1.Your concept “The Inner Red Carpet” transformed Cannes from a glamorous event into a deeply personal artistic statement. What emotional truth were you hoping people would confront through that experience?
Through “The Inner Red Carpet,” I aimed to transform the glamour of Cannes into a deeply personal and introspective journey for each viewer. I envisioned my installation as a crystal-clear mirror, reflecting not just their external appearances, but also the hidden emotions and untold stories that reside within them. My hope was to spark curiosity and provoke thought, inviting individuals to engage with their inner selves in a way that feels both safe and liberating.
It brings me immense joy to share that many audience members experienced profound moments of connection during the installation. As they interacted with my live performance, they began to confront their fears, insecurities, and suppressed emotions. Some found themselves questioning their conditioning and the narratives they’ve been told, while others rediscovered their joy and inner voice. This beautiful exchange of vulnerability and authenticity reaffirmed my belief in the power of art to heal and inspire. Ultimately, my goal was to create a space where people could embark on a journey of self-discovery, and I’m thrilled to have witnessed that transformation unfold before my eyes.
2.You often speak about authenticity as a practice rather than just an idea. What does living authentically actually demand from a person today?
Absolutely, authenticity is a practice rooted in the essence of who we are, rather than a superficial notion we adopt to fit in. To live authentically in today’s world, we must cultivate a deep connection with our inner selves, allowing our true thoughts and feelings to guide us instead of succumbing to the external noise and pressures around us.
Living authentically demands a few essential qualities:
- Self-Awareness: This means taking the time to understand your values, passions, and desires. It’s about reflecting on what truly matters to you, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
- Courage: Embracing your uniqueness requires the bravery to express your true self, even in the face of judgment or criticism. It’s about standing firm in your beliefs and choices, knowing that they shape your unique journey.
By nurturing these qualities, we tap into our intuition-an incredibly powerful yet often underrated tool. When we trust our inner voice, we unlock the potential to create a life that resonates with our true selves, paving a distinct pathway meant only for us.
Living authentically is not always easy, but it is a journey worth embarking on. It invites us to celebrate our individuality and empowers us to share our unique stories with the world.
3.Your work blends performance, emotion, symbolism, and healing. At what point did you realize art could become a medium for inner transformation rather than just visual expression?
Reflecting on my journey as a freshly graduated artist in 2007, I began my career immersed in realistic illustrative styles. However, as I navigated the complexities of life, I found myself increasingly drawn to the profound concepts of subtraction and minimalism.
My life has been a roller coaster—a journey that has taken me from a low-middle-class upbringing to experiencing luxury, from a vibrant and fulfilling marriage to the heart-wrenching challenge of my husband’s battle with brain cancer, which ultimately led to his passing in January 2024.
Through it all, I have learned to live with gratitude. This gratitude is not merely a surface sentiment; it stems from my deep connection to my art practice.
Each eraser dust straid, each performance, became a reflection of my experiences and emotions, often without me even realizing it. In this way, I began to understand that I was becoming my own artwork, embodying the very essence of transformation that I sought to explore.
Art has become a powerful medium for inner transformation, allowing me to process grief, joy, and everything in between. It’s more than just visual expression; it’s a path to healing and self-discovery. My personal experiences have laid the foundation of my belief that art can catalyze profound change within us. Each piece I create is a realtime representation of my life journey, a reflection of my evolving self, and a reminder that we can all find beauty and growth even in the most challenging circumstances.
4.Cannes is usually associated with visibility and spectacle, yet your approach seemed introspective and inward-looking. Was that contrast intentional?
Absolutely, the contrast between my approach and the typical spectacle of Cannes was entirely intentional.
As an artist and the wife of a bold screenwriter, I believe that opportunities arise from a greater universal plan. My ultimate vision is clear: to impact over 1.2+ billion individuals and help them connect with their authentic selves.
In recent years, I’ve felt a profound alignment with the universe, as my art practice and my husband’s storytelling have drawn us to opportunities like Cannes.
Together, we dream of a world where every individual is truly connected to themselves and lives an authentic life. Our deep love for humanity and our connections with every soul we encounter fuel this mission.
While Cannes is often associated with glamour and visibility, it originally served as a platform for storytellers and filmmakers to connect with passionate audiences and showcase transformative cinema that sparks necessary change in the world.
Yet, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward a more capitalist approach, where the essence of authenticity has been overshadowed by spectacle in Cannes.
I saw this as a crucial moment to introduce “The Inner Red Carpet.” My installation was designed to serve as a wake-up call for attendees-a chance to pause and reflect on their own journeys of self-realization. It was about encouraging individuals to look beyond the glitz and glamour, to confront their inner truths, and to reconnect with their authentic selves amidst the noise of the festival.
By triggering this introspective journey, I hoped to remind everyone that true visibility comes from within, and that the real celebration lies in our shared humanity and the stories that connect us all.
5.Much of your artistic language feels rooted in emotional honesty rather than perfection. Do you think audiences today are craving vulnerability more than polished imagery?
Based on my 26 years of experience as an art teacher and facilitator, I have come to understand that the world has always yearned for spaces where individuals can express their vulnerabilities without fear. In today’s fast-paced environment, where we are bombarded with overloaded information and uncontrollable influences, the need for emotional honesty is more crucial than ever. This craving for authenticity allows us to create and connect with real art.
In my view, perfection is a myth-an elusive concept that is inherently subjective and, ultimately, non-existent. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, I encourage everyone to embrace authenticity and be real in their expressions.
When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we embark on a journey that is uniquely tailored to us, creating a pathway filled with genuine experiences and growth. This authentic approach not only resonates with audiences today but also fosters deeper connections. People crave this vulnerability, as it reminds us of our shared humanity and invites us to explore the beauty within our imperfections.
In essence, while polished imagery may catch the eye, it is the emotional honesty that truly speaks to the heart and soul, allowing us to connect on a more profound level. In a world saturated with curated content, embracing our true selves becomes a powerful act of resistance and a source of inspiration for others.
6.You’ve described yourself as a “self-authenticity facilitator.” How has your own personal journey shaped that philosophy?
Until 2022, I identified primarily as an artist and art teacher, focusing on office art sessions where I helped individuals express their true selves in their own unique, non-judgmental styles.
However, after my husband’s second brain surgery, I found it challenging to continue my physical sessions, as he needed my care around the clock. This pivotal moment pushed me to embrace the online world.
And before embarking on this new journey, I conducted a survey with my former students and clients. The most common response I received was that they learned to live authentically through my guidance.
This realization was a profound message from the universe, revealing that for nearly 38 years, I had been unknowingly spreading the essence of authenticity.
In 2023, I embraced my new identity as a “self-authenticity facilitator,” recognizing that my life’s purpose is to connect myself and others to our authentic inner selves.
My life is transparent and completely open. I am fearless in being vulnerable and transparent, accepting all my shades with full gratitude and empathy.
My soul name is ‘Real,’ and I cannot imagine living any other way.
This philosophy drives me to create spaces where others can also shed their masks and embrace their true selves, fostering a community grounded in authenticity and connection.
7.Your artistic presence feels deeply symbolic, from costume to gesture to silence. How important is non-verbal storytelling in your work?
I firmly believe that storytelling through our creations is a profound responsibility. Traditional, direct artistic expressions can often lead viewers toward a specific ideology shaped by the artist’s perspective. In contrast, non-verbal storytelling opens up a world of possibilities, allowing art to be experienced on each viewer’s own terms.
This approach empowers individuals to engage with the artwork at their own level of understanding and in alignment with their life experiences at that moment. It doesn’t force them to think in a particular way; rather, it remains flexible and accommodating, welcoming every soul with their unique perspectives and life trajectories. This inclusivity encourages deeper self-realization, which I see as the ultimate purpose of art.
Moreover, non-verbal art forms create broader, open-ended questions that invite exploration and reflection. They encourage viewers to dive into their own thoughts and feelings, fostering a rich dialogue between the artwork and the observer.
Through this dynamic interaction, art becomes a catalyst for our personal growth and understanding, transcending the confines of our traditional narrative.
8.In a world where people constantly seek validation online, how do you personally protect your sense of self?
I protect my sense of self by consciously avoiding comparisons with others and their journeys. I firmly believe that my life and experiences are uniquely customized for me, and I have no need to prove myself to anyone in this world.
Reflecting on my past, I found that I actually enjoyed exams because they affirmed that my uniqueness was a strength, leading to results that were tailored specifically for me—not against me. This perspective reinforced my understanding that each person is on their own distinct path, contributing to the rich tapestry of life.
We are all unique beings, each just a small dot in the vast universe. Embracing acceptance, gratitude, and humility is essential in protecting our sense of self. By focusing on our individual journeys and appreciating our own experiences, we cultivate a strong sense of identity that remains intact, regardless of the external validation often sought in today’s world.
9.Your Cannes appearance carried both performance and emotional ritual. Did the experience change something within you personally as an artist?
Yes, my experience at Cannes marked a significant shift in my journey toward living authentically. Let me share how this unfolded. When I accepted the invitation for Cannes on April 18th and arrived on May 12th, I spent those 20 days fully immersed in a transformative process. I went through various phases of visualization, planning, ideation, networking, preparation, execution, and acceptance of the flow-embracing both successes and failures along the way.
Throughout this journey, I felt a profound connection with the universe and my higher self, which I believe was blessed by the presence of my husband, Vishal’s spirit.
Once I arrived in Cannes, my belief in this connection deepened, and I experienced a remarkable shift in energy both around me and within me. I found myself becoming increasingly grateful for every experience, including the failures-big or small.
For instance, not receiving clear Getty images of my red carpet walk didn’t bring me down; instead, it empowered me to speak my truth and reinforced my commitment to standing for myself and others.
This internal shift is evident not only to me but also to those around me. It has inspired me to work with greater dedication and intelligence, free from the pressure of reaching specific goals. I’ve come to realize that the journey itself is a mind-blowing experience in its own right, filled with opportunities for growth and transformation.
In sharing this, I hope to encourage others to embrace their own journeys, recognizing that every step-whether perceived as a success or a setback-contributes to our evolution and deepens our connection to ourselves and the world around us.
10.You often encourage introspection through your work. Have audiences ever responded to your art in ways that surprised or emotionally moved you?
Yes, I have experienced many moments where audience responses have surprised or emotionally moved me. In the early stages of my career, I often found myself deeply affected by how viewers reacted to my work.
However, as I’ve continued to evolve on my personal journey, I feel less surprised by external responses. Instead, I find joy in being detached from outcomes. I have shifted my focus more toward the journey and the process of creation itself.
While I appreciate and accept audience responses gracefully, I now approach them with a sense of acceptance. I recognize that some responses may resonate with me more profoundly than others, and I am open to those that are meant to shift and move me in alignment with my universal path.
Ultimately, I embrace what serves my growth and transformation, allowing me to connect more deeply with my art and its impact on others. This acceptance empowers me to navigate my artistic journey with greater clarity and purpose.
11.Your work carries a spiritual and reflective quality without feeling detached from contemporary culture. How do you balance inner awareness with modern visibility?
My understanding of the balance between rigidity and flexibility plays a crucial role in how I navigate the interplay between inner awareness and modern visibility. Rigidity-clinging to outdated beliefs and generational norms—can easily be challenged, disagreed with, and ultimately rejected by the new generation and evolving audiences. In contrast, embracing flexibility allows me to remain open to the needs of today’s world, fostering a deeper connection with the vibrant, ever-changing landscape of contemporary culture.
This flexibility is not just about adapting; it stems from a profound spiritual connection with my authentic self and the universe that resides both within me and around me. By cultivating this awareness, I can approach my work with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment, letting go of ego tied to my age, background, or accumulated knowledge.
As I remain open to new perspectives and ideas, my artistic horizon expands, enriching my work with layers of meaning that resonate with diverse audiences. This balance enables me to weave together spiritual reflection with contemporary relevance, creating art that speaks to the heart while remaining grounded in the present moment. By nurturing this inner dialogue, I can honor my spiritual journey and simultaneously engage with the world in a way that feels alive and interconnected.
12.As your work reaches larger global platforms, what conversations or emotional shifts do you hope people carry back with them after experiencing your art?
I believe that when people from all over the world engage with my performances-whether as observers, audience members, or even unknowingly as performers-they will connect with themselves on a deeper level. My art is truly incomplete without their presence; they are the creators and directors of their own experiences within my performance.
Each person’s part in the performance is uniquely theirs, adding to their life journey and subtly shifting their perspective on their own lives. It’s a kind of magic that happens simply by being there. I see myself as a channel, guiding them to connect with their inner selves. Art has this incredible ability to unite us, transcending language and culture, and helping us feel whole.
Ultimately, my vision is simple: I hope that every single person on this earth experiences at least one moment in their life where they can be 100% authentic and feel the joy of truly accepting themselves, inside and out. When self-authenticity awakens within us, the world around us and within us aligns beautifully, creating a sense of oneness. In that shared space, we can all find connection, understanding, and the strength to embrace who we are.
