In the quiet and reflective phase of her 40s, Veronica Herber embarked on an unexpected yet profound journey. After years spent guiding others in various professional capacities—entrepreneurship, executive coaching, and even band management—Herber faced a pivotal moment. She dared to revisit a long-abandoned dream: pursuing a career in the arts. This decision marked not just a change in profession but a transformative chapter in her life. Despite initial reservations and societal pressures, Herber found solace and fulfillment in her new artistic endeavors. From large-scale outdoor installations to intimate minimalist works, her art became a declaration of life's vitality and a testament to the courage required to follow one's true calling.

Embracing Art in Midlife: A Story of Courage and Creativity

In the golden autumn of her 40s, Veronica Herber stood at a crossroads. After decades of supporting others through her roles as an entrepreneur and executive coach, she decided to embark on a deeply personal journey. The decision to enroll in art school was not taken lightly; it felt more like a cautious step into uncharted territory than a triumphant leap. Family history loomed large in her mind—her father, a Dutch migrant and struggling painter, had cast a shadow over her early aspirations. Yet, the pull toward art never truly faded. Eventually, Herber granted herself permission to pursue this long-dormant passion.

Upon entering art school, Herber encountered startling contrasts. Accustomed to tangible, measurable impacts in her previous careers, she found art elusive and its contributions harder to quantify. However, as she delved deeper, her perception shifted. Creating vast outdoor installations, she discovered a new form of contribution—something beyond herself, resonating with others in profound ways. Over time, her practice evolved from bold, outward-facing projects to smaller, more intimate pieces. Inspired by the simplicity of Japanese washi tape, her work took on a minimalist quality, reflecting an inward gaze and a philosophy of "honouring life."

The joy of making art, for Herber, lies in bringing something new into the world that wasn't there before. It's about creating on the edge of the unknown, finding fulfillment in the process itself. Following the loss of her partner, Derek Browne, in 2019, Herber's understanding of life deepened. She realized the importance of living authentically and avoiding mundane distractions that drain one's soul. Her story is not one of redemption or late blooming but a powerful testimony to endurance and the courage to navigate uncertainty.

Veronica Herber's recent exhibition, Making My Way Home, at Melanie Roger Gallery, showcased her evolving artistic journey. Her work invites viewers to embrace creativity as an act of resilience and a salve against mundanity. For those feeling trapped in lives that don't quite feel their own, Herber offers a simple yet profound message: "It's never too late to follow your creative path. Just keep going."

From a reader's perspective, Herber's story serves as a poignant reminder that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams. Her journey underscores the importance of listening to one's inner voice and having the courage to take that first step, no matter how daunting it may seem. In a world often driven by productivity and practicality, Herber's story celebrates the value of creativity and the beauty of living authentically.