music from Ludovico Einaudi playing, I once again let go and allowed the music to inspire me. Let’s see where it leads…

Bellanda  ®
Bellanda ®

One of Kind Film Photography – Series – Espoir N°1

Hope is what we cling to when life brings us in a direction we hadn’t expected,

Hope is what allows us to see beyond despair, fear and tragedy,

Hope is what makes surviving possible.

Bellanda

BELLANDA ®
1 of 7  different images that make up the series entitled:  Espoir
Unedited Film Photography – Espoir Series – Espoir N°1
All rights reserved
BELLANDA ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85 

Lovyrinth

Where one can get lost in the twists and turns...
Where one can get lost in the twists and turns…
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Torsade Dorée

Let there be light... and let it dance to the rhythm of our dreams. Que la lumière soit... et laissons là danser au rythme de nos rêves.
Let there be light… and let it dance to the rhythm of our dreams.
Que la lumière soit… et laissons là danser au rythme de nos rêves.
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

Making of Oil Painting: Torsade Dorée

I've discovered something I never knew existed... pure joy with the simple movement of a brush.
I’ve discovered something I never knew existed… pure joy with the simple movement of a brush.
Bellanda ®

Le Grand Bleu

This oil painting is dedicated to all surfers and lovers of the ocean and sea around the world. I hope it takes you on a journey in mind and in spirit...
This oil painting is dedicated to all surfers and lovers of the ocean and sea around the world. I hope it takes you on a journey in mind and in spirit…
Bellanda ®

For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85

When blue is more than a color…

Making of... When blue is more than just a color.
When blue is more than just a color…
Bellanda ®

Awakening Series: One-of-a-Kind Film Photography

“With the light of each new day, we are awakened to a world of possibilities…

the chance to start anew.

Awaken not only your body, but your senses and your dreams with the morning’s light…

Take each new day like the opportunity it is.”

Bellanda ®

Awakening: Photographic Film Photography by Bellanda  ®
Awakening: Photographic Film Photography by Bellanda ®

 For availability/price catalog: http://wp.me/P3hMku-85 

Evocative Series

Evocative SeriesBellanda  ®
Evocative Series
Bellanda ®

“Although we can’t always choose who our hearts fall in love with, 

We can decide how to express these inner emotions.

This work is dedicated to those who long to express their love,

Yet must find another outlet for their passion.”

Bellanda ®