IMAGES THROUGH THE VEIL

The Art of Spirit Images

Diane Stackwick

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For more than three decades, I have explored mediumship, intuition, healing, and spiritual practices, including psychometry, dowsing, automatic writing, and tarot.My journey with Spirit Images began in 2011, when I attended a workshop led by Rev. John C. Lilek, an ordained minister, certified medium, and teacher. He demonstrated a technique he called smoke billets, using a blank card and the flame of a candle. Fascinated by the possibilities, I continued exploring the process on my own.Over the years, this practice became deeply personal. I approach each image in a meditative state, setting my intention and inviting those in Spirit to work with me. Guided by intuition, I allow the process to unfold without consciously determining the images that appear.The discovery comes afterward. Faces, figures, animals, and unexpected details may emerge immediately or reveal themselves hours, days, or even months later.Through the Veil is my way of sharing that discovery with you. What you see in these images is yours to interpret.

1. The BeginningEach image begins with a blank Bristol card and a candle flame. I enter a meditative state, set my intention, and invite Spirit to work with me.Guided by intuition, I move the card above the flame, allowing soot to create patterns on its surface. I do not consciously direct the shapes that form.

2. Documenting the ImageOnce an image has emerged, I carefully photograph the original Bristol card using a camera, tripod, and controlled LED lighting.My goal is to preserve the subtle shades, delicate details, and unexpected forms as faithfully as possible. The resulting photograph becomes the basis for my fine-art prints and canvases.

3. The RevelationAs the soot settles on the Bristol card, delicate patterns begin to reveal themselves. Faces, figures, animals, and unexpected forms may become apparent immediately or emerge through closer observation over time.I do not consciously create these images. Each is a discovery, and I leave their interpretation to the viewer.

4. Preserving the OriginalEach original spirit image is extremely delicate, created from fine deposits of candle soot on Bristol card. Once completed and documented, I carefully place the card in a protective frame to help preserve its fragile patterns.The originals remain in my personal collection. Fine-art prints and canvases allow me to share these unexpected images with others while safeguarding the works from which they came.

The images presented here are not drawn, painted, or digitally constructed. Each begins with a blank card and the movement of that card over a candle flame.Within the resulting patterns, forms emerge — faces, figures, animals, and unexpected details that I did not consciously create.I call them Spirit Images because of the intention and spiritual practice through which I create them. What they represent, however, is something I leave to the viewer.Look closely. Take your time. What do you see?

Selected Spirit Images as Art Prints
Explore my collection of original candle-soot images, available as fine art paper prints and canvas reproductions. Click on an artwork to view available options in my Etsy shop.

LET'S CONNECT

Questions & ConversationThese images often inspire questions, observations, and personal interpretations. If you have a question about the images, the process through which they are created, or the phenomenon itself, I invite you to get in touch.I also welcome hearing what you see or experience when viewing the images.I would be happy to hear from you.

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