When Art Becomes a Voice for the Soul| Nora Lebbos, Dawn Bouchard, and Tiina Alanen
What do a mystical dreamer, a nature-loving colourist, and a grief-healing storyteller have in common? They’re all women who found their voice through art, and in doing so, have helped others see the world in a new light.
In this piece, we’re stepping into the creative worlds of Nora Lebbos, Dawn Bouchard, and Tiina Alanen—three artists from different backgrounds who each use their work to explore identity, process emotion, and connect with something more profound. Through Nora’s ethereal, science-fiction-inspired visions, Dawn’s vibrant depictions of the natural world, or Tiina’s layered expressions of hope after heartbreaking loss, their art invites us to pause, reflect, and feel.
They’ve shared what it means to create from intuition, return to passion later in life, and turn personal pain into beauty. Their journeys aren’t just about technique or style—they’re about resilience, honesty, and the power of self-expression. Through their stories, we’re reminded that art isn’t just what you see on the canvas—it’s the life behind it.
Nora Lebbos: Painting as a Portal to Inner Power
For Nora Lebbos, art is a mystical language—a way to communicate with the invisible. A self-taught artist with a law and humanitarian work background, Nora left a structured career path in 2021 to fully embrace her creative calling. Her paintings are anything but ordinary. They evoke dreamlike realms and ghostly presences, pulling viewers into a space where science fiction, mysticism, and emotion collide.
“I draw and paint like I dream,” she says. Her intuitive approach mirrors automatic writing—letting the subconscious take over and trusting the process to unfold organically. This openness allows Nora’s work to act as a vessel for liberation, especially of the human spirit.
Her art reflects her belief in unseen forces and her desire to awaken a sense of inner power in those who view it. Through otherworldly characters and ethereal landscapes, Nora channels the mystery of the universe and the depth of personal transformation, reminding us that true creativity is born when we let go of control and let intuition lead.
Imaginary realms, desconstructed bodies, strange flowers, vivid colors with markers or only black and white, my obsession is in the search of beauty in simple lines.
To learn more about Nora, click on the links below.
Dawn Renee Bouchard: Returning to Art and Rediscovering Joy
Dawn Bouchard’s story is a beautiful testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pick up the brush again. After a long and fulfilling career in education, Dawn returned to art after retirement—and hasn’t looked back since. Based in Brockville, Ontario, Dawn’s colourful acrylic and pastel paintings capture the simple beauty of everyday nature in a way that feels both nostalgic and deeply joyful.
“Rediscovering painting after such a long break was like reconnecting with a lost piece of myself,” she reflects. Influenced by her family’s artistic lineage—her great-grandfather and father were also painters—Dawn’s return to art felt like coming home. Her process is rooted in emotion and guided by curiosity. She often starts with colour, letting the mood and memories shape the composition.
Though she has no formal training, her work has been widely recognised in books, magazines, and exhibitions. What truly shines through, however, is her heart. Her paintings are full of warmth, celebrating the ordinary magic of landscapes, flowers, and changing seasons. Through her vibrant colour palettes and dynamic use of light, Dawn reminds us that beauty can be found everywhere, especially when we slow down and look.
In the beautiful of colours, I’ve found solace. With gratitude, a heart full of passion, and the undying hope that my art will inspire, I paint, creating a tapestry that speaks of embracing dreams at any age.
To learn more about Dawn, visit the links below.
Tiina Alanen: Painting Light Through Loss
For Finnish artist Tiina Alanen, painting is more than a creative outlet—it’s a way to hold onto hope after unimaginable loss. In 2019, Tiina’s world changed forever when her 14-year-old son passed away after a tragic car accident. At the time, she was studying visual arts. Though grief made it challenging to continue, she found strength and peace in her work—and in the idea that her son would have wanted her to keep going.
“Creating art is my healing power and light,” Tiina says. Her paintings are deeply symbolic, full of vibrant colours and layered textures that capture the softness of sorrow and the strength of survival. Inspired by Northern Europe’s forests, lakes, and seasons, her work walks the line between realism and abstraction—always rooted in emotion, but free in form.
Tiina paints to spread comfort and joy. Her use of colour is significant: early works after her loss leaned heavily into purples and blues, symbols of peace and sympathy. Over time, her palette expanded to include warm yellows, hopeful pinks, and vibrant reds—a visual representation of healing. Her art now serves as a beacon for others experiencing grief, a reminder that light is still possible even through the darkest moments.
Some bring so much light into the world that the light remains long after they are gone.” That is what I would like to bring with my art – light.
To learn more about Tiina, click on the links below.
Through the voices of Nora Lebbos, Dawn Bouchard, and Tiina Alanen, we’ve discovered that art is far more than a finished painting—it’s a journey of becoming. These women have opened their hearts to share how creativity has helped them make sense of the world, whether through the mystical lens of science fiction, the calming rhythm of nature, or the deep and challenging path of grief.
Their stories remind us that art isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with what you have, trusting your instincts, and letting colour, texture, and form speak when words fall short. We’ve learned that healing, joy, transformation, and resilience all have a place on the canvas. And most of all, we’ve learned that every brushstroke can convey freedom, strength, and the enduring power of women’s voices.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or someone moved by the creative process, the journeys of Nora, Dawn, and Tiina invite you to reflect, reconnect, and maybe even pick up your own paintbrush.
For more inspiring stories from women creatives, visit our website and follow us on Instagram.
