Numeraire in Conversation with Aro

Numeraire: You come from a family of entrepreneurs, studied administration and marketing, and spent years building a career in the food and restaurant industries before turning to painting in 2017. Looking back, how do you understand that first life — and at what point did you sense it was preparing you for something else?

ARO: I do not see my journey as two separate lives, but rather as one continuous path that has led me to where I am today.

Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs and later taking over the family business with my husband, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to honor the
opportunity I had been given and to exceed expectations. For more than twenty years, the business world was my reality. It taught me discipline, leadership, and
how to navigate pressure, but above all, it taught me the importance of human relationships. Behind every employee, client, and partner was a story, dreams, fears, and aspirations.

Looking back, I realize that this first chapter of my life was already preparing me to become an artist—not from a technical standpoint, but from a human one. It
taught me to observe people, to listen to what is not always spoken, and to understand the complexity of the human experience. Today, these are the very
emotions I seek to translate onto a canvas.

Entrepreneurship also provided me with invaluable tools to develop my artistic career. Too often, we believe that talent alone is enough. Yet creating is only part
of the equation. Artists must also learn how to build meaningful relationships, share their work with the world, communicate their vision, and create opportunities. This entrepreneurial dimension, often overlooked in the art world, has enabled me to bring my work far beyond the walls of my studio.

I believe the true turning point came when I realized that external success was no longer enough. Life confronted me with several challenges that led me to deeply
question the meaning, impact, and legacy I wanted to leave behind. It was then that art entered my life—not as a new career, but as a more authentic way of expressing who I had already become.

Numeraire: The name ARO — Authentic, Romantic, Original — carries a personal manifesto within it. When did those three words come to define not just how you paint, but how you approach life more broadly?

ARO: ARO was born during that memorable creative workshop on February 4, 2017, long before I could have imagined that art would become a full-time career. As I prepared to sign my very first painting, I felt the need to use a nickname, a shortened version of my first name. Looking back, I realize that it was a symbolic way of giving myself permission to be everything at once: an artist and an entrepreneur, sensitive and ambitious, vulnerable and strong.

Very quickly, ARO took on a deeper meaning: Authentic, Romantic, and Original. These three words became much more than a signature; they became a philosophy for living.

Authenticity lies at the heart of everything I do. I am no longer afraid to show my vulnerability because I believe it is a strength that brings us closer to one another. I strive to remain deeply aligned with who I truly am, both in my personal and professional life.

Originality is reflected in each of my works. Every painting is unique, exclusive, and carries its own story, written on the back of the canvas. My creations are a reflection of who I am at a specific moment in my life—the emotions that inhabit me, the thoughts that occupy my mind, and the experiences that continue to shape and transform me.

As for romanticism, it represents the way I approach life with sensitivity, wonder, and openness. It is the ability to find beauty in the smallest details, to believe in endless possibilities, and to continue moving forward despite life’s challenges.

Today, these three words guide every aspect of my life. They remind me to have the courage to be myself, to stop limiting who I am in order to meet the expectations of others, to trust my intuition, and to take the road less traveled in order to create a path that is uniquely my own. Because I deeply believe that our greatest strength lies in having the courage to be fully who we are.

Numeraire: You discovered abstract painting during a creative workshop at the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce, of all places. What happened in that room, and why do you think that particular moment, in that particular context, was the one that changed everything?

ARO: February 4, 2017,remains a defining date in my life. I was attending a workshop called Dream and Create at the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce. At that point, I had been an entrepreneur for many years, accustomed to managing significant responsibilities, anticipating challenges, and constantly thinking about the next step. I was always focused on the future.

That evening, something unexpected happened. As I painted for the very first time, I lost all sense of time. For the first time in a long while, I was no longer thinking about what needed to be accomplished next or what could potentially go wrong. I was simply present.

I realized that I had spent a large part of my life anticipating the future to the point of forgetting to fully live in the present moment. This workshop gave me an invaluable gift: the opportunity to reconnect with my inner child, with that ability to explore, create, and be amazed without any expectation of results, without pressure, and without the need to perform.

I believe that the fact this workshop took place within an entrepreneurial setting makes it even more meaningful. At the École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce, we were encouraged to dream bigger and challenge our own limitations. Without realizing it, I was not only discovering a new form of artistic expression; I was rediscovering a part of myself that I had set aside for many years.

I did not leave that room thinking that I would become a professional artist. I left with the profound conviction that there was another way to live: with greater presence, more joy, and deeper authenticity. Art later became the vehicle that allowed me to remain connected to that version of myself.

Numeraire: Your background is in business, not fine arts. You are entirely self-taught as a painter. Has that absence of formal art training ever felt like a limitation — or has it consistently felt like a freedom?

ARO: At the beginning of my journey, I knew absolutely nothing about the art market. Looking back, that naivety was probably one of my greatest assets. I entered this world without preconceived ideas, unaware of the unspoken rules and the sometimes complex dynamics that exist within the art industry.

I quickly realized that there could be a certain level of competition among artists, sometimes even unhealthy competition. Because I was unaware of these dynamics, I was not perceived as a threat by anyone. I was simply a woman painting for the joy of it, guided by a genuine desire to explore and create.

Being self-taught was, however, questioned on several occasions. Some gallery owners were uncomfortable with the fact that I had not followed a traditional fine arts education. I often share this particular story: one gallery decided to represent me because they genuinely loved my work, despite their initial hesitation about my unconventional background. During the very first year alone, they sold more than fifty of my paintings. That experience reminded me that the emotion and connection created by an artwork often transcend conventions and expectations.

Today, I believe that my lack of formal artistic training has been more of a freedom than a limitation. I do not get lost in technique or in the pursuit of perfection. Very early on, I found my artistic signature by allowing myself to paint what I felt rather than what I believed I was supposed to create.
I paint my emotions. I allow intuition, movement, and the authenticity of the present moment to guide me. I do not consciously seek balance in my paintings; it emerges naturally. Perhaps this is precisely my greatest advantage: learning to trust my own voice before learning the rules that might have encouraged me to question it.

Numeraire: In 2018, barely a year into your practice, you exhibited at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. And in 2019, you personally presented a painting to Michelle Obama. For someone who had only recently picked up a brush, how did you process those moments — and what did they demand of you?

ARO: These experiences profoundly transformed my perception of what is possible.

When I exhibited at the Carrousel du Louvre in 2018 and personally presented a painting to Michelle Obama in 2019, I naturally felt privileged and deeply grateful. But more importantly, those moments challenged the limitations I had unconsciously placed on myself. I asked myself a simple question: “If this is possible, what else is possible?” The answer that emerged was: everything.

However, I do not believe these opportunities happened purely by chance. They required courage, perseverance, and the willingness to take action despite self- doubt. I quickly realized that an artist’s responsibility does not end with the creation of the artwork. It also involves ensuring that the work is seen and shared with the world so that it can have a second life beyond the moment of its creation.

I organized my own solo exhibitions, invested in public relations campaigns, and built meaningful relationships with influential individuals in both the entrepreneurial and artistic worlds. My entrepreneurial background taught me that it is not enough to wait for opportunities to appear; sometimes, we must have the courage to create them ourselves.

These experiences also taught me to fully embrace my place as an artist. For a long time, I believed that certain doors were meant for others. Today, I understand that we are often the ones who impose limits on our own potential. When we dare to dream big, prepare ourselves seriously, and embrace the opportunities that come our way, extraordinary things can happen.

Beyond the recognition they represent, these experiences ultimately reinforced a belief that now guides both my life and my work: everything is possible.

Numeraire: You have spoken openly about inner doubt, self-limiting beliefs, and the weight people carry without realizing it. How directly do those themes find their way into the paintings themselves — and is abstract art, for you, partly a way of making visible what words cannot hold?

ARO: These themes are deeply present in my work, even if they are not always expressed in a literal way. I believe that we all carry invisible stories, doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs, but also an extraordinary capacity for resilience, hope, and transformation. These profoundly human dimensions are what inspire my creations.
I chose abstraction because it emphasizes movement and emotion rather than the faithful representation of reality. It creates space for interpretation and allows each person to project their own story, emotions, and experiences onto the work. I find it beautiful that the same painting can touch different people for completely unique reasons.

I often speak about an “emotional connection at first sight.” When someone feels an immediate connection with a piece of art, something greater happens. It is no longer simply about aesthetics or decoration. It becomes an intimate encounter that endures over time and can accompany someone throughout their life.

My work is filled with hope, joy, and courage. Even when I explore more vulnerable themes, I always strive to offer a sense of light, the possibility of transformation, and the belief that we can move through life’s challenges and emerge stronger.

Abstract art allows me to express through movement what I am unable to express through words. It becomes a language of its own—a space where emotions can exist freely without needing to be explained or justified.

I believe that some human experiences transcend the limits of language. Where words end, my paintings continue the conversation.

Numeraire: You have built not just an artistic practice but a gallery, a studio, a conference platform, and an international presence — all within a remarkably compressed period of time. How much of that is the entrepreneur in you, and how much is the artist? Do you experience them as the same person?

ARO: For a long time, I believed I had to choose: to be either an entrepreneur or an artist, rational or creative, structured or intuitive. Over time, I came to understand that these two aspects of my identity are deeply inseparable.

The artist brings joy, creativity, and freedom to the entrepreneur in me. She reminds me of the importance of exploration, curiosity, and making space for intuition and wonder. She helps me see possibilities where others may see limitations.

Conversely, it was the entrepreneur who allowed ARO to be born and flourish. She provided the vision, discipline, courage, and resilience required to transform a passion into a career. She taught me how to build relationships, create opportunities, develop projects, and persevere through challenges.

I do not believe one can fully exist without the other. My entrepreneurial background gave me the tools needed to share my art with the world, while art brought greater meaning, humanity, and harmony to the way I approach entrepreneurship.

Looking back, I also realize that the different expressions of my artistic career were never part of a carefully designed plan. They emerged in response to people’s requests—almost like a calling to continue, to go deeper, and to offer more.

Writing has always been a passion of mine. Publishing two books to date has been an immense source of pride, and a third book is already in the works to mark ARO’s tenth anniversary.

My conference “Be the Artist of Your Life” was born from my own transformation, my career transition, and the moment I chose to reclaim ownership of my life and shape it in alignment with who I truly am.

My creative workshops emerged from a desire to offer others what I personally experienced during that first transformative artistic encounter. I wanted to integrate all the personal growth tools that helped me along my own journey in orderto support participants in getting to know themselves better, believing more deeply in their potential, and daring to create a life that reflects who they truly are.

Today, I no longer try to separate these different dimensions of my identity. I am deeply both at once. It is precisely this combination of sensitivity and determination, intuition and strategy, creativity and action that allows me to contribute in my own way and create a greater impact.
The artist and the entrepreneur are not two different people. They are simply two complementary expressions of who I am.

Numeraire: Your work has entered private and corporate collections across several countries, and your art has been shown on multiple continents. Yet your roots — Quebec City, Stoneham, the particular light and culture of that part of Canada — seem to remain central to who you are. How does place live in your paintings?

ARO: I am deeply proud to have been born in Quebec and to be able to showcase my region internationally through my artwork. Each time one of my paintings finds a home somewhere in the world, I feel that it carries with it a part of where I come from—my culture and the values that shape who I am.

My studio in Stoneham is my sanctuary. It is a place where I can slow down, reconnect with myself, and create freely. I love opening the large garage doors and remaining connected to the surrounding nature, accompanied by Maya, my loyal four-legged companion. This closeness to the natural world deeply nourishes my creative process.

Nature is a constant source of inspiration. Its colors, movements, cycles, and harmony influence several of my collections, including ADN, PURE, and REFLECTIONS. I draw from it a sense of peace, but also important reminders about adaptation, resilience, and the beauty that exists within every season of life.

Although my work now travels across several continents, I remain deeply rooted here. Quebec has given me a strong sense of belonging, authenticity, and a genuine appreciation for life’s simple pleasures: nature, family, human connection, and the ability to find light even during the longest winters.

I believe that the places we inhabit shape us far more than we realize. When I paint in my studio in Stoneham, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. This environment constantly reminds me of the importance of staying true to who I am. No matter where my artwork may travel, part of its essence will always originate here.

Numeraire: You now give conferences on self-surpassing, vulnerability, and finding meaning — drawing directly on your own story. When you stand in front of an audience and share that journey, and when you stand alone in front of a canvas, are you doing the same thing?

ARO: Yes, profoundly so. I truly feel that I am accomplishing the very same thing.

My mission is to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of everyone who crosses my path. I genuinely love people and the authentic connections that emerge through human interaction. Whether through a conference, a book, a creative workshop, or a work of art, my intention remains the same: to offer a space for reflection, hope, and transformation.

The main difference lies in the language I use. During conferences, I use words. I share my story, the lessons I have learned, the tools that have helped me, and the insights that enabled me to reclaim control over my life. I encourage people to challenge their limiting beliefs and to consider new possibilities.

In front of a blank canvas, I use emotions, colors, and movement instead. I communicate in a different way, without needing to explain or persuade. I create space for feeling and personal interpretation.

At its core, however, the intention remains identical. Whether I am standing on a stage or working in my studio, I hope to inspire people to believe in themselves more deeply, recognize their potential, and understand that they have the power to create a life that truly reflects who they are.

I deeply believe that we all have the ability to rewrite our stories, to choose a new path, and to create something beautiful from our experiences, even the most difficult ones. If my journey can inspire even one person to take that first step toward themselves, then I will have fulfilled my mission.

Numeraire: You have recently authorized the creation of a Digital Product Passport for your works through Numeraire. For an artist whose practice is so rooted in emotion, authenticity, and the unfiltered experience of creation, what does it mean to give each painting a permanent, verifiable identity — and how do you think about the long life of a work once it leaves your hands?

ARO: For an artist whose practice is deeply rooted in emotion and authenticity, the Digital Product Passport represents, above all, a way to protect and honor my artistic work.

I have always placed great importance on each painting and the story that accompanies each of them. Every artwork is unique and exclusive and I always wanted to protect my work and build trust.

The Digital Product Passport therefore feels like a natural extension of this approach. It helps ensure the authenticity of the artwork, preserve its history over time, and provide traceability that offers reassurance to collectors. It also contributes to recognizing the value of the artist’s work and protecting the integrity of each creation.

I find it fascinating that technology can now support the art world without diminishing its deeply human essence. On the contrary, it strengthens the connection between the artist, the artwork, and the collector by ensuring that the story behind each creation can endure through time.

When an artwork leaves my studio, I believe it begins a new life. It leaves my hands to become part of a new environment, to accompany an individual or a family, and to witness their own memories and experiences. The Digital Product Passport preserves the thread that connects the artwork’s origin to all the lives it may touch over the years.

I deeply believe that art leaves an imprint far beyond the moment of its creation. Giving each artwork a permanent and verifiable identity helps preserve its legacy, its authenticity, and the story it will continue to tell long after it has left my studio.

Numeraire: How did you first come across Numeraire and its co-founder, Marsha Lipton, and what convinced you that their approach was right for documenting and safeguarding your work?

ARO: I was introduced to Marsha Lipton during a Canada–Dubai trade mission in February 2026. A mutual connection immediately recognized a natural synergy between my artistic practice and the benefits offered by the biometric Digital Product Passport developed by Numeraire Future Trends.

From our very first conversations, I was genuinely excited about the potential of this collaboration. The opportunity to become the first Canadian artist to offer a Digital Product Passport to my collectors was certainly inspiring, but what truly convinced me was the long-term impact this technology could have on protecting and preserving my artwork.

My interactions with Marsha were warm and authentic from the very beginning. I quickly developed a strong sense of trust, both in her personally and in the vision behind Numeraire. I felt that we shared a common commitment to preserving the integrity of artistic work while using technology as a tool to serve both artists and collectors.

I strongly believe that Digital Product Passports will become the new standard within the art industry. In a world where authenticity and trust are more important than ever, providing reliable provenance and enhanced protection for artworks represents, in my view, an essential evolution for the future of the art market.

Numeraire: How has working with Numeraire changed the way you think about provenance, authenticity, and the long-term legacy of your work?

ARO: Working with Numeraire has transformed the way I think about provenance, authenticity, and the long-term legacy of my work.

The process of integrating a Digital Product Passport into an artwork has proven to be simple, user-friendly, and incredibly reassuring. At a time when artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly and we hear increasing concerns about copies being sold on the secondary market, it became essential for me to provide greater security to my collectors.

Being able to integrate immutable checkpoints and reliable traceability into each of my artworks has become a necessity. It is not only about protecting the physical piece itself, but also about preserving its authenticity, its story, and the trust that exists between the artist and the collector.

With Numeraire Future Trends, I feel that I am safeguarding the future of both my artwork and my life’s work. This approach provides me with tremendous peace of mind while adding significant value to my creations. It also reinforces the professionalism of my artistic practice and my commitment to those who choose to welcome my work into their lives.

I would never go back. For me, preserving the authenticity of an artwork also means protecting the emotion it carries, the story it tells, and the legacy it will leave over time. The Digital Product Passport has become a natural extension of my responsibility as an artist—both to my collectors and to the future of my work.