I ran across Audrey on twitter and was intrigued by her art. I looked through her photographs on her twitter account and instantly wanted to interview her! Her art is one of a kind as you can see:
So without further adieu, here is her interview!
1. Please tell me what led up to you beginning to create your art and why you decided to create it.
I was looking for a purpose after being diagnosed with cfs and fibromyalgia so I began praying. I spend a lot of time bedridden.
Art was something I tried in hopes of finding an interest which would enable me to work at home in my own time. The feeling of being able to release my emotions onto canvas brought a sense of peace within that I found comforting. Expressing my love for life and compassion for humanity meant inner freedom although I was physically limited.
2. Please describe your creative process.
The creative process is taken with a very easy going, intuitive approach. It's effortless, free and without much thought...I invite my angels, guides, god's loving intention and the rest is pure surrender. I'm simply a channel as I hold the brush and paints. It's like I'm in another state of consciousness.
There's no fear of outcomes. What I feel can be described as divine love and joy flowing through me as the painting comes to life.
3. What would you like people to know about you as an artist?
I had no previous art experience other than a few lessons. One day I was in severe pain and read a book entitled God Calling. I was praying for strength to cope. Suddenly I felt a strong urge to paint a picture in thanks to God. Without realizing it, I painted an angel. I was amazed and delighted. I proceeded to do more painting on small canvases. Eventually I looked around and counted 13 angel paintings in a short space of time.
I then heard a soft voice which I believe was God, saying, "Now do you believe in yourself?" Then a conversation took place. I fell to my knees overwhelmed with gratitude, love and happiness. I was also completely drained. My art was presented to me as a gift in my mind.
4. What do your paintings represent? Is there a universal theme behind them or does each one mean something completely different?
The paintings represent hope. I feel we as humans want to believe in angels and guidance; comfort that in times of sadness we can sense we're not alone. There's a universal theme that the angels are there for us. Emotions of love, sorrow, freedom, peace and joy are transferred onto canvas.
How do you feel that situations in your life contributed to your work? Was it a process of everything in your life leading up to your art being created or individual situations causing your art to be creating as an evolutionary process over time?
Situations in my life have allowed me to feel deep empathy. I've overcome much adversity. The loss of 3 babies in one year at the age of 19; aged 3 months called Tammy and 2 miscarriages brought inner turmoil and higher insight into my spiritual life. I meditate and focus on eternal life. Therefore I have come to realize that angels are dedicated to those who suffer. Loss and grief is something we all inevitably will have to endure.
On reflection, I believe there were many events that led me to this calling. Some do appear in the pictures unintentionally. So it's therapeutic. I cry after many of them as a surge of emotions are released.
A combination of life experiences and working in mental health allowed me to understand human suffering. Healing is something we all need at some point. It can be delivered in many ways. I have dreams where angels appear and guide me; also messages from spirit as I paint or connect with other energies.
The art is my way of contributing to help lift hearts and to shine light into others' lives. People often share stories with me of their own situations which can lead me to subconsciously paint an event that transpired in their past, present and possibly future. This brings them meaning and gratefulness.
6. How has your art affected you? What do you wish to achieve with your art?
We can have low self esteem for many reasons at different times in our lives. My esteem has grown as a result of creating my art.
I would love for anyone reading this article to ask yourself to believe that trusting in a higher power can lead to the manifestation of your dreams. My life has changed as I'm doing what I love and receiving so much support and encouragement. It gives me the will to continue and develop as an artist. For this I'm truly grateful.
I'm also paying tribute with my art to my lost angels. I'm reminding others that some things are unseen and a mystery but can be felt through imagery. That departed loved ones may be ethereal angel beings living in majestic realms at peace. Watching over those they hold dear.
It gives me the greatest pleasure to know that my beloved family, friends and art lovers will have something of my soul within these creations.
Where you can find Audrey:
https://twitter.com/AngelHealingArt