Who Am I When I’m Not the Artist Behind Messy Masterpieces?

Recovered post from 11 July 2025

Posted by Sonette

People often ask me what it’s like behind the scenes — who I am beyond the paint, the brushes, and the workshops. So here’s a little peek into the layers that make me, me.

What brings me joy outside of painting?

Life. I love spending time with my family, my fur kids, and my friends. Whether it’s taking the dogs to the park, laughing around a fire with friends, or just chilling on the couch with my partner watching TV. Those moments fill my heart and recharge my spirit.

Am I an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in the chaotic middle?

I’d like to think I’m an introvert… cue the laughter from my circle! Honestly, I’m an extrovert at heart. I love people-ing. I’m basically a golden retriever in human form! Loyal, goofy, loud, and proud. I treasure my alone time, but I’m still loud even then.

What do I do for work when I’m not painting?

I would be a full-time artist if I could, but I am a big busy body! So by day, I’m rocking the corporate world, and by night and weekends, I dive into my colourful creative chaos. I like keeping life balanced with a mix of structure and spontaneity — it keeps me energized and inspired.

What do I need to feel like myself again after a crazy event or burnout moment?

I tend to bounce back quite quickly, but if things get really busy and I feel that burnout coming, we schedule a Do Nothing Weekend. We make a Christmas bed, order pizza, and binge-watch the weekend away — that usually does the trick!

What does a perfect off-day look like for me?

I love adventures! Day trips out, weekend getaways, that’s my absolute favorite! Going on motorcycle rides to the mountains, walking with lions, swimming by waterfalls, hiking to the top of a peak just to face a fear of heights, I never knew existed (LOL, that’s a story for another day). But when the adventures aren’t calling, I’m a proud homebody who loves working on a new sewing project or whatever sparks my curiosity that day! 

What’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of ‘me’ — not the artist, just me?

Honestly… grounded. Not always in a quiet or serious way, but in how I love people, colour, laughter, and life itself. Whether I’m with friends or curled up with my fur kids, I feel rooted in who I am. I’m full of feelings, full of energy, and full of heart — but underneath it all, there’s a steady foundation that keeps me grounded no matter how wild life gets. 

What’s something silly or random that makes me laugh every time?                        

My little brother. He is such a clown. We both travel quite far to work and back daily, and we can easily spend an hour on the phone every day talking about the stupidest things or even playing “I Spy” on the highway when we happen to be at the same place at the same time. When I need a pick me up, he is the one I reach out to. 

What do people not know about me from social media?

I LOVE books — reading and listening to them. I don’t always get to physically read, so my audiobooks work overtime. I go through around 30 audiobooks a year, if not more! I’m a huge fantasy fan and if I could be riding dragons instead of tackling spreadsheets, I totally would.

Who am I outside of Messy Masterpieces?

I’m a partner, a daughter, a sister, a bonus mom, a dog mom, a cat mom, and a friend. Basically, just me — juggling the chaos, loving my people and animals, and keeping it real. Messy Masterpieces is a big part of what I do, but there’s plenty more to the story beyond the paintbrush.

Thanks for taking a peek behind the curtain with me. Life outside the artist is full of laughter, love, a bit of chaos, and lots of colour.

I’m so grateful to share this journey with you, and I can’t wait to bring you along for more stories, messy moments, and creative escapes.

Until next time, keep embracing your own messy masterpiece — however it looks.

Love,

Sonette