Mary Kim Kaylor
Relax from United States
What Inspired you to do a Soul Art journey?
A friend walked me through the process once before and I thought it would be a good time to try it again. I also follow Laura, who I find to be very inspiring.
How would you describe your creative process?
It needs to be nurtured. I coax out my thoughts by practicing self-care. I love walks, quiet time and listening to music. Another avenue of inspiration is photography. I carry my iPhone everywhere, just in case I am drawn to an image. It is usually nature.
What insight did you receive from your Soul Art?
Wow! I learned a lot this time around. I have been in a very dark place mentally. Having to review the past-something I’ve already done, but was placed in front of me again…it happens I guess, so there was/is resentment there as well. I really thought my work would reflect this darkness in me. As it happens, it was not dark at all. It demonstrated a “holding on” as I call it, to the good stuff. I was able to see in an image of my own making that I do not carry a lot of darkness in me. What a relief! It is hard to fight off when the world around us is dark. In psychology, they call that a “negative projection.” My work, using Laura’s guide, provided me with the insight that it is not me. It gave me a renewed sense of energy and hope. A consequence of my inner work with this piece and process is an empathy for those who are constantly critiqued by the public.
What is the most important thing you would like to share about your Soul Art experience?
My appreciation for the opportunity. What I learned was important to me not only for inner work, but for my art journey. The images are a touchstone to my art, whether it is painting or writing.