Art & Soul is a fully illustrated book of poetry, with every poem accompanied by an original watercolour by 15-year-old artist Bethia Erin Rose. The poetry by Anna Erika Springett is arranged in three chapters, which in turn explore the ideas of Courage, Kindness, and Curiosity, what it means to live with (and sometimes without) these qualities, and how it feels to move towards and embrace each of them.
Every poem has been written from real, lived human experience, be that the author's own and those observed or shared with her by others. Each section is full of heart and soul, both deep-diving and lightly-treading: What does it mean to be brave, have a voice, feel difficult emotion? How can I unreservedly express kindness to myself, others, and the earth? What are the questions I dare to ask, the edges I might move towards? How can I cultivate a truly open mind and heart?
Poetry has the power to connect us tenderly with our own human experience, enabling access to parts of ourselves that are inviting attention. The author's hope is that the three sections of Courage, Kindness and Curiosity will support the reader as an individual on their own path of discovery, as well as providing a resource for professionals working with clients in coaching, therapy or supervision.
Rose, Bethia Erin: - "Bethia is 15 years old and lives in the United Kingdom with her parents and two sisters. In her heart, she lives in the countryside; in reality, she lives in the city. Bethia loves writing, baking, music and Ireland, her heart's home. Bethia's art is influenced by what she reads - romantic literature, and mystery and fantasy novels - and her surroundings; in particular, the garden around her home and how it changes with the seasons. She is also influenced by the lyrics and melodies of the songs she listens to, and the feelings the music inspires. Bethia's creative expression has been shaped by visits to Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire, the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, and a school trip to Kew Gardens. She also recalls a particularly inspiring creative writing workshop in Killaloe, Ireland, led by her aunt Jessica, which helped her to start to explore the idea of illustrating words. Growing up in an artistic family has been a key influence on Bethia's love of art. Her Irish grandparents' home is full of paintings and artwork by members of the family. Bethia is the proud owner of original artwork by both her Irish grandfather and her uncle Simon, who made her a personalised piece of art that is much cherished. Every one of Bethia's aunts, uncles and grandparents is creative, and between them excel in textiles, crochet, weaving, fine art, painting, writing, art-therapy, furniture making, visual effects, sewing, wood-turning, and instrument making. It would have been surprising if Bethia had not found art as a passionate outlet for herself."
Springett, Anna Erika: - Anna grew up in the rural West of Ireland, as Erika Brown, with her siblings, Irish father and Finnish mother. Nature, music and creativity were formative influences on her early years, as was her dual heritage and a-typical upbringing in a predominantly Irish and Catholic community. Anna's voice as a poet was shaped by a period of living away from family in Finland (aged eight), the keenly evangelical-spiritual environment of home, and the many and diverse people who crossed the threshold of the house she grew up in.Her interest in people and humanity grew from this place, and led Anna to study psychology at Queen's University, Belfast. This ultimately led to her chosen career as a leadership psychologist, professional coach and team development specialist, and more latterly, as a host of professional retreats. Writing and creativity has been a 'side gig' for Anna throughout this time, expressed in journalling, painting, gardening, crafts and interior decoration; sometimes these expressions come together as wall murals or garden-art. Often they are shared experiences with friends and family. Mostly, they provide much needed quiet soul-time.Anna lives in Southampton, UK, with her husband of 20 years, three daughters and various pets.
