The Sacred Meaning of Art Objects in Our Lives

Welcome to The Exuberant Artist Podcast with Emma Freeman! Today I am sharing some reflections on the meaning of objects in my life, when objects feel sacred to me, feeling the soul of the person who made an object and using that moment as an opportunity for research, discovery and soulful connection across the world, the power of language to describe objects and my love of the word "artifact" at the moment along with "art object" and how "product" feels empty and doesn't embody the depth of soul that goes into creating art objects or artifacts to me. This is all as I am exploring new ways to share my artwork through selling online and designing new tangible things to connect with people. I mention Mexican Talavera hand painted blue and white pottery and mudcloth from Mali in Africa, who art objects that I absolutely love. Thank you for listening and I would love to hear any reflections that this stirs up in you. Feel free to reach out through my website, www.emmafreemanart.com. See the soulful art objects/artifacts I make here: www.emmafreemanart.comExplore my art classes and retreats: www.emmafreemanart.com/classesConnect with me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmafreemanartistSee my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@emmafreemanartistEmma Freeman is a mixed media artist, creative writer, and expressive arts teacher based in Wisconsin. She loves textiles with embedded human stories woven within them, slow stitching, expressive painting, intuitive collage, art journaling, writing poetry and journaling daily and having meaningful conversations with people (the art of conversation). She loves expressing herself through the creative languages of color, texture, pattern, word play and book making. She explores themes of human presence, the healing powers of touch, community, and contemplative care for ourselves and others through art making. Emma is a Highly Sensitive Person and sober.

Hello and welcome to this new chapter of my podcast, now called, The Exuberant Artist Podcast! I'm Emma Freeman, a mixed media artist, creative writer and expressive arts teacher in Wisconsin. After quite a bit of time away and a lot of reflection, I am inspired to reimagine this podcast project of mine! I'll be sharing stories from my art studio about my vibrant and eclectic practice, what I'm working on and why, what is inspiring me and I'll also be having meaningful and exciting conversations with other artists who are living and creating fully and exuberantly!In this episode, I mention:Sarah Campbell and Susan Collier's wonderful, exuberant art exhibit at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, UK that I saw in June 2026Sarah Campbell's fantastic books, Hand Painted Textiles: A Practice Guide to the Art of Painting on Fabric and Paint! Pattern! Print! The Textiles of Susan Collier and Sarah CampbellThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron and her artist date assignment that I'm doing but calling it Creative Field Trips and am LOVING it! A book I'm loving gathering textile inspiration from called, African Textiles: Color and Creativity Across a Continent by John GillowThese inexpensive sketchbooks I'm using and loving using for my journaling and sketch booking practices. My name is Emma Freeman and I'm your joyful host! I'm a contemplative and exuberant mixed media artist, creative writer and expressive arts teacher living in a small town in Wisconsin. In my art and teaching practice, I explore themes of global connection through art making, the emotional power of color and pattern, memory and nostalgia, heartfelt stories about life and how art is expressed naturally through living fully and the incredibly rich meaning I get from language and playing with words. I am also fascinated by how art making has become a practice of contemplative care for myself and for my students when we are in community together. I work with found textiles I gather from around the world, fibers with rich human stories of touch and care, altered books made from thrifted vintage books that I upcycle, gouache paints, collage, hand painted textiles I am experimenting with making and more. I make fabric meditation books, hand stitched peaceful prayer flags, joyful art journals, contemplation cloths, poetry and wearable art pieces. I am also a Highly Sensitive Person and sober. You can learn more about me and see my art and classes here: www.emmafreemanart.com!Follow me, Emma Freeman on Instagram: www.instagram.com/emmafreemanartistCheck out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@emmafreemanartistSign up for my art newsletter: https://www.emmafreemanart.com/letters-of-love

In this episode of Wings of Light (formerly Deep Rooted Healing), Emma shares her experience with a recent divine detour when she renamed her business to Wings of Light by following her intuition, listening to signs and synchronicities from Spirit and learning to surrender and trust. Emma Freeman is a mixed media artist, Reiki Master, spiritual explorer and teacher sharing her love for creativity, spiritual discovery and living a life rooted in joy and purpose. You can learn more about her and what she creates at www.wings-of-light.org. Find Emma on Instagram @deeprootedhealing. Emma's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wingsoflightandjoy

In this episode, I share a deeply personal journey into my past lives and how what I’ve discovered has helped me understand myself and my current life more fully. Through both an Akashic Records reading and the ongoing guidance of my spirit guides, I’ve received insights into my soul’s path that have brought clarity, compassion, and healing.I talk about how old energy from past lives can linger in the body, and how I’ve worked with spirit and healing practices to release what no longer serves me—sometimes initiating powerful physical healing in the process. Alongside the healing are moments of wonder, recognition, and remembering who I truly am across lifetimes.This episode is an invitation to step into the mystery with me, to listen more deeply to the wisdom your soul carries, and to trust the ways spirit can support us in releasing the past and living with more freedom now.Emma Freeman is a warm hearted mixed media artist and Reiki Practitioner in Wisconsin. She is sober, a Highly Sensitive Person and spiritual. She loves to create community through art, story sharing and joyful experiences. You can learn more about her and the work she creates at www.deep-rooted-healing.com. Follow Emma Freeman on Instagram @deeproothealing.

In this episode of the Deep Rooted Healing podcast, I read a beautiful poem I found called, "Hope" by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. I also share reflections on why I needed to find this poem today, how it is helping me in the process of writing my first book of poetry and how being someone who deeply feels is both incredibly challenging and profoundly important for my well-being. I share how fears, doubts and worries have been showing up about bringing this book into being and what I am doing to navigate those. May we all continue to find the hope and courage we need to share our most authentic selves in whatever ways truly call to us. And so it is. I'm Emma Freeman, a poet, mixed media artist, Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Medium and Teacher based in Wisconsin. I am sober, a Highly Sensitive Person, an empath and part of the LGBTQIA community. You can learn more about me and what I create at www.deep-rooted-healing.com. Find me on Instagram @deeprootedhealing. Find me on Facebook

In this deeply personal and tender episode of the Deep Rooted Healing podcast, I share the story of discovering I had Hashimoto’s—an autoimmune thyroid condition that marked the beginning of a powerful and unexpected healing journey.When I was first diagnosed, my lab results were the worst my doctor had seen. I was told I would need to be on thyroid medication for the rest of my life. And for many years, I followed that path, doing my best to manage my symptoms while carrying the weight of that prognosis.But over time—and through a series of quiet, intuitive nudges—I began to explore alternative healing practices. Reiki became a doorway into a different kind of relationship with my body, my voice, and my energy. I started to understand how much I had been holding in my throat: the unspoken words, the suppressed emotions, the fear of being too much or not enough. I began to heal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.Eventually, I made the decision to wean off the medication and trust in the healing journey I was walking. And now, 1.5 years later, my most recent labs show that my thyroid levels are normal and healthy—a shift that both humbles and amazes me.In this episode, I explore:The symptoms and diagnosis of Hashimoto’s—and what the labs revealedLiving with the belief that I would always need medicationWhat led me to explore Reiki and other holistic healing practicesDeep work with the throat chakra and the emotional wounds held thereHealing my relationship with self-expression and reclaiming my voiceHow energy work and inner listening supported physical transformationThe miracle of my body’s ability to heal, in its own sacred timeThis episode is an offering for anyone walking the path of chronic illness, emotional suppression, or self-discovery. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible—and that your voice, your truth, and your energy hold incredible wisdom.Mentioned in this episode:Reiki and intuitive healingThroat chakra workInner child connectionHealing through expression and voiceLab work and medical shifts over timeThank you for listening and being here with me. May this story remind you of the power within your own healing journey.With love,Emma Emma Freeman is a Reiki Practitioner, Mixed Media Artist, Intuitive Medium and Teacher in Wisconsin. She is sober, a Highly Sensitive Person and a spiritual seeker. You can learn more about her and what she creates and offers at www.deep-rooted-healing.com.

In this heartfelt and soul-deep episode, I open up about my evolving relationship with movement and exercise after years of body shame, self-hate, and disordered eating. I share a tender personal story involving a powerful angelic encounter and a song that arrived like a divine signpost on my path. Through the lens of healing, I explore how the term Light Warrior is helping me reconnect with my body—not as something to control or fix, but as a sacred vessel of light, strength, and love. I also read a passage from a book on Lightworkers called, Lightworker by Sahvanna Arienta that beautifully affirms this journey for me. This episode is an offering of vulnerability, spirit, and playfulness—a reminder that healing our relationship with our bodies is possible, and it all begins with love.I'm Emma Freeman, a Mixed Media Artist, Reiki Master, Psychic Medium and Teacher in Wisconsin. My work focuses on supporting and empowering others on their spiritual and healing journeys through creativity, energy healing, deep reflection and joyful connection. I am sober, a Highly Sensitive Person, an empath and part of the LGBTQIA community. You can learn more about me at www.deep-rooted-healing.com.

In today's episode, I share a profound personal experience of connecting with a young boy in spirit named "Owl-Led" while setting up to teach a Reiki class in my healing space which is in an old historic building. I feel called to share this experience and the emotional journey of understanding Owl-Led's story, reuniting him with his mom in Spirit, and learning to trust my body to tell me this was, in fact, a real experience. I reflect on the significance of these spiritual experiences in my life and encourage others to embrace their own encounters with the unseen aspects of life. I also share a poem I wrote called, "Bodies Full of Birdcages" that speaks to my need to share these kinds of stories from deep within me. Highlights:I set a serene scene before sharing my story, inviting you to sit with me at my art table with the windows open and beagles snoring behind me. I encountered a young spirit named Owl-Led during a Reiki class I taught. Owl-Led expressed his desire to stay and connect with me.I learned Owl-Led's name through a unique telepathic experience.The connection with Owl-Led deepened as I engaged with him through kindness, curiosity, compassion and gentleness. Owl-Led revealed he was alive during the 1800s and has a very playful spirit.I introduced Owl-Led to my Reiki students, one of who could also sense him.Clementine, another young spirit, is called in to keep Owl-Led company.I facilitated a reunion between Owl-Led and his mom, leading to a very emotional goodbye.I encourage others to share their spiritual experiences with me or someone they trust which can help us feel seen, understood and known on a deeper level. Emma Freeman's website where you can learn more about her, see her art work and book a healing session with her virtually or in-person: www.deep-rooted-healing.com. Emma Freeman is a Reiki Master/Therapist, Mixed Media Artist, Psychic Medium and Creative Arts Teacher. Her practice, Deep Rooted Healing, is a sanctuary for her and others to learn, share, grow and connect openly and vulnerably through the healing force of love. Emma is sober, a Highly Sensitive Person, and part of the LGBTQIA community. She lives in Wisconsin. Keywords:spirituality, Reiki, spirit communication, personal stories, healing, energy work, poetry, encounters with spirits, emotional connections, life after death, intuitive experiences, telepathy, psychic experiences.

In this episode, Emma Freeman delves into her personal struggles with identity and the significance of labels in her life. She reflects on how different titles have shaped her experiences, opened doors, and created emotional reactions that have become opportunities for self-reflection and inner growth. Emma shares her journey of exploring the power of language and identifiers as part of her spiritual practice. She invites listeners to consider their own experiences with labels and the growth that comes from questioning and redefining one's identity.Takeaways:-Emma views the exploration of identity as a spiritual practice.-Emma discusses her struggles with identity and attachment to different labels throughout her personal and professional life. -She reflects on the power of words in defining oneself.-The process of outgrowing titles can stir up emotions for her.-Emma shares her current favorite labels like 'spiritual' and 'Soul Writer.'-She explores the fear associated with certain identifiers like 'psychic medium.'-The excitement of adopting new labels can lead to new connections and opportunities. -Emma invites listeners to reflect on their own labels throughout their lives.Emma Freeman from Deep Rooted Healing is an Artist, Soul Writer, Reiki Therapist, Teacher and Intuitive Medium. She is sober, an empath, a Highly Sensitive Person and part of the LBGTQ community. (So many labels!) She lives in a small town in Wisconsin. You can learn more about her and the work she does at www.deep-rooted-healing.com.

In this conversation, Emma Freeman shares her journey of spiritual awakening and the powerful stream of intuitive guidance she has been receiving. Today she wanted to share a message she received about creativity and creative self-expression. The message emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's creative force, exploring artistic avenues that speak to each of us, and embracing the joy of creation. Through the channeled message, she provides insights and steps for individuals to reconnect with their creative essence, encouraging them to trust their instincts and follow their unique passions and sacred wonder. Takeaways: Emma has experienced a significant increase in spiritual guidance recently. Creativity is a divine gift available to everyone. Many people suppress their creative expression, leading to suffering because the soul needs to express itself. Artistic expression can provide incredible joy and fulfillment. Creativity can manifest in various forms, not just traditional art. Engaging with creativity helps us reconnect with our deepest, truest selves. Following our unique joy and sacred curiosity is essential in the creative process. Surrounding ourselves with beauty can deeply inspire our creativity naturally. Playfulness is key to unlocking our creative potential.Emma Freeman, owner of Deep Rooted Healing in Wisconsin is a heart-led artist, soul writer, Reiki Master, energy healer, Teacher and Intuitive Medium sharing love and light for the betterment of humanity and all beings on the planet. You can learn more about her and her work at www.deep-rooted-healing.com. Emma's Sacred Services and Offerings: Book a 1:1 Reiki Session with Emma here: www.deep-rooted-healing.com/book Book a 1:1 Multidimensional Energy Healing Session here: www.deep-rooted-healing.com/book⁠ Book an Intuitive Reading: www.deep-rooted-healing.com/book⁠⁠ Book a Spiritual Support Session: www.deep-rooted-healing.com/book⁠⁠⁠ On-Demand Creative Classes and Soul Retreats: www.deep-rooted-healing.com/classesKeywords:spiritual guidance, creativity, Reiki, self-expression, artistic journey, intuitive knowing, creative force, personal growth, emotional expression, healing