Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Weriem. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Weriem, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I’m not sure I’ve ever fully overcome imposter syndrome, but coexisting with it isn’t so bad. I know it’s a feeling that will visit me from time to time, and I’ve come to accept it as something normal. Everyone goes through it. There’s always a first time, a first experience, or a particular situation when doubts creep in. I let it pass like a rainy cloud, knowing that the sun will return. I focus on not dwelling on it and instead try to understand what’s behind it. Once I grasp the fear beneath it, I already start to feel better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a French-Tunisian visual artist based in Chicago. I draw and paint characters often set against surreal backgrounds filled with intricate patterns. My work is somehow inspired by performing arts, history and by the late 19th-century aesthetic movement and its offshoots. I believe life is sometimes a poem, a game, or a play, so through my artwork, I invite viewers to connect with their imagination and inner theater. This year, the big news is my two-month solo exhibition at the Alliance Française in downtown Chicago (opening on October 9, 2024)! This body of work centers around Pierrot, the iconic French character rooted in commedia dell’arte. His gentle melancholy has left an indelible mark on me since I was young, and I’m excited to share his captivating presence with an American audience!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
What helped me the most was a combination of passion for continuous learning (I read extensively about my areas of interest) and organization (I love having a solid plan and aiming high, even if it sometimes seems a bit delusional). My advice would be to recognize how much there is still to learn and to keep learning, to ignore the joy-killers, and to persist while maintaining professionalism at all times.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that had a significant impact on me was sent by my adorable grandma. I started reading it with no expectations, but it truly changed my life! It’s a book by French writer Laurent Gounelle called God Always Travels Incognito. The protagonist is a young, desperate man whose life takes a dramatic turn after a mysterious encounter. He embarks on the journey of a lifetime, taking risks, realizing his potential, and courageously following his dreams. It’s a fantastic book that showcases the power of the human mind to overcome fears, build confidence, and find inner peace. Currently, the most impactful pearls of wisdom for me are coming from Stoic philosophy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weriem.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weriem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057836776396
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weriem-visual-artist-8131b24a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuiKVlNy_OiYcFGKjTmPjrA
Image Credits
Image credits: Headshot by Jen’s Lens. Other photos by Weriem.
