The Art of Feeling
“Emotion is universal, art has the power to cross borders.”
Those of you who know me well also know that I use my emotions as a language — transforming them into colour and form through my art. It’s only much later that I begin to find the beauty within those expressions, shaping them into artworks I hope are filled with love and layered with feeling.
Of course, I’m not alone in this. Art has always been a universal language — a medium through which human emotion finds its purest and most unfiltered expression. From the raw brushstrokes of Van Gogh to the haunting, enchanting melodies of Mozart, emotion has always been at the heart of great art.
But how can we intentionally channel our feelings into creativity? How do we use them as fuel, rather than something to suppress? To understand this, we need to explore the dynamic relationship between emotion and artistic expression — and how different techniques and mediums can help bring those emotions to life.
Emotions are the lifeblood of art. They offer depth, insight, and a way to communicate ideas and visions that words alone often fail to capture. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, anger, or serenity, these feelings shape the stories embedded within our work.
My art doesn’t just reflect emotion — it often reshapes it.
But before an emotion can be expressed through art, it must first be understood. Self-awareness is key. This means recognising what we feel, being honest about where those feelings come from, and acknowledging how they move through us. Journaling, meditation, and quiet reflection are some of the tools I use to uncover emotional truths I wish to explore.
Many of you already know that I’m in therapy. Those moments of understanding myself — and feeling understood — allow me to express more openly and honestly in my work.
Different emotions often call for different mediums. A fiery anger might be best expressed through bold splashes of paint, while quiet contemplation might find its voice in a moody landscape of inks or watercolours.
Experimentation helps me discover which medium most authentically reflects my emotional state — and which might best translate those feelings for the viewer or collector. Ideally, the artwork becomes something that not only expresses emotion, but transforms it — into beauty, into peace, into something uplifting and new.
For instance, an artist navigating grief might pour their sorrow onto a canvas, turning heartbreak into a vibrant and colourful expression of healing. This act of creation transforms emotion into something tangible and profound — both cathartic for the artist and deeply resonant for the viewer. After all, we all experience these emotions at different times in life. And when a piece of art speaks to us, it can feel like we’ve been seen — understood on a deeply human level.
Emotionally expressive art doesn’t just support the artist — it also impacts others. Audiences often find solace, insight, or connection in works that echo their own emotional landscape. For example:
A painting that captures loneliness might offer comfort to someone feeling isolated.
A watercolour that quietly celebrates resilience might inspire courage in someone facing hardship.
And so on.
Because emotion is universal, art has the power to cross borders — bridging cultures, languages, and lived experiences. It fosters empathy. It creates connection.
When we embrace our emotions fully, we not only deepen our creative process — we also contribute to the timeless, ever-evolving tapestry of human expression. A reminder that art and emotion will always belong to each other.
With lots of love,
Kirana xx
What's On:
Save The Date - Saturday 18 October at 3PM
This spring, I’ll be returning from an artist residency in the South of France - full of fresh inspiration, sun drenched colour, and stories yet to be painted or even lived. I don’t know yet what this next body of work will look like… but I know it will be infused with the beauty, emotion, and discovery of this creative adventure.
Please save the date, Saturday 18 October at 3PM, for a special exhibition opening - the unveiling of these new works - paintings created straight from the heart, across oceans and time zones, and eventually ready to be shared with you.
I can’t wait to welcome you into the world I’ll soon be creating.
More details to come soon.
Open Studio - Wednesdays + First Saturday Of Each Month
Next Date - Wednesday, 13th of August
The studio will be open on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm.
Pop in for a look around, a cup of tea and a chat. We are looking forward to seeing you here.
Please note - I will be away in September at my art residency in France xx
Monthly Walk-In Art Class
Next dates - Special *** Saturday 23rd of August *** & 4th of October
Join me on the first Saturday of each month for a creative morning at my studio! Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply looking to explore your creative side, this relaxed and welcoming class is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy of art.
10am - 12pm | $70 per person (GST inc) | All materials included
One on One Art Lessons
Can be booked suitable to your timetable, tailored to your needs and all ages.
$110 p/h (GST inc) | All art materials included
Final Notes
All the above are also great gift ideas for a loved one who would benefit from some breathing space and would love to try something new.
If you would like more information on any of these workshops or to book, simply reply to this email or contact me on 0448446466.
With lots of love,
Kirana xx