About Flora Bowley’s Soul Art

The concepts of letting go, being brave and embracing mystery reside at the heart of my painting process, while also connecting me to a more soulful way of living. By letting go of what a painting is “supposed” to look like, I create space for endless creative possibilities to emerge — such an invigorating way to create! Being brave means stepping outside of my comfort zone, taking risks and coming up with new ways to approach the canvas each time. Embracing mystery is about opening up to something greater than myself and trusting that it will all work out eventually — often with many twists and turns along the way. Working with these concepts keeps me grounded firmly in the present moment, open to possibility and curious along the way.

This particular piece of soul art is titled, “Ascend,” and it started with a layer of words written to my mother who passed away last year. The words led to images, but I love knowing the words are all underneath with a few remaining on top. Creating this painting allowed me to connect to my mom’s spirit in the most beautiful and tangible way.

The concepts of letting go, being brave and embracing mystery reside at the heart of my painting process, while also connecting me to a more soulful way of living. By letting go of what a painting is “supposed” to look like, I create space for endless creative possibilities to emerge — such an invigorating way to create! Being brave means stepping outside of my comfort zone, taking risks and coming up with new ways to approach the canvas each time. Embracing mystery is about opening up to something greater than myself and trusting that it will all work out eventually — often with many twists and turns along the way. Working with these concepts keeps me grounded firmly in the present moment, open to possibility and curious along the way.

This particular piece of soul art titled, “Burn Bright,” is a great example of letting go, being brave and embracing the mystery. The colors, shapes and tools I used (potatoes and rulers!), were very new to me, and lots of brave exploring happened along the way. Approaching a canvas in this brave intuitive way is never boring, far from formulaic, often exciting and totally forgiving: All reasons to keep me coming back to the canvas (and to myself), again and again.

Flora Bowley

Flora Bowley is an internationally celebrated painter, workshop facilitator and inspirationalist. She is the author of two inspirational guidebooks: Brave Intuitive Painting (2012) and Creative Revolution (2016), and creator of the Bloom True E-course and Studio Diaries. Weaving over twenty years of professional painting experience with her background as a yoga instructor, massage therapist and lifelong truth seeker, Flora’s unique and holistic approach to the creative process has inspired thousands of people worldwide to “let go, be bold and unfold.” Flora lives among a vibrant community of artists in Portland, OR. www.florabowley.com

Flora Bowley’s Soul Art Journey

What does Soul Art mean to you?

I call my style of soul art Brave Intuitive Painting, and I’ve seen over and over again how this way of creating without a preconceived plan provides a safe, forgiving, and dynamic place to practice the art of letting go, trusting and being brave.

The very act of painting in this way offers a rare and beautiful opportunity to loosen our grip of control, dig beneath the surface of our daily existence, and respond spontaneously to ever-evolving circumstances. As a result, painting allows us to become the alchemists of our own unique experiences, while providing a tangible vehicle for expressing them to the world.

I believe passionately in every human’s ability to create, and I know deep down in my bones that creative expression is a crucial part of holistic well-being. I recognize this desire to create freely as a basic, human need, and I’m honored to serve as a guide for others back to this place of mystery, magic and possibility.

We are all born with infinite wells of creative potential just waiting to be tapped and remembered.

I believe it’s time to remember.