Have you ever experienced that electrifying moment when your heart whispers, "This is it"? I still remember mine vividly—a sun-drenched afternoon in my childhood, standing in our living room, completely transfixed by a small oil painting of a brown horse. It wasn’t just a painting; it was alive, brimming with an energy that made me believe I could reach out and touch it. That masterpiece, lovingly created by my mum, planted the seed of creativity that has blossomed into my life's passion.
The Call to Create
As a little girl, I’d spend hours gazing at that mesmerising horse, its rich, vibrant colours and delicate brushstrokes stirring a wonder within me. I couldn’t stop myself from drawing, trying to capture even a fraction of that magic on paper. Those early moments weren’t just about art—they were the first sparks of a creative awakening that hinted at a future where art would be more than a hobby; it would be my calling.
Painting by my mum, Thalia Zervas that sparked my inner painter as a child.
The Turning Point
Fast forward to a life spent nurturing others as a psychologist in a busy hospital. For over 23 years, I walked the corridors of healing, engaging whenever I had a spare minute with a brilliant team of artists running the youth arts programme for inpatients in my department. I’d often chuckle and say, “When I grow up, I want to be an artist,” to the resident creatives. Their warm encouragement was like a gentle nudge to my heart, though I never truly believed it could be my reality. That changed at the end of 2023.
One crisp evening, as I was doing my annual reflection, I had a knowing that I was not just a psychologist but someone yearning for one last frontier—art. I decided then to commit to painting every single day. Discovering the Milan Art Mastery Programme, which challenged me to commit 20-40 hours a week to my craft, felt like the universe aligning. I took a year of long service leave, set up a local private practice to continue supporting clients part-time, and embraced art with all my heart. In that moment, I realised I was finally stepping into the life I was destined to live.
Bridging Two Worlds
My journey has been a vibrant tapestry woven from many passions. In my 30s, I dabbled in dance—running my very own Middle Eastern dance school for 13 years—and later, in my 40s, I embraced yoga. Now in my 50s, art stands as the culmination of all those experiences. Every brushstroke carries echoes of psychology, the fluid grace of dance, and the mindful rhythm of yoga. My canvases are alive with symbols that have guided me: horses that embody wild freedom and strength; lotus flowers that rise from the mud towards the light; wings that whisper of spiritual freedom; and the feminine form, a tribute to Goddess power. Water, a nod to my roots on the tiny Greek island of Agios Efstratios, represents cleansing, connectedness, and the reflective nature of life. Through my work, I invite you to journey with me into a realm of healing, growth, and timeless beauty.
Embracing the Unknown
No great adventure is without its challenges. Doubt has been a niggling inner dialogue since childhood, and even now, it sometimes rears its head. But I’ve learned to counter that voice by turning to my journal, letting the flow of my body—honed during my days as a dancer—lead me, and reconnecting with my breath and spirit through yoga.
There are moments, deep in the quiet of my studio, when uncertainty creeps in. Yet, each time, I listen to my heart and trust that every brushstroke is part of a larger, unfolding story. The unwavering support of my art community and the inspiring mentors at Milan Art School help me navigate those moments, reminding me that resistance is just another part of the creative journey.
Living the Artist’s Life
Today, I live a life where healing and creation coalesce seamlessly. I still offer psychological therapy in three-hour blocks—just minutes from home—while devoting the rest of my week to my art. My home studio, south of Sydney, is a bright, open haven, flooded with natural light and echoing with the gentle sounds of nature. Surrounded by the beauty of water and the vibrant hues of the outdoors, I feel an indescribable sense of freedom and alignment. Every day in that space reaffirms that I’m exactly where I need to be, immersed in creativity and connection.
Looking Ahead
As I stand on the brink of tomorrow, my vision is as bold as it is beautiful. I aspire to create art that radiates beauty, light, and healing—pieces that invite you to rediscover the wonder you felt as a child gazing at your first masterpiece. My journey is far from over; it’s an ever-evolving story of exploration, growth, and boundless possibility. Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure. Your support fuels my passion and reminds me that our deepest dreams can indeed become our reality.
Join the Journey
If my story resonated with you, I invite you to join me on this creative adventure. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media to stay updated on new art, behind-the-scenes insights, and musings on healing and creativity.
Visit popiart.com to explore my latest work and share your thoughts—let's celebrate art that inspires, heals, and connects us all. Your support means the world, and together, we can transform dreams into reality.
