When I’m not working, one of my favourite activities is painting. I first picked it up a few years ago, but life got busy, and I had to put it aside. About a year ago, I rekindled my passion for painting, bought new supplies, and made my paintbrush my best friend again.
I’ve never taken formal painting lessons, nor did I grow up constantly sketching or doodling. In fact, I used to be quite critical of art, seeing it as an inaccessible, almost snobbish form of entertainment. In hindsight I think it was because growing up working class, what I understood as worthy to be called art would be things I saw in museums, talked about on TV, pieces that were talked about using a vocabulary I didn’t understand and that didn’t have anything to do with my day to day life. Therefore I associated art with something alien to me, something that was out of reach and wasn’t meant for people like me.
I began painting somewhat reluctantly after a friend suggested it as a therapeutic way to express my emotions. Don’t get me wrong — I love talking and have no problem opening up to friends about my worries. But there’s something unique about painting. It’s as if the brush speaks for me, allowing me to express things words can’t capture. With painting, I discovered the paradox of being in control while simultaneously letting go.
I began painting somewhat reluctantly after a friend suggested it as a therapeutic way to express my emotions.
I typically use acrylics or watercolours and focus on abstract subjects. I enjoy painting, not because I’m particularly skilled, but because I’ve stopped worrying about whether I’m good at it. Painting makes me feel good, and that’s what truly matters.
Another of my lesser known favourite pastimes is baking. While I wouldn’t call myself a master chef, I’ve often been told that my cakes and pastries are something special.
Baking has been a cherished tradition for me since childhood, a bond I shared with my grandmother. Together, we would whip up her favourite recipes, always with a little “secret ingredient” that, as I later discovered, wasn’t so secret after all!
I love baking because it allows me to nourish others. There's something powerful about preparing food for loved ones and sharing it together — food, in its own way, is a language. Baking, in particular, brings me a sense of calm. I enjoy the process of following recipes, and sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous, I like to experiment with new ingredients or tweak the instructions a bit.
There's no greater joy for me than dedicating hours to creating a cake from scratch and then seeing the delight on the faces of those I care about as they savour every bite. I see my loved ones being filled with joy (literally and figuratively), and what a pleasure it is!
I love baking because it allows me to nourish others.
Unsurprisingly, I'm a big fan of The Great British Bake Off. I often recreate the recipes at home and even challenge myself as if I were one of the contestants. I must confess, though, that I’d likely be sent home during bread week. Growing up in France, where exceptional bread and pastries are the norm, I find it hard to meet my own high standards when baking bread.
On the other hand, glazes, ganaches, and frostings are my specialty! I love the delicate, soothing process of adding that final polished touch.
Baking is something I enjoy both alone — usually while listening to a podcast — and with friends. I fondly recall the time Phoebe and I baked a delicious cake together.
Even when a recipe doesn’t turn out as planned, the experience remains joyful. Baking isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the process itself. Of course, it’s always better when the result is a delicious success, but even the mishaps teach me something new, helping me improve for the next time.
Painting and baking are just two of the many things I love to do when I’m not working. I’m incredibly happy and grateful for this series, as it gives us a chance to showcase the multifaceted, complex individuals we are. I have enjoyed reading Kam’s passion for Tarot, learn about Fermentation thanks to Lady Vyra and I’m excited to discover the hobbies of other sex workers in their own words.
Are you a sex worker with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you!
We started the tryst.link sex worker blog to help amplify those who aren't handed the mic and bring attention to the issues ya'll care about the most. Got a tale to tell? 👇☂️✨
