Creating beauty and meaning: The inspiring world of Chawki Hitti [Créer de la beauté et du sens: L’univers inspirant de Chawki Hitti]

Creating beauty and meaning: The inspiring world of Chawki Hitti

La version française de l’introduction suit l’anglais

Bambi is truly blessed with wonderful, genuine friends—and Dr. Chawki Hitti, or simply Chawki, is one of them. A cherished friendship of over 25–30 years, Chawki has been a continuous source of inspiration to her. Not only is he inspiring, but so is his beautiful family—his amazing spouse and their three children.

Today, Bambi is thrilled to introduce you, dear readers, to Chawki Hitti’s artwork, his deeply rooted values, and his thought-provoking insights. His creations are nurtured by a rich inner world and a wisdom that comes from a life filled with meaningful experiences and loving relationships. Despite a busy life, Chawki’s creativity, serenity, and multi-talented productivity are nothing short of impressive.

How to begin describing Chawki? He is a Canadian of Lebanese heritage, brimming with humanity, integrity, generosity, gratitude, compassion, and a delightful sense of humour. In essence, he embodies intelligence of the mind, heart, and soul. He champions personal freedom and agency and encourages his loved ones to flourish and seek happiness.

Chawki is one of the most inspiring fathers Bambi has ever known. His love for his family is beyond words—or even art. Alongside his spouse, he has raised children who love learning, enjoy reading and music, think critically and creatively, and honour people, animals, and nature with respect and love. They are rooted in values while aspiring to soar.

Although he holds a PhD in education, Chawki remains remarkably humble and open-minded. He is a critical thinker, a polyglot, and a graduate of Interior Design (2011). He’s also an accomplished calligrapher—mastering both Gothic (Old English/Black letter) and Arabic calligraphy. For those unfamiliar, Arabic calligraphy is the elegant art of handwriting based on the Arabic alphabet while Gothic calligraphy is a striking medieval European hand-lettering tradition.

Chawki’s passions are diverse—he adores museums, mathematics, literature, grammar, philosophy, and travel. He is devoted to arts, sports, and practices mindfulness and meditation with discipline and flow.

And yes, he’s also a remarkable athlete! How many people do you know who’ve climbed Mount Ararat to its peak—or taken the leap through paragliding?

When it comes to creativity, Chawki is a visionary. He builds beauty from recycled treasures he finds at markets or online. For example, he once created a majestic phoenix using 88 keys and parts from a discarded century-old piano. His art has captured attention both locally (over 1,400 views in just five days on Marketplace) and globally (interior designers from Dubai have reached out to him!).

Below, you’ll find examples of his captivating artwork, some accompanied by artistic statements in both English and French. As Bambi noted, each piece carries deep meaning—layers of thought expressed through reclaimed materials found at yard sales, eBay, or local markets.

Finally, this post concludes with a rich and inspiring interview Bambi recently had with Chawki. He generously answered all her questions in both English (bold) and French. It’s a beautiful exchange—one we are confident you’ll enjoy as much as Bambi did.

N.B. If you’re interested in Dr. Chawki Hitti’s artwork, feel free to write to Bambi publicly through this blog—or privately if you prefer. She will be happy to connect you directly with the artist!

Créer de la beauté et du sens: L’univers inspirant de Chawki Hitti

Bambi est vraiment bénie d’avoir des amis merveilleux et authentiques—et le Dr Chawki Hitti, ou simplement Chawki, en fait partie. Une amitié précieuse qui dure depuis plus de 25 à 30 ans. Chawki a toujours été une source continue d’inspiration pour elle. Et ce n’est pas seulement lui qui est inspirant, mais aussi sa magnifique famille—son épouse exceptionnelle et leurs trois enfants.

Aujourd’hui, Bambi est ravie de vous présenter, chers lecteurs, l’œuvre artistique de Chawki Hitti, ses valeurs profondément ancrées, et ses réflexions pleines de sagesse. Ses créations sont nourries par une richesse intérieure et une sagesse issues d’une vie remplie d’expériences significatives et de relations empreintes d’amour. Malgré un emploi du temps chargé, la créativité, la sérénité et la polyvalence de Chawki sont tout simplement impressionnantes.

Par où commencer pour décrire Chawki ? Il est Canadien d’origine libanaise, débordant d’humanité, d’intégrité, de générosité, de gratitude, de compassion et d’un sens de l’humour délicieux. En somme, il incarne l’intelligence de l’esprit, du cœur et de l’âme. Il défend la liberté personnelle et l’autonomie, et encourage ses proches à s’épanouir et à rechercher le bonheur.

Chawki est l’un des pères les plus inspirants que Bambi ait jamais rencontrés. Son amour pour sa famille dépasse les mots—et même l’expression artistique. Avec son épouse, il a élevé des enfants qui aiment apprendre, lire, écouter de la musique, penser de manière critique et créative, et qui respectent les êtres humains, les animaux et la nature avec amour et considération. Ils sont enracinés dans des valeurs solides, tout en visant à s’élever haut.

Bien qu’il détienne un doctorat en éducation, Chawki reste d’une humilité remarquable et d’un esprit très ouvert. C’est un penseur critique, un polyglotte, et il est diplômé en design d’intérieur (2011). Il est également un calligraphe accompli—maîtrisant à la fois la calligraphie gothique («Old English/Black letter») et la calligraphie arabe. Pour ceux qui ne le savent pas, la calligraphie arabe est l’art élégant de l’écriture basé sur l’alphabet arabe, tandis que la calligraphie gothique est un style saisissant d’écriture manuscrite médiévale européenne.

Les passions de Chawki sont multiples—il adore les musées, les mathématiques, la littérature, la grammaire, la philosophie, et les voyages. Il se consacre aux arts, aux sports, et pratique la pleine conscience ainsi que la méditation avec discipline et fluidité.

Et oui, c’est aussi un athlète remarquable! Combien de personnes connaissez-vous qui ont gravi le mont Ararat jusqu’à son sommet—ou qui ont fait le grand saut en parapente?

Quand il s’agit de créativité, Chawki est un véritable visionnaire. Il crée de la beauté à partir de trésors recyclés qu’il trouve dans les marchés ou en ligne. Par exemple, il a un jour fabriqué un majestueux phénix à l’aide de 88 touches et de pièces provenant d’un vieux piano centenaire abandonné. Son art a attiré l’attention aussi bien localement (plus de 1 400 vues en seulement cinq jours sur Marketplace) qu’à l’échelle internationale (des designers d’intérieur de Dubaï l’ont même contacté!).

Ci-dessous, vous trouverez quelques-unes de ses œuvres captivantes, certaines accompagnées de déclarations artistiques en anglais et en français. Comme Bambi l’a remarqué, chaque pièce porte un sens profond—des couches de pensée exprimées à travers des matériaux récupérés dans des ventes de garage, sur eBay ou dans des marchés locaux.

Enfin, ce billet se conclut par une entrevue riche et inspirante que Bambi a récemment eue avec Chawki. Il a généreusement répondu à toutes ses questions en anglais (en gras) et en français. C’est un échange magnifique—que vous apprécierez certainement autant que Bambi.

N.B. Si vous êtes intéressé par l’œuvre du Dr Chawki Hitti, n’hésitez pas à écrire à Bambi publiquement sur ce blog—ou en privé si vous préférez. Elle se fera un plaisir de vous mettre en contact direct avec l’artiste!

Chawki, paragliding in the air!
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
 
Wow! Chawki was the first Lebanese-Canadian citizen to climb the
5,137 m (or 16,854 ft)-Mount Ararat to summit in Turkey in 2005.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

Title of this artwork: Keys to Freedom [ Les Clés de la Liberté].
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

Artist Verbatim Statement (shared by Chawki Hitti)
“Crafted from reclaimed piano keys, “Keys to Freedom” reimagines sound as flight. The wing-like form symbolizes transformation, while the red bird represents hope and artistic courage. This piece explores how creativity allows us to rise beyond limitations, turning discarded elements into expressions of beauty and liberation”.
Le verbatim de la déclaration de l’artiste (partagé par Chawki Hitti)
“Réalisée à partir de touches de piano récupérées, “Les clés de la liberté” réinvente le son sous forme d’envol. La forme ailée symbolise la transformation, tandis que l’oiseau rouge incarne l’espoir et le courage artistique. Cette œuvre explore comment la créativité nous permet de dépasser les limites, en transformant des éléments oubliés en expressions de beauté et de liberté”.
Title of this artwork: The Sound of Flight [Le son du vol].
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

Artist Verbatim Statement (shared by Chawki Hitti)
“The Sound of Flight” is an exploration of transformation, memory, and freedom. Constructed from decommissioned piano keys and reclaimed materials, the sculpture reimagines a soaring eagle—symbol of strength and transcendence. Once vessels of music, the keys now form wings, suggesting that creativity, like flight, knows no bounds. The work reflects on how discarded elements of human expression can be reassembled to tell new stories, giving voice to both past and present. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of art—unconfined, evolving, and ever-reaching”.

Le verbatim de la déclaration de l’artiste (partagé par Chawki Hitti)
“Le Son du Vol” est une exploration de la transformation, de la mémoire et de la liberté. Construite à partir de touches de piano mises hors service et de matériaux récupérés, cette sculpture réinvente un aigle en plein vol — symbole de force et de transcendance. Autrefois vecteurs de musique, les touches forment désormais des ailes, suggérant que la créativité, tout comme le vol, ne connaît aucune limite. L’œuvre reflète la manière dont des éléments abandonnés de l’expression humaine peuvent être assemblés
pour raconter de nouvelles histoires, donnant une voix au passé comme au présent. C’est un hommage à l’esprit durable de l’art — libre, en perpétuelle évolution, et sans frontières”.
A musical video provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
The title of this artwork is: Cycle of Time and Illumination [Cycle du temps et de l’illumination].

Artist Verbatim Statement (shared by Chawki Hitti)
“This artwork creatively fuses elements of function, form, and nostalgia into a single, thought-provoking piece. Here’s my interpretation:
This sculpture appears to explore the relationship between movement, time, and light. The wheel—repurposed from a bicycle—symbolizes continuous motion or the cycle of life. By placing it vertically on a clock face, the artist suggests that life’s journey is intrinsically tied to time.
 The rope wrapping around the wheel may represent the entanglements or bonds we experience as we move through life, both grounding and guiding us. The inclusion of a bird perched on the wheel adds a touch of freedom or aspiration—perhaps a longing to rise above the mundane.
The lamp, hanging like a glowing fruit or idea, provides illumination—symbolizing enlightenment, awareness, or the passage of time from darkness to understanding.
Meanwhile, the reflector and bicycle gear nod to the past utility of the object, grounding the piece in memory and transformation. The sculpture celebrates human creativity—how discarded or everyday objects can be reshaped into new meaning”.

Le verbatim de la déclaration de l’artiste (partagé par Chawki Hitti) 
“Cette œuvre d’art fusionne de manière créative des éléments de fonction, de forme et de nostalgie en une seule pièce qui suscite la réflexion. Voici mon interprétation :
Cette sculpture semble explorer la relation entre le mouvement, le temps et la lumière. La roue — réutilisée à partir d’un vélo — symbolise le mouvement continu ou le cycle de la vie. En la plaçant verticalement sur un cadran d’horloge, l’artiste suggère que le parcours de la vie est intrinsèquement lié au temps.
La corde enroulée autour de la roue pourrait représenter les enchevêtrements ou les liens que nous rencontrons au fil de notre existence, à la fois des ancrages et des repères. L’inclusion d’un oiseau perché sur la roue apporte une touche de liberté ou d’aspiration — peut-être un désir de s’élever au-dessus du quotidien.
La lampe, suspendue telle un fruit lumineux ou une idée, apporte une illumination — symbolisant l’éveil, la conscience ou le passage du temps de l’obscurité vers la compréhension.
Par ailleurs, le réflecteur et le pignon de vélo font référence à l’utilité passée de l’objet, ancrant la pièce dans la mémoire et la transformation. La sculpture célèbre la créativité humaine — la manière dont des objets abandonnés ou ordinaires peuvent être réinventés pour acquérir une nouvelle signification”.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.
A picture provided by Dr. Chawki Hitti.

INTERVIEW WITH CHAWKI HITTI / Entrevue avec Chawki Hitti

Chawki, Bambi was highly impressed, yet not surprised, when she discovered your artwork. It is so unique. It’s beautiful. It is creative. It is ecological. No wonder it is now getting all this incredible attention online, even from abroad. Bravo!

To begin with, thank you again for your time and generosity. To share your incredible talent in creating all this beauty, along with your story, Bambi will ask a few questions. Some are grouped, but please feel free to either answer them all or partly, if you prefer.

1. Bambi wrote a few words to introduce you to the readers of her blog. If you wish, please tell them more about yourself: who you are as a person or how you would describe yourself as an artist or tell your story, etc.

“I am a human being—nothing more, and that is enough. I carry no story, for I dwell fully in the present. I need no description, for I am but a vessel. I hold no tale, for I am a living word in the great book of life”.

«Je suis un être humain — rien de plus, et cela suffit. Je ne porte aucune histoire, car je demeure pleinement dans le présent. Je n’ai besoin d’aucune description, car je ne suis qu’un simple réceptacle. Je ne détiens aucun récit, car je suis un mot vivant dans le grand livre de la vie».

2. What can you tell Bambi and her readers about your journey thus far: when and how did your creative process behind your handcrafted products start? How did you discover this passion in you? And how do you envision the present moment as well as the near future or in the longer term

“My creative process began as a response to both a personal and environmental need. Years ago, I found myself surrounded by discarded objects—things most people would consider trash. But I saw stories, textures, and potential in them. What started as a hobby—piecing together scrap wood, metal, fabric—soon evolved into a passion for transforming waste into art. I realized that through my hands, these forgotten materials could gain new life and meaning.

This passion grew out of a deep desire to connect creativity with sustainability. I’ve always been fascinated by the history embedded in objects, and working with recycled materials allows me to tell layered stories—about consumption, memory, and transformation.

In the present, I see my work as a dialogue between art and activism. It’s not just about making beautiful things—it’s about provoking thought and inspiring others to reconsider what we throw away. Looking to the future, I envision a world where sustainability and creativity are inseparable, where discarded materials are seen as opportunities rather than burdens. I hope to keep evolving, collaborating, and inspiring others to find value in what’s been left behind”.

«Mon processus créatif a commencé en réponse à un besoin à la fois personnel et environnemental. Il y a plusieurs années, je me suis retrouvé entouré d’objets abandonnés — des choses que la plupart des gens considèrent comme des déchets. Mais j’y voyais des histoires, des textures, un potentiel. Ce qui n’était au départ qu’un loisir — assembler des morceaux de bois, de métal, de tissu — est rapidement devenu une passion : celle de transformer les rebuts en œuvres d’art. J’ai compris qu’entre mes mains, ces matériaux oubliés pouvaient retrouver une nouvelle vie et une nouvelle signification.

Cette passion est née d’un profond désir de relier la créativité à la durabilité. J’ai toujours été fasciné par l’histoire que renferment les objets, et travailler avec des matériaux recyclés me permet de raconter des histoires complexes — sur la consommation, la mémoire et la transformation.

Aujourd’hui, je considère mon travail comme un dialogue entre l’art et l’activisme. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de créer de belles choses — il s’agit aussi de faire réfléchir et d’inspirer les autres à reconsidérer ce que nous jetons. Pour l’avenir, j’imagine un monde où la durabilité et la créativité sont indissociables, où les matériaux rejetés sont perçus comme des opportunités plutôt que des fardeaux. J’espère continuer à évoluer, à collaborer, et à inspirer d’autres personnes à trouver de la valeur dans ce qui a été abandonné».

3. What are your sources of inspiration?

“Meditation and life experience are my sources of inspiration. They nourish my awareness, sensitivity, and imagination.

1. Meditation:

By cultivating inner silence, meditation allows me to connect with my deep emotions, unconscious thoughts, and the present moment. This recentring can foster a kind of mental and emotional clarity that is conducive to creation. Many artists find in this meditative state an opening to symbolic visions, intuitions, or a more refined perception of the world, which they then transform into works of art.

2. Life experience:

Lived experiences—whether joyful, painful, ordinary, or extraordinary—become raw material that the artist can sublimate. Every human experience is unique, yet it carries a universal resonance. By expressing my own experiences through art, I often touch on shared truths and create a connection with the viewer”.

3. The union of both:

Meditation helps to digest, understand, and transmute life experience. Art then becomes the fruit of an expanded consciousness—a language that translates the unspoken depths of human existence”.

«La méditation et l’expérience de la vie sont mes sources d’inspiration. Ce sont eux qui nourrissent ma conscience, ma sensibilité et mon imagination.

1. La méditation :

En cultivant le silence intérieur, la méditation me permet de me connecter à mes émotions profondes, à mes pensées inconscientes et à l’instant présent. Ce recentrage peut favoriser une forme de clarté mentale et émotionnelle, propice à la création. Beaucoup d’artistes trouvent dans cet état méditatif une ouverture à des visions symboliques, à des intuitions ou à une perception plus fine du monde, qu’ils transforment ensuite en œuvres.

2. L’expérience de la vie :

Les événements vécus – qu’ils soient heureux, douloureux, ordinaires ou extraordinaires – deviennent une matière brute que l’artiste peut sublimer. Chaque expérience humaine est singulière, mais porte en elle une résonance universelle. Ainsi, en exprimant mes propres vécus à travers l’art, je touche souvent à des vérités partagées, et je crée un lien avec le spectateur.

3. L’alliance des deux :

La méditation aide à digérer, à comprendre et à transmuter l’expérience vécue. L’art devient alors le fruit d’une conscience élargie, un langage qui traduit l’indicible de l’existence humaine».

4. What values, or message if any, would you like to transmit in your artwork?

“Through my artistic work, I seek to convey fundamental values that are deeply important to me: freedom, justice, love, and above all, Ahimsa, a principle of Indian origin that embodies non-violence, pacifism, and compassion. These values form the foundation of my worldview and are reflected in every detail of my creations.

Ahimsa, in particular, guides my artistic approach. It is not merely the absence of physical violence, but a sincere commitment to live with kindness, respect, and empathy toward all living beings. My art becomes a space of peace, a gentle response to a world often in turmoil—a way to bring light to darkness without ever giving in to hatred.

Beyond these values, my message is a personal and inward invitation: each piece is designed as a mirror in which each viewer may recognize themselves, reflect, and perhaps glimpse a path to their own inner peace. I invite the audience to slow down, to listen to silence, to feel the harmony that nature offers us, and to consider a more conscious existence—one more connected to the living world.

In essence, my art is both a gentle cry for a better world and a caress for the soul of those who behold it”.

«À travers mes œuvres artistiques, je cherche à transmettre des valeurs fondamentales qui me tiennent profondément à cœur : la liberté, la justice, l’amour et surtout l’Ahimsa, un principe d’origine indienne qui incarne la non-violence, le pacifisme et la compassion. Ces valeurs sont les piliers de ma vision du monde et se reflètent dans chaque détail de mes créations.

L’Ahimsa, en particulier, guide ma démarche artistique. Elle n’est pas seulement une absence de violence physique, mais un engagement sincère à vivre avec bienveillance, respect et empathie envers tous les êtres vivants. Mon art est donc un espace de paix, une réponse douce à un monde souvent troublé, une manière d’opposer la lumière à l’obscurité, sans jamais céder à la haine.

Au-delà de ces valeurs, mon message est une invitation personnelle et intérieure : chaque œuvre est conçue comme un miroir dans lequel chacun peut se reconnaître, se questionner et, peut-être, entrevoir une voie vers sa propre paix intérieure. J’invite le spectateur à ralentir, à écouter le silence, à ressentir l’harmonie que la nature nous offre et à envisager une existence plus consciente, plus connectée au vivant.

En somme, mon art est à la fois un cri doux pour un monde meilleur et une caresse pour l’âme de celui ou celle qui le contemple».

5. What is your preferred “baby” artwork product, if any: why and what does it mean for you?

“Keys to freedom: This artwork is a beautiful sculptural piece that creatively combines piano keys arranged in the shape of wings, with a red bird perched near the top. Here are potential sources of inspiration behind this artwork:

1. Music and Flight – The fusion of piano keys and wings suggests a metaphor: music as a form of emotional or spiritual freedom and elevation, like flying.

2. Rebirth and Transformation – Broken or disassembled piano keys are repurposed into something new and dynamic, symbolizing transformation, recycling, and the rebirth of materials into new life.

3. Nature and Art – The bird and wing shape reflect natural beauty and life, while the keys ground it in human creativity and culture.

4. Surrealism – The combination of unrelated elements (music and wings) in a dreamlike, imaginative form echoes themes often found in surrealist or symbolism art.

5. Emotion and Expression – The open wings and red bird could express hope, freedom, or even escape, common emotional themes in sculpture and mixed media”.

«Clés de la liberté : Cette œuvre est une magnifique sculpture qui associe de manière créative des touches de piano disposées en forme d’ailes, avec un oiseau rouge perché au sommet. Voici quelques sources d’inspiration potentielles:

1. Musique et vol La fusion des touches de piano et des ailes suggère une métaphore : la musique est une forme de liberté et d’élévation émotionnelle ou spirituelle, comme le vol.

2. Renaissance et transformation Des touches de piano cassées ou démontées sont réutilisées pour créer quelque chose de nouveau et de dynamique, symbolisant la transformation, le recyclage et la renaissance des matériaux.

3. Nature et art  La forme de l’oiseau et de l’aile reflète la beauté naturelle et la vie, tandis que les touches l’ancrent dans la créativité et la culture humaines.

4. Surréalisme  La combinaison d’éléments sans rapport (musique et ailes) dans une forme onirique et imaginative fait écho à des thèmes souvent présents dans l’art surréaliste ou symboliste.

5. Émotion et expression  Les ailes ouvertes et l’oiseau rouge pourraient exprimer l’espoir, la liberté, voire l’évasion, des thèmes émotionnels courants dans la sculpture et les techniques mixtes».

6. What can you tell us about your studio, or workshop (atelier) where you create and develop your art and about your work habits: goals, search for material, ideas or goals, routines, time management, etc.? What works in terms of habits and of creative mindset?  

“Everything happens in the soul.

That is where the true workshop lies. In this space, the following traits and approaches emerge:

1. Curiosity-Driven Exploration

Always in search of new techniques, tools, or concepts.

I ask “What if?” questions that lead to experimentation and innovation.

2. Fearless Expression

I am not afraid to take creative risks or break conventions.

I see failure as an essential part of the artistic process.

3. Deep Observation

I pay close attention to details in materials, the environment, and human behavior.

I find inspiration in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

4. Adaptable Thinking

I quickly shift my approach if something isn’t working.

I welcome feedback with openness and use it to evolve my work.

5. Process Over Perfection

I value the creative journey more than the obsession with the final result.

I often document and share the process as an integral part of the artwork.

6. Collaborative Spirit

I enjoy exchanging ideas with others and engaging in a collective creative energy.

I learn and teach simultaneously during workshops.

7. Mindfulness and Intuition

I remain fully present in the act of creation.

I trust my intuition and inner visions”.

«Tout se passe dans l’âme.

C’est là, le véritable atelier. Ainsi se manifestent les caractéristiques et approches suivantes :

1. Exploration guidée par la curiosité

Toujours en quête de nouvelles techniques, d’outils ou de concepts.

Je pose des questions du type « Et si ? » qui mènent à l’expérimentation et à l’innovation.

2. Expression sans peur

Je n’ai pas peur de prendre des risques créatifs ou de briser les conventions.

Je considère l’échec comme une étape du processus artistique.

3. Observation approfondie

Je prête une grande attention aux détails dans les matériaux, l’environnement et le comportement humain.

Je trouve l’inspiration dans le banal comme dans l’extraordinaire.

4. Pensée adaptable

Je change rapidement d’approche si quelque chose ne fonctionne pas.

J’accueille les retours avec ouverture et je les utilise pour faire évoluer mon travail.

5. Le processus avant la perfection

Je privilégie le cheminement créatif plutôt que l’obsession du résultat final.

Je documente et partage souvent le processus comme faisant partie intégrante de l’œuvre.

6. Esprit de collaboration

J’aime échanger des idées avec les autres et participer à une énergie créative collective.

J’apprends et j’enseigne en même temps lors des ateliers.

7. Pleine conscience et intuition

Je reste pleinement présent dans l’acte de création.

Je fais confiance à mon intuition et à mes visions intérieures».

7. What piece of advice would you like to share with novice artists and with anyone who would like to nurture his or her creativity?

“A valuable piece of advice for novice artists and anyone nurturing their creativity is this: consistency beats inspiration. Don’t wait to feel creative—create a little every day, even when it’s hard. Creativity is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger and more reliable it becomes. Allow yourself to make mistakes, experiment freely, and focus on progress over perfection. The work you do imperfectly today lays the foundation for the brilliance of tomorrow”.

«Un conseil précieux pour les artistes débutants et pour tous ceux qui souhaitent cultiver leur créativité est le suivant : la constance l’emporte sur l’inspiration. N’attendez pas de vous sentir inspiré — créez un peu chaque jour, même lorsque c’est difficile. La créativité est comme un muscle : plus vous l’utilisez, plus elle devient forte et fiable. Autorisez-vous à faire des erreurs, à expérimenter librement, et concentrez-vous sur le progrès plutôt que sur la perfection. Le travail imparfait que vous accomplissez aujourd’hui prépare le terrain pour l’éclat de demain».

8. Would you like to add insights on a topic not covered in these questions?

“No. Many thanks, Bambi”.

“Non. Merci beaucoup, Bambi!”

Again, thank you for your time and generosity. Keep up the amazing work, PLEASE Chawki [Encore merci pour votre temps et votre générosité. Continuez votre excellent travail, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT, Chawki!]!

Bambi OR Rima Azar, PhD, Sackville, NB, Canada (Gmail; razar@mta.ca)

Ms. Carla Chamoun: Lebanon is lucky to have your voice

Bambi has been silent lately. On one hand, she was busy. On the other hand, she is about to hit her blog’s “Publish” button to share a post on artwork. Stay tuned please, dear readers. Until then, she will leave you with the beautiful song of the late and great, Mr. Zaki Nassif. It tells the story of a woman who is passionate about flowers. The highly talented singer is Ms. Carla Chamoun. May you enjoy this beautiful singing moment!

As per Mr. Nicola Ciccone’s song lyrics, do you have the talent for happiness?

One thing is sure, Montreal-based Nicola Ciccone is talented in song writing.

One of his latest songs is on the talent for happiness.

Bambi did not find neither the original French lyrics nor its English translation online.

Thus, she took the time to translate those beautiful lyrics before going to sleep late last night. She is eager to share them with you, along with the song, dear readers.

By doing so, she felt instant increased happiness because she recalled her youth when she used to listen to French songs on the radio and rush to transcribe their lyrics for fun.

The original French transcript is preceded by the result of a quick collaboration with her faithful friend, Mr. Google Translate. Bravo for his great job :). Of course, she took the time to revise, editing words here and there.

Mr. Ciccone’s wise insights, along with his personal relationship with happiness, are inspiring. The conclusion of his song, where he decides to work on his happiness, is uplifting. His smile when he sings the chorus ,”you need to be talented at being happy, you need talent for happiness“, reflects the sweetness of his authenticity. Needless to say that this artist spread instant moments of well-being to Bambi’s ears, heart, and sleepy mind after working late.

Thank you, Mr. Nicola Ciccone.

“It takes correctness to sing

It takes courage to write

It takes flexibility to dance

Then wisdom to age gracefully

Happiness is more complicated

It’s a more ambitious topic

You need to be talented at being happy

You need talent for happiness

We do everything to fill the void

There are those who live for power

Others who seek to make a fortune

Or, worse, even to touch fame

We all lose ourselves in the end

Happiness is not expensive

You need to be talented at being happy

You need talent for happiness

I never had that talent

Yet you know I looked for it

Although we all have it at our fingertips

Too few manage to touch it

I have so much melancholy inside me

It always comes back to catch me

True happiness cannot be guessed

You have to work for it

All it takes is a kiss to love

All it takes is a silence to say everything

All it takes is a dream to exist

And a thrill to feel

Happiness must be practiced

It’s not for the envious

You need to be talented at being happy

You need talent for happiness

I never had that talent

I never had that talent

Yet you know I looked for it

Although we all have it at our fingertips

Too few manage to touch it

I have so much melancholy inside me

It always comes back to catch me

True happiness cannot be guessed

I’ve traveled the world several times

I’ve made so many dreams come true

I’ve known everything about true love

To the point of accepting its loss

My friends sometimes ask me

You who have seen it all

What are you going to do?

I will work on my happiness (2)”

« Ça prend de la justesse pour chanter

Ça prend du courage pour écrire

Ça prend de la souplesse pour danser

Puis de la sagesse pour bien vieillir

Le bonheur c’est plus compliqué

C’est un sujet plus ambitieux

Faut le talent pour être heureux

Faut du talent pour être heureux

On fait tout pour combler le vide

Il y en a qui vivent pour le pouvoir

D’autres qui cherchent à faire fortune

Ou, pire, même à toucher la gloire

On se perd tous au bout du compte

Le bonheur n’a rien d’onéreux

Faut le talent pour être heureux

Faut du talent pour être heureux

Je ne l’ai jamais eu ce talent-là

Pourtant tu sais que je l’ai cherché

Bien qu’on l’ait tous au bout des doigts

Trop peu arrivent à y toucher

J’ai tant de mélancolie en moi

Ça vient toujours me rattraper

Le vrai bonheur (ne) se devine pas

Faut y travailler

Il suffit d’un baiser pour aimer

Il suffit d’un silence pour tout dire

Il suffit d’un rêve pour exister

Et d’un frisson pour ressentir

Le bonheur faut s’y entrainer

Ce n’est pas fait pour les envieux

Faut le talent pour être heureux

Faut du talent pour être heureux

Je ne l’ai jamais eu ce talent-là

Je ne l’ai jamais eu ce talent-là

Pourtant tu sais que je l’ai cherché

Bien qu’on l’ait tous au bout des doigts

Trop peu arrivent à y toucher

J’ai tant de mélancolie en moi

Ça vient toujours me rattraper

Le vrai bonheur (ne) se devine pas

J’ai fait le tour du monde plusieurs fois

J’ai réalisé tant de rêves

J’ai connu tout du grand amour

Jusqu’à accepter de le perdre

Mes amis me demandent parfois

Toi qui a tout vu

Qu’est-ce que tu vas faire?

Je vais travailler à être heureux (2) »

Mr. vs Ms. Trump: Her picture at the Pope’s funeral seemed worth a thousand words [in French: “mille MOTS] whereas his online AI picture seems worth a thousand evil [in French: “mille MAUX”]

We do not have to be of Christian faith, or specifically Catholic, to sense the odd yet unkind, and even disgusting, disrespect to Humankind in Mr. Trump’s online AI-generated picture of himself dressed as a Pope (https://shorturl.at/byYqO). May Pope Francis’ memory be eternal (his dead body was still hot only 2 weeks ago).

Now, Mr. Trump, or his colleagues who have defended him, might say that he was “just joking” or that he has been in political disagreement with the Vatican. Regardless of the excuse to justify the online behaviour, it is senseless. Period. There is no point in trying to understand an abusive behaviour. Just like with Canada to whom he keeps repeating “51st State“, either to play games or to truly de-stabilize our country by installing fear (and thus control). Anyhow, this so-called “joke” will likely be followed by an attempt to push the buttons of another target group, or to the Vatican again until a new Pope is elected, maybe to feel (politically or personally) superior. If that is the case, only deeply wounded leaders, or anyone of us, repeatedly resort to such behaviours to elevate themselves.

Please make no mistake dear readers, we do not have to agree with someone to respect him, before his death or postmortem, or to respect what he represents to a large proportion of the population Perhaps the latter includes Mr. Trump’s Vice President or his wife. Who knows?

Indeed, Ms. Melania Trump’s picture at the Pope’s funeral projected respect for the deceased (https://shorturl.at/sLiWn), more cleverly than her spouse right now. Indeed, she attended the service FULLY dressed in black. She even had a veil on her head (which she did not wear when she visited Saudi Arabia during his first presidency). In addition, we could see a cross around her neck. All the details of the image are signs of respect and even compassion, even if it was calculated and not spontaneous.

Of note, even wild deer, and not just human beings, did not agree with all the ideas or, perhaps approaches of late Pope Francis, or his entourage at least, to solve some of the world’s problems. Although her blog posted a couple of older posts where she expressed specific disagreement, Bambi has the utmost respect for Pope Francis and even more so for his institution, despite any historical or potential mistakes, excesses, or fanaticism (like for all religions and all other ideologies, including secular ones).

As for Mr. Trump, without being fatally allergic to him to the same extent as she is to aspirin, she tells herself that he will finish his presidency sooner or later. Until then, despite his personality style, she could even agree with him on some issues yet disagree on others or on the methods (i.e., the ends do not justify the means). At the end of the day, she does not have to endure him, or someone with his personality style, under her own roof (thank God). Thus, she has enough intellectual and emotional distance to be lucid. She can even recognize (when/if she sees it) any good legacy of his second presidency for his country or for the world. Yet, in her mind, she knows when an online behaviour is unacceptable, especially when its author is the US President.

This being said, she feels sad for the United States of America to be where it is right now. Mind you, when Mr. Biden was the US President, she also felt sad, but for different reasons: whenever she sensed what looked like senior abuse, especially in those moments where he showed signs of mental unwellness, her heart went to him.

For her, perhaps unlike for Mr. Trump (at least apparently because she is not a mind reader), what matters the most is the following: she was on the same page as the late Pope Francis when it came to the essence, the values of humanity. To her, this matters more than shared faith/spirituality with him. She is thinking of the values of dignity, along with compassion, for all. Upon learning about the death of this senior man of faith, love, empathy, and humility, she felt a sense of deep loss. She first offered her condolences to a couple of friends who had the honour to have met him in person. With a brief post, she then paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis. May his soul rest in peace again.

Good luck to the papal conclave in electing a new Pope. Regardless of his ethnolinguistic background or vision, may the latter be wise. Yes, our deeply troubled world needs wisdom more than ever.

New Brunswick official bird: Thanks Brittany for capturing its cuteness!

Bambi is grateful for Brittany’s talent and generosity. Thanks to her beloved friend, you can now appreciate the beauty of the fauna in one of Canada’s Maritime provinces. If you are curious about this bird, and if Bambi is not mistaken (she is not a bird expert), it might be the official bird of our beautiful province. It is called black-capped chickadee. Regardless of its real name, isn’t it cute?

A picture taken by Brittany in South East New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.
A picture taken by Brittany in South East New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.
A picture taken by Brittany in South East New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.
A video taken by Brittany in South East New Brunswick, Atlantic Canada.

Ms. Felicia Hershenhorn: “An open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney: what is your plan to protect Canadian Jews”?

Bravo to Ms. Felicia Hershenhorn for her elegantly and sharply written open letter to Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mr. Mark Carney.

First, “Mabrouk” to Mr. Carney.

Second, will he listen to this clever Toronto-based entrepreneur (and former lawyer)?

Third, and if he will genuinely take her letter seriously, what concrete actions will he and his cabinet take to make our fellow Canadians of Jewish ancestry finally safe again?

It is about time.

Of note, Ms. Hershenhorn’s open letter appears on her own Instagram platform and one of Bambi’s dear friends kindly emailed it to her. In turn, she is both happy and honoured to share with you, dear readers.

May calm, reason, kindness, gratitude, open-mindedness, shared humanity, and love find their ways again in our hearts. Our beautiful Canada deserves and can do better.

Dear Prime Minister Carney,

Congratulations on your election victory. You assume office at a moment when Canada’s foundational promises of fairness, dignity and belonging are openly challenged.

I write as a Jewish Canadian and as the granddaughter of a man who staked everything on those promises.

On December 22, 1935, my grandfather stepped onto Canadian soil at Pier 21 in Halifax, fleeing rising antisemitism in Poland aboard the Ausonia. He arrived penniless, without English or certainty, carrying only a belief that in this great country if you built something of worth you could claim your place.

He did. My father did too, founding a small business, employing Canadians and realising the dream his father had chased across an ocean. Because of them I walked through doors once locked to our family, graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School. Their courage became my inheritance.

Our family’s story mirrors the wider story of Jewish Canadians: a history not of complaint but of relentless contribution.

When legal barriers excluded Jews from full participation, Jewish Canadians didn’t merely break through; they transformed Canada’s legal landscape. Bora Laskin, initially denied an articling position due to his faith, rose to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and embedded individual rights into Canadian constitutional law, laying the crucial groundwork for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Justice Rosalie Abella, born to Holocaust survivors in a displaced persons camp, introduced employment equity, reshaping Canadian fairness for women, minorities and persons with disabilities.

When apartheid demanded moral clarity it was Irwin Cotler, a Jewish Canadian, who defended Nelson Mandela, challenged racial injustice internationally and placed human rights at the centre of Canada’s global identity.

When restrictive covenants barred Jews, Blacks and Asians from owning homes, Jewish Canadians confronted this legal segregation. In the landmark Supreme Court case Noble and Wolf v. Alley (1951), Jewish Canadians helped overturn these covenants, paving the way for modern anti-discrimination protections.

When Canada criminalised abortion, it was Dr Henry Morgentaler, a Holocaust survivor, who endured relentless prosecution until the Supreme Court, in R v. Morgentaler (1988), struck down Canada’s abortion laws, significantly expanding the Charter’s guarantee of security of the person for all Canadians.

Jewish Canadians have also profoundly shaped Canada’s economic strength and security. Barry Sherman, through Apotex, delivered affordable life-saving medications to millions globally. Sam Steinberg provided Canadian families reliable access to affordable food, while Murray Koffler transformed healthcare accessibility nationwide through Shoppers Drug Mart.

On Bay Street, Jewish Canadians fundamentally reshaped Canada’s financial landscape. Ned Goodman, founder of Dundee Corporation and DundeeWealth, transformed Canada’s investment and wealth management sectors. Gerry Schwartz, founder of Onex Corporation, secured financial growth and stability for countless Canadians through strategic partnerships with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, enhancing retirement security for millions.

Jewish Canadians have also defined Canada culturally, artistically and intellectually. Jack Rabinovitch founded the Giller Prize, Canada’s most prestigious literary award. Barbara Frum became one of Canada’s most trusted journalists, shaping how the nation understood itself. Leonard Cohen’s poetry and music spoke profoundly to the world. Mordecai Richler’s incisive novels captured Canadian wit and conscience, and Lorne Michaels elevated Canadian comedy globally through Saturday Night Live.

In science and medicine, Jewish Canadians changed global health. Dr Mark Wainberg advanced HIV/AIDS research, dramatically improving treatments and transforming millions of lives.

In contemporary popular culture, Drake, a proud Jewish Canadian artist, has placed Canada at the heart of global music, reshaping cultural conversations worldwide.

These achievements are not isolated; they form a unified narrative. Jewish Canadians did not merely integrate into Canada, we actively shaped it, elevating its ideals and extending its opportunities to everyone.

Yet today our community feels increasingly vulnerable. Although Jews represent just over one percent of Canada’s population, we are targets of more than 75% of all religiously motivated hate crimes. Our synagogues require armed guards. Our schools hide their entrances. Our children are told to conceal their Jewish stars for their own safety.

You have spoken about enhancing protections for places of worship. But vandalism, harassment and hatred are already crimes under Canadian law. What is lacking is not new legislation but political resolve and moral clarity.

Jewish Canadians are not asking for charity. We ask whether the country we helped build with our labour, courage, ingenuity and commitment still fully includes us in its promises? We fought for rights we ourselves lacked and secured them not just for our community but for every Canadian.

We did not come to Canada simply to be tolerated. We came to help build the true north strong and free. And we succeeded.

But those who built Canada’s firehouses should never be left to burn inside them. We do not seek condolences after tragedy strikes but genuine leadership and courage. Right now, before it is too late, we ask your government for a clear commitment and concrete plan to combat antisemitism.

Respectfully,

Felicia Hershenhorn

To what extent are you honest with yourself and with others?

Did you know that today is the “National Honesty Day” (https://shorturl.at/4uMNC)? Bambi has no clue who declared the latter. Once again, some declared days are valuable because they raise awareness about a health condition or a historic event. Others may seem funny or very odd. One thing is sure, honesty is a meaningful value, which relates to concepts such as authenticity, lucidity, and maybe even courage.

Yes, it takes courage to be truthful with oneself, to begin with, and with others, especially in tough circumstances or if we live according to the expectations of others. After all, there is a reason for Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882; https://shorturl.at/Mr1jA)’s beautiful saying: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”.

Indeed, being authentic or truthful is all about having the courage to be genuine or true to oneself. It is both a way of being and a way of acting in alignment with our values, thoughts, or words.

To be authentic or sincere, with both oneself and with others, one must know his or her own core values (respect, compassion, love, etc.) and maybe also priorities (e.g., personal development, family, service to community, vocation, living according to one’s faith, etc.).

The beauty of authenticity is that, by being honest or genuine, we deepen and strengthen our meaningful relationships with others. Indeed, authenticity fosters mutual understanding and contributes to building trust.

Of note, in times of conflicts or disagreements, authenticity can drive honest communication. The latter is necessary to address the root of disagreements or issues. As a result, authenticity has the potential to serve both inner peace and peace with others. Indeed, authenticity is a key ingredient of happiness and harmony with others.

Bearing all the above in mind, to what extent are you honest with yourself and about yourself in your meaningful relationships? And what about yourself in society in general or on social media (where Bambi does not exist :)?

Regardless of your answer and thankfully, there is room for learning when it comes to authenticity. Yes, even when truthfulness has been lacking, perhaps due to insecurities or other factors, it can be nurtured through the practice of self-awareness. In turn, seeing ourselves clearly would help us in having more agency and thus confidence. For instance, it can improve our decision-making, both personal and professionally (https://shorturl.at/dzIMg).

To conclude this post, who needs masks when we can enjoy being connected to our own uniqueness? Who needs lies when one’s self-image is positive and the connections with both oneself and others are healthy? Happy Honesty Day to you dear readers!

Mr. Tiken Jah Fakoly with the “Le Grand Choral”: “Plus rien ne m’étonne” [Nothing Surprises Me Anymore]

Bambi thanks Aline, her dear friend, for sharing this powerful song.

From YouTube, you can read the following about the much talented singer: “Tiken Jah Fakoly is a renowned Ivorian reggae singer, known for his powerful and inspiring lyrics that denounce social, political, and economic injustices in Africa while delivering messages of peace and rebellion. “Plus rien ne m’étonne” [Nothing Surprises Me Anymore] is a song that highlights how politicians have divided Africa and the world to seize their lands and resources, presenting a sad reflection of today’s realities”.

Of note, you can read the lyrics of this beautiful song in both English and French.

Dr. Joseph Facal: 5 sad truths about this election campaign [“5 tristes vérités sur cette campagne électoraleDr. Joseph Facal”]

Thank you Dr. Joseph Facal for your clever column in the Journal de Montréal (https://shorturl.at/XBiOU). Food for thought for Bambi and maybe for those of you who would be voting tomorrow, regardless of your voting choice or of the outcome of the campaign that BBC just called “historic” (https://shorturl.at/gDJ9g).

Without becoming cynical, how could anything be historic when the polls seem to predict the same old once again? Bambi is saying the latter with all due respect to everyone and with much detachment from politics in general. Indeed, many politicians are competent across parties, including the Liberal Party. She salutes their service and thanks them all.

She expressed her gratitude above while personally dreaming of a real change in Ottawa because, in her non-expert mind, any political party serving for too long would be at risk of excesses, potential abuses, or simply of repetition of the same mistakes. The latter is human if lessons are not learned or if egos are too big to admit the mistakes in question or to take responsibility for bad outcomes, as needed.

It is easy for Canada to blame Mr. Trump, or its version of the USA. for all our issues, just like the smaller Lebanon has traditionally blamed its harsh neighbours, Israel and Syria, for occupations and excesses. However, at one point one must look within, first, in an honest and courageous way. Then standing up for oneself in the complex, and at times abusive, relationships with others would bring a much needed “historic” change.

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, in the end, rulers come and go. Countries stay, thank goodness. Long live Canada and a big thank you to Mr. Google Translate for his prompt assistance. Now is the time for Dr. Facal’s remarkable lucidity.

I vote for the Bloc out of sovereignist conviction. I won’t let Trump shake up my values. However, the polls predict a Liberal victory. I draw the following conclusions:

1. Fear Remains, by Far, the Most Powerful Motive for Explaining Human Behaviour

Let’s not kid ourselves about the wonderful social projects we can build together. The surest way to get someone to do something is to scare them, even if the frightened person will invent all sorts of justifications.

Everything else comes second to this vital need for reassurance. True yesterday, true today, true tomorrow. Voters therefore seem to be leaning toward the old Liberal jalopy with a new driver.

2. In Québec, Fear Is No Less Than It Used To Be. Unfortunately

Québecers have a long tradition of fear campaigns to get them to vote “on the right side”: the Brink’s scandal in 1970, the “Lévesque cash grab,” Paul Martin’s loss of a million jobs, old-age pensions, the partition of the territory, etc.

I thought we had matured, that we were more immune. Not at all.

New voters don’t know the past, and old voters often forget it.

3. We Underestimate How Much Fear Can Cloud Judgment.

Re-vote for Trudeau’s party, his ideology, and his team, ignoring his disastrous record? Wow!

Throw yourself into the arms of a man you know nothing about, who wants to spend even more than Trudeau, who uses tax havens, and who has a lot of smelly skeletons in his closet? Wow again!

Even sovereignists have completely lost it.

4. Objectivity, a Distant Memory

It’s perfectly normal for a columnist to express a subjective opinion, even if it may be more or less well-argued.

But who’s going to deny that the pro-Liberal stance was grossly overstated among a majority of supposedly objective analysts, particularly those in the orbit of Radio-Canada [CBC in English], which has been supporting the Liberal Party for decades?

I find it delightful to hear these ethical lecturers rail against the otherwise fully acknowledged lack of objectivity of Rebel News and the like.

One can claim to be objective and, for example, bias media coverage by exaggerating or ignoring an issue, or by always attacking the same side.

5. Pure Luck Often Plays a Crucial Role in Politics

Who could have predicted that Trump would unleash this absurd trade war? Even worse for liberals, as we entered the final stretch, opposition parties had to compete with hockey fever and the death of the Pope to make themselves heard.

Media space is limited. Anything devoted to one topic means less space for another.

All of this, you might say, is very depressing. Indeed.

The people are preparing, it seems, to be the architects of their own future misfortune.

Afterward, they’ll complain. As always”.