I’ve been a big fan of Jamie Brick for years. His work is stunningly beautiful and he manages to capture a magical quality in everything he creates. I recently had the opportunity to meet him and be a model for one of his sculptures.  Here is an image of Jamie’s sculpture using a cast from my body.

Laura Hollick by Jamie Brick. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Jamie works out of his studio in Kingston Ontario, which he calls ‘Bear Bottom studio’.  His current work involves taking casts of people’s bodies and transforming them into fantasy characters from his imagination.

Jamie Brick in his studio. Photos by Kevin Thom

I volunteered to be one of his models, curious to experience his creative process and eager to see how he would transform me into one of his magical creatures.

The process of having a cast done is quite intense. I was covered with a purple goop then layered with a cast material. It takes about half an hour to dry, which meant I was standing there naked for half an hour unable to move. There was a big lesson in patience and stillness during this experience. Here are some of the pictures from the process:

Jamie Brick creating a cast of Laura Hollick. Photos by Kevin Thom.

I’m endlessly fascinated by the creative process. Everyone has their own unique way of entering ‘the zone’ where magic flows. Being part of Jamie’s creative process was inspiring. I interviewed him after we had gone through the process to dig deeper into his journey as an artist and understand where it all comes from.

To listen to an interview with Canadian sculpture Jamie Brick click here
To learn more about Jamie Brick visit www.jamiebrick.com

Heather Kreiter is a fantasy artist creating images that combine her own life experiences with the far reaches of her imagination. Her business names is ‘Shaman Soul Studios’.

'Electra Pink' Heather Kreiter

I was immediately struck by Heather’s art because it has an odd familiarity to me as if I can remember ‘My Little Pony’ stories prancing along, but at the same time there is an erotic flair that reminds me I’m not a kid anymore.

Although childhood toys and cartoon imagery may be a source of inspiration for Heather, she is quite the grown up woman. Here are some examples of Heather’s art that emerged from her own life experience (including one of my favourite pieces ‘No Ordinary Love’~ on the right).

The Art of Heather Kreiter

Heather creates art for the pure pleasure of self expression as well as serving clients who commission her for tattoo designs.

To listen to interview with Heather Kreiter CLICK HERE
To learn more about Heather Kreiter go to: www.shamansoulstudios.com

Contemporary artist Olek immigrated from Poland and is currently living and working in New York City. The evolution of her art led her to an unlikely source of inspiration. She disovered crocheting and was hooked!

Although crocheting is time consuming and reminiscent of knitting parties, Olek managed to transform crocheting into a cutting edge contemporary art expression.

Here is an example of how Olek transformed a room into a crochet extravaganza. She creates entire bodysuits and furniture coverings that camouflage everything into a buffet of colours, shapes and textures.

One of the challenges every artist faces is finding the audience and clients for the work. Olek has found that dancers and performers are regular clients requesting innovative costumes and set visuals. Here are some of Olek’s crocheted bodysuit costumes dancing on the beach.

When I asked Olek about how long her pieces take, she admittedly said they take hours. But the creative process is meditative and provides ample opportunity to watch movies and engage in stories and imagination. Here is Olek working on a piece on herself. (Love that tall chair!)

To listen to interview with Olek CLICK HERE

To learn more about Olek go to: www.agataolek.com

Lille Diane turned to art after a near fatal car accident tipped her over the edge.  Surviving the accident was a blessing but it came with a case of post-traumatic stress disorder.  Art and creative expression have been the saving grace from this whole experience.

Here is a portrait of Lille Diane in a moment of contemplation.

As a Soul Artist I know the power of art as a way to heal, to clarify your purpose, to receive guidance in your life, and to become the most exquisite expression of yourself.  I’m always fascinated to learn the stories the lure people to connect with their creative spirit.   For Lille Diane it was a near fatal accident.

Sometimes the worst situation can bring out the best opportunity.

Lille Diane is an inspiration.  She has found an opportunity to discover herself and create herself as the woman she wants to be.

To listen to interview with Lille Diane CLICK HERE
To learn more about Lille Diane: www.woodstocklily.com

I met Soniei through the growing tribe of creative entrepreneurs who are sharing their unique talents through the on-line world.

Her art struck me with its clarity of design and Asian influenced brushwork.  Here are two of Soniei’s paintings….

The natural simplicity of her work drew me in but it was actually the professionalism and organization of her website that made me curious!

One of the greatest challenges (and opportunities) for an artist is to create a lifestyle where they can create the art they want and generate an income from it.

The moment an artist makes the decision to become a professional artist they are given the hat of business person.  Most artists reject the business hat and thus their career becomes stunted.

When I saw Soniei’s website I was impressed by how clearly she presented herself as a business, which is surprisingly rare.  During our interview I learned that Soniei’s journey as an artist and business woman are an ungoing evolution.

One of the highlights of her journey is the process of redefining success. As children we’re planted with ideas of what success looks like and should be.  Soniei has been peeling back the layers of this definition to uncover her own experience of success.

I’ve been thinking of my own personal definition of success ever since.

Soniei is someone who is willing to dive in wholeheartedly to what she believes in and make that her life’s work.  I am inspired by anyone who trusts their dream and allows their spirit to lead their life.

Here is Soniei working away on one of her paintings…

Get all the details of Soniei’s story and journey as an artist. It will really make you think about your own journey and the direction your spirit is guiding you to take.

To listen to my interview with Soniei CLICK HERE
To learn more about Soniei’s art, go to www.soniei.com