The Spiritual Artist Podcast

Creative Surrender: French Couture Embroiderer Crystal Gaye Awakens Spirituality

Christopher J. Miller

As an Art Therapist, Creativity Coach, and Couture Embroiderer living in Australia, Crystal Gaye teaches her students to surrender to their internal guidance system and step outside their comfort zone. Crystal shares the importance of going within before entering the studio and asking, “What would I like to express through me today?”

When using art as a spiritual practice, a conscious connection to your higher power is your number one priority. Crystal explains that surrendering to this higher power keeps her work on the “growing edge.” While she continues to make progress, she’s not quite yet living it fully 100%. Often, she said, we are so busy doing that we cannot hear our inner voice. 

Crystal shares her process of progressive painting. Progressive painting is when you start an image with only one task, adding marks and colors each day for 30 days. There is no goal to sell the finished project. “Each step informs the next,” said Crystal. “It’s a transformative process to arrive at the solution you seek.”

Conversation references “The Body Never Lies” by Alice Miller and “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown. According to Crystal, when we surrender to our uniqueness and practice vulnerability, we realize our unique expression is enough.

Crystal Gaye is an artisan specializing in French Couture Embroidery, an Art Therapist & Creativity Coach. Crystal is passionate about inspiring creativity in others and sharing her skills and knowledge with students worldwide. You can study with Crystal via Zoom or her online courses. For more information, visit https://www.crystalgaye.com.au