Beth Interviewed by Clestopea Times

 2007 interview by Sumara Love of Celestopea Times: 

 

Featured Artist  

Beth Budesheim

By Sumara Love

 

Passionate Beth Budesheim is an intuitive healer and artist who creates art that uplifts, inspires, and causes one to reflect upon life's journey and beyond.  Through her art Beth endeavors to connect the viewer through color and imagery to the harmonious, positive and beneficial energies that dwell within them and around them.  She makes good use of centrally placed, open objects such as bowls and spirals that invite you to enter deeper into the art, unlock your higher self and explore the possibilities.

Beth, you offer a unique style of art you call “intuitive art,” can you please tell us a little what you do?

 

My interest is in evolving consciousness, healing, raising vibration, and facilitating peace & awareness. So, my natural inclination as I create anything is for it to become an expression and vehicle for these experiences. To do this my process involves an openness to intuition, present moment inspiration and letting go for Spirit to channel through me. I also offer personal intuitive art commissions. For a personal commission, I bring through imagery, colors, symbols and visual information uniquely for the person who has commissioned the piece. I believe art is healing for the person and the space in which it is placed.

 

Can you tell us more about the healing quality of art?

 

Everything has a vibration and effect in body, mind & spirit. I encourage people to adorn their home with things that bring a beneficial feeling. When you view a painting, it's vibration, (which is the result of the artist's intent, energy, the colors, shapes and imagery) it can positively effect yours and the space in which it's placed. My hope is for my work to radiate positive vibration raising energy. To accomplish this I not only practice painting in an open intuitive prayerful and joyful way but I nurture my Self, my energy field and tend to my own inner garden.

 

Have you had any formal training?

 

I have a BFA in Painting from the University of Kansas. However, before I transferred from pursuing a Biology degree to an Art degree, I received a book from my brother. That book was Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. I've always recommended it. I also have various certifications and personal study in the health field, bodywork, energy healing, quantum theory, and other healing modalities)

How did your art evolve to what it is today? What was your process?

 

Early on in my art making, concepts & sixth sensory experiences became my driving force. My art journal is mostly filled with notes from inner journeys and ideas with a little sketch here & there. I am inspired by my personal experiences with energy and non-physical reality, spiritual philosophy, quantum theory, and shamanism. My early work portrayed these quite literally. I would paint a human figure with aspects of the energy field portrayed in light moving through and outward from the body. I still include this at times, especially in intuitive portrait commissions but these days I am exploring the whole piece as the light energy. So, the energy is no longer a light within the painting but is the whole painting itself. LIGHT is one of my favorite mediums. When I apply a color, I feel it as healing light.

 

How else do you use your art for healing?

 

Besides what I have mentioned above, I also create pieces specifically for certain healing intents. These are the Healing Attunement Mandalas. Each mandala is a channeled image of colors, symbols and light vibration for experience & integration of such gifts as self love, happiness, abundance, inner knowing, purification...etc

Besides painting you also do sculpture; can you tell us a little bit about what you do as a sculptist?

 

A few weeks ago I was feeling like I needed some more fun & joy in my creative process.  I wanted to try something different.  I'd been drawn to clay for many years but had never followed through. So, finally I bought some PaperClay from the art store.  I am a beginner at working with clay, working three dimensionally and I'm loving it! There is something very wonderful about being a beginner and having the freedom to express in a totally new way.  It is fresh and playful.

 

What or who have been your greatest influences in life, as far as your artistic inclinations go?

 

The journey of who I am, vibrational medicine, meditation, shamanic journey, Alex Grey, Mara Friedman, quantum physics, intuition, mother nature, Spirit, my dear friends who encourage me, life mentors and everyone who has ever bought a print or painting from me.

I see that you have a passion for helping others, not only with your art but in contributing a percentage of your proceeds to charitable organizations. Can you tell us a little about the organizations that you support and why?

 

Some of the ways people, (celebrity or not) are helping others is just so inspirational and heart opening for me. A circle of giving & receiving in one's life is very beneficial. I want my heart to stay open. When I give to causes I feel passionate about, I feel good, empowered and connected to humanity. I give to non-profits working for peace, and environmental wellness. Recently I chose 2 organizations to give more to through my Art of Peace project. You can learn more on my website.

 

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself going in life and where would you like to take your art?

 

An associate of mine is currently looking into placing my art in hospital rooms and corridors. I am very thrilled with this possibility as an extension of offering art for healing. I am also interested in bringing more awareness for others to incorporate  my art in their homes & office spaces for their well-being, joy and Feng Shui enhancement.

Any last words of advice for all those struggling artists out there?

 

First I recommend letting go of any belief that an artist must struggle. Purge that archetype from your mind. It's no more difficult for an artist to enjoy success & happiness than for any other person or entrepreneur. I once overheard an artist telling another that it is very hard to get commissions. Well, at least half of my art income over the past 10 years has been through commissions such as murals and intuitive paintings. Don't let someone else determine what is true and possible for you. Allow your interests to guide your creative work, and people & opportunities will enter your life which resonate, motivate and nourish you.

Thank you Beth; that was very well put. Thank for reminding us that we create that which we think and believe. It begins with ourselves and extends out from there. Best of luck to you in everything that you do. May you be forever blessed!

 

To view more of Beth's beautiful artwork, please visit her website: http://www.paintedjourneys.com. 

Spiritual Business Part 1

I'd been thinking about creating a video series about spiritual business and marketing. Then I had this experience today, and felt it is really time to begin talking about this. Today not only left me a bit angry and hurt, but honestly really concerned with some of what is going on in the world of spiritual business.

Why you should Love Your Wrinkles xo

Wrinkles are beautiful! xoxo Can you really look at this photo and think she'd be more beautiful with an eye lift & taught skin??? Join my wrinkle revolution. Love your wrinkles today!xo

"In the human face, a life looks out at the world and also looks in on itself....When bitterness, anger, or resentment are left untransfigured, the face becomes a mask. Yet one also encounters the opposite,... namely, the beautiful presence of an old face deeply lined and inscribed by time and experience that has retained a lovely innocence... In such a face a lovely luminosity shines out into the world. It casts a tender light that radiates a sense of wholeness and wholesomeness." — John O'Donohue (Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom)

We need to spend more time embracing & exploring ourselves. When we don't, we lose touch with our complexity, our depths, and our mystery. If we package ourselves, our businesses, or our relationships up in a perfect wrinkle free parcel, something is lost, something of the soul. More on this later :-)  Do the things that will support your inner life, your soul and your Heart, so that it becomes a radiance that shines from you now & as you age. When you have depth and soul and kindness, you glow with a physical and an other worldly beauty not accessible by any other means.

Creation of Peace Angel~ video

View finished piece: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/originalsNEW.html

Meeting the Magic

Life continually brings us opportunities for experience, beauty, connection, learning, and magic. Like the wind meeting the tree, bringing it a new experience of sensation, movement and dance, we too meet with the various elements of life. But sometimes we must do our part to engage with what is brought before us. We have many choices,  many pulls on our time and attention, and so we often must make a slight shift in order to receive what is being given.

This morning there was a beautiful black cow in my backyard. It had freed itself from some nearby ranch and was gracefully grazing on our land in the warm golden sunshine. I found out it was there because my cat, Sage, was watching intently out the 2nd story window, instead of coming down for his morning meal.  As the morning progressed, I lost sight of the cow, but knew he was still nearby, given my cat's continued intrigued yet cautious behavior.

I thought about going outside to meet this beautiful creature, but instead I began my routine of checking & answering email. I did not meet the magic of life that was in my own backyard. What if I had gone for a short walk and meet that cow up close, felt his smooth glossy black coat, felt the presence of his gentle eyes looking into mine? I didn't rise up to meet the opportunity life presented to me this morning and so I am left with a 'what if'.

When we push through our routine, our limiting beliefs, our comfort zone, to meet life fully, magic happens. Stepping into the new, the unknown, the unusual, often brings us great unimaginable gifts. Watch for what life is bringing you and engage with life. Reduce the amount of 'what ifs' and you'll increase your joy, creativity, sense of empowerment, confidence, well-being, gratitude and spiritual intuitive connection. I just know it, because this is how I feel each time I listen more deeply, use that little bit of extra will to take that walk, go to that class, or meet that cow in the backyard.

Turns out that cow was rather close. I heard men's voices and the cow ran right past my window! So beautiful. I am thankful for this unusual, magical, beautiful day and I am using it as a reminder to make the most of life's moments, to juice every bit out of every experience, to connect more passionately, fully engage with what is present and meet the magic. For this is the way to fill a life with moments of giving, receiving & be-ing that overflow the heart with thanks & gratitude. ♡

Life through Chakra Colored Glasses

"Emotional Healing" 

When I began learning about the energy field in the 1990's, it was like discovering a magic tool I could use to feel better, heal, grow and tap more clearly into the mystical realms which I'd always felt connected. My fascination with energy, healing & intuition ever since I was a toddler, was affirmed and had a clear outlet to explore, learn & play. 'Wow, you mean, people actually teach this and do this! And I can learn & play with you? Cool!' As I continued down this path, I eventually found myself working with my own energy in a very self healing way. Read on and I'll share that process with you so you can do it for yourself too.

Energy actually kind of IS a magic tool. The fact that you can explore & mold your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental experience through energy is pretty amazing, don't you think? The chakras have become my buddies. I turn to them for information, guidance and healing both for myself and with my clients. Each chakra has it's own personality, and as you learn about them you can see life through chakra colored glasses and access transfomative healing & insight.

I had a client who was feeling frustrated and wanting to live more of her life's purpose. As I connected in with her, I could see that her energy field needed some good clearing, Root chakra could use some strengthening, and 2nd chakra was a bit 'stuck'. Energy medicine came through for her during the session and her chakras gave me information for her about contributing factors and what actions would bring them & her issue into better flow, well-being and expression.

You can also do this for yourself as well. Let's say you are having an issue with a relationship. When you know about the nature of the chakras, what you will do is check in with each one to assist you. You'll bring your awareness to your ROOT and ask....'am I feeling safe?'...then to the 2nd: 'Am I giving too much? Is this relationship in balance?" or simply ask each chakra, "What is it I need?". The answers you receive will provide valuable information for you and how to move forward. ♡

Try this process next time you are needing some healing, transformation or clarity:

1. Ask, "What am I feeling?" and "Where do I feel this in my body?"
2. Bring your awareness to your higher power, Source, Guides..whatever fits for you.
3. Allow this higher source to communicate to you through your energy field by connecting and listening to each chakra. Begin at your Root Chakra and move up, asking each one,  'What is it I need?", "Do you have a message for me about what is going on and what I need right now?" Just listen and write down what you get. If you don't get a message from a particular chakra, then move on to the next.

Those who are familiar with the chakras, usually receive & understand their messages more clearly. Give this a try, and let me know how it goes.. would love if you shared your experience by posting it below.

with joy,
Beth

If you'd like to learn more, have clearer connection to your chakras, and receive personal support from me, join my Chakra Intuitive Intensive program: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/chakraseries.html