Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meagan Boulter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meagan, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I have been creating portraits for over 25 years. It was not until the past year or so that I have found my purpose in doing so. It has always been easy for me to do portraits, and I have never had trouble finding people wanting to commission them from me. But my perspective on creating portraits all changed one day.
I have always had a passion for mental health. My uncle committed suicide when I was an impressionable 12 year old. Seeing my mother and father in such grief broke my little heart. It made a lasting impact on me. And I have always had a soft spot for those lost souls.
In 2023, when a long time friend of mine lost her daughter to suicide, I decided to do her portrait and give it to the friend. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have been offering free portraits of anyone lost to suicide ever since.

The goal of any artist is to have people see and appreciate their work. There is absolutely no greater way to do that then to bring these heartbroken souls a glimpse of there beloved again.

I have never had as much joy and pride in my work as I have since beginning this project. I seem to be finding a peace in it that I didn’t know I needed. And I am bringing memories of loved ones back to life. The loved ones who recieve these works are always brought to tears. For a moment they look into their loved ones eyes, they can hold them, hug them, be with them in spirit. It brings a sliver of peace to them, and one step closer to healing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am primarily a portrait artist. I have been an artist for over 25 years. I dabble in other work and other mediums but portraits are my specialty. My suicide project is the portraits I offer free of charge to a loved one of those lost to suicide.
I also have developed a unique formula to use the ashen remains of an individual to create their portrait.
Human and pet remains do not leave a mark on paper by themselves. As a result, I had to create just the right technique and formula to be able to use them for the drawings.
It takes a significantly longer amount of time to produce these portraits. But the final outcome is a unique portrait that is as close to seeing their beloved as they can get.
Creating these images of people’s loved ones is a true passion of mine. I so love the joy it brings to the customer.

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

As a portrait artist, realism is always a high goal. But my goal is not hyperrealism. I do want a balance of true-to-life portraits with still the feel of it being a drawing. With that said, I do still actively learn and work on improving my skills and techniques to achieve a realistic outcome. I think, especially when working with ashes as my medium, making the portrait come alive is important. I continually strive for excellence in this aspect.

As far as mission, I wholeheartedly want to spread the suicide portrait project as far as I can. They are cherished by all who receive them, and I want to be able to bring the a glimmer of joy to all who have lost someone in this way.

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

I think it is drilled into most people that if you can not profit from your endeavor then it is not worth pursuing. But I feel for me, personally, that hinders my work. When I was creating what other people wanted and filling commissions for other people, I got lost in it. There’s no joy in that. Art is not meant to satisfy the viewer, it is meant to heal the artist. If others find meaning and value in the work too then that is a a blessing for both. A passionate piece of work cannot be created when the origin of the image was from someone else’s mind. I find my peace and sanity and joy in creating what I want and need to create. As a result, I have found more people enjoy my work too. I am better for it and it is better for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.artthrumeaganseyes.com
• Instagram: @art.thru.meagans.eyes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077897376070&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: Www.instagram.com/art.thru.meagans.eyes