Soul Portraits
Paintings that arise through listening — reflections of the deeper essence within a life.
Insert image of me in serape under the tree
Occasionally the work takes the form of what I call a "Soul Portrait."
These are not paintings of physical appearance, but reflections of the deeper qualities that live within a person — emerging through color, movement, and symbol.
What is a Soul Portrait
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A Soul Portrait is not a traditional portrait.
It is a painting that seeks to reflect the deeper essence of a person rather than their physical appearance.
Instead of beginning with a photograph, the process begins with listening — to the stories, experiences, and qualities that shape the inner life of the person for whom the work is created.
Through conversation and reflection, I begin to sense the colors, movement, and symbolic language that belong to that individual’s inner landscape. From there, the painting unfolds gradually in the studio through an intuitive process of color, form, and gesture.
Over time the image reveals itself, layer by layer, until it begins to carry the presence of the person it was created for.
For many people, receiving a Soul Portrait becomes more than simply acquiring a piece of art. It becomes a mirror — something that reflects aspects of themselves they may have felt but never seen expressed.
Some experience it as recognition.
Others feel it reflects qualities of their inner life they are still growing into.
Each portrait therefore becomes both a work of art and a conversation with the deeper self.
The Process
The creation of a Soul Portrait or Soul Wrapture begins with a conversation.
Before we meet, I will send a few questions to help you reflect on the experiences, themes, or transitions that feel most alive in your life. We then spend time together in conversation — either in person or by video — allowing the deeper threads of your story to emerge.
After this conversation I spend time in reflection before beginning the work.
The painting or textile piece then develops slowly in the studio through an intuitive process. Rather than following a predetermined design, the work is allowed to reveal itself through color, form, texture, and symbol.
Partway through the process I will share a photograph or short video of the piece so we can reflect together and ensure the work is moving in the right direction.
When the piece is complete, I will share the finished work and the reflections that emerged through the process.
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Soul Wraptures
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In addition to painted portraits, some commissions take the form of what I call Soul Wraptures.
These works are created with fabric rather than paint and are designed to be experienced not only visually but through touch. The materials are chosen with intention, allowing the work to engage the body’s sensory memory as well as the eye.
Textiles have long carried meaning through human history — as clothing, shelter, protection, and ritual object. In a Soul Wrapture, the language of fabric becomes another way of reflecting the deeper qualities of the person for whom the work is created.
Some people experience these pieces as comforting, grounding, or quietly powerful reminders of their own inner truth.
Commissioning a Soul Portrait
Because of the depth of attention involved, I create only a limited number of Soul Portraits and Soul Wraptures each year.
If you feel drawn to explore this process, you are welcome to reach out through the contact page to begin a conversation. We can discuss timing, size options, and whether this form of work feels right for you.