In the summer of 2021 when I was engrossed in creating the Witnessing Eye Mandalas, the image of Ms. Joy Coach first appeared in my work. Because of the pandemic, I had been living like a hermit and enjoying the quiet time and creative space it afforded me. Coincidentally, a mentor used the Tarot image of The Hermit in a conversation. As the Joy Coach character was emerging, I was prompted to pencil the words, “sent by the Hermit,” next to her image.
I was startled and a bit at odds when her character appeared in my work. She seemed so out of context with the mandalas I’d been creating. Ultimately, I realized she had a lot to offer if I was willing to suspend my reactions to her odd appearance and demeanor.