Kristin Lewis
Artist from United States
What Inspired you to do a Soul Art journey?
I desired to heal from my brother’s recent passing, to place a soothing balm on my aching heart through creative expression, and to ultimately rediscover how to create miracles out of messes.
How would you describe your creative process?
I taped four 14 x 17 inch pieces of paper together, and after setting my intentions I created my body map. I then used colored pencils to bring my vision forth, piece by piece. There were many moments I became frustrated with the results, but pushed through just the same. I was even interrupted several times during the process, much like in my efforts to heal. The piece itself felt like a metaphor for my journey with grief.
What insight did you receive from your Soul Art?
That beauty can be born from chaos, and life can move on even if we feel helpless in the moment. As I was coloring in the hands, I realized they were the ghost limbs of those I’ve lost over the years. They represent a piece of my life’s story that will always remain with me, and will hurt from time to time. But with healing comes new territory and growth, which is represented by the world within my head and the leaves sprouting from it.
What is the most important thing you would like to share about your Soul Art experience?
That art heals. Also, the process of healing and art can be very much one and the same: crude and messy at times, divinely beautiful during others. But in the end, you arrive at a destination where you feel complete, with a blend of newfound strength, peace and clarity.