My Story
In 2007, at the age of 33, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life—I left my job in the tourist industry to follow my true passion. Art had always been a part of me. As a child, I would spend hours in my small room, sketching cartoon characters and anything that captured my imagination. As I grew older, my drawings became more detailed, often inspired by movie posters. But art school wasn’t an option for me, so I found a compromise—I studied textile design. Not because I wanted to be a designer, but because it allowed me to do what I loved most: draw and paint.
Those years in school became a turning point. I struggled with the technical side of textile design, but thanks to some incredible teachers who saw my artistic ability, I was able to graduate. I will always be grateful for their belief in me.
At 20, with my diploma in hand, I was eager to explore the world. I took a job as a hotel entertainer in Ibiza, thinking it would be a short adventure. That six-month contract turned into 12 years of traveling and working in hotels across the globe. My artistic skills soon became an asset, and I was given the opportunity to design massive stage sets for the evening shows—tropical sunsets, Parisian street scenes, cabaret backdrops. I even designed a hotel chain’s mascot. Life was exciting. I was living rent-free in beautiful locations, with meals provided, and my days filled with creativity.
In 2006, I arrived in Mexico. I was 32, and though I loved my work, something inside me was shifting. My heart was pulling me toward painting full-time. One year later, I took the leap. I quit my job, leaving behind financial security, free accommodation, and a steady paycheck. I was stepping into the unknown, relying solely on my art to sustain me.
The next four years were tough. I wasn’t selling as much as I had hoped, and I struggled just to get by. Some days, food wasn’t guaranteed, and I couldn’t even afford a flight home to visit my family in Belgium. I painted on the streets of Playa del Carmen, hoping for a sale, and while there were small victories—an occasional $400 painting—it wasn’t enough to lift me out of survival mode.
Then, everything changed.
One evening, I met a kind-hearted family from Canada. We spoke at a gathering, and I shared my journey with them. The next day, they visited my studio and bought three paintings. I was over the moon, but I never could have imagined what would happen next. A week later, they invited me to their home in the jungle. I was nervous—had they changed their minds about the paintings? Had the cheap paints I was using faded in the sun? My mind raced as I drove to meet them.
Instead, they sat me down at their dinner table and offered me something life-changing. Peta and Arthur believed in my talent and didn’t think it was fair that I was struggling to survive. They wanted to help. They offered me a place to live—rent-free—so I could focus on my art without the weight of financial stress. Arthur, with his business experience, helped me see my worth and advised me to raise my prices. Peta took charge of my social media, which, at the time, was nonexistent. They introduced my work to friends and family and guided me in turning my passion into a sustainable career.
I was in shock. Could this really be happening?
Taking Arthur’s advice, I nervously increased my prices. Just two weeks later, I sold my first $2,000 painting—right there on Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue. Meanwhile, Peta worked wonders with my social media, and within a year, I had over 20,000 followers. Sales started coming in from Facebook and Instagram, galleries reached out, and for the first time, I felt that my dream was truly within reach.
Now, more than a decade later, I am living that dream. My art has taken me to exhibitions in Miami, Monaco, New York, Belgium, Holland, Canada, and Mexico. I sell my work around the world and collaborate with international galleries. I was able to buy land in the jungle and build my home—complete with an art studio, an office, and a gallery where visitors can experience my work in person. Peta and Arthur have become like family to me, and their children and grandchildren feel like my own. I am forever grateful for the love and support they continue to give me.
As I write this, I know that my story is far from over. My passion for painting burns brighter than ever. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. I invite you to continue following my journey because I truly believe the best is yet to come.
To everyone who has purchased my art and become part of the growing Terrin Art family, thank you. To my social media followers, your support and encouragement mean the world to me. To my family in Belgium—Mum and Dad, who gave me the best start in life—and to my childhood friends who remain my best mates despite the miles between us, I am so grateful. To the many incredible people I’ve met in Ibiza, the Dominican Republic, Austria, Canada, Germany, England, and so many other places—you have all shaped the person I am today.
And to the people of Mexico—this warm and welcoming country that embraced me as one of its own—I cannot thank you enough. Your kindness, humor, and rich culture have taught me so much. Mexico is my home now, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Gracias a todos y ¡VIVA LA VIDA!
If there’s one thing I hope my story can show you, it’s this: chase your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem. There will be setbacks, but don’t let them stop you. I truly believe that those difficult early years were the universe’s way of testing my determination. And when I refused to give up, the right people and opportunities came into my life.
So dream big. Work hard. Stay humble. Be kind. Listen to advice. Take care of your customers. And above all, never stop believing.
To all the dreamers out there—good luck on your journey.
Peter
