For some time, I gave up on the possibility of ever painting again. The off gassing of my acrylic paint would make me feel sick to my stomach within a half hour, even while wearing a respirator. As a full-time acrylic painter and teacher, this was brutal. I went through the valley of despair. I let my dream go. I gave up on creating completely. No other mediums would satisfy me as much as cracking into a tube of light phthalo blue, spearing it across the canvas and having no idea what was going to happen next.

Eventually I discovered digital art. It was the challenge that I desired and it was extremely versatile... and just so happened to be a beautiful introduction to the NFT community. I continued working digitally but there was something still not right. After a life altering retreat in Arizona, I decided to face the deepest parts of my fears and try one last solution possible: I purchased milk paint. Brought it home, said a prayer and began painting. I was so pleased with the results of the milk paint that I circled back to this painting.

Meet Lady Ayahuasca. I met her in a ceremony on Salt Spring Island a few years back. She was the most loving and fiercest spirit I’ve ever met. She loved so much that she was willing to destroy anything that I thought was me, but truly wasn’t so I could be the most vibrant version of myself. Despite her beauty, Lady Ayahuasca was regal, strict, and a little terrifying. She spoke about how to love, heal, be present and the next few steps forward. If you decide to meet her, be ready for life to drastically alter.

Lady Ayahuasca lives behind the veil yet sees everything. She wouldn’t let me see her face but her presence was divine. She was the spirit of the Earth and hiding anything from her was impossible.

Andrea Kimberley is a lover of all things nature. She loves making friends with forest creatures, identifying mushroom species, collecting spring water and talking to the dogs passing by on the trails. Andrea has been described as a fierce and fluffy powerhouse and she loves to create things that haven’t been seen before. She is often inspired by nature, but also deeply sensitive to the environment around her for inspiration for her next big creative endeavours.