Introduction
I've often got feedback that work was deeply personal. Over the past couple of years, I've been seeking to define my aesthetic and language in still images. Through this journey, I've come to realize that my voice is clearest through visuals and storytelling.
I've observed that we often hear from artists, long after they've reached their peak. Rarely do we get insight into their struggles and how they navigate through them in real time.
I believe every artist's voice deserves to be heard, regardless of their current stage of development. It's common for us as artists to feel isolated, thinking that nobody can relate to our experiences. However, the reality is that there are many shared emotions and experiences among us.
Art Diaries is a safe space where artists can open up and be vulnerable, fostering a sense of community where we can support and learn from one another.
✦How to Kill Your Inner Child with Jet Jameson.
In the first episode of Art Diaries, I speak with Jet Jameson, a comedian, actress, and screenwriter — she’s more than a triple threat. In this episode, we discuss the making of her one-woman show, "Jet, Live" -- how she juggles her responsibilities and passion projects, and what it means to kill your inner child.
Music: The Pattern by Reon Vangèr
Search Art Diaries by Soléa on Apple Podcast to hear the full episode.
"Just hope I'm making 7-year-old me proud..." Georgia Miller.
Georgia's Art Diary Submission ✩࿐
I feel like most people grow out of their childhood dreams, but I never did. I've been acting since I was a young child, and it's what I've been most passionate about since I stepped foot in my first acting class.
Growing up in Los Angeles, the industry was all around me, and it wasn't long before I was auditioning for film and TV.
Now, nearly 18 years later, I'm on the other side of the country with a BFA in Drama, still taking acting classes and auditioning for film and TV. While sometimes I feel like nothing has changed since I was a little girl dreaming of becoming a movie star, in reality, a lot
has.
Throughout my training, I had repeatedly been told of how challenging it would be to pursue a career in the arts. But no amount of warning can really prepare you for what it's actually like. Over the past year in particular, I've come to doubt my decision more than I trust it, and find myself frequently questioning what I'm doing with my life. Sometimes it really feels like things can't get any worse. But any time I think of giving up, I feel like I'm breaking a promise to my seven-year-old self. This art has become such a huge part of me that I don't know who I am without it. I consider myself incredibly lucky to pursue my love for the arts. I've spent my life surrounded by the most creative, passionate, and inspiring people.
Collaborating with and witnessing other artists brings me joy like nothing else. Having grown up in the industry, I've been able to watch my friends and peers succeed and achieve their dreams, which is truly one of the coolest things.
Just hope I'm making 7-year-old me proud.
Written by: Actress, @georgia.miller
Photography by @svhatelier
Art Diary Submissions ♡ :
With Gratitude, Keep Going :))
The Humble Artist with Dylan ✦
In the second episode of Art Diaries, I sit down with Dylan, a talented designer and artist who stands out as one of the most humble people I’ve ever met.
Together, we explore the challenges of navigating the creative world, both professionally and personally, while being introverted and shy. We explore the importance of building relationships and resources, understanding your limits, and how to play the game authentically.
Full podcast episode coming soon :)
Search Art Diaries by Soléa on Apple Podcast and subscribe for updates! 🎧
"I MOVED BACK TO NEW YORK CITY TWO YEARS Ago WITH NOTHING BUT A PART-TIME JOB AT NEW YORK PILATES..." - SolÉa van heyningen
Solea's Diary entry 01 ✩࿐:
Moved back to NYC two years ago with nothing just a part time job at New York Pilates and a cool freelance gig. I had this idea to shoot a video for NYP from the very beginning. It feels so nice to see that desire come to life.
Taking elements from all my gigs to further produce the vision was both challenging and fulfilling. I had the pleasure of producing over twenty promotional videos for NYP. (solo)
Thanks to Chika and Natalia for letting me have fun and Brion for taking it to another level.
The women and men I’ve worked with over the years have been the biggest blessing and motivators. Being able to flesh out ideas and develop connections has helped spark new perspectives/initiatives and confidence within myself as a person and artist.
Produced by:@svhatelier
Written by Solea van Heyningen ✩࿐
Visit the NYP page to view the full project.
Solea's Art Diary ✩࿐(VOCAL Entry): 01✦
Art Diaries was created with the goal of cultivating a community where artists can share their experiences, in the hope of feeling seen and understood. Opening up about your deepest fears can be a vulnerable act, so perhaps I should set the tone. :)
Music: The Pattern by Reon Vangèr
Search Art Diaries by Soléa on Apple Podcast to hear the full episode.🎧
✦ Solea's Art Diary ✩࿐(VOCAL Entry): 02
Happy New Year, friends! I'm back with another diary entry to kick off 2025. In this episode, I share my New Year’s resolutions along with a few realizations I’ve had over the past week.
I hope you find some takeaways to inspire your own journey into the new year! Maybe you will chuckle too... who knows lol go listen!
Music: The Pattern by Reon Vangèr
Search Art Diaries by Soléa on Apple Podcast to hear the full episode.🎧
"Across all mediums, every early career artist I know speaks of the egotistical nature behind what we are all chasing— the need to unequivocally, unabashedly believe in your self and your voice and your work and the process it takes to make it..." - Kylie Francisco.♡
Kylie's Art Diary Submission ✩࿐
The Art of Ego
I once spent a week learning from a choreographer who proclaimed that ego is essential to being an artist.
Initially I was taken aback at the statement, as I championed art-making as an act in generosity. But over the last two years as I’ve set out to build my career as artist, I realized just how true those words are.
I’ve found enormous clarity in the bonds I formed with other creatives, especially in the conversations we share. Across all mediums, every early career artist I know speaks of the egotistical nature behind what we are all chasing— the need to unequivocally, unabashedly believe in your self and your voice and your work and the process it takes to make it. It sounds self-centered, but you have to be so married to your vision, so deluded in believing in what you bring to the table, because only then will others believe in you too.
In the face of what sometimes feels impossible, finding community with other artists makes me feel like I’m not doing it alone. As I continue to cultivate my sense of self worth, releasing self doubt, and feeding self delusion, I've learned enormous lessons about myself, my work, my life. It’s incredibly vulnerable to be an artist, which is a generous thing, but it’s crucial to be selfish about the time, energy, and attention it takes.
It’s now been two years of reflecting on ego and I have to agree. I owe everything to my ego. It ensures I show up for myself and my work amidst bouts of anxiety and depression, and its assurance of my self worth gives me the courage to begin again when I need to. Ego grants me the delusion to continue making dances when there’s no one to watch them, and ego inspired my move across the country to New York five months ago, to give my dreams a real chance at coming to fruition.
I once spent a week learning from a choreographer who proclaimed that ego is essential to being an artist.
Initially I was taken aback at the statement, as I championed art-making as an act in generosity. But over the last two years as I’ve set out to build my career as artist, I realized just how true those words are.
I’ve found enormous clarity in the bonds I formed with other creatives, especially in the conversations we share. Across all mediums, every early career artist I know speaks of the egotistical nature behind what we are all chasing— the need to unequivocally, unabashedly believe in your self and your voice and your work and the process it takes to make it. It sounds self-centered, but you have to be so married to your vision, so deluded in believing in what you bring to the table, because only then will others believe in you too.
In the face of what sometimes feels impossible, finding community with other artists makes me feel like I’m not doing it alone. As I continue to cultivate my sense of self worth, releasing self doubt, and feeding self delusion, I've learned enormous lessons about myself, my work, my life. It’s incredibly vulnerable to be an artist, which is a generous thing, but it’s crucial to be selfish about the time, energy, and attention it takes.
It’s now been two years of reflecting on ego and I have to agree. I owe everything to my ego. It ensures I show up for myself and my work amidst bouts of anxiety and depression, and its assurance of my self worth gives me the courage to begin again when I need to. Ego grants me the delusion to continue making dances when there’s no one to watch them, and ego inspired my move across the country to New York five months ago, to give my dreams a real chance at coming to fruition.
Written by: Choreographer/Dancer/Movement Researcher, @kyliefrancisco
Kylie's VIdeo Diary IS NOW Live!
Visit Kylie's Video Diary page to view the full video!
When the Art Connects with Maddie Buckley ✦
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Maddie—a lover of art, theater, and intentional storytelling. We talk about the power of influence, what draws her in as a consumer, and what makes her invest in someone else’s artistic journey.
Music: The Pattern by Reon Vangèr
Search Art Diaries by Soléa on Apple Podcast to hear the full episode.🎧
Premiering 4/25/25!
Visit the Art Diaries TV page to learn more.♡
✦ Solea's Art Diary ✩࿐(VOCAL Entry): 03
In this episode, I give a little life update and discuss my thoughts on delays. The beauty and pain of the struggle and how I cope with it all.
Full podcast episode coming soon!
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Thank you to my Mum, friends, and mentor for the support and guidance. Art Diaries is a passion project an extension of my heart and an outlet to help me embrace this special path. Artwork by @signedcharles ♡