We recently connected with Abigail Hewitt and have shared our conversation below.

Abigail, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I can vividly remember the warm weekend afternoons I spent gathering myself after completing my chores for my adventures. There was a patch of bamboo on the neighbouring property behind my house that I discovered on my walks with my dad. This was my safe place, my sanctuary.

I packed myself a bag of goodies including art supplies and wandered off unnoticed (until my mom called my name in the distance). It was such a thrill and I daydreamed along the way. A fence separated me from my utopia, so I had to hop over it and rummage my way through endless trees to reach it. I experienced pure bliss in the moment. Upon arriving at the location, I would set my things down and twirl while looking up at the sky. For me, this was always a liberating experience. I remember lying under the bamboo daydreaming.

There was never a hint of fear or “what if?” I simply existed with pure innocence as my unfettered self. Tapping into self and my inner child. That is a gift we embody from within and freely express through art.

I now host art therapy sessions where people are guided to uncover their inner creative and inner child while holding space for themselves. It has been a divine experience. Freedom is our birthright. My Art therapy experience has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on. It started as a lifestyle practice I shared with loved ones that has evolved into part of my business offering. I’m passionate about art therapy and the ability to use it to help others express feelings and emotions in ways that can’t be done with words. Through art therapy, you forge a connection between your mind, temple and spirit which helps you to relax, release and unwind. This also increases self-awareness, calms your mind and you can gain personal resilience. Art therapy is a powerful tool for healing – it allows individuals to transform their emotions into something tangible and creative that can guide their journey to self-reflection and personal growth.

Abigail, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey began with a deep passion for art and design. This passion led me to establish The Sanctuary Design Studio, a space where I could not only provide therapeutic art sessions but also offer top-notch design and branding services. I am Abii, a multi-disciplinary intuitive artist, therapeutic art coach and designer based in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The idea behind The Sanctuary Design Studio was born out of my desire to combine my passion for art and design with the goal of creating a space that fosters healing and creativity. I firmly believe that art has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives. The Sanctuary Design Studio is also built on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. With this vision in mind, I embarked on a mission to establish a studio that not only produces exceptional design work but also offers therapeutic art sessions to individuals seeking solace and personal growth.

One of the key aspects that sets The Sanctuary Design Studio apart is my unwavering commitment to solving problems for clients. I understand that every business or individual has unique needs, challenges, and goals.

I take immense pride in helping clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Whether it’s creating a visually stunning brand identity, designing a captivating mural or developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, going above and beyond to ensure that clients receive the highest level of service and satisfaction.

At The Sanctuary Design Studio, I recognize the therapeutic benefits that art can provide. These therapeutic art sessions are designed to promote self-expression, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Through various artistic techniques and guided exercises, encourage individuals to explore their emotions, tap into their creativity, and discover new ways of self-expression.

By combining art therapy with design and branding services, I offer a unique experience that not only produces exceptional results but also supports personal growth and healing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Community is very meaningful to me. I believe that having a strong support network is essential to our mental and emotional health. I strive to build meaningful relationships with those around me and create a sense of belonging. I also believe in giving back to the community and helping others whenever I can. Creating mentorship programs and launching a non-profit for marginalized people to have access to and heal through art is one major goal. Not only does community provide us with emotional support and comfort in times of need, but it gives us a sense of purpose and belonging. It also encourages us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others, and to contribute to our society in meaningful ways.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

A vibrant creative ecosystem is essential for society’s growth and enrichment. Artists and creatives play a crucial role in shaping cultural identity, fostering innovation, and expressing human emotions. It stimulates cultural enrichment and contributes to economic growth. To effectively support and sustain a thriving creative ecosystem, society can undertake several measures.

This includes providing adequate funding and support for artists and their work, encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange, and recognizing the importance of creativity in society.

By recognizing the importance of art, providing accessible education, establishing supportive infrastructure, fostering collaboration, encouraging patronage, and respecting intellectual property rights, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, contribute, and inspire future generations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverabiiparis

Image Credits
3rd photo O’shane Megghross 4th photo Enrico Drummond