“Eco-somatic painting is a way to create a dialogue between the body-nature outside and bringing everything on the canvas, and is really based on deep listening”
Coach, facilitator, artist and former humanitarian and development consultant Paola invites her clients to rediscover their inner creative flare and express their authentic selves on canvas.
Paola shares her own artistic re-connection story after a gap since primary school, when in 2007 she awoke with a visceral urge to draw blue lines whilst working in Uganda. The impulse purchase of ‘Watercolours for Dummies’ whilst on holiday grew into a daily physical and embodied practice that brings freedom into her life. Fast forward to 2025 Paola brings an artistic flare to her 1-to-1 and group coaching that integrates eco-somatic and nature-based practices.
Our conversation flows from childhood memories in Italy with her grandmother; her creative gap from primary school to 2007 with rediscovery that grew into a physical and embodied connection with the canvas. She studied eco-somatic coaching through The Nature Academy under our former podcast guest Diana Tedoldi (check out episode 9). Her work illustrates the diversity and creative possibilities within the outdoor and nature-connected coaching world and how it’s possible to align your authentic self and interests.
Listen in to this episode to banish your childhood ‘art scars’; discover the freedom art can bring into your life and the power of metaphor with a butterfly, cow and Cedar tree. Paola shares the powerful balance between the process and product of art as her clients connect and create a meaningful anchor to take away; plus we touch on the practicalities of painting outdoors and professional influencers who’ve shaped her practice from beyond the coaching world.
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Our guest
Paola is a coach, trainer, facilitator, and artist with over 25 years of international experience spanning four continents. Her background in international cooperation and humanitarian aid has allowed her to work with diverse individuals in some of the world’s most demanding environments, a perspective she integrates into her coaching and facilitation.
She designs and leads transformative training programmes, retreats, and experiences for individuals, groups, and organisations. Paola’s approach promotes both personal and professional growth through creative and nature-based practices.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bologna and an MA from York University, UK. She holds a professional coaching diploma certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and is a certified forest and nature immersion guide through the Nature Coaching Academy.
Combining nature coaching, somatic and ecosomatic practices, creativity, mindfulness, and forest bathing, Paola nurtures a holistic connection between mind, body, and nature.
