On Being an Intuitive Artist & Psychic

An interview with Cappy Sue for her blog.

Cappy Sue: When did you first realize you had some abilities others did not?

I am going to refer to my psychic-medium abilities in response to this question. My first really big moment of ealization came when I stood up in a mediumship development circle I had just joined and made an instant connection with someone who had passed over. I immediately sensed and saw images of what they looked like, where they lived, what they were like, who they were around, stuff like that. That really blew my mind because I had never before witnessed mediumship or knew what to expect at all! It was quite exhilarating and fascinating and I've been hooked ever since on connecting with the spirit world!

When did you realize these intuitive/psychic abilities were a part of your art work?

My psychic-medium abilities were definitely enhanced by my work as a professional artist since

1993. Being an artist is similar in a way to being a psychic because both skills can allow one to access other worlds. Being a psychic and being an artist require deep concentration and focus to the point of obsession and allow one to connect with other realms and beings. So it wasn't that much of a leap to turn my art work (which is often created in series) into four decks of oracle cards that I use for my psychic readings. I was also guided by a dream to turn my Lefty artwork (a series of over 500 drawings created over a period of five years with my non dominant left hand) into cards that I was to use for online readings exclusively . The day after I received that dream was when I started offering readings on Etsy and I haven't stopped since!

I've also gone on to create this blog and website as well. Currently I work with a Lefty Oracle deck, a Goddess Zodiac deck, a Fairy Herbal Healing deck and a Celtic Tree Oracle deck. They don't follow any system such as a tarot deck does, but instead serve to emphasize and expand upon a psychic reading in a visual, healing and informative way.

All the decks, except for the Lefty deck come with written information explaining the meaning behind the card ie. herbal healing, zodiac, goddess and Celtic druidic wisdom. There are always clues in the information that can guide one to enhance their reading and to work with it on their own to bring about inspiration, healing or shifts in energy that will hopefully encourage the client to move forward and make changes in their life or in their habitual responses and patterns.

What is your favorite part of creating the art work?

I love to be in the moment - painting is all about expressively, emotionally and passionately connecting with heart energy. I love the feeling of going deeply into all kinds of emotions; difficult, painful, joyous and ecstatic ones - they are all expressions of who we are as human beings. I paint so that I can bring forth these feelings into the world in a healthy and almost cathartic process.

Recent paintings in progress are here on my instagram: kathycrabbeart. Learn more about my work as a psychic-medium and soul reader here: http://KathyCrabbe.com/About

Learn more about my Art Mission here.

Risk - The Joy Diet

My art studio and the beginning of Painting #3 - "Stasis"

This week we're taking risks as part of the "Risk" Chapter in our Joy Diet Creative Blogger's Book Club and I have started painting again after a long hiatus of about one year.

My "Desire" (Chapter 3) which had not yet been identified (actually, it was deliberately kept private) is being revealed brushstroke by brushstroke as I explore emotions and intimacy within my marriage.

Each day that I paint I feel these emotions deeply as I express them on paper with paint, ink, water and pastel.

I risk exposing myself and my inner world to the world-at-large feeling raw, vulnerable and accountable as I begin "Journey into Intimacy" a new series of large paintings (4' x 5') - partly abstract, partly symbolic and very expressive.

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." (Eleanor Roosevelt)

You can read more of my Joy Diet posts here.
You can still sign up for the Joy Diet Book Club here.
Painting #1 - "Finding My Wings" and Painting #2 - "Arrow of Pain"

Journey into Intimacy

I'm painting again. It's back to a more physical way of being - painting puts me in touch with my body, movement and physical expression and is a form of ecstasy and release. I paint to music, loud music and this also sets a mood, a tone, a feeling.

This new series of paintings begun on Monday, November 19th are a journey for me into intimacy. I am painting and writing together - the one engenders the other, not sure in what order.

This latest is titled "Arrow of Pain" and with it comes Realization. Going deeper, more intimate, more, more, more. What does it mean? Being scared, but of what? Facing all the pain that intimacy has engendered over the years, facing all the mistakes, the regrets, the paths taken. Going into and beyond the hurt to reach the other side. Going deeply into feeling, so deeply that one fears getting lost inside.

I face my alone-ness every day. Some days it hurts. Some days I can work through it. Today I paint through it because I feel the pain more acutely. We are always truly alone and it hurts.

Musical Inspiration: Paul Van Dyck, Bjork, Loreena McKennitt, Tori Amos, 80's pop.
The first painting in this series is titled "Finding My Wings" and is here.

Finding My Wings

Some quotes from my last blog post: "It feels like going out on a metaphorical limb or jumping off a cliff. It's exciting and very scary, but so is life and the challenge of living it fully.

So here I go...dear Goddess grant me wings!"

Today I think I found my wings, at least for today. I painted again after taking a hiatus of several months - but today it just came pouring out of me and I couldn't stop it - tears, pain and paint melding into one gorgeous painting experience four hours long and worth every hot second (whatever that means!)

My studio had been shut down as I had packed everything away ready for a move to San Francisco that never happened and today I unpacked it all, taped my watercolor sheets to the wall, primed them and set out my acrylics and pastels, inks, brushes, gutta and all the lovely assorted accoutrements that accompany a painting life.

I'm back in action again while the spirit moves me. Goddess thank you for today's wings - what kind of bird do you think I've painted? I'm not sure, but if you think you know please tell me!

By the way, the painting roughly measures five feet by four feet and consists of 3 large sheets of watercolor paper taped side by side.

Musical inspiration: Delerium, Prince, The White Stripes.

Conquering Saboteurs (Secret No. 6)

This week as part of our highly creative bloggers Next Chapter Book Club we are taking a look at: transcending our wounds, overcoming our fear of criticism, recognizing real saboteurs and cultivating self-defense.

CHALLENGE #1

Identify your personal saboteurs and their specific messages to you.

This idea may work for some folks, but not for me. I have no desire to dwell on the past. 'Been there...done that' kinda feeling - can anyone relate?

"If you do feel overwhelmed and helpless in the wake of your self-doubt, get some support to break the cycle. You have brilliance; you can let it emanate."

CHALLENGE #2

What messages did you receive as a child, a young woman, or an adult about the dangers of becoming a successful creative woman? Determine if your 'gremlin' voices have any wisdom to share with you as perhaps they protect you in some way.

My "gremlins' (a coaching term referring to inner voices of doubt and fear that eclipse our aspirations and self-confidence) are always screaming that I need to fight to make my point. For example, when I first started offering soul readings on Etsy in August of 2008, I made a point to stir up controversy by posting in the Etsy Forums a lot, and often in inappropriate places such as the Critiques section or the Business section. I was only trying to get feedback and help raise awareness about psychics being allowed on Etsy (a new ruling that occurred in August of 2008, partly because I was kicking up so much dust!) but this led to ALOT of nastiness and ignorance in the forum from critics, skeptics and disbelievers. I no longer feel the need to willingly subject myself to this kind of psychic bashing and I've since smartened up!

The reasoning behind this 'gremlin' call to action, I believe, stems from my childhood where I felt in constant battle with a society that had no room or understanding for intuitive dreamers.

"A critical skill for many creative women is discernment - knowing whose advice is from the heart and really meant to be helpful, and avoiding folks who pull you away from your intentions and may be trying to undermine your achievement."

CHALLENGE #3

What rituals or centering exercises can you do before you start your creative work to ward off your saboteurs and your fear?

I believe in preventative maintenance, organization, and planning, by looking ahead for potential road bumps or mishaps. I will examine an idea from all angles and get lots of qualified advice from professionals, friends and from my intuition: spirit guides, dreams and astrological analysis. I make contingency plans so if something breaks I'm ready with it's replacement.

The Next Chapter Book Club features one highly creative blogger every week to interview and this week's featured blogger is Berkeley artist, mom and life coach, Andrea Scher.

To finish things off, my question for you, dear reader, is this: if your nasty little gremlin had a name, what would it be? I'm calling mine "Scruff" - perhaps it will put him in his place and remind him he is nothing but a bit of 'scruff.'

To read more Book Club posts please click here.