From Passion to Art
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when summon the will, they soon, become inevitable.”
I was rather undecided about what to write next. Initially, I wanted to make a story and ask you — loves — about what you would like to know; but my brother from another mother that lives across the oceans suggested that I write about my experience in Venice. Honestly, what better subject than to describe an important achievement for me?
See… the first picture I have in my phone showing my legs is dated 15 Aug 2012 (earlier I was a Blackberry fan :)), this is not to prove anything but only to underline the fact that I had this trigger within me long before transforming it into a true passion.
I have thought a lot about it lately, and it is truly fascinating how the Universe sends you signals to help you realise your purpose. You might ask yourself here: but is this your purpose in life? To show off your legs?
Definitely not!
Now let me tell you something…
Not long ago I was a woman dealing with, and fighting her own demons, who started to use her artistic vision to express her inner-world. I was feeling lonely and believe it or not… unseen. I became comfortably numb in a routine that I believed was normality. I learned a lot for the past years. I learned to rediscover, love, embrace myself, my strength. I was happy like I have never thought one could be, and I almost visited Hades because I allowed myself to do things for the fear of losing what I never had. Some lessons are very hard, and there are moments when you think you’ll never come out of it again. But you do, and you understand that it is not your duty nor your responsibility to make people understand your worth. I’ve always struggled to find balance in my personal life because I am extremely demanding, and to be honest I still don’t understand why it is so difficult for me to find peace.
So, being in a continuous inner fight with how I was feeling and what was right to do, I tried to find a way to express my freedom. I had never studied photography, nor read any kind of photography manuals… I emerged completely by the feeling. I played like a kid plays with their favourite toy. At first I shot most of my content with an iPhone and only started to use my cameras much later. I still have no idea how to use Photoshop or any other editing programs since I love to be practical and shoot as clean as possible. Even nowadays, I edit my photos on the iPhone.
I remember one day, a couple wrote to me that my pictures very much resemblmed Helmut Newton’s style. I had no idea who he was back then. Excuse my ignorance but I had no experience in the field of photography. So I googled him and I was like… omg his pictures were really similar to mine. :)) Actually it was the other way around, but I told you before: when it comes to self confidence, I have no problems! Without realising it, I felt encouraged and compelled to fulfil my dream (still having no Idea what it was).
My content was appreciated and I differentiated myself from the others by always striving to get better. I never compared myself or tried to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t listen to anybody but my own inner voice. And I tried to express everything in my own way.
In my pictures you find emotion, happiness, frustration, war, drama, passion, sex, lust, sadness… every picture talks about how I felt in that moment.
I don’t want to pretend to be someone I am not. I am a Woman who feels everything at the extremes, and although this sometimes is overwhelming, it is who I am.
I started this journey six years ago, and I only wanted to create, to express emotions, to get inside your mind and make you feel in love with the same details and passions. I am strongly convinced that we are all born with a gift, a purpose in life and it only depends on us whether we embrace it or let it suffocate for the fear of failure. I remember I had a choice when I started this process, I could have quickly transformed it an a easy way to monetise, by allowing myself to be — let’s say — available (for “sessions” like some of you call them), but I am stubborn as fuck and I am so strongly grounded to my principles that I chose the hard way. Also because of how I feel in regards to the fetish I have for high heels — and not only is it not something superficial, but indeed very profound and with deep meaning — that I chose to convey it through art, and manifest it only and exclusively in my private life.
Every shooting I did, with my little suitcase filled with looks that I carefully chose, the accessories, the styling, make-up, hair, location… all by myself and sometimes, very lucky to have someone to help me.
I am telling you all this because although I had moments when I said fuck it all… I DID NOT GIVE UP!
I took my breaks, I healed from my own personal frustrations and deceptions and I kept going. But things change, and you attract people in your life that love and support you unconditionally… that see in you the amazing person that you are!
In a previous post I mentioned that a person close to me told me I was never happy with what I had. It is not that I am not happy, I am probably one of the most grateful people, grateful for everything I have achieved until now, for everything I have received. The other day I was told that I am restless… of course I am. Fuck yes! I always want more, from life, from myself… because for me, settling means to die. I cannot stop striving to improve. I need to grow, I MUST grow so I can be at my best. I want to be at my highest energy. My biggest dream in life is to touch people’s minds and hearts. Whether it is through my artistic vision, my creativity or my way of being, or my own life lessons I will never cease to do it. And it is not easy, believe me. Because growing implies sacrifices, giving up to people that you love, situations where you still think you could do something… Growth means failing, stumbling, falling but always rising and moving forward.
Now… Venice! Venice was amazing. Truly a dream come true.
A month ago Morini came to me asking if I want to be his model for a project.
I told him “Everything for you, Morini”
I asked him what it was, so he told me it was an exhibition about erotic art.
With an evil smile 😈 I said “If it is erotic I need to be there. I want to participate. Do you mind if I subscribe?”
He was “Sure, bellesssss”
So I did. I filled the form, sent the pictures, and guess what?
Two weeks later I got an email informing me I was selected. I was at home… smiling and dancing like a kid. You might think “it’s not a big deal” but I was selected together with 48 real professional photographers. Our pictures will be exhibited, along with another 180 art pieces, until the 14th of July in Officine Forte Maghera Venice. It’s a big accomplishment and I am beyond grateful to Ivana and Simo for guiding me, also to all those who supported me in this process. It feels fulfilling to see my art there, and most of all, to be complimented by women for my artistic vision, and being able to talk and share our personal experiences.
We all have one thing in common… the need to be loved, appreciated, supported and respected.
Allowing us to step from our masculine energy and embrace our feminine side where we flourish… where from our way of being, we create MAGIC around us.
This exhibition was crucial to me because it had me realise once again my potential.
See… when it comes to my values, I tend to leave humbleness aside, but here comes my grounded nature and I must make something evident: for almost 6 years I took photos as a passion, mainly for Instagram. I lost my first account with almost 100,000 followers because of other people's envy and frustrations, I started all over again, never bought followers or accepted any shortcuts. Six years later, I see my art on a wall. This means a lot, probably more than you think.
Not the last time, I promise!
You know me by now… I’m already looking forward to my next adventure. I have no idea where it may lead me, but what I know is that I’ll continue to be myself and make the best of it.
Am I scared?… nah. If I fail, I’ll just reinvent myself in the process. So you’ll definitely see a lot of sexy long legs, heels, and not just that…
Where? Well… let’s keep the mystery!
p.s. I was on holiday a few years ago, on a boat, taking pictures… when G told me “You have true potential in what you do. Don’t listen to what others are saying, do what you love.'“ I keep these words close to my heart.
If people talk about you it means I am doing something great 💃
Stay tuned
p.p.s I will learn to use Photoshop 🤣
Gratefully yours,
Teke
