Testimony of a mom, therapist, and artist since 1993: Get empowered by compliments as much as by nonsense
My name is Céline. I’m a mother, therapist, writer, and visual artist. I’m 49 years old. Many readers of this blog know me as a sophrologist and artistic coach, but also as a published author. I attended several art schools before transitioning into high-level communication (I worked for various press groups) and then moved toward therapy. Since I was 16 years old, I’ve been exhibiting my artwork, and my first book was published when I was 25. Today, alongside my artistic creations, I run a this English-language blog. This project is close to my heart, offering helpful advice and content for all parents. I’m also trained in autism support and am currently setting up a forum on the same website to facilitate conversations among parents of children with autism, as well as for anyone interested in learning about the autism spectrum. It’s a large-scale project that requires significant time on top of my work, my responsibilities as a mother (I believe raising a child is an every-minute process, and they should be truly educated!), and my career as a therapist and artist.
Between my chamotte clay sculptures, which I fire in my own kiln (yes, I bought my own!), my paintings, books, and blog, I’m truly an entrepreneur in therapy, informational content, and art! Yet despite the recognition I receive in therapeutic and artistic circles, I still encounter baffling reactions from visitors at art and book fairs!
I’ve spoken with fellow authors and artists, some of whom have stopped selling their work face-to-face altogether due to the aggression of some visitors! When I was younger, I paid little attention to veiled criticisms disguised as compliments or condescending remarks, but we often laughed about them amongst artist and writer friends. Here’s a little collection of the most ridiculous comments I’ve heard at fairs to give you a laugh:
- A woman trying to push her book on my stand said: “What really stays with you from your book is my book!” (I wrote about the lingering impact of young love, and she wrote about sexuality at any age… I’ve rarely heard anything so egotistical. The worst part? She kept walking around with her book on my stand, trying to captivate my clients).
- Regarding various paintings: “What I hate about humanity is the face! So, I’m never putting a portrait up at home… especially not of a woman!” To which I responded, “Do you hate the faces I draw, or faces in general?” She replied, exasperated: “I hate seeing people’s faces! I hate people!” No comment… Life must be really hard for some (laughs).
- At a book fair: “I’ll buy this so you can afford to eat!” To which I replied: “Don’t bother… I live in a mansion, have a second home, and am off to the USA for my annual trip tomorrow morning.” (laughs). The woman was outraged and insulted me, but that didn’t stop her from making the same comment to my cartoonist colleague two stands away, whose reaction was a little less measured than mine…
- Regarding my clay children’s collection: “Is this salt dough?” “No, it’s better: modeling clay!” (laughs).
- During a discussion on the emotional management section of my personal development guide: “But emotions can’t be managed since they’re messages!” I can perfectly imagine this phrase coming out of a lawyer’s mouth defending someone charged with “violence without intent to harm”…
- About my career: the eternal question I hear… only in France! “Uh, is this a career change?”
- Regarding my three hats: A woman very attached to her man said, “In my opinion, if you try to do everything, you won’t do anything well! Right, honey? Isn’t that true? Why aren’t you answering? Because she’s blonde??” (followed by a nervous breakdown).
- A visitor looking strangely at my statuettes: “But! But! How do you do it? Do you have your own kiln or what?” After I answered yes, she replied: “A tiny one, right? Because it’s very expensive?” “Uh, yes, a 50-liter one for now” (laughs). She walked away swearing… Misunderstanding when it strikes…
- And about my last name: “Baron, like a baron? So with two Rs?” (in french it’s never 2 r ! Would you write Martin with 2 t? Or Dupond with 2 p? Or in english : Smith with 2 m ! Let’s have a good laugh!)
Ah, dear friends, visitors, and readers, this is the harsh plunge into the reality of art fairs, seaside painters, and other glorious exhibitions that authors, painters, and sculptors (I’m all three, by the way! Laughs) must endure to “make a name for themselves” (since 1993…).
But let’s manage our emotions, stay calm, and… analyze…
Negative Reactions: A Mix of Skepticism and Quick Judgment
Since I started participating in art and book fairs, I’ve noticed a recurring phenomenon: many visitors approach my stand with palpable skepticism. My stand is often colorful and packed with my paintings hung in the background, my sculptures displayed at the front, and my books ready for signing on the side. Yet, instead of sparking interest and curiosity, I sometimes feel this array of artistic expression unsettles some people. They look at me with a doubtful expression, as if I were some sort of UFO in the artistic world.
The comments I hear most often? “It’s crazy to do it all! She doesn’t know how to pick just one art form!” I sometimes see smirks, raised eyebrows—reactions that seem to convey more than simple disinterest: it’s as though my work makes them angry. It often baffles me, as I know that I excel in everything I do, and I’m recognized in all the disciplines I practice. For me, painting, sculpting, and writing are just different ways to tell stories and share my universe.
Why Such a Reaction?
It took me a while to understand these behaviors. Looking back, I think many of these reactions stem from a lack of understanding of my versatility. We live in a French society where we’re taught that to be “legitimate,” you must specialize in just one area. So when someone sees an artist capable of juggling multiple forms of expression, it disrupts their certainties. These visitors see me as an anomaly, someone who refuses to fit into boxes.
But beyond this misunderstanding, I think there’s also a hint of jealousy. Some people don’t understand how it’s possible to excel in several disciplines at once. Seeing someone who dares to do everything they love—and does it well—can trigger insecurities in others. It’s a situation I frequently encounter.
Support from True Artists and Younger Audiences
Fortunately, not everyone reacts this way. When I meet real artists—whether they are painters, sculptors, or writers—their reactions are completely different. They are often intrigued by my work and recognize the coherence within the universe I offer. Some even hug me, warmly congratulating me, saying: “Not only is your art beautiful, but you also offer an entire, multidimensional world that we can perceive on every level.” These moments are incredibly rewarding because I feel my work is not only understood but deeply appreciated.
The younger audience, especially those aged 15 to 35, also loves my chamotte clay sculptures, such as the little Vikings on their boats that I create with humor and lightness. They are curious, open-minded, and appreciate original, daring creations. They don’t hesitate to encourage me and share their enthusiasm.
And let’s not forget foreign visitors! Americans, Australians, and Japanese are very receptive to my work. They are often fascinated by the richness and diversity of my creations. They frequently tell me they perceive a true depth in what I do, an entire universe to explore. These exchanges are a great source of motivation and joy for me: “At least you’re not like everyone else! You follow your inspiration without all those commercial constraints!”
How I Stay True to Myself as an Entrepreneur
I believe this experience will resonate with other mom entrepreneurs, especially those who, like me, create with their hands and sell their work face-to-face. Artistic entrepreneurship is about baring yourself to the public, exposing a part of yourself to criticism. You can never please everyone, and I think the key is to stay true to yourself. My role as an entrepreneur goes beyond artistic creation: through my blog AceParents.com, I also create useful content aimed at helping other parents in their daily lives. I’m passionate about what I do, whether it’s art or parenting information.
What I’d like to say to other mom entrepreneurs who exhibit and sell their creations is not to be discouraged by criticism. You don’t need to choose between your different passions. That’s too “franchouillard” (French provincial thinking)… Other people’s skepticism is often a reflection of their own limitations, not yours! That’s my personal belief. If you have multiple talents, express them all! Don’t apologize for wanting to create a unique and personal universe.
Adversity as Fuel for My Creativity
What might discourage many only pushes me to work even harder. Adversity, instead of weakening me, fuels my desire to create even more. The more I feel that people want me to give up, the more determined I am to prove that I won’t be crushed. For me, every baseless criticism, every sharp remark, is a powerful stepping stone toward new creations. It’s my way of thumbing my nose at my detractors: let them know who I am—someone calm, who rarely responds but carefully prepares future breakthroughs in silence, only speaking of them once everything is finalized. This is what I’ve learned from the artistic world since 1993.
Every time I receive a negative comment, I transform that energy into something constructive. I tell myself: “Perfect, they don’t understand, but I know what I’m doing.” This strengthens my will to create and keep doing what I love. Art, for me, is a space of freedom, a way to express myself without constraints, and I have no intention of letting myself be confined by others’ expectations. This adversity strengthens me, allowing me to endure over time. It’s also what I teach my artist clients, who are often discouraged by their interactions with others. The artist is highly sensitive, and that sensitivity makes a difference, but it should never become a handicap! This is exactly what we work on in my artistic coaching practice.
Each obstacle is thus an opportunity to show even more of what I’m capable of doing. Whether in sculpture, painting, or writing, I will never stop exploring and developing my universe. My so-called “weekend detractors” ultimately give me an extra reason to keep going! Without them, I might have stopped long ago! Far from being a hindrance, adversity has become a source of inspiration, a challenge to overcome. If someone tells me I can’t do it all, I’ll respond with a new exhibition, a new book, or a new sculpture. As a result, my coaching clients have become far more prolific and resilient than before!
Conclusion: Stand Tall Despite Criticism and Draw Strength from Both Adversity and Compliments
I’ve learned not to be affected by skeptical looks or sharp remarks. What matters is to stay authentic, to continue believing in the value of your work, and to surround yourself with those who understand and appreciate what you do. When a magazine contacts me to showcase my work, I’m happy. When I receive a critique, I feel the same. If you know how to enjoy the good, it’s simply because you accept a certain image of yourself! So if you accept the positive image, you must also accept the negative. The mental difference is in sorting through it faster, perhaps… If some people are bothered by the richness of my universe, others celebrate it. And it’s those people who give me the desire to keep creating, innovating, and sharing.
To all creative and entrepreneurial moms: be proud of everything you are and everything you do! Turn adversity into strength, and show that nothing and no one can stop you from moving forward!
