We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elise Iglio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elise thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

From the beginning of my artistic journey 10 years ago, I yearned to create something that was meaningful to people in some way. I tried photography, and though I enjoyed it I never felt like it meant anything. I found I could be more expressive if I used traditional ways to make art. The only problem was I had nearly no experience, and I wasn’t very good. It wasn’t until I started exploring an interest in spiritual growth that I learned about energy and the impact it has in our lives. I studied for a long time to discover how I could express positive energy through art. It finally came to me in a dream that I could create Mandalas, which are spiritual in nature, using flowers that had corresponding energies. This is when I started designing my Flower Energy Mandalas, hand-drawing the flowers in concentric circles to form a whole pattern. I chose flowers that had similar vibrations, so each Mandala has a specific purpose and intent. The Mandalas act as symbols which trigger the subconscious to think, feel or do. I created a total of 18 Mandalas, as well as two that act as blessings for weddings and children. After the Mandalas were completed, I continued to use Flower Energy to create symbols that support people on their life journey.

Elise, 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?

There are all kinds of growth. The desire to create with my hands has always been strong for me. The desire to grow spiritually came later in life, but it encouraged me to seek ways that I could improve my own circumstances as well as help others. Using energy healing modalities such as Reiki, in conjunction with creating high vibration art, was a way for me to do both.

Flowers have a naturally high vibration that connects to the Earth and to the Universe. I work with flowers in my art to take advantage of that energy and make it available to anyone who views the art.

The work I am most excited about now is the Bespoke Arrangements I create for people. They are usually requested by families, but can be made for any couple or close friends too. I use a birth month flower to represent each person, and put them together in a unique piece of art that will never be replicated. It is very personal and special. Before I even start designing the piece, I perform a special consecration ritual that clears away negative energy and welcomes in positive energy. I cleanse all the pens, brushes, paints and paper, as well as my studio. I then call in blessings specific to the family for whom I am creating the piece. All of this energy stays with the art, however they choose to present it. Whether it is on a product I make or hanging on the wall, the energy is able to be accessed by anyone who is open to it. This makes the art piece a healing and unifying tool that blesses everyone who is represented in it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn was that it is not always about the art. My first major juried art show was when I was creating digitally manipulated photography. I made composited pieces that had a fantasy feel. The judge at this art show was very impressed with the results from a non-traditional art media. I came in third place in the art show, which kind of set me up to try to compete in the art world. I got a few pieces into art galleries, but for the most part it was a “thanks, no thanks” response. I wasn’t doing “traditional” art, and it also wasn’t traditional photography.

I moved on to various other mediums, trying to find where I fit in the art world. I finally realized that I didn’t fit in the art world in that way, and it wasn’t benefiting anyone for me to keep trying.

In trying to reach my “audience” on social media, it has become very apparent that success online is not about the art. It is about the relationship between the artist and their audience. You have to show up, be authentic and listen to what your audience wants. It takes time, they have to get to know you, like you and trust you. Nothing new is being created to be sold online. Lots of people sell their work for too little and it is not sustainable. The only way to compete and still make a living is to be yourself, be sincere and realize what you are really selling, is you.

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

The best thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to not expect Wal-Mart prices for one of a kind items. There is a subset of society that understands the value of unique, and hand-crafted, and will willingly pay the price that it is worth. A price that allows the artist to make a decent living creating art.

Unfortunately, most people do not see value in artisan products. They are happy having the same thing everyone else does, and are even happier if they got it on sale. This mindset is not helped by the, I’ll call them “crafters,” who make things as a hobby, then sell them for ridiculous prices that don’t even cover the cost of supplies. This makes it much more difficult for artists and creatives to sell their art at a price that is sustainable for them, particularly at arts and craft shows where the consumer can price-shop.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theravensmark.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/energy_symbols_by_ravens_mark
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/theravensmark
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQEW-2SkRMR1cTakK1e-5Aw