How Art Became My Voice from self-doubt to self-expression | Nathalie Duflos

Belgian artist Nathalie Duflos knows what it’s like to feel lost. After a difficult childhood, she spent years trying to please everyone around her, putting her needs aside. It wasn’t until her body forced her to stop and rethink everything that she found her true path—painting.

In this interview, Nathalie shares how art became her way of healing and rediscovering herself. She talks about overcoming self-doubt, ignoring pressure to fit into a box, and creating work that speaks from the heart. She also opens up about how she keeps her studio a peaceful, creative space and balances making personal art with the reality of selling it.

I’m Nathalie Duflos. I live and work in Belgium, and my art visualizes my story of resilience and growth. After a traumatic childhood, I was determined to turn things around. Unfortunately, I only knew how to handle life by pleasing others, making myself invisible, and being the “perfect” employee, sister, friend, and partner. While that had been a valuable strategy to survive as a child, it only exhausted me as an adult, leaving only a shell of a person. It was my body that saved me, that forced me to stop and rethink everything. And here I am: painting full-time, living a life I never knew was possible. Each of my pieces shows the profound evolution from despair to empowerment. Through my art, I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those facing their darkest moments. Because I’ve been there, and I know there’s a way out.

1. Your dream about the oracle was profound. How has that moment influenced your approach to creating art?   

Somehow, the “answer” that dream gave me has permitted me to create. It has shown me that being a painter is not a frivolous, useless way of living. It is why I exist, and I’m determined to honor that.

Each of my pieces shows the profound evolution from despair to empowerment.

Nathalie Duflos

2.  Your work embodies resilience and growth. How do you channel personal experiences into pieces that inspire empowerment?    

The best advice I got about using art to heal is “to create from the scars, not from the wounds.” Reflecting on the first decades of my life is not pleasant. It could result in harsh, raw, and dark paintings. But, as I’m healing, I paint the messages I need. I used to fill my home with sticky notes with inspiring quotes to remind me I’m worthy. My art has replaced those quotes.

3.    You’ve faced challenges balancing purpose and visibility. How do you stay true to your creative vision despite external pressures?  

A lot of art teachers claim a real artist chooses a niche. To me, that is BS. I thoroughly love creating the work that my heart tells me to make. I also love doing portrait commissions. I even play with abstracts from time to time. Forcing myself to choose would be denying a part of me. Some of my work is more commercial; some isn’t. I’m lucky I love creating all of it.

4.  You mentioned your art studio as your happy place. What rituals or practices help you maintain it as a sanctuary for creativity?  

My art studio is my happy place because I don’t do anything else there than create. No computer, no admin, no every day worries. Even when I don’t feel like painting, I organize my collage stuff, prime some panels, or sit there staring at my pieces in progress. 90% of the time, I’m painting in no time. It truly feels magical.

Through my art, I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those facing their darkest moments. Because I’ve been there, and I know there’s a way out.

Nathalie Duflos

5.  Creating from the heart is your guiding principle. How do you navigate the tension between making heartfelt art and pursuing sales?  

Unless it’s a commission, I try not to think about collectors, galleries, or sales when I create. That’s not easy because I have bills to pay. Commissions are great for easing the worry about money. Also, I work with a wonderful gallerist who always reminds me that the most heartfelt pieces sell the best. And somehow, she’s right.

6.   What advice would you give to other artists struggling with self-doubt or the pressure to conform?    

Trust the creative process, and ignore your brain. Create what YOU want to see in the world. You are your first customer. If you love it, some people will love it, too. And until then, hang it in your living room and enjoy it.

Nathalie’s journey shows that creativity can be a way to heal and grow. By trusting herself and following her heart, she made her struggles meaningful. Her story is an inspiration for anyone who has ever doubted their path. She reminds us that staying true to who we are and creating what we love is always worth it. To learn more about Nathalie, click the following links to visit her profile.

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