Thursday, April 30, 2015

Lifeforce Energy


Just finished up a new painting....


Lifeforce Energy
(c) 2015 Trisha Leigh Shufelt Art
www.artinsoul.org

We are all made of energy.  Where energy flows, manifestation goes.  
Remember, energy never dies, it only transforms.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Update on new deck


I decided to go back over the cards I've created and based on initial feedback, I am going to go with oracle style, but will add a few tarot elements from the Major Arcana.  I plan some animal spirits as well.  I've also decided to keep it pretty simple, because it seems that the majority of those polled like the simple look.  I fooled around with boarders and more elaborate backgrounds but kept coming back to simple black.  I did add some text, which I have always liked in oracle cards.  Here is an example of a finished card.


www.artinsoul.org
Trisha Leigh Shufelt Art (c) 2015



Monday, April 27, 2015

Getting through



Some days are harder than others.  For those going through cancer treatment, putting on a brave face for others is second nature.  We know that it is in the quiet moments when we can let that shield down and free ourselves of the emotions we keep behind the mask.  It's not easy.  We do it, because we have family that need us to be strong.  There are others we tell that we are doing fine, because we really don't want to lose it. We are told we look beautiful or wonderful, but truthfully, we see the changes in our bodies.  Cancer ages you physically, and it changes you emotionally.  Nothing will ever be the same.  Some days it isn't about being brave, it is just about breathing and getting through. As I get closer to the end of my chemotherapy, I have more days of just getting through.  I ask for a lot of strength from the angels to get me though another day.  I have more days of being afraid than I did in the beginning.  The first four rounds of A/C were extremely difficult, but I was stronger when I began chemo, so in many ways, I feel I handled it better.  Now that I am in the midst of Taxotere treatment, I find my body is not as resilient as it once was. There is little recovery time between cycles and I'm paying for it physically.  My skin and nails are taking the brunt of the burden this time around.  At 45, I'm developing deep set wrinkles and the skin on my hands burns with intensity.  I am drying up like a leaf, and no amount of moisture seems to aid me. Because of intense pain in my fingers and nails, I've had to adjust how I create art.  I cannot create fine detail or hold a brush for a long period of time. Add fatigue, muscle pain, mood swings and constant tearing and you've got a wonderful cocktail.  I won't get into some of the other things.  Some things are between me and the bathroom.  But this is not my bitch fest.  I'm actually grateful in many ways.  The pain lets me know I'm still here.  I also know that there are so many more going through exactly what I am going through.  Some have had to endure it longer and some have had it far worse. God bless them.  I pray every day that one day we will find a cure.  I've said from the beginning that everything happens for a reason.  I don't believe this is some karmic payback.  This is just part of my journey. I am meant to grow, learn, change and perhaps help others from this experience.  So, while some days are harder than others, every day that I am here is a blessing.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

New Face Book Page


I've just launched a new Face Book Page dedicated to my art.  I'd love it if you joined me. Please consider joining my new art page at https://www.facebook.com/artinsoulorg. Please feel free to share. Remember, make sure you check to receive notifications. Thanks so much!!!!

Friday, April 24, 2015

Spirit Dancers Print

Now available as a print...



Spirit Dancers 
(c) 2015 Trisha Leigh Shufel art

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230717191/art-prints-series-limited-edition-giclee?ref=shop_home_feat_3
https://www.etsy.com/listing/228665265/art-prints-series-open-edition-energy?ref=shop_home_active_8

Thursday, April 23, 2015

New Website

From 2004 until yesterday, I have operated under the business of Inner Fae Creations.  I launched my website under the same name when I first started out and it has been good to me.  However, as many of you know, I have been battling breast cancer and have had much time to contemplate the direction of many things in my life, one of them being my art.  It began changing toward the end of last year.  I found my fascination for my previous work begin to fade and something I can't quite explain begin to emerge.  Since I've always been one to follow my muse, I allowed myself to see where everything would go.  Art In Soul was born and I am pleased to share my new website with you all.  I think you can expect some wonderful, soul stirring things to blossom.  I am grateful to all of you who have stood by Inner Fae Creations over the years, and I hope you will now join me with Art In Soul.
Blessings, love and light!  http://www.artinsoul.org


I am still in the process of working on the site, so bear with me.

Spirit Dancers



These ladies are still wet, so I couldn't get a good picture. I'm sitting here listening to Night Ride Across the Caucasus by Loreena McKinnitt and thinking about leaving the past behind. One spirit emerges from the other, looking back at what she left behind, but joyful of what lies ahead. She is stronger, better, wiser and whole. Spirit Dancers (c) 2015 Trisha Leigh Shufelt www.artinsoul.org





Monday, April 20, 2015

Rise Above


Shortly after I began my third regime of chemo, I developed Neuropathy, which is weakness, pain, and nerve damage in the hands. It has gotten progressively worse and more painful with each treatment, primarily affecting my dominant hand. The first regime of chemo was not supposed to cause this, and the second type of chemo was supposed to cause minimal issues where this is concerned, but unfortunately with my auto immune issues, the Neuropathy was worse than anticipated. I have found it difficult to draw or paint anything remotely detailed. I went to a psychic fair this past Saturday and the lovely reader I spoke with told me that my guides wish me to finger paint verses using a brush. I thought, how am I going to do this with so much pain in my dominant hand. I sat down with some gloves and gave it a go, using a brush only at the very end. Before I began, I closed my eyes and asked what I should paint. I received no answer, but as I began to dip my fingers in the paint, I saw a great bird emerge, like a Phoenix, and it was then I received my message. Yes, I will rise from the ashes. This is Rise Above (c) 2015 Trisha Leigh Shufelt Art.

Now available as an open edition or limited edition print.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/230717191/art-prints-series-limited-edition-giclee?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228665265/art-prints-series-open-edition-energy?ref=shop_home_active_8




Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Back in the saddle

I've decided to re-open my etsy shop. To celebrate, I've lowered the prices on just about everything in the store AND I've added a coupon code BACKINTHESADDLE for an extra 20% off until 4/30. I'll be adding more things in the next few days. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrishaLeighART?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Kintsugi


I AM (c) 2015 Art of Trisha Leigh (Shufelt) 

I began this piece just before I found out I had breast cancer. I was awaiting my test results at the time. After my diagnosis, I put it aside. I did so, because of energy levels, but I also found it difficult to work on due to mixed emotions. I wanted to convey the symbolism of the lotus emerging from the muck. I also liked the Japanese technique Kintsugi, applying gold to broken things in the belief that in doing so they become more beautiful. At the time I began this, I felt broken, not beautiful. I soon began to realize that I was not broken and deep within I was blooming into something beautiful. This is what breast cancer has taught me.

I finished the piece today.