about the cover for Feb/Mar 2007…

Take Time To Listen ~ by Rita Loyd

“I first began painting Nurturing art when I became ill with stomach problems and chronic fatigue syndrome in 1996. As my life slowly narrowed around me from lack of physical strength and chronic panic attacks, my ego had no other choice than to step aside and allow the voice of my spirit to emerge and comfort me through my artwork.

Through the years I have always chosen to paint images that encourage me to heal, to think positive and to love myself more. To find the inspiration to paint such images I go through a process of self-examination to explore where in my life I need the most encouragement. To do this I first make sure that I am in a mind space of self-compassion rather than self-judgment, for self-judgment only causes me to feel self-defensive rather than open and honest. Once I can be honest, I look at my life and see where in my life things are not flowing well, and I explore the reasons and the misconceptions that have created this block. With the information I find, I review my spiritual studies and search my spirit to find a message of wisdom. When this message of truth comes through, I imagine the symbolism that will translate it best into art form and that is what I paint. Once a painting is finished, it becomes a powerful reminder and a tool for visualization.”

See more art by Rita Loyd at www.NurturingArt.com. Contact Rita Loyd for a FREE brochure of her Nurturing Art Greeting Cards, book and DVD: rita@nurturingart.com or call (256) 880-3935.

For the April/May 2007 issue of Innerchange.