We were lucky to catch up with Colette Hebert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Colette , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from the deep connection I have with my inner self and my ability to express my emotions through art and dance. Creating art and dancing tango are both therapeutic and liberating experiences for me. They allow me to explore and express my emotions, which helps me maintain a positive outlook on life. Additionally, the support and encouragement I have received from my loved ones, dance partners, and art enthusiasts over the years have also contributed to my optimism. Despite facing challenges, such as taking a long break from painting and then rediscovering my passion for it, I have always found a way to persevere and stay positive. Ultimately, my optimism is fueled by my passion for creating, my resilience in overcoming challenges, and the love and support of those around me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a visual artist, Argentine tango dancer, and teacher. My art is deeply influenced by my passion for movement, emotions, and the female form. I create paintings using a unique technique that involves the superposition of materials considered incompatible, such as acrylic, oil, gold leaf, and ink. This innovative approach results in rich and refined textural elements in each piece. My work is expressionistic, contemporary, and explores themes of femininity, sensuality, and the power of the female body. What I find most exciting and special about my work is the emotional truth I am able to convey through the images I create and the movements I express in dance. It is a kind of ‘new figuration’ that explores the delicate and sensual movement of the female body, sometimes at the limit of figuration and just before the abstract explosion. Additionally, I am also a tango dancer and teacher. Tango, for me, is another medium through which I can express emotions and connect with others. It involves a physical and sensual exchange with a partner, and it is an intimate dance that encompasses a vast bouquet of human emotions. I have been teaching tango at my dance studio in San Diego, California, and I find immense joy in guiding my students and seeing them evolve as dancers.
Recently, after a long hiatus from painting, I have returned to creating visual art with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity. The COVID-19 pandemic provided me with the time and space to fully immerse myself back into painting, and I am currently working on a new collection of artworks that I am excited to showcase in the near future.
I believe that both my art and dance are deeply interconnected, and they each inform and enrich the other. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and creativity with the world, and I hope that my work can inspire others to explore their own emotions and express themselves freely.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that were most impactful for me were perseverance, self-belief, and a willingness to experiment.
Perseverance: Throughout my career, I have faced various challenges, from taking a hiatus from painting to pursue tango, to rediscovering my artistic voice after a long break. Perseverance has been crucial in overcoming these obstacles and continuing to create and express myself through art and dance. My advice to those early in their journey is to stay committed to your passion, even when faced with challenges. Keep working, keep creating, and stay true to yourself.
Self-Belief: Believing in myself and my abilities has been essential in my journey as an artist and dancer. It is easy to doubt yourself, especially in the face of criticism or setbacks, but having confidence in your own abilities is key to success. My advice is to cultivate self-belief by surrounding yourself with supportive and positive influences, and by continuously working on your craft and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small.
Willingness to Experiment: Throughout my career, I have experimented with different mediums, techniques, and styles. This willingness to experiment has led to the development of my unique artistic voice and style. My advice to those early in their journey is to be open to trying new things, experimenting with different techniques, and stepping out of your comfort zone. It is through experimentation that you will discover your own voice and what truly resonates with you.
In summary, my advice to those early in their journey is to persevere, believe in yourself, and be willing to experiment. Stay committed to your passion, surround yourself with positive influences, and never stop exploring and experimenting with new ideas and techniques.”
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
One of the most influential people in helping me overcome challenges and develop essential skills has been my former mentor, Leslie Schalk. During my apprenticeship with Leslie, I developed not only my technical skills as an artist but also my self-belief and confidence in my own voice as an artist. Leslie encouraged me to experiment with different techniques and materials, which has been fundamental to the development of my unique artistic style. Moreover, Leslie’s support and guidance helped me to believe in myself and my abilities, which has been crucial in overcoming challenges throughout my career. Additionally, my dance partner and student, who later became my dance partner, played a significant role in my journey. Her commission for a painting after discovering my background as a painter pushed me to overcome my fears and rediscover my passion for painting after a long hiatus. This experience felt like a resurrection and ultimately led me to fully embrace my artistic side once again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colettehebertstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colette_hebert_galerie/
