Why “Lenon B”? The story behind my artist name

On my birth certificate, I'm Hélène. But for my grandfather, I was Lenon.

Papi Lemonade

My paternal grandfather was lovingly known as “Papi Lemonade”, because every time I came to visit, he would pour me a glass of lemonade. Simple, tender gestures that I have never forgotten.

He is the one who gave me this nickname: Lenon. Few people ever used it, but every time I heard it, I felt all the love he had for me.

When I sign a painting “Lenon B”, I think of him a little.

When I needed an artist name, Lenon came to me as an obvious choice, as a tribute to him and to the generations that came before me.

And the “B”?

It's simply the first letter of my family name. A way to keep my personal story and my artistic life together, in two short words.

Now you know the secret behind the signature at the bottom of my canvases.

And you, do you have a nickname full of love or memories? I would love to read your story in the comments. To know more about me, it's here.