Since I have been in the U.S. about a year now, I thought it's time I do a short summary of what has been happening around Antoine's art during this time.

My very first mission for the year was to put my work out there where it could be seen. After living on three different continents in less than two years my aim was not to find galleries in my neighborhood (I have accepted the fact that I'm a traveler and will probably never settle) and would rather get a good portfolio of work together to show everywhere. Therefore I was hiding my nose in the books and designed AntoineArt.com, which was launched in July '03.

Ever since I can remember, one of my fantasies has been to sculpt stone (especially marble!). Years ago I got a little piece, about the size of a brick from a friend and many hours was spent staring at it and dreaming of one day being able to shape it. After my husband and I visited Italy in early '02 this desire grew. And two days after the launch of my website I drove 1400 miles west to Marble, Colorado. A town called 'Marble' sounded like the perfect place to obtain this skill and the course that followed surely changed my world. Incidentally, do not attempt rigging this hefty substance (600 lbs a shot), without the latest greatest engine hoist technology.

August 2003, my very first solo exhibition in the big United States of America. It was during a festival called 'Archway Days' that our downstairs workshop was quickly transformed into a gallery and everything I created during the year was put up. It was the first time that I displayed my creations to my immediate neighborhood and the warm reaction to my work and the friendliness displayed to the 'new' artist 'caused me to feel so at home that I already know this little Centerville will be a place hard to leave.

During this time I was also encouraged to put my work in local shows and shortly afterward ten of my works were displayed in the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. 'Dawn' was selected for a juried show at the Richmond Art Museum and one of my first Marble sculptures 'Free Oneself' was selected for a show with Artlink, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Now, somehow I feel this paragraph should go to my future plans. Since they change frequently, I should be cautious not to say too much, but there are possibilities of exhibits in Washington DC, Indianapolis and Wales U.K., but first things first. I now need a place with lots of space where I could make lots and lots of noise with marble grinders and make and break as I feel. Therefore, me and TJ (my best friend & husband) are in the process of getting our own little place in the sun. And although the little house in the woods, that we fell in love with, has been very slippery (wheelin' and a dealin'; agents and "final" offers…), it does seem like we are holding on to it (again) and will hopefully sign the final closing before the end of the month.