Category Archives: Interviews with Goddess Artists

The Magnificent Art of Orna Ben-Shoshan

The Therapist by Orna Ben-Shoshan


The Magnificent Art of Orna Ben-Shoshan

“Each one of us has an empty space inside, a virtual empty room which we create with our mind’s eye. Every time we visit there, we can contemplate peacefully and process our ideas. This is the sacred space where our soul is recharged and rejuvenated, where the many elements of wisdom are mixed together and new insights are created.”
-Orna Ben-Shoshan

Artist Orna Ben-shoshan receives the images she paints through channeling. Unlike some artists, all of her paintings are completed in her mind before she transfers them onto the canvas. Her works infuse deep spiritual experience with a subtle humor. Her desire is to share her artwork with others to expand their consciousness and inspire new ways of thinking. Her images gives the viewer a rare and insightful visit to places beyond consciousness. Her paintings release the imagination and extend the limits of ordinary perception and take place in a distant world. Creatures and objects interact in unpredictable ways and are uninfluenced by the laws of physics.

Orna’s life-long interest in metaphysics and mysticism has led her to study the Kabala and alternative philosophies. She created the art work of the King Solomon Cards based on the ancient “King Solomon Seals” in 2008 and the personal guidance deck called the – The 72 Names Cards based on the Kabbalistic 72 Names of God.

Sacred Kabbalistic elements combined with Orna’s artwork on the cards become powerful self-exploration tools that interpret different life situations with a spiritual approach and help answer your most pressing questions. I recently had a chance to talk to Orna and ask her about her insightful card deck and enchanting artwork.

Pamela Wells: A card deck is a very large creative project and very time consuming. What inspired you to begin painting a 36 card deck while working as a successful fine artist and graphic designer?

PW: How did you begin your study of the Kabbala and what intrigued you the most about the spiritual teachings of the Kabbala?

OB: My study of spiritual principles started back in the 1980′s when I began my training as a holistic practitioner. Since the energy work that I was practicing echoed with the spiritual expression of my artwork, I realized that there is something deeper for me in all this… In fact, studying spiritual practices has helped me understand better what I was painting. Sounds odd? I was actually painting metaphysical topics without any understanding of what I was doing…

PW: That sounds perfect. Your unconscious mind was already expressing what it knew in your paintings and by studying transpersonal topics such as spiritual practices and metaphysics you are able to put into writing and words to explain the elements you painted and from the viewpoint of your own unconscious mind. Everyone’s unconscious mind taps into the collective or universal mind we all share. Do you think your conscious understanding of the archetypes and symbols have changed or expanded the creative process for you and your message?

OB: I think that understanding the origin of my inspiration gave me the enforcement I needed in order to justify my work as an artist. You see – at the beginning of my career I had many doubts about my contribution to society and the importance of what I chose to do. Now I know that the messages I convey through my artwork are meaningful and necessary for people. This helps me become more dedicated and have more faith in what I do, which eases the creative process.

When I combined my artwork with Kabbalistic symbols in order to create the cards, I feel that my contribution is even larger, because many people can benefit from the result.

PW: The King Solomon Cards and the 72 Names of God are excellent for those who seek immediate and accessible consultation and don’t require a professional medium for interpretation. Could you tell me a little bit more about the principles of the Kabalistic Guidance and Divination System and how that works?

OB: It is an important mission for me to let as many people as possible know about the messages conveyed through my artwork. Since the messages are spiritual/metaphysical, they can be brought out to the world as reading cards as well as fine art.

PW: How did you begin your study of the Kabbala and what intrigued you the most about the spiritual teachings of the Kabbala?

OB: I was looking for answers about how things truly work, about the secrets of the universe, and especially about the meaning of my own existence. This thirst for understanding came from my tough childhood that left deep scars in my soul. When diving deeper into the teachings of the Kabbalah, I got the understanding that everything is done from a reason, and the difficulties I experienced were a necessary part of my spiritual development. What I have learned has helped me accept my circumstances and forgive myself and others.

PW: The King Solomon Cards and the 72 Names of Cards are excellent for those who seek immediate and accessible consultation and don’t require a professional medium for interpretation. Could you tell me a little bit more about the principles of the Kabalistic Guidance and Divination System and how that works?

OB: The basic principle is that we are all connected to the endless pool of knowledge. This knowledge is open and available to all. As humans, we are trapped in physical bodies that are supported by our egos. It is an essential condition for our existence in the physical realm, but together with that, it creates a “shell” that blocks our wider vision. In the Kabbalah, these “shells” are described as “screens” that separate us from the pure truth.

However, we are able to access the knowledge we want with our subconscious minds. All we need is a medium through which we can penetrate through the “shells” and access the knowledge directly. When working with Kabbalistic cards (or any other means of divination), our choices are pseudo random, but in fact, it is our subconsious mind that leads us to pick a card, or a rune that will give us a direct answer to our question. When working with Kabbalistic cards, and using powerful symbols, which carry high potential, we activate a tool that resonates with our energy fields and helps us reach high knowledge.

PW: In order to use the King Solomon Cards and the 72 Names of God is it necessary to be familiar with the Kabbala or reading Hebrew?

OB: No, the letters and symbols contain their own energetic attributes, so it does not matter if we are aware of the original meanings. The important thing is the answer we receive through them.

PW: The King Solomon Cards come presented in an elegant wooden box with a booklet composed of extensive Kabalistic knowledge. Could you tell me about some of the other divination tools you have created for those who want to connect to the source of their spiritual power or internal wisdom?

OB: Another divination tool that I recently created is the that contain a set of Hebrew letter combinations that describe the names of God. I would say that the main difference between the two set of the divination is that the 72 Names CardsKing Solomon Cards relate to the physical level of being, while the 72 Names Cards relate to our spiritual path and the physical aspects as well.

PW: Why is it important for people to approach using sacred tools like the 72 Names Cards and the King Solomon Cards with the utmost respect?

OB: Because the cards offer deep and sincere insights into the soul, and therefore, are not a spay game and should not be used as guesswork.

PW: When did you begin your study of universal spiritual principles and how do you see that as being part of your creative work?

OB: My study of spiritual principles started back in the 1980′s when I began my training as a holistic practitioner. Since the energy work that I was practicing echoed with the spiritual expression of my artwork, I realized that there is something deeper for me in all this . . . In fact, studying spiritual practices has helped me understand better what I was painting. Sounds odd? I was actually painting metaphysical topics without any understanding of what I was doing . . .

PW: Is there any thing you would tell seekers when it comes to how they make decisions in their own life based on all that you have learned as an artist and teacher?

OB: What I can assure people is that they have all the knowledge they need in order to make important decisions. Most of the human mistakes occur when people are looking for external answers and do not look into themselves to find them. How do we know that the decision we made for ourselves is the right one? It resonates with our inner truth. When we make a decision that is right for us – we feel a good vibration in all levels of existence – mental, spiritual, physical and emotional. All we have to learn is to trust these sensations.

PW: Tell me a little bit about your next creative project?

OB: I am planning to create a new series of digital paintings on a new topic that has to do with the potential of the human body. Besides, I always have a new oil painting at work on the easel…

PW: Thank you so much Orna for your mystical wisdom and beautiful paintings. You can see Orna’s work at: “The Magnificent Art of Orna Ben-Shoshan” at http://www.ben-shoshan.com.

ABOUT ORNA BEN-SHOSHAN
Orna Ben-Shoshan was born in Israel and received her training as a graphic designer in Tel-Aviv. In 1982 she moved to the U.S. Orna has exhibited her work in museums and galleries throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has received several awards, such as the “Grumbacher Award” from the Copley Society of Boston. Orna returned to Israel in 1996 where she is continuing to work from her studio in Ra’anana. Since then, she has been exhibiting her art at numerous one-person and group shows in Israel and Europe. You can contact Orna at orna@ben-shoshan.com.

Intentional Art by Artist Dawn Gaskill

Dawn Gaskill Intentional Artist

For thousands of years, symbols and colors have been used to represent and energize personal and spiritual power. My intention in my art is to draw upon symbols and colors from ancient sources to help people achieve their own purpose and intentions. I think of a work of art as something beautiful-and as an opportunity for the beholder to create a truly joyful and fulfilling life, through intention.

We can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired inner state of being.”
-Dawn Gaskill

The images and concepts portrayed in Dawn Gaskill’s art bring a new level of inspiration, joy and creative energy to the fulfillment of your desires. By using her art pieces as a focal point or a touchstone, you will have a powerful tool for manifesting your intentions toward prosperity, health, career, love, family, relationships, personal growth and any aspect of your life. Dawn calls her art creations “Intentional Art” for a very good reason. Each piece Dawn creates is accompanied by a description of her inspiration and the symbolism held within the piece. She invites you to discover your own meanings as the images speak to you personally.

Dawn is a self-taught artist living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her gallery, Galeria Eclectica, is located in San Miguel at the Instituto Allende.

I recently had a chance to talk to Dawn and ask her some questions about her intentional artwork.

Pamela Wells: What inspired you to begin creating intentional art after spending many years as a successful corporate consultant?

Dawn Gaskill: As a corporate consultant I traveled throughout the world and studied many cultures and discovered a passion for color, texture, symbolism and art. The symbolism, images, ancient texts and belief systems from these different cultures are what inspired me the most. I was also blessed with a spiritual teacher who told me that while I had an enormous commitment to growing, learning and developing spiritually that I could choose those lessons coming through joy. It was a life changing moment to know that joy was a choice and in following my joy I discovered my passion for being creative and putting my vision into the world. So I am probably the only artist who wrote a purpose statement before ever creating anything!

PW: How wonderful for you to have had the opportunity to travel and develop spiritually! What is your purpose statement?

DG: To joyfully create beautiful art, product designs and environments that capture people’s imaginations, lift their spirits and nurture them in their daily lives. In a way that integrates ancient symbols from diverse cultures and belief systems into contemporary designs for use in homes and work environments that support their pursuit of personal and professional intentions so that they can accomplish their goals.

I believe that we can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired state of being.

“For thousands of years, symbols and colors have been used to represent and energize personal and spiritual power. My intention in my art is to draw upon symbols and colors from ancient sources to help people achieve their own purpose and intentions. I think of a work of art as something beautiful-and as an opportunity for the beholder to create a truly joyful and fulfilling life, through intention.” -Dawn Gaskill

PW: I totally agree. How do you begin the process of creating your intentional artwork?

DG: I chant and meditate and paint the images that come through my meditations. I begin by integrating ancient symbols with contemporary materials and scenes to blend the old with the new to depict the oneness and continuity that underlies all life. Stories within stories are layered within each piece of mixed media artwork, bringing a fresh perspective to ancient designs and concepts.

Each piece is accompanied by a description of my inspiration and the symbolism held within the piece. I invite and encourage viewers to discover their own meanings as the images speak personally to them.

PW: You recently won an award for “Best in Show at INATS West by New Age Retailer Magazine. Could you tell us about that collection you had at that show you call Feng Shui Art?

DG: Yes. The Feng Shui art series is a collection of nine paintings that represent the nine aspects of the classical Feng Shui Ba Gua. Each painting contains the elements, trigram, number and shape, colors and symbols of specific aspiration in our lives. Each section represents the aspirations we all share and want to manifest in our lives. I sell these beautiful paintings in hand made journals and address books as well as greeting cards and fine art prints. People can use them to activate, enhance, and manifest their dreams in the areas of their lives which correspond to the powerful Ba Gua energy centers.

For instance, intentional focusing on the energy of “Wealth and Prosperity” could generate opportunities for increased income, raising money for charity, bringing fortunate blessings and an
abundance of good things into your life. The dragonflies in the artwork represent light, brightness and the color of transformation. The pineapples symbolize welcoming and hospitality, and invite good luck. The trigram Sun represents the wind spreading ideas and opportunities.

PW: There are so many other symbols we could talk about in your art. With this application of meaningful intention directed to improve and enhance our lives, we can achieve a lot. What I love about your artwork is you have mastered and understood the power of using symbolic imagery to support people in fulfilling their intentions, desires and aspirations. Your art extends the purpose of art to being more then just another pretty picture on someone’s wall.

DG: Yes, I believe we can enrich our lives by surrounding ourselves with images and colors that reflect and support our desired inner state of being. Placing objects of inspiration and special meaning in your home or office creates a positive, nurturing environment to enlighten your path and stir your soul. By integrating and activating the power of ancient symbols in art along with the creation of your own personal intentions, intentional art provides a way for people to realize dramatic changes in their everyday lives.

PW: So, how do we manifest our intentions with the use of power symbols in artwork?

DG: This is a very rich question. I actually provide my clients with an Intentional Space Guide that has a step-by-step process to assist them in creating and activating an intentional or sacred space in their home or office and uses the same ancient principles that are incorporated in my symbolic and intentional artwork. Briefly, here are some steps people can take to manifest their intentions: (to see Dawn’s full guide, go to her website DawnDesigns.com):
1. Set your intention and choices. Spend some time thinking about what you aspire to create or bring into your life.
2. Integrate your art and your intentions. Using artwork as a focal point or touchstone for activating your intentions in order to bring greater energy flow to these important aspects of your life.
3. Claim your intentional space. Use your art as a center point and identify the specific area that you want to claim as your intentional space.
4. “Enliven” your intentional space. Place a candle in a safe container and add it to your intentional space to energize and brighten the area.
5. State your intentions out loud.
6. Empower your intentions with sounds, mantras and prayers.
7. Joyfully ground your intentions in the present moment. Claim your intentions with the statement: “I stand in faith that it is already accomplished with ease and grace.”
8. Feel your fulfilled intentions. Allow yourself to fully experience what it feels like to have your intentions complete in your life.
9. Express your gratitude. Consider for a moment all that you are grateful for and state your gratitude out loud.

PW: Thank you Dawn for all your incredible insight and wisdom about intentional art’s importance in our lives. Did you have any additional comments about your artwork that readers’ would like to know about you and your artwork?

If you would like to learn more about Dawn Gaskill and how Dawn’s art can support you into joyfully attracting your intentions and achieving your goals in all areas of your life, visit Dawn’s intentional art website Dawn Designs. Dawn’s most recent creation is a new calendar called, “When Every Breath is Prayer.” The Calendar is a stunning collection of images from Dawn’s work that celebrates the path to the divine in many diverse cultures.

ABOUT DAWN GASKILL
Dawn Gaskill is a self taught artist living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her gallery, Galeria Eclectica, is located in San Miguel at the Instituto Allende. As a corporate consultant to Fortune 500 companies, she traveled throughout the world and studied many cultures and discovered her passion for color, texture, symbolism and art. The symbolism, images, ancient texts and belief systems from these different cultures are the inspiration for her work.

The Mystical Patron Saint Artwork of Essa

Patron Saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of one’s life, occupations, illnesses, causes, churches, countries, anything that is important to us.

Patron Saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of one’s life, occupations, illnesses, causes, churches, countries, anything that is important to us.

“She wants to be a Star. Learn how to Shine. To light up her life. To laugh. To be a guiding light. We must free her. This will take time. Where is my hammer?” -Essa

Have you seen any saints lately? Well if you haven’t, take a look at Sher Chappell’s (aka Essa) iconic Patron Saint retablos.

Sher’s appoach to creating her artwork is relatively direct and informal but the results are enlightening, vintage style retablos. Retablos are made of simple wooden plaques or metal pieces painted in honor of family members or religious figures such as patron saints. Patron saints are special protectors or guardians over certain areas of life that can include occupations, special concerns, illnesses or anything that is important to us. The imagery and memory of the patron saint can inspire us to follow the example of the saint’s life and comfort us during times of suffering or confusion.

Sher uses many of her antique finds to incorporate special messages of love, hope and peace in all her patron saint retablos. Sher’s artwork also include woman’s issues working within her understanding of Catholic traditions. She says “My art is a form of love – a demitasse for the soul. The role of art is to express the triumph of the human spirit over the mundane and the material.”

You can view and purchase Sher’s work at her patron saint gallery at http://www.ArtmagicPublishing.com.

Patron Saint Prints: $24.95 each S & H: Free

ABOUT ARTMAGIC PUBLISHING

Artmagic Publishing creates visual tools for contemplation and higher learning in the form of workbooks, fine art cards and artwork, posters and prints. Our goal is to create visual tools to help you clarify your life situation as well as provide you with visual and symbolic road maps for exploring the mysteries of life’s meaning and purpose. Our contemplation tools are designed to guide and inspire you, and hopefully empower you with self-knowledge and clarity about what is meaningful to you within the framework of your current spiritual and religious beliefs.

ABOUT AUTHOR AND ARTIST PAMELA WELLS

Pamela Wells has been working as a fine artist, commercial illustrator and graphic web designer for over 20 years and specializes in creative work that leads to greater understanding and awareness. Her goddess art incorporates her interest in the study of transpersonal psychology, integral transformative spiritual practice and the evolution of human consciousness. She cares deeply about both men and women and also about the ecological preservation of the planet which benefits all living things. To order a copy of Pamela’s most recent book and card set, Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess, www.ArtmagicPublishing.com.

To use the Patron Saint Artwork please ask Sher Chappell. Original artwork © by Sher Chappell.

Interview with Fantasy Goddess Artist Sharon George

Interview by Pamela Wells

Goddess artist Sharon George creates beautiful goddess art work.

Goddess artist Sharon George creates beautiful goddess art work.

Pamela Wells: Please tell us a little about your creative background and what got you interested in painting and goddess themed compositions?

Sharon George: I drew and painted avidly as a child but somehow it got lost to me. When I was 30 years old, I decided to paint again. I took a drawing class at Glendale Community College along with working full time and raising a daughter. It wasn’t easy and I also gave up trying. My instructor, Robert Weaver, pulled me aside at the end of the semester and encouraged me. He told me I had a gift and not to give up on it. Funny, but those few words saw me through some difficult times. I haven’t given up!

PW: What do you think has kept you so focused on your goal of using your gifts despite life’s challenges?

SG: Well, to be honest, I’ve not been terribly focused. I’ve done the best I could given my circumstances, remaining rational in this world while keeping my children fed and sheltered. I am now taking care of my grandchildren as I help my daughter through college. I am still trying to answer my deepest calling to paint. There is so much more I wish I had accomplished and so much I still hope to do.

In fact, when thinking about the greatest artists, I feel the difference between, say, a Pisarro and a “George” is that Pisarro never, ever, even for an instant, lost focus of his goal, which was simply to paint. He painted when there was no food in the house for his children. He painted when his father disowned him, his wife despised him and his children wondered why their father didn’t seem to care. He painted when his eyesight gave way and he could hardly see. He painted when the whole world told him he shouldn’t and that he wasn’t any good. That’s incredible courage. To most of us, to society, such behavior appears insane, irresponsibile, and it IS; but it is also the courage to fulfill your inner mission despite your circumstances in the world. It is true faith, true spirituality, a pure response to the calling of your highest self. That is so difficult to do. I believe that is the difference between those of us who attempt to be artists and those whose names are remembered for generations. The degree to which we can master ourselves, to which we can answer our own inner calling, is the degree to which our art shines a light upon the world.

PW: Could you tell us something about your painting technique?

SG: I am a digital artist almost exclusively now. I sketch with pencil on paper then scan my drawings into my computer. I work mostly with Corel Painter and Photopaint. I use Photopaint (Photoshop) for effects and manipulating the images and Painter for the brush painting. Mostly I use the airbrush tool. I work in many layers, applying effects and coats of digital paint on successive layers. In the end, it all gets flattened on the background.

PW: What projects have your worked on in the past and what are you working on now?

SG: For years I drew and painted for my own pleasure. I was able to fit some classes in at Mesa College in San Diego along with working and raising two daughters. In the late 1980s a teacher asked me to join a group of honor students learning computer art. This is back when Microsoft computers functioned by typing commands into a command line. We all opted for the Macintosh which was mouse driven. It was a blast! At that time there were limits of printing art off a Mac. We had to have slides made and the slides printed. It was very primitive. All this landed me a job as Assistant to the Creative Director at Kobey Advertising which runs the swap meet here in San Diego. I learned new software programs there and created brochures, flyers and invitations. It was all great fun. In 1997 I bought a computer, printer, scanner and with my “expertise” opened Gorgeous George Graphics. I worked for myself as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator until 2007.

My true love, however, is what I started as a child – images of women in costumes, surrounded by nature. All my free time was spent drawing and painting goddesses.

PW: Do you have a message that you wish to convey to viewers?

SG: I hope that when people see my art, they recognize the god/goddess within themselves. We are each divine as is every living being in the universe. Our destiny is to uncover and experience that divinity. Some call it god-self, greater self, Buddhahood or God. Whatever you choose to call Spirit and however you approach Spirit, the critical thing is to live Spirit. This is what I attempt to express in my art. Hopefully viewers understand this.


PW: Do you have any suggestions for women who are trying to create or discover their own life purpose? How can women follow their life purpose while balancing responsibilities like children and paying bills?

SG: It is very difficult to strike a balance creating art, when art and creativity by their very nature require obsessive, single-minded focus and a lot of time. That’s one part of the whole story. Another route is to enjoy what you’re doing whether it be your art or washing dishes for your family. I have a somewhat morose nature, and I have only been able to strike this balance intermittently in my life but I think it is a better way to live. When I use my spirituality and let my inner love guide me, the results are always better. I waste less time, have more to give and feel more fulfilled daily.

PW: What is the inspiration behind the goddess artwork you do? SG: I believe it’s very primal. It has something to do with sex and procreation and creation. It’s spiritual. I am moved by ovarian shapes and soft, round s curves, something that feels nurturing, loving and protecting. It’s difficult to put it into words, but I feel it. People comment that I never paint men. I’ve always adored men, but their bodies are hard and sharp. Women are so pleasing to see with our soft layer of fat beneath our skin and our round curves. Our nature is to nurture, to create and protect life and to me, nothing rings more loudly in my heart.

PW: Do you have any suggestions on how women can fill their lives with divine inspiration even when working? What do you do to stay divinely inspired and connected to Goddess Spirit?

SG: I breathe. I breathe consciously into my physical heart, letting go of all stress and filling up with love and gratitude. It only takes a moment but changes the (my) world. This is a technique I’ve learned in the last year from a metaphysical group my husband and I are presently attending The Heart Space at 7625 Mesa College Drive, San Diego. I’ve also been a Buddhist for the last 30 years and although I’m no longer connected to the lay organization, I find the principles I’ve learned there very helpful. I find chanting very helpful. The point is, whatever method of spiritual practice calls you, or works for you, do it! Connect daily to your higher power. Just take the time to center yourself within your divinity. It makes all the difference between a life of frustration and a life constantly broadening with ever greater, more fascinating, beautiful, and encouraging horizons. Someone said, “We all have a hole inside and it’s shaped like God.” I couldn’t agree more.

PW: Where can art collectors purchase your work? SG: I’ve been most fortunate that Dr. Doreen Virtue discovered my work online and has commissioned me to do many oracle cards for her. That has led to many other licenses of my work: Hay House, Leanin’ Tree and so on. I also sell my prints online www.fantasy-goddess-art.com. I sell at various street fairs and venues that come up. I sell prints, cards, bookmarks and plan to include journals and bags.

Fantasy Goddess Artist Sharon George

To learn more about Sharon George or to purchase prints or originals, please visit her website. You can also purchase her beautiful goddess art work at the Artmagic Publishing Gallery. To contact Sharon directly: Sharon_George@sbcglobal.net. Artwork above by Sharon George. Copyright Sharon George. Please contact Sharon for use of her imagery.

About Author and Goddess Artist Pamela Wells
Pamela Wells has been working as a fine artist, commercial illustrator and graphic web designer for over 20 years and specializes in creative work that leads to greater understanding and awareness. Her goddess art incorporates her interest in the study of transpersonal psychology, integral transformative spiritual practice and the evolution of human consciousness. She cares deeply about both men and women and also about the ecological preservation of the planet, which benefits all living things. To order a copy of Pamela’s most recent book and card set,Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess, www.ArtmagicPublishing.com.