Our Newest Guest: Artist Elizabeth Kuntz!

It is with great pleasure that I'm introducing you to a fantastic artist, Elizabeth Kuntz! Her work is deeply spiritual and very emotionally moving. I was able to interview her regarding her work and process, which you can read about below:

1. What inspires you to create art?

My creations are inspired by life itself. Each one of my artworks tells a story on my journey of spiritual growth, bringing light to the lessons of life, and visions to the deep feelings which oftentimes have no words. What I enjoy the most is working on an intuitive level and infusing the composition with energy and emotions. Throughout the process of letting go from engaging with the logical mind, the imagery typically evolves into something unexpected. I try to make the invisible world visible, revealing our sacred connection to nature and the mysteries of the human spirit.

2. How did you get involved with or begin making art?

My dad was a talented sculptor, so I grew up immersed in the art world. He was my greatest art teacher, encouraging my creative expression and helping me to develop my artistic skills from a young age. I eventually continued on to obtain a BFA and pursue a career in graphic design. Several years ago I rediscovered my passion for drawing, and in 2018, held my first solo exhibition in Cyprus, my home for over two decades. I’ve since returned to my roots in America, and exhibit my work in galleries throughout the area. I’ve worked in many different mediums, but ultimately love the freedom I have found through the process of working with pastels.

3. What does your art mean to you? What do you hope it will mean to others?

Art has been my guiding light, helping me to open up to my true nature and heal through personal challenges. It has given me a voice after spending far too much time suffering in silence, and has also brought a greater sense of joy, calm and purpose into my life. Although we are each walking our own unique path and my drawings are inspired by my own unique experiences, we are all connected through the energy of shared emotions. I’m always touched when people feel an emotional connection to one of my pieces, and it’s my hope that they’ll discover their own meaning and story from within their hearts.


4. What is something you want people to know about you/be remembered for?

Besides being a fine artist, I also have a dedicated passion for Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise often referred to as meditation in motion. From the time I embraced both of these forms of self expression, my life has changed in so many amazing and unimaginable ways. My motivation to keep learning and evolving comes from a deep desire to bring more light and understanding into this chaotic world, and hopefully help to inspire others along the way.


5. Please explain these pieces:

“Resilience”

Resilience, available here.

We find inner strength and resilience through nature. Animals are always near, sharing messages to support us on our journey. A redbud tree blossoms into a sign of spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. The planets align in the early morning sky, offering the energy of transformation. A woman joins the earth in meditation. She gains wisdom within the stillness, reclaiming her power as she reconnects with all of life’s creations.

“Connecting”

Connecting, available here.

Something magical happens when we nurture a true connection with another soul. A sacred union forms between two hearts, lifting our spirits into a blissful dance of energy. Our souls are nourished and revitalized as we bask in the bright sunlight. The energy created together strengthens and expands, inviting the spirit and natural world to connect and rejoice in the beauty of the circle of life.

“Giving”

Giving, available here.

The true spirit of giving is to share unconditionally from the heart. An elephant gives an offering of fruit to a human, opening our awareness to the unexpected gifts we receive from nature. The sun and moon share the sky, bringing us balance through the cycles of life. A triangle motif flows through the rolling hills, symbolizing the harmony that exists within unity, and the joy felt within a gracious exchange of energy.

"Rooting the Heart”

Rooting The Heart, available here.

A lost soul begins walking on to an unknown path. Lavender gently blows in the wind, guiding her way forward. The sun reflects a reminder of the constant light of destiny that lies ahead, revealing a connection to our divine source and a gateway to healing our roots. Ancestors gather together on the horizon, igniting the fire of her creative force, awaiting her return back home to finding peace within her heart.

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If you want to find out more about Elizabeth, you can find her work on Fine Art America here. Thank you, Elizabeth, for being our guest! It was wonderful to have you visit!

New Wine

New Wine available here.

Just as grapes are crushed in the process of creating wine, we are also crushed during times of sorrow and affliction. Like sweet, new wine, we are able to transform into more wise, understanding, and compassionate people as a result of living through these moments. This piece of art is an abstract expression of that process.

The Importance Of Light

Not only is natural light important for our bodies, but so is spiritual light-the inspiration we receive from spiritual practice.

In our crazy world with its ups and downs, we need a calming influence. A reminder that we can find refuge amidst the chaos and calamity of the societies in which we live. Inspiration means different things to different people. But the basis is the same for everyone. And that basis is peace, hope and meaning within our day to day timelines. No matter where we come from, those are the things we crave. And people receive that guidance or uplifting presence from their religion, beliefs and activities.

For me, a Christian perspective has helped me navigate through a lot of pain and turmoil. And stemming from that perspective is my daily act of writing and artistry. When I am overwhelmed or stressed out, I sit down at my computer and begin to create. I also do it when I’m relaxed. But I find that artistry lends a presence of Spirit and hope to my day.

Whether it’s cooking, exercising, meeting new people or taking a trip to someplace new, everyone has an outlet in which they find hope and meaning. And recently I’ve been focusing even more on spiritual art and poetry. I’m trying new things, expanding my horizons.

The piece you see below is entitled Let Your Light Shine. It’s a mixed media work in which I share my belief that everyone has something important to offer-a destiny to fulfill. I hope that this work will persuade you to shine your light. The world is in need of love and encouragement. When you decide to let your light shine, I know you’ll be so glad that you did!

Let Your Light Shine available here.

Let Your Light Shine available here.

Transfiguration

This art work was directly inspired by my Christian beliefs. I wanted to convey the beauty of transfiguration, when our spirit joins our loved ones waiting for us in heaven. This is a very poignant piece for me since several of my children are waiting for me to join them there. I can imagine the celebration that must take place when we are united together again!

Transfiguration is available here.

Transfiguration is available here.

Here is a poetic description:

The beauty of transfiguration,
Is a blessed, hopeful inspiration;
Fear has no depth with which to claim us,
For God's faithful promise guides and saves us!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

The Guardians

I believe we all have guardian angels. I believe that they’re with us each moment of every day and night. The thought of angelic beings watching over me brings me peace. I see angels as messengers created by and working for God.

This is an artwork that I came up with earlier this month. I was thinking about our planet and all the life teeming on its’ surface and in its’ atmosphere. It is mind boggling to meditate on how many species live with us on our beautiful planet. As I considered the numerous plants and animals that share this space with us, I began to wonder if earth is watched over by angelic beings. I can only imagine that our Creator would have made special angels to take care of the planet and instruct us about ways to keep our earth safe and healthy for upcoming generations.

This is the result of my ponderings. It is entitled The Guardians and is available here.

The Guardians by Diamante Lavendar

The Guardians by Diamante Lavendar

We are very fortunate for the beauty of the the natural world around us. Even the stars that light up the night are astounding. I hope that during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you are able to take a moment to relax and appreciate the simple things in life. Happy Holidays!