The Path to Healing through Art: Interview with talented artist and art therapist Angelė Šimoliūnienė

In the world of art, each artist has his or her own unique path full of discoveries and self-discovery. Today we are talking to Angelė Šimoliūnienė, a talented artist and art therapist, whose works fascinate with their depth and intuitiveness. She has come a long way from studying literature and directing to creating mandalas and abstractions that resonate with viewers around the world. In this interview Angelė shares her thoughts on creativity, the impact of art therapy and the importance of participating in international competitions and exhibitions.

How did you come to create mandalas and abstractions, and what inspires you in this direction? What techniques or materials do you prefer to use in your work and why?

I started drawing in childhood, creating realistic paintings. Teachers noted my talent, but my father was against it, so I chose a different profession. I studied Lithuanian language and literature, then directing, as I was always drawn to art. Later, I attended an art therapy course, which awakened my desire to paint. I studied drawing therapy for healing physical and spiritual states, as well as psychology, medicine, and art history. By applying drawing therapy to myself, I was able to help others. This led me to create mandalas and paintings, realizing it was my path. In my work, I prefer painting with acrylics on paper, as it allows me to feel comfortable.

How does your experience as an art therapist influence your creativity and choice of themes for your works?

In the process of drawing, I never think about what I will depict. Everything happens intuitively. Art therapy gave me freedom in creativity. At first glance, my paintings seem abstract, but from a distance of 3-5 meters, they reveal themselves as realistic works with meaning.

What emotions or states do you aim to convey through your mandalas and other paintings?

I don’t consciously strive to convey anything through my works. Everything that appears in the drawing comes from the subconscious or from above.

Angelė, my readers and I are interested in learning more about art therapy. Could you tell us a bit more about your practice and the methods you use for clients?

Art therapy is a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing, affecting both the physical and spiritual state of a person. Our subconscious holds onto grievances and insults from childhood. We may forget or forgive them, but they remain as small points. When a situation arises in life that reminds us of the past, it can touch the soul and send a signal to the organ that is weakened at the moment, which can sometimes lead to serious illnesses. However, art therapy can help: when you move your fingers over paper with acrylic or gouache, after about 20 minutes, the mind switches off, and the subconscious takes over. Drawing in this way should be done daily for an hour to open the subconscious and release all negativity, bad emotions, grievances, and insults accumulated since childhood onto the paper through your fingers. When this happens, the signal from the subconscious to the organ stops, and the illness halts. This has been scientifically confirmed.

There are many methods for self-discovery. When a person draws on given topics, analyzing the drawing helps them realize their problems, understand what they are doing wrong, and where they need to change their thinking and perspective on people and the world. In working with a person, I always start with cleansing the subconscious and then move on to drawing. Each person requires an individual approach and methods. If I am working with a group, I use methods aimed at self-discovery.

How has participation in exhibitions influenced your perception of your own art?

I have had 47 solo exhibitions in Lithuania and 24 abroad. Exhibitions have not changed my perception of my art. From the very beginning I knew that my works should be shown to people, and I am glad that they receive them warmly.

Which competitions and exhibitions have been the most significant for you and why?

The most important competition for me was Golden Time Talent in London, which gave me a lot of confidence. Then I participated in the American Art Awards in America where my work came 6th amongst entries from 80 countries. This led to invitations from galleries. The most significant exhibition for me was participating in the Venice Biennale. My paintings are now featured in two art books and magazines.

How do you prepare for exhibitions and competitions to present your work in the best possible way?

All my works are photographed by a professional photographer and I send them to competitions. At exhibitions, I do my paintings on my own.

How do you see the role of art in the process of healing and self-discovery?

Genetic scientists have found out that our genes can perceive the state of another person. A painting retains the energy of the artist, and if it is filled with warmth and joy, it can heal and uplift. I always advise people to choose paintings that appeal to them, as they can learn about themselves through them.

What new projects or art directions do you plan to explore in the future?

I will continue to paint and analyse my work. I already have about 300 paintings and I plan to participate in competitions and exhibitions in order to achieve my goals.

Our interview has come to an end and we would like to thank Angelė Šimoliūnienė for her frankness and inspiration. Her story is an example of how art can become a guiding star in life, helping not only self-expression but also healing. We look forward to seeing more of this amazing artist’s work and achievements, confident that her art will continue to inspire and amaze audiences around the world.