Hi! I’m Laly, a mixed media artist from France, and I’m here to help you grow your artist wings! I believe that art connects us to the deepest, most beautiful parts of ourselves, and that beauty and creativity have the power to change the world in amazing ways. Through my online classes, I’m on a mission to guide and inspire like-minded creatives from all over the world. What if you listened to your creative longings? What if you dared to follow this little spark? I believe with my whole heart that your art matters. It is your gift to the world, and now is your time to let it shine!

Website ☆ @lalymille ☆ YouTube

What does Art is Magic mean to you?

I've always believed in magic and miracles, keeping wonder a priority in my life. When I was little, if you'd asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I wouldn't have told you that I wanted to be an artist. What I really wanted was to do magic. It wasn't until my thirties that I realized that art and magic are two sides of the same coin, and that my brushes could be my magic wands. There is so much that we un-learn as we grow up, so much we are taught to let go of, to stop believing in. But making art is one of the best ways I know to keep the magic alive in your heart.

Tell us about your journey to become an artist?

I always felt more comfortable in my inner world than in the "real", outside world, like a little fairy trying to adjust to this human experience. Imagination was and still is my sanctuary. In my teenage years I took some art classes and my mother was very artistic, but it never crossed my mind that art could be anything more than a hobby.

At that turning point when you become a young adult and have to make big decisions that will shape your future life, I gave up art completely. The little fairy in me retreated deep within and locked herself up for a decade. At 32, after several disappointing jobs and the challenge of adjusting to motherhood, I felt utterly disconnected from my truth. Exhaustion and frustration finally broke my heart open, and art rushed back through every crack.

One day, I went googling like my life depended on it, trying to find a form of creative expression that would resonate with me. That's how I discovered mixed media art, and I instantly knew that was "it". I ordered some basic supplies and started painting with newfound freedom and joy. With the loving support of my husband, I took over the kitchen table, embraced the beginner's spirit and experimented with anything that felt good to my soul. I can honestly say that with my first painting, I was born again.

What is it about making art that stirs your soul?

Making art feels like stepping into my own magical world, full of wonder and possibility. In this world it's OK to play, express dreams and emotions, unleash my imagination… As soon as I get started, I feel more connected to my truth, my soul and to the magic of the Universe. My inner fairy feels at home and that's a wonderful feeling. That's really why I started teaching: to help other creatives feel this connection too.

How has your process evolved?

At first, it was a learning journey and I wanted to try everything. With mixed media there are so many possibilities to explore! I also felt the need to paint rather big and surround myself with art. Every canvas on my walls felt like a window, a portal into my imagination.

Nowadays I enjoy more intimate formats. I love to paint a series of small artworks, and my favorite practice is art journaling. Each journal feels like a completely unique, personal and magical storybook!

Art journaling is also my favorite form of creative self-care. I especially love that it allows me to combine art and writing. I like to leave my journal open on my table and whenever I have a moment, I can just add a layer of paint, a piece of collage or a write few words. It's a wonderful playground, a safe haven and a trusted friend all at the same time.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your creative journey?

I wish I had had better information about art supplies. I learned a lot through trial and error, which is priceless, but I also wasted time and money on supplies that were popular but did not work for me, or were not good-enough quality. For instance, inks that faded so I had to completely re-do the shading of some portraits after a few years. Or watersoluble supplies that will bleed when you add more layers on top (or worse, when you varnish your painting!). That's why I created a free workshop about mixed media art supplies, to share what I have discovered over the years and help others build their creative practice on a solid foundation. Art supplies are our magical tools and ingredients, so they're really important!