Artist Riwka Riwka Hanemaayer-Onsman, born in 1956 studied painting – in private – at the Cultural centre “Le Liboson” in Switzerland with painter/writer Nicole du Marchie. Continuing on her own a unique style of art evolved in isolation in the hidden wilderness of British Columbia (Canada), where she lives and works together with her husband for long periods of the year. During these periods of reflection she began to give full expression to the inner experience of the serene state of presence, or love. She managed to capture and express the splendor of this dimension in a mysterious and powerful way. The females in the work seem detached from worldly affairs and are transmitting and radiating the sacred feminine as the Healing Power of Presence into the world. Interview Q What is the message in your artwork? R In todays world individual human beings are massively trying to wake up from the burden of their own and collective history. Art can have enormous power in itself to initiate and support this awakening because it is able to express unknown states of being from beyond our everyday life. It is my aim to affirm and make visible the realm beyond suffering which I would call the realm of understanding, expressing itself through love, wisdom and power. Q Why females? R I am concerned with the survival of the loving human heart, which is the subtle all knowing, healing and loving spacious female side in humans, male and female. I think it is marvelous that people can experience a new state of being by consciously gazing at art. Art is our one true global language. It speaks to our need to revive, heal and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and brings a vision of what is possible. When people leave the gallery and walk away, I know they will never be the same. Meeting these remarkable females, can be a turning point in their lives because they have experienced something from beyond their mind, a glimpse of the dimension of perfection. Q What is the source of inspiration behind your work? R In the first place it is the ability to connect with the great creative power within, which is for me the sublime healing experience. Second, personal encounters with remarkable human beings who freed themselves from limitations. But above all the most important spiritual practice I have in daily life, is being together for long periods of the year in the wilderness of British Columbia, together with my husband. The wilderness is the most healing and powerful expression of creativeness on this planet. It tears down all the walls and structures in body and mind. This unique combination of nature and living with someone who truly loves you is in my experience more effective than anything else in life.