I’ve been on an amazing journey this last year. Alongside an exploration of nature connection and shamanism, I’ve been emerging as a poet. I was recently blessed with the opportunity to share my poetry in a talk for TEDx Warrington in Greater Manchester around the theme of connection (so in tune with this year’s Soul Art Day!). At the same time, I’ve been to a couple of micro-festivals where I’ve tried my hand at nature art and found it so mindful and restful. So when I saw Soul Art Day on my newsfeed, I thought I’d give it a try. Like other things in my life at the moment, it appeared at the right time.

How would you describe your creative process?

I’m an explorer; an archaeologist in some ways. I have an idea of what I’m looking for but I’m open to what I unearth. I tried my hand at a couple of things on Soul Art Day, just going with the flow. When I drew round my hand for my main piece, I had no idea what I was going to do with it. Even when I decided to fill it with trees that I’ve connected with over the last year, I didn’t know where I was going to put them or have an vision of what the finished piece would look like. Just went with it.

What insight did you receive from your Soul Art?

I found it absorbing to work on my main piece and another one I did earlier in the day. I enjoyed playing with water-colour pencils, seeing what happened when I smudged the colour. There was a constant edginess, especially the further on I got – what if I messed something up and spoilt it? But I quite liked that feeling – that sense of risk. I knew I would find some way round it if that happened. The piece showed me that I can express my way through art. Also, that I can create stuff that I like to look at and see different things.

What is the most important thing you would like to share about your Soul Art experience?

If you haven’t done art for years, like me, get a few materials in, things you’re drawn to – to give yourself choices about what you do on the day, and then just go with it, with no expectations. Whatever you do, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others. Such a treat and pleasure to see other people’s creations on the Facebook page. Very inspiring! Thank you so much!

Learn more about Ali Davenport

Website: https://www.soulsurvivalguide.co/