Spirituality~

The way I define spirituality is anything that makes one feel connected to something outside of themself. My spiritual identity is something that is constantly evolving, growing, and taking shape as I continue learning and having new experiences. That sort of fluidity and openness is exactly how I want that identity to be. However, there are some foundational belief I hold that exist within my fluid spiritual identity.

The most basic belief is that all beings are one collective energy. We are all one and our collective energy is connected to the universal spirit that unites all beings. This energy cannot be created or destroyed but transforms as beings evolve and die. Spirit has a way to show this to be true again and again. One example is experiencing collective grief, isolation, and pain throughout the pandemic. A shared feeling and experience every being had whether they realized it or not.

Another belief I hold is a deep connection to my ancestors and guides. I am shown by these spirits that I am supported. Through divination, art making, and cooking. I receive messages that they are present and watching over me. The value of ancestral connection has really taken shape since being at Southwestern. My lineage project opened a door to exploring the witchcraft practices of my ancestors. Through that I realized the synchronicities between my practices and those of my ancestors. Practices like honoring and following the phases of the lunar calendar, this has been something I have done for many years and was a prominent folk practice in the Mediterranean region. My lunar and ancestral practices are essential in providing support and knowing that I am not alone. Lunar practice has also been foundational in my path of healing. With every phase the moon changes, waxing and waning, each cycle it starts anew. Understanding this and working with it in this way has allowed for fluidity in myself and acceptance that growth and change is part of the cycle of life. It is important to always be in a state of progress.

The last foundational piece of my spiritual life has been connecting to Mother Earth. Going through the Ecotherapy program, experiencing the wilderness fast, and engaging in various readings throughout the course, I have learned the importance of being in relationship with the Earth. Astrologically I have a lot of earth placements, and this feeling of connection to earth is something I always knew but has grown immensely. Through my courses at Southwestern I have learned how to connect with earth in an intentional way, how to honor her, and build a relationship based on reciprocity with her. On my wilderness fast I learned how to use her as a helper for transformation and healing. Transformation is key to my spiritual practice; I want to constantly evolve to seek my potential. Even if that means going into the shadow, because when I heal myself, I also heal my ancestors and the collective. That transformation never dies.

Image 1: Collage made in the summer of 2021; Image 2: Amphora final project for Studio Art, 2020; Image 3: Collage made summer 2021; Image 4: Vessel made in Studio art, 2020; Image 5: The eye mandal made in Hermeneutics, 2020; Image 5: Vessel made in Studio art, 2020.

Artist Identity~

My artist identity is deeply connected to my spiritual identity. Through this program I have experienced art as a conduit for connection to spirit, presence, and the self. My artwork has always been about understanding the human experience and our interconnectedness with nature. However, my art making has found a new way to communicate messages contained within me, and messages sent from Spirit. I think about the two collages in the carousel above as an example. How making them was something I was called to do once I cut out those magazine pieces. It felt as though the ideas came from outside of me.

Being present, grounded, and open are important states of mind for me to be in when creating. However sometimes art can be used to get me into those states of being when I am feeling disregulated . Which is what would often happen to me when working with clay. I focused on that medium for my studio art project and every time I would end a session, I would feel completely grounded and present. Working with clay forced me to let go of perfectionism and expectations and fully allow the natural flow of making. My final project, the amphora, was a perfect example of letting go, trusting my intuition, trusting the clay, and surrendering to spirit. There were many times where it could have gone wrong and letting go of trying to control that is where so much growth and healing took place. It was through this that I realized how art making could change me. Part of my identity as an artist now is being open to feel challenged and changed by my art. Using art as a way to communicate and transmute messages from my unconscious and what is outside of me.