International Soul Art Day Gallery
Shelley Koorbatoff
I’m a self-employed consultant, queer, feminist, spirit wrestler, post-menopausal, recovering capitalist, sister and artist from Canada
What Inspired you to do a Soul Art journey?
I took my first art class in December 2022. It fundamentally altered not only my skill but my identity as an artist – catapulting me from malformed stick figures to expressive and realistic art. Since then I’ve of course taken additional courses to enhance my skill. What I truly love are experiences that alter my vision for what to create – not just how. This Soul Art journey sounded like an opportunity to shape my vision, my message, my voice. It delivered!
How would you describe your creative process?
The process was so easy, until it wasn’t. I started with an inspired idea and after some initial challenge with manifesting this idea the creativity flowed. I covered my torso with heavy lotion, pressed it onto the canvas, sprinkled star dust onto the lotion, then painted with acrylic. The painting flowed easily for quite some time until I noticed myself feeling anxious and rigid as my inner critic jumped in to help me make it perfect. After some dueling with my critic I allowed myself the grace I needed to step back into flow. It was important journey that led to a surprising insight.
What insight did you receive from your Soul Art?
I thought I was learning to love my body. In reality this soul art journey has taught me that love for my body was a ruse. I’ve been hiding, pretending, hoping people will see me how I think they want me to be. I thought I was being myself when really I’ve been guarded and afraid. I’ve been angry, dissociative, and anxious. It’s been exhausting and lonely. I need to be seen, to show myself as I am no matter the imagined consequences. The consequences of hiding have been too high. I need to be in my body – be real, raw and present. I need to allow others to see me.
What is the most important thing you would like to share about your Soul Art experience?
I am unbelievably grateful for this process. The insights have been beyond anything I could have expected. This Soul Art journey was a surprising opportunity to shape my vision, my message, and my voice. Thank you!