Shana Nys Dambrot
Sheila Darcey believes that art healed her soul, and everything she does about sharing that powerful tool for self-care with the world. Her unique drawing style is intuitive, abstract and organic, covering the page with flourishes and flushes of detail in a manner evoking Surrealist automatic drawing. It’s made in a flow state as part of a daily practice akin to Morning Pages, except visual, and with compelling results that hold their space on any gallery wall, bespoke object, or more recently, NFT auction. (She’s also the host of Arts & Healing, one of the only truly safe spaces on Clubhouse.) Her new book Sketch by Sketch guides readers to create a daily drawing practice that shifts a stressed consciousness into a place of calm, expressivity and truth; and her new crypto project Heal Coin celebrates creators, collaborators, and collectors passionate about holistic wellness.
Sheila Darcey: Art In Motion | The Magic of Creation
L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
SHEILA DARCEY: As a young child, I intuitively embraced my artist self. However, I did not claim the title of artist until my 40s. Once I let go of societal expectations and definitions, being an artist felt more like wearing a comfy sweater than a pair of glass slippers.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
Through art, I can sketch my way through complex emotions and process both my conscious, subconscious, and unconscious thoughts. The benefit of this practice is evident in my mental and emotional well-being. It is a therapeutic tool that helps me to process anxiety and trauma. It has become my mission to share this practice with the world and to help others find their own way.
Sheila Darcey: Unleash The Dragon
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
I changed my major from Computer Science to Graphic Design during my sophomore year in college. It was the first time I ever followed my heart. It was a life-defining decision that would eventually lead to my journey as SketchPoetic.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
The same thing I am doing today. After graduating with a B.F.A, I neglected my artist self for almost two decades. Instead, I pursued a career in the digital agency space as a consultant and facilitator. Today, I use my business skills to bridge the worlds of technology, art, and healing.
What is your next project?
My upcoming book Sketch by Sketch: A Creative Path to Emotional Healing & Transformation published by Macmillan and Hay House UK is scheduled to be released on December 28. I plan to do 28 days of Giveaways from December 1 – 28 in the lead up to the launch.
What artist living or dead would you most like to show or work with?
It is a toss-up between Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe, two strong, gifted, and dynamic human beings. I admire Frida for transforming her pain into art. The presence of her suffering is ever present in many of her works. I connect deeply to the emotive quality of her style and process. I admire Georgia in her masterful handling of watercolor and soulful connection to Mother Earth. A lot of my ethereal watercolor and ink pieces are reminiscent of her work.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
I tend to sketch with ambient noise since music can evoke emotion that may influence or distract from what it is I am truly feeling. However, I do love to co-create with musicians and have recently done so with Falsa and Terra Naomi.
Socials, please!
IG @sketchpoetic
Twitter @sheiladarcey
Sheila Darcey: Emotional Expression
