Q&A: Britt Michaelian

How do you think artists can be more mindful of their intentions?
Whether we slap an artist label on ourselves or not, every human is a creator, producing words, thoughts, images, and feelings. Every day, from the moment we wake up, we are creating a life. However, how many of us stop throughout the day to ask ourselves, “What is my intention here? What energy do I want to put into the world so others can be impacted by my work?” If we want to be more mindful of our intentions, we need to create the habit of checking in with ourselves to see if what we are creating aligns with our life mission. Or, more specifically for artists, is the art we are creating inspiring the energetic result we wish to bring to the world?

How does sacred geometry influence the compositions of your paintings?
Sacred geometry is a universal language that speaks in energy patterns found in all of creation, but in my art-making process, I use the sacred circle as a way to connect my art to the energy of harmony, wholeness, and unity. Even in my work that doesn’t have visible circles representing the unity within sacred geometry, it is suggested.

Can you tell us more about the use of materials like powdered crystals, vortex soil, etc. in your work?
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always loved crystals, gems, and anything healing that was outside the mainstream. I love their colors, the way they feel, their magical essence. Humans have been using minerals in paint for centuries, so it just makes sense. I use the minerals in my work, including energy vortex soil from a trip to Sedona last fall, to add more layers of depth and healing properties to each piece. I select specific minerals based on their energetic frequency and the vibration I am creating with each piece.

Are there artists you admire who might not be defined as “healers” per se but whose work offers something along those lines in your perspective??
I am a big fan of fellow SAIC alum Jennifer Guidi’s work which is not necessarily healing art but definitely has healing qualities through meditative mark-making. Sami Hayek makes very cool ceramic art and furniture that explores healing frequencies.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about energy healing?
The biggest misconception about energy healing would probably be that it doesn’t work. If everything in our reality is made of energy, then of course we have the ability to have an impact on that energy. We’ve been programmed to believe the only way to heal the body is through diet, pharmaceuticals, surgery, and other medical interventions, and while those modalities have merit, energy healing has been used for centuries to great effect.

Abstract painting is defined by its independence from realistic visual representations of the world. How does energy healing fit into such a space?
Energy healing is very similar to abstract painting in the way that it is felt by the artist or practitioner. The energy or inspiration moves through you to create something that is not like anything that exists in the physical world. It is an essence, a color, or a feeling that arrives through the work to reveal pure creation. Energy healing and abstract painting use the artist or practitioner as a vehicle to exist and essentially to effect change.

Does being in California influence your art-making or energy healing practice in any way?
I feel that the coast of California itself is healing both from a visual perspective and an energetic one. The beauty of the water and mountains inspires my art immensely. On top of that, California seems to have more yoga studios, energy practitioners, and people open to and curious about expanding consciousness through energy healing practices. This impacts my art making because of the ease with which I can find inspiration and healing through simple things like practicing yoga in an aligned community to clear my energy so that I can be a pure vessel of divine creation.

What is next for you?
I’ll be traveling to Europe in a few weeks to see some art and get inspired by the beauty of the world. When I return, I have several commission works that I’m in the process of completing. I will be moving toward private healing house events with collectors who would like to include their friends, family, or co-workers in a very special energy healing ceremony as a way to welcome their new healing art piece into their home or office. It’s a great bonding experience and provides some much needed peace and love to attendees. There might be some other exciting things in the works, so stay tuned for more!