ARTWORK

Shamanic art also called “visionary” or “imaginal” art is the result of journeys into the spirit-world of non-ordinary reality and bringing back onto the canvas what the shaman sees or finds there. Dreams are often a starting point for the development of this type of art.

Sheldon began painting in 2002 in response to a dream in which he saw himself at a dinner where the host offers canvas, paints and brushes for creating a painting. He recalls “It was like the painting process I was using in the dream was instructing me on how I was to paint.” Adhering to the dream’s suggestion, Shalley typically begins his creative process by painting several colors onto a canvas creating a rather ambiguous and undefined space. He then observes the background until he sees an image emerging. He then develops whatever he sees—part of an animal, a bird’s beak, a nose, etc. On other occasions, Sheldon will use images met in dreams and meditation or in shamanic journeys into the world of spirit. He then develops the images and allows the painting to emerge.

As a therapist, shaman and energy healer, Sheldon realized that art can be a pathway to healing. Art, both creating and viewing it, opens portals between the worlds, connecting us to places outside of time and space that become avenues for healing. 

Sheldon has had showings and been selling his work for 18 years. Available to be ordered as originals or prints, please enjoy your experience Sheldon Shalley’s gallery and feel free to order any work that speaks to you.  Originals are acrylic on canvas and prints are museum quality on archival paper. Sheldon is also available for commissioned works.