Sacred Muse Featured Artist Sabina Espinet

Sabina Espinet

Sabina's Official Website

Sabina Espinet is an artist living and working in Colorado.

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia from Trinidadian parents, she never felt like she belonged to any one culture in particular.

By the age of eleven Sabina had lived in and visited many countries throughout South America and eventually moved to the United States. 

This early transient lifestyle impressed upon her an appreciation for different cultures and a love of travel. 

She is influenced by folk art, sculpture and textiles from around the world, as well as the works of Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali and Van Gogh to name a few. In addition, Sabina has a great love of modern art and also of mythic imagery, so her inspirations come from far and wide. 

Sabina obtained her B.S. in Fine Arts/Painting from the University of South Florida in 1994. 

After spending her adult life in the state of Florida, she relocated along with her husband and two children to Colorado.

Her work tends to be simple and monochromatic with the common thread being our connection to the divine-- whether it be through love, motherhood, nature, self exploration or art itself in any form.

I find that being an artist is a unique experience for each of us and I would like to know how you experience being an artist.
I feel that it is a great honor to be an artist and I consider myself a channel for images that come through me. I paint what I feel and hope that my work evokes some feeling in the viewer.

Why are you an artist,and why did you deiced to become an artist? I don't think I really had a choice, though I strayed from the path and considered other things at different points in my life. Painting is what makes me the happiest and most fulfilled.

My family used to ask me why almost all the people in my paintings are nude.
What are some specific artist traits that you have in your paintings and why? Almost all of my paintings use very bright color palettes. I am drawn to vibrant colors and I think that color can evoke feelings in a way that nothing else can.

What famous artists have influenced you/muses/mentors do you have and why ? Primarily Frieda Kahlo. I have a deep connection to her work and I also can relate to her lack of formal training. Though I do have a painting degree, my technical skills/style are not photorealistic and I concentrate more on movement and feeling. Also Van Gogh's color palettes and folk art.

What inspires you to create art? What do you do to keep motivated when your inspiration runs low? Everything inspires me! I think a good exercise for when an artist is feeling depleted is just spending an hour online browsing images. Start with one thing and you will be surprised at how fast you get sketching and flooded with ideas.

How do you handle the business side of your art? Do you have a personal webiste/blog ? Like the majority of artists I have met, promoting myself is the hardest part. But, I have gotten much better over the years at putting myself out there and it is a work in progress. My website is http://sabinaespinet.com and my blog is http://sabinaespinet.blogspot.com

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I'd love to have a great studio space and possibly a gallery.

What advise to you give to other artists? As hard as it is, you have to focus on your art first and not making money. The money will come after.

What is your favorite thing to paint? Wow ... I can't choose one!

Why do you love art? It is my personal connection to God. Art makes me a better person just by the experience of it.

How do you feel spirituality is connected with Art? I guess I have sort of touched on that a bit in other questions, but I think that to truly open yourself up to a piece of art is to connect with The Divine. I always say that for me, going to a museum is like being in church. I feel a sense of deep reverence and peace and I am totally present and in the moment. 

Sacred Muse Featured Artist Rae Chichilnitsky

Sacred Muse Visionary Art Featured Artist

Rae Chichilnitsky

Rae Chichilnitsky was born in Kishinev (formerly USSR, currently Moldova) where she spent first half of her life studying classical music and fine art and earning her MA degree in Musicology and Fine Arts from the Institute of Art, while pursuing her studies she worked as a freelance book illustrator at the same time. After coming to the United States in 1976 Rae has changed her professional orientation and joined the corporate world continuing to express her artistic nature part-time. In 2002 she has left her successful career in a major corporation in order to dedicate her time fully to pursuing her creative interests. 

This Painting won the  Sacred Muse Tree of Life Contest!

Rae is a multi-talented, versatile artist who enjoys complete artistic freedom, bringing the whole gamut of concepts, moods, emotions and fantasies to her work, which involves multiple genres, media, applications and covers a wide range of subjects -- from deeply philosophical to humorous, from the ones dedicated to a purpose to the ones with no purpose other than simple decorative pleasure --and forces the individual to pause and wonder just how seriously one should take oneself. Some of her work was created with children in mind, and some is more adult-oriented. She is equally comfortable with monochrome and color. 

Although one can find a number of eclectic influences, Rae’s style is completely unique. Without being attached to any of these influences and moving freely among them, Rae developed her own style purely from her creative ability and abundant imagination. Inspired by different emotions and interests, Rae is equally gifted in expressing herself in painting a Byzantine-style icon one day and decorating a furniture piece the next. She always creates something new and original, preferring this approach to copying existing styles or images. Being multi-talented and feeling a natural connection among visuals, words and sounds, Rae sometimes merges all these components into one, creating synthetic imagery. All this gives the viewer something of special value in that they know what they are seeing has never existed before. In the past, Rae’s work was exhibited at a several times and some of her work has been sold and now resides in private collections across the USA. 

Here's what Rae says about her work: 

“Art had always been my passion, but only recently, I’ve decided to return to it professionally. I see beauty and magic in everything and am quite eclectic: from time to time I fall under spell of different things and have a need to wander into an uncharted territory and try something new. All my creations come from my imagination and are 100% original. I enjoy working with various subjects, media and styles: old and modern, eastern and western, deep and mundane, realistic and abstract, as they all blend naturally into expression of richness of life and human condition. I mostly work in acrylics, markers, pencils, watercolor and mixed media. My artwork is done on stretched canvas, paper, Bristol board and wood and I use only high-quality artist grade materials. I accept work on commision.” 

Rae is a member of the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and an artwork contributor on www. literacyhead.com (a unique e-publication that promotes literacy through use of visual art among children) 

Sacred Muse Artist Interview Lila Mattison

Lila won second place in the Sacred Muse Hosted Halloween Contest.

Lila Mattison

Artist Interview  With Lila Mattison

I Find that being an artist is a unique experience for each of us and I would like to know how you experience being an artist. 

Why are you an artist, and why did you decide to become an artist? 

Ever since I was a young girl, I have had my own camera. At that time, I took photos of my family & friends. As I got older, I took interest in adding scenery, sunrises, sunsets, nature(including wildlife) and also unusual things. 

My family used to ask me why almost all the people in my paintings are nude. 

What are some specific artist traits that you have in your paintings and why? 

I tend to lean towards taking photos of the different seasons of beauty & color. I believe this is due to the fact that I'm older now and appreciate the beauty surrounding us. 

What famous artists have influenced you/muses/mentors do you have and why? 

None really. The camera & and what it produces, if properly used, has always fascinated me. 

What inspires you to create art? What do you do to keep motivated when your inspiration runs low?

 I don't need any motivation. I take photos almost every day of someone or something. I have many photos from many different cameras over the years -- all marked, labeled & and; organized in one room that I call my photo library. It used to be our daughter's & and; grandchildren's bedroom many years ago. 

How do you handle the business side of your art? 

I've never had a business involving my photos.

Do you have a personal website/blog?

 Yes. 

Click Here to View her Portfolio

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

 Eighty years old, and God willing, still taking photos. 

What advice do you give to other artists?

 If there is something you really enjoy doing, by all means, pursue it.

What is your favorite thing to paint?

 I'm sure, by now, you must realize that photography is a big part of my life. 

Why do you love art?

 I enjoy photography because certain photos are memories that can't be re-lived. I also enjoy drawing once in awhile, doing some digital art and mixed media. 

Sacred Muse Artist Interview Barbara McDevitt

Barbara McDevitt

"Irish Castle"

Artist Interview

Find that being an artist is a unique experience for each of us and I would like to know how you experience being an artist.

 My experience as an artist is both satisfying and frustrating.  When I am painting it is like taking a mini-vacation and I go off to another world full of peace and tranquility.  When I am out with my camera I see wonderful and beautiful things that might be missed by others or even myself if I'm not really looking.  The frustration comes when I view the photos I have recently taken and find that I did not capture the mood or vision that I thought I saw and in painting, well it could be a color or a reflection that alludes me, or a detail I can not decide if it enhances the painting or makes it too busy.  And then there is always that question of when to stop and call a painting completed.  I have many paintings currently stored in the attic that simply need to be completed.  I take my vision to a certain spot and then just can not decide how to finish or put in that last bit of detail that I think it needs.

Why are you an artist, and why did you decide to become an artist? 

I have always enjoyed art.  Always soaking in colors and atmosphere.  I try to be an artist because it gives me great joy to create something beautiful. 

"Forrest Pathway"

My family used to ask me why almost all the people in my paintings are nude.

What are some specific artist traits that you have in your paintings and why?

 I don't think I have any artist traits in my work.  I think I am still trying to find my style. 

What famous artists have influenced you/muses/mentors do you have and why? 

 The great seascape artists of the past have always inspired me. 

"French Countryside"

What inspires you to create art? What do you do to keep motivated when your inspiration runs low?

 The play of colors in a given light and the magnificent beauty of nature inspire me.  When inspiration runs low I take the time to review old works of mine with a new eye and also use that time to re-organize my work space and tools. 

How do you handle the business side of your art?

 For the  business side of my art I am very undisciplined and always yell out to friends that I need a manager.  Someone to push me when I think I can not continue or to take better care in tracking costs and expense. 

Do you have a personal website/blog? 

My personal website is www.rosecottagegallery.com which I have had now for over 10 years.  The domain was purchased as a gift to me from my daughter.  There you will find a detailed biography and a history of my attempts at being and artist.  I try to update the NEWS page there each month to keep my fans informed of what I am continuing to do in the art world.  The site has had a following mostly from carousel enthusiasts and those that enjoyed my Irish themed works on ancestral slate.   My logo which is a small painting done in acrylic on canvas board includes both the carousel and the Irish influence.  I did the painting years ago and it hangs framed now in my entry way.

"Rainbow Cottage"

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

 I tried to make a living as an artist and enjoyed those half dozen years but find that I am now back working a full time job.  Ten years from now, or actually sooner, I expect to be retired and hope that my endeavors now as an artist will supplement that retirement.  When I no longer have to work for someone else I see myself once again painting on a daily basis while I continue to advance my technique both at the easel and with the camera. 

"Red Door Cottage"

What advice do you give to other artists?

 Never get discouraged.  Art is very personal and you never know what someone else might love about your work.  Don't be afraid.  Follow your heart.

"Study In Blue"


What is your favorite thing to paint?

 I still love seascapes and anything that has to do with moving waters.  I also very much enjoy painting carousel ponies and fussing with all the detail involved with them. 

"Hills Of Ireland"


Why do you love art?

 Art can change our environment and our outlook on life and living in a beautiful way.  In producing art we enhance someone else's surroundings.

Click To View Barbra's Portfolio 

Sacred Muse Featured Artist Erika Pochybova-Johnson

Erika Pochybova-Johnson

Erika won the Psychedelic Contest hosted by the Sacred Muse.

143 Pieces of art were submitted to the contest and 104 votes were tallied all together.

Her art is intricate, beautiful and amazing.

I hope you enjoy her art as much as I have.

This is the Winning Piece from the contest.

"Undulating"

Erika was born in former Czechoslovakia.

She immigrated to Texas in late 1996 and became a U.S. citizen in 2006. Erika's work utilizes an intricate painting technique and metaphoric imagery.

Erika has developed a very unique style that blends contemporary aesthetics with European folk art.

"Harmony"

Pochybova Johnson’s story and her artwork were featured in the Slovakian national public

ation, “New Time Sunday” and in the Creative Quarterly #13 and Creative Quarterly #16 national publications. Recently, Erika received the Silver and Merit Award in a New York City based national competition, the 2nd place Award in the “Texas National” competition juried by a nationally recognized artist Mel Chin, the 2nd place Award in a Houston based national competition “Texas Art 2009” juried by Shelly Langdale, Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings in Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a First place Award in a 2008 New Arts Perspective Competition. This year, Erikas was a selected finalist for the 'Hunting Art prize' in Houston, won 3rd place in International Landscape Competition, and was selected for a competition 'System Failure' in Alexandria, VA, curated by Sarah Tanguy; an independent curator, arts writer & critic, and a curator for the Art in Embassies Program in Washington, DC. 

"Kytica"

In the winter this year, Erika's work will be featured in the Artist Portfolio Magazine. Recently, Erika became an official winner for The Pride of Our Heritage: Mural Design Contest for Bufallo, NY and is a selected artist for a juried artist magazine, 'Studio Visit' (the Open Studios Press) curated by Beth Venn, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and Senior Curator of American Art at the Newark Museum. 
So far, Erika has participated in group shows in Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Houston, New York, Beverly Hills, Minneapolis, Sacramento, Alexandria, Nacogdoches, and Lubbock. 

"On the Bright Side"

"Reach Out"

"Serenity"

Erikas Portfolio

Click Here

Sacred Muse Artist Interview Lavender lemon

Sacred Muse Visionary Art Artist Interview

Lavender Lemon Etsy Artist

I found LavenderLemon as I was browsing the ETSY forums looking for new talent and interesting blogs and I found her blog and work and hope you enjoy !

Please tell us about yourself and what initially internally inspired you to become a crafter/artist?

When i was young i was very inspired by magical creatures and the unknown. I was interested in the stars and the mysterious mummies of egypt. When i started to get older i got interested in Dragonball Z the japanese animated cartoon and thats when i really started to draw everyday and practice on my drawing skills. I would say that i was always interested In anything to do with crafting and art i was always trying to make something or try something new. My dad and my grandma are also painters too so that was very inspiring.

What projects are you working on at the moment that really excites you and why?
I am working on a digital collage in photoshop right now , i am also in the rough stages of researching and doing drafts for a childrens book. I just bought a canvas as well so i can do a real media collage. Collage is new to me so that is why it excites me ,and about the book that I am in the stages of creating its also very new to me and i have all these ideas that i can't wait to get on the paper.


Who or what is your creative muse?
I would say the human body is amazing. Music. In terms of artists that i have been inspired by it would have to be Bosch, Francis Bacon and fashion.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your creative ventures?
I want to continue collecting vintage pieces of sale and for myself :) . I want to get my second year in art school done. I want to grow as an artist and learn new techniques. 
I would love to be more perfect with my printmaking abilities.

How do you breakthrough creative blocks?

 I usually just look for inspiration in nature. Nature can be so simple,but yet so complicated and it really gets my mind churning. I start thinking of life ,and what is still undiscovered and i start to think of what could be out there ,and how we even got here. Its just mind blowing! Also I listen to music and surf the net for things that i enjoy.

What is your favorite theme that you create in often? DO you have creative patterns that you favor over others? 

Probably microbiology,and bright colours. I usually do the strange rather than the normal. When i start to paint something like flowers and fruit I feel too confined and it shows in my work. I like to work loosely and not think of my mistakes. I am not a perfectionist.

How do you deal with the business side of your art? 

I haven't started selling my art yet. As of now i just sell my vintage clothing on etsy. I would really love to have someone that would teach me the in's and out's of selling your art online. I feel like i dont want to just jump into it without learning a bit more. I 've tried learning from the etsy forums,but no one has really talked about it :(.

What medium you do usually work with? 

I do alot of sketching so alot of the time i use pens . Sakura brand being my favourite. But if i was in a studio and had all my own materials i would be doing printmaking. I also love to work with oil. When i was first learning how to paint with oils i actually despised it ,but i learned that it was because i hated what still life i was painting.

What message to you project with your art/crafts?
Life. Humour and the strange.
What advice would you give other artists and crafters? To keep practicing and striving to learn new techniques. Learn from other artists and research other artists of our past. Many great artists of our time studied other artists even when they were well regarded in the art world. I also would say to take criticism from all angles and from all people. Everyone sees things differently.

Do you work at certain hours of the day or night? Do certain times inspire you more or less?

Sometimes early in the morning when i first wake up and iam in a daze from my dreams and just still tired i get alot of wierd thoughts that inspire me,but iam more of a night person when i can create.

Do you have a blog/website that you can share with our readers?

yes :) . I have my etsy vintage site which doesnt have very many items on there at the moment because i recently moved,but here it is http://lavenderlemon.etsy.com and my blog http://lavenderlemonvintage.blogspot.com 

LavenderLemons Etsy Shop

Sacred Muse Featured Artist Sharon Sieben

Sharon Siben won the Sacred Muse Dreamy Art Contest.

There were 72 Artists that filed entries and 163 pieces  of entered art.

So many wonderful pieces of art that were submitted but Sharons art stuck out at me, her work is all rather soft and dreamy even with the use of bright colors. Her concepts are very interesting and hold your eyes attention for a great amount of time. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I have.

Sharon Sieben

Artist Statement;

Although I did like to draw and paint when I was much younger, I never particularly wanted to be an artist until I became concerned with what to do after retirement (there is no such thing as retirement!).

So I bought canvas, paint, charcoal, paper, et cetera (it's almost as much fun to shop for art supplies as it is to paint) and the rest is history. It seems that if I am not painting, I am thinking about what I will paint next.

I believe that I always wanted to do this and I also believe "there is a time and place for everything under the sun". The time for me to paint is NOW and I find myself loving every minute of it!

Buds and Blooms

Dia De Los Mueritos 

Night Blooming Cactus

 Ocotillo

By The Sea

Sidewalk Cafe

All That jazz

Sharon Sieben's Portfolio