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Alasart Interview   Illuminating Consciousness: The Digital Art of Margaret Phanes Margaret Phanes is a pioneering digital artist whose work bridges the realms of art, meditation, and spiritual transformation. Since 1989, she has explored digital media as a form of visual meditation, translating her background in painting, collage, and art therapy into luminous compositions that evoke energy states and higher consciousness. Deeply influenced by Agni Yoga and Integral Yoga, Phanes’ art is not just an aesthetic experience but a tool for healing and self-discovery. In this interview, she shares her journey from corporate marketing communications to the digital arts, discussing how her practice evolved alongside advancements in digital illustration and photo editing software. She also delves into the profound influence of yogic traditions on her creative process, revealing how Light-Fire energy and the transformation of consciousness manifest in her work. Through her digital visual meditations, Phanes continues to push the boundaries of art as a spiritual practice, inviting viewers into a world where light, color, and form become pathways to inner awakening. The Digital Mysticism of Margaret Phanes: Light, Form, and Consciousness Margaret Phanes’ art is more than a visual experience—it is a meditation in itself. Rooted in her profound inner explorations, her digital works bridge the gap between seen and unseen realities, using light, transparency, and symbolic forms to translate meditative states into tangible imagery. With decades of experience in digital illustration and photo manipulation, Phanes has developed a distinctive artistic language that resonates with the concepts of illumination, expansion, and the evolution of consciousness. Light as a Medium of Expression At the heart of Phanes' creative process is her unique relationship with light. Unlike traditional media, digital art allows her to work with light as an intrinsic element of the composition. The luminous quality of pixels, emitting radiance from within the screen, mirrors the way she experiences light in meditation—emanating from above, within, and all around. This interaction between digital light and spiritual perception transforms her artworks into expressions of inner vision. Through layers of transparency, shifting color modes, and intricate overlays, she captures the ethereal glow of meditative states, where the boundaries between form and formlessness dissolve. The Power of Transparency, Overlays, and Shape Evolution Transparency plays a vital role in Phanes’ compositions, enabling a dynamic interplay between different layers of imagery. By adjusting visibility and opacity, she creates an impression of movement and dimensionality, evoking the fluid nature of inner experience. These shifting transparencies, combined with overlays, offer a sense of expansiveness—an open-ended, evolving visual space rather than a static image. Color blend modes enhance the luminosity of her work, allowing for subtle transitions in hue and radiance. The interplay of these digital effects intensifies the impression of iridescence and energetic flow, echoing the vibrational frequencies of consciousness itself. Repetition and shape evolution are also central to her creative process. Using vector graphics, she builds libraries of symbolic forms—often circular, representing the wholeness of awareness—that remain infinitely editable. This allows her to refine and evolve recurring patterns over time, much like the progressive deepening of spiritual practice. Light-Force Meditations: Visual Portals to Awareness Phanes describes her work as Light-Force Meditations , a term that encapsulates both the visual and energetic dimensions of her artistic practice. Her compositions function as meditative objects, concentrating awareness in much the same way that traditional mandalas or sacred symbols do. This approach aligns with the ancient practice of Tratak , described by Sri Aurobindo as the concentration of vision on a single, luminous point. In her works, the focused interplay of light, shape, and movement encourages the viewer to enter a contemplative state—one where consciousness expands and perception deepens. For Phanes, digital art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a way of expressing and sharing states of heightened awareness. Through her compositions, she invites the viewer to experience a remembrance of inner light, a reconnection with the soul’s luminous essence. In doing so, her art becomes both a personal and universal meditation—a journey into the depths of consciousness, illuminated through the transformative power of digital creation.   Musings on Light: Cosmology of Light—A Visual Manifestation of Unified Illumination Margaret Phanes’ artwork Musings on Light: Cosmology of Light  serves as the cover for Pravir Malik’s book of the same title. This image, an intricate interplay of radiant circles, gradients, and transparencies, embodies Phanes’ exploration of light as an all-encompassing force. The composition is centered on a divided circle, segmented into four distinct parts, yet intentionally fractured to indicate the evolving aspects of light. These divisions mirror the thematic structure of Malik’s book, which explores the transformational nature of light across dimensions. Beneath these layers, a luminous force radiates outward—symbolizing the ever-present source of illumination that transcends form and space. Additional spheres populate the composition, representing the infinite potentiality of light’s manifestation. For Phanes, this piece is more than a cover illustration; it is a meditation on the omnipresence of light. Just as scientific and spiritual traditions have sought to unify our understanding of energy, her work seeks to visually express this integration, bridging cosmology, metaphysics, and the aesthetics of light itself. The Brightness of Soul Power in Visual Meditations Central to Phanes’ artistic vision is the concept of soul power—an inner luminosity that influences her creative practice. Drawing inspiration from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, she sees the soul as a divine spark, evolving through consciousness and guiding personal transformation. This notion is deeply embedded in her digital compositions, where light functions as an active force of revelation and self-discovery. Brightness in her work is not merely a technical element but a representation of the soul’s radiance. Mandalas, layers of obscured and emerging light, and the interplay of luminous fire all evoke the process of inner awakening. For Phanes, visible light is a metaphor for spiritual illumination—the connection between the One and the many, the unifying presence that pervades all beings. Her visual meditations serve as invitations to experience this connection, translating the ineffable into imagery that speaks to the depth of the soul. Evolving Color and Shape in the Light-Based Medium Phanes’ journey through digital art has been marked by a continuous evolution in her use of color and form. In earlier years, her work incorporated real-world imagery in digital collages, weaving transcendent themes through manipulated photographs. However, she found that these images were limited in their ability to depict energy and consciousness. As she transitioned into digital illustration, she gained the ability to directly render inner perceptions, refining her approach to light and color. The creation of color swatches has become a vital aspect of her process. Working digitally allows her to fine-tune and store carefully curated color palettes, experimenting with how different hues transform the same composition. Her understanding of color has been deeply influenced by Sri Aurobindo’s writings, which explore the vibrational essence of light. However, digital color presents its own challenges—particularly in avoiding oversaturation and achieving the subtlety of metallic and iridescent effects. Beyond color, dimensionality has also undergone a significant transformation in her work. Earlier compositions relied on opacity, transparency, and radiating lines to create depth. The discovery of blend modes revolutionized her ability to manipulate color shifts, transparency effects, and luminosity. Layer by layer, these digital tools allow her to expand the complexity of light interactions, creating immersive visual experiences that feel dynamic and alive. Conclusion: A Visionary Illumination Margaret Phanes' work is an evolving dialogue between light, consciousness, and digital form. Her meditative approach to art transforms the digital medium into a conduit for inner vision, where transparency, radiance, and dimensionality become pathways to higher awareness. Whether through the unified cosmology of Musings on Light , the soul-bright presence in her visual meditations, or the meticulous evolution of color and shape in her compositions, Phanes invites viewers into an experience of light that transcends mere sight—it becomes an encounter with the luminous essence of being.

Discover the Latest Issue of "Art and Time" – A Celebration of Creativity and Culture We’re thrilled to announce the release of the November 2024 issue of Art and Time , a magazine dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, history, culture, and spirituality. This issue vibrantly reflects our mission to inspire, educate, and connect through the power of creativity. The magazine "Art and Time" (November 2024 issue)  features artist Lena Bartula on the cover and delves into various themes centered around art, culture, and spirituality. Exploring the Intersection of Art and Neuroscience What happens in the brain when we experience art? This issue dives into the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics , uncovering how emotion, perception, and cognition interact when we encounter beauty and creativity. Lena Bartula: The Voice of Textile Art This month, we honor the remarkable career of Lena Bartula , whose innovative textile art graces our cover. Lena has spent over two decades transforming the huipil—a traditional garment of deep cultural significance—into a medium for feminist and social activism. In her exclusive interview, she shares her journey, her artistic philosophy, and the stories behind her pieces. Exploring the Intersection of Art and Neuroscience What happens in the brain when we experience art? This issue dives into the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics , uncovering how emotion, perception, and cognition interact when we encounter beauty and creativity. Cultural Heritage and Innovation From ancient civilizations to contemporary art, we explore the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that shape our world. Articles in this issue discuss Mexican traditions, the stories behind iconic artworks, and innovative approaches to history and humanities. Holistic Creativity and Personal Growth True to our ethos, this issue also delves into the role of art in personal transformation. Discover how energy therapies, art therapy, and spiritual practices can unlock creativity and foster healing. Why You’ll Love This Issue Whether you’re an artist, historian, or spiritual seeker, "Art and Time"  offers something for everyone. Our carefully curated articles and interviews aim to inspire, provoke thought, and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of art, culture, and human experience. Pick up your copy today to immerse yourself in the beauty of creativity and the power of ideas. Share your thoughts and favorite articles from the issue on our blog or social media—we’d love to hear from you! Subscribe to "Art and Time"  and join a growing community passionate about art, history, and the human spirit. For more information, visit our website or explore the magazine directly here . GMB Akash: Illuminating Stories Through the Lens In this month’s issue of Art and Time , we shine a spotlight on GMB Akash , an extraordinary photographer from Bangladesh whose work transcends borders and touches hearts worldwide. Known for his evocative storytelling and humanitarian vision, Akash uses his camera as a tool to highlight the lives of marginalized communities. Photography with Purpose GMB Akash’s work is far more than visual art — it is a call to action. His images bring attention to issues like child labor, poverty, and social injustice, offering a voice to those often overlooked by society. With each photograph, he captures the resilience, beauty, and humanity of his subjects, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. A Window to Untold Stories Akash's projects have taken him across Asia, Africa, and Europe, documenting the struggles and triumphs of people from diverse walks of life. Some notable series include: Child Labor in Bangladesh : A harrowing yet hopeful look at children working in hazardous conditions to support their families. The Faces of Poverty : Portraits of individuals whose lives are marked by hardship but also by incredible strength and dignity. Empowering Women : Stories of women overcoming systemic barriers to forge a better future for themselves and their families. The Impact of His Work What sets GMB Akash apart is his commitment to making a tangible difference. Many of his projects are tied to humanitarian efforts, with proceeds from his exhibitions and publications going toward education, healthcare, and community development for the people he photographs. Awards and Global Recognition Akash’s talent has earned him prestigious accolades, including the World Press Photo Award and countless features in international publications. His books, like "Survivors" , showcase his ability to find beauty in struggle and humanity in despair, inspiring readers to see the world through a compassionate lens. Why His Work Matters GMB Akash reminds us that photography is not just about aesthetics—it’s about connection. His images challenge us to reflect on our shared humanity and inspire us to take action for a more equitable world. Discover More in Art and Time Dive deeper into the life and work of GMB Akash in our November issue, where we celebrate his artistic achievements and his unwavering dedication to creating change through photography. Join the conversation and explore how art, like Akash’s photography, can transform lives and open hearts. Cultural Heritage and Innovation From ancient civilizations to contemporary art, we explore the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that shape our world. Articles in this issue discuss Mexican traditions, the stories behind iconic artworks, and innovative approaches to history and humanities. Holistic Creativity and Personal Growth True to our ethos, this issue also delves into the role of art in personal transformation. Discover how energy therapies, art therapy, and spiritual practices can unlock creativity and foster healing. Why You’ll Love This Issue Whether you’re an artist, historian, or spiritual seeker, "Art and Time"  offers something for everyone. Our carefully curated articles and interviews aim to inspire, provoke thought, and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of art, culture, and human experience. Pick up your copy today to immerse yourself in the beauty of creativity and the power of ideas. Share your thoughts and favorite articles from the issue on our blog or social media—we’d love to hear from you! DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE HERE:

In a world that moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, be it stress, trauma, or emotional struggles. Traditional therapy methods such as talk therapy can be helpful, but sometimes words aren't enough to fully express what we feel inside. This is where art therapy  comes in—a creative, transformative form of therapy that uses art-making as a way to help individuals communicate, process emotions, and heal from within. Whether you're an adult dealing with anxiety or a child struggling with emotions, art therapy offers a powerful outlet for self-expression and personal growth. What Is Art Therapy? Art therapy combines the creative process of making art with psychotherapy to foster mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s not about artistic talent—anyone can participate. Art therapists, are trained professionals who guide you through the process, and encourage self-expression through drawing, painting, sculpting, or other forms of visual art. Art therapy provides a space where thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be explored in a non-verbal way. For both adults and children, this form of therapy can be particularly effective when emotions are too complex, buried, or overwhelming to express through words alone. Key Benefits of Art Therapy for Adults 1. Emotional Release and Stress Reduction Creating art provides a healthy outlet to express pent-up emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear. The act of painting or drawing helps you externalize those emotions and transform them into something tangible, leading to emotional relief. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can reduce cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. 2. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth Art therapy encourages self-reflection, allowing individuals to better understand themselves. When you engage in art-making, subconscious thoughts and feelings may emerge, helping you gain insight into hidden fears, desires, or unresolved conflicts. This process can be empowering, fostering personal growth and deeper self-awareness. 3. Trauma Healing For people who have experienced trauma, art therapy can serve as a safe and gentle way to process painful memories. Trauma survivors may struggle to verbalize their experiences, but through art, they can express those experiences visually. This can make the healing process less overwhelming and more accessible. 4. Improved Mental Health Studies have shown that art therapy can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. By providing a constructive and therapeutic way to cope with emotions, art therapy fosters resilience and emotional stability over time. Art Therapy for Children: A Gentle Approach to Emotional Well-being Children, particularly younger ones, may struggle to articulate their feelings verbally. Art therapy allows them to communicate their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural to them—through play and creativity. Here’s why art therapy is especially beneficial for children: 1. Improved Emotional Regulation Children often experience big emotions that they can't fully understand or control. Through art, they can express these emotions visually, helping them to process and regulate their feelings. Art therapy can teach children healthy ways to cope with frustration, anger, or sadness. 2. Enhanced Communication Skills Art therapy provides a non-verbal way to communicate for children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, whether due to developmental delays or emotional struggles. It can help children express what they're unable or unwilling to say in words, creating a bridge for communication with caregivers or therapists. 3. Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem Creating art allows children to take control of their environment and express their individuality. The sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something uniquely their own can boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of pride in their abilities. 4. Healing from Trauma or Loss Children who have experienced trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or abuse, can benefit greatly from art therapy. Creating art helps children process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment, aiding their emotional healing and recovery. 5. Developing Fine Motor Skills In addition to emotional and psychological benefits, art therapy can also help children develop fine motor skills. Drawing, painting, and working with materials like clay help improve hand-eye coordination and refine the motor skills essential for everyday tasks. How Does Art Therapy Work? During an art therapy session, individuals are encouraged to engage in various creative processes—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—while gently guided by a licensed art therapist. Sessions can be conducted one-on-one or in a group setting. The goal is not to create a masterpiece but to explore the thoughts, feelings, and ideas that arise during the art-making process. The therapist may ask the individual to reflect on their artwork or how they felt while creating it, but the focus is on expression and the therapeutic process rather than artistic technique. For children, the sessions may feel like play, making it an ideal approach for helping them open up emotionally. Why Everyone Can Benefit from Art Therapy Art therapy is for everyone—not just artists or those facing significant mental health challenges. It’s a universal tool for well-being that can benefit anyone looking to improve their emotional health, manage stress, or deepen their self-awareness. It offers a space for mindfulness, relaxation, and introspection—no matter your age or life circumstances. If you're someone who struggles to express emotions or has experienced trauma, or if you simply want a new way to foster personal growth, art therapy can be a fulfilling and powerful form of healing. For children, it’s a fun and safe way to explore feelings, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and strengthen communication skills. Conclusion: A Path to Healing and Growth Art therapy is much more than a creative outlet. It's a deeply healing practice that can enhance emotional resilience, promote self-discovery, and aid in the healing of trauma for people of all ages. Whether you're an adult looking to manage stress or a parent seeking help for your child, art therapy offers a compassionate and empowering path to well-being. By picking up a paintbrush or molding clay, you may discover new insights and healing that words alone could never express. If you’re curious about how art therapy can help you or your child, consider reaching out to a licensed art therapist to start the journey of creative healing. So we invite you to try our workshops online and presential. We recommend Shai Porath for the California area and he specializes mostly in working children and special handwork. We also have other recommendations for you let us know what are you looking for or where is your location to help you find the best consultant.

In my spiritual search, I encountered few people with as much clarity as Dr. Monica Gulati, she is a simple person in her language, but very studied and very talented at teaching and simply explaining things.

This time it is my turn to introduce a person full of peace and spiritual maturity, she is originally from the United Kingdom and has traveled and lived in the Middle East. She has worked for more than 15 years as a Yoga therapist and has been able to change the lives of many people, taking the stress out of daily life through somatic work. Thus, she has a great purpose to help others to find peace, as she has achieved it through the techniques she has learned. Kelly can lead workshops, classes, and various types of somatic yoga retreats. She specializes in pregnancy and directing the connection between parents and their babies. In 2022 and 2023 she had the opportunity to study to become a facilitator for Kiloby inquiries and is currently integrating it into her courses and workshops as a yoga teacher. Making her teachings more and more clear. Kelly Cooper can help people find the beauty of the present, of what some call God, or others call consciousness. She will reconcile you with your Divine origin and will also help you to find which emotions you are repressing th e most, which ones are causing the pain in your body, which ones are causing you to not be able to move, and will help you with the Kiloby Inquiries sessions to rediscover your consciousness. In this interview of more than 20 questions, you will get to know the therapist a little more closely, her techniques, her spiritual teachers, and above all the way she sees life. As a historian and art historian, I think it is very important to write about people who are changing the contemporary world and making history by correcting their attitudes, and habits, and above all helping others to heal. Psychological health is totally connected to what may happen to the future of our society. She also helps to remove stress through music therapy and dance therapy techniques that have proven to be very effective in improving people's mood and therefore daily creativity. All the answers were sent by Kelly. Without art society dies...but we will leave the subject of art and meditation and psychology for another time. For now, it's time for our guests to shine. Who has great human warmth, and we feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with her. To conduct this interview, I relied on information from Kelly Cooper's website1, Kiloby Scott's videos, and Kiloby Inquiries member’s page.2 We also invite you to watch the recorded interview which will be published soon on our Youtube channel Alasart. Art and Time. Alasart 1. Tell us about your life in a few words. Kelly: “I am 52 and married with one daughter Matilda aged 11and a cat called Cloudy. We live on the beautiful South Coast of the UK. I was born and raised mainly in the UK (we immigrated to Saudi Arabia from age 8-11 where I mixed with many nationalities). We settled back in the UK where I continued my secondary schooling. I have a BA degree and have had many jobs, always fascinated by humans and psychology, so most were connected in some way to this exploration in some way of the human condition.” Alasart 2. What is your actual profession and where do you learn it? Kelly: “I have been a yoga teacher specializing in pre- and post-natal since the birth of my daughter 10 years ago but originally trained as a career when I was 30 as I fell in love with it for its calming effects. I am also deeply interested in somatic body-based healing, nervous system regulation and embodiment, sharing in small women’s circles. Now of course I am starting to use the Kiloby inquiries to facilitate transformational work.” Alasart 3. Why do you do this profession, or activity? Kelly: “I love it and enjoy sharing how embodiment, yoga and somatic inquiries can help others. It feels very rewarding to share what has and continues to help me.” Alasart 4. How do you describe a spiritual life? Kelly: “Trying to be of help to others. Being authentic and honest to yourself and others. Taking time to connect to spirit in whatever way helps. For me that is communion in nature and silence but also connection to others. Honoring and expanding my capacity for love, including myself.” Alasart 5. How your spiritual path helps others, in everyday life? Kelly: “Helps others connect to their themselves, body, mind, and spirit. Empowers them to build resilience. Helps with self-knowledge, bringing healing and potentially transforming trauma. Alasart 6. What is healing for you? Kelly: “I find music healing, singing weekly in the forest in a group, dancing, being in nature and quiet and swimming and saunas. I also love somatic work and Kiloby inquiries!” Alasart 7. What are your favorite authors and music? Kelly: “I read many books but don’t really have a favorite author. I love books that combine real life struggles with the strength of the human spirit. I just finished ‘The Great alone’ by Kristin Hannah which was brilliant. One of the main characters was a war veteran and had PTSD and the story centered around how the family adapted to that. Both a tragedy and heartwarming. Before that I read ‘Wild’ by Jay Griffiths which was great too. I like usually to have some kind of self-development or study book and a novel to switch off and much prefer a book to TV. I am listening to ‘Existential Kink’ on audio, exploring further the ideas of shadows and revisiting Peter Levine’s work. “My music taste is pretty diverse and eclectic. I listen to what I am in the mood for. I grew up under the influence of my parents 60s such as Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and the Beatles, then a lot of 70s disco which are all still in my veins. As a young teen I was an eighties fan, then a Gothic into goth, listening to The cure and the Cult, and rock chick 2 listening and watching heavy metal concerts, loving Metallica and Guns and Roses. I then transitioned into the rave era as a young adult and later enjoyed a little reggae, R & B, hip hop and dance hall, indie folk and now the whole conscious music scene and newer artists such as Alexia Chellum, Trevor Hall, Peia, Olivia Fern and Gone gone beyond. Sometimes I play a reminiscent mix of some of older bands. Ones I may have on repeat are The Chili Peppers and sometimes a Radiohead track or two. Mainly though I listen to mixtures on Spotify and love a lot of contemporary artists, folk and soul sister music such as MaMuse.” PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FULL INTERVIEW IN PDF FROM THE NEXT LINK. https://www.academia.edu/s/b4a4a3dc6f?source=link