The heart of us with Karen Curran

Art and stories inspired by the quiet wonder that lives within us - within the heart of us.

The Heart of Us is the home of writer and artist Karen Curran. Here we explore art, heart and soul. You will find reflective writing, creative resources, and gentle guidance for navigating life changes, grief, anxiety, and new chapters or directions. There are online courses to explore the inner child as well as art tutorials.

There are also examples of Karen’s art through the past decades, stories, and imaginative work that invite moments of reflection, creativity, and presence.

Because, no matter your age or stage,

You are so much more than you imagine

You may wish to explore some of the different areas of this space ...

AUSTRALIAN CURRENCY
Online course:

The Art of Inner Alchemy | Inner Reflection
$127.00
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Grief and Loss Booklet

Years ago there was a focus on the stages of grief.

That is no longer considered the best approach.

Grief is now person-centred because each person has influences, beliefs and styles according to their own circumstances and cultural background.

Stages of grief are no longer a 'given'.

Recent blog posts

Click on image or go to Menu here

A mask of archetypes

Embracing Inner Child Healing through Shamanic Journeying

Using your inner wisdom with oracle cards

Other ...

The Art of Inner Alchemy

eNews | Art & Soul

Mandala Dreaming - Tutorial

quietwonder_karencurran_artist

Detail from my canvas painting Fantastical Flow. Acrylics, inks, metallics on canvas.
I personally love the feeling of flow and wonder.
The picture has a story - about the sea dragon that leads us into quiet wonder.
The sea dragon spiritually reminds us to 'go with the flow', embodying and encouraging a slower pace of life, adaptability and peace.
Fixed in a floating frame painted in a light gold colour.�

Art and story Copyright
Karen Curran 2026
Australia
www.theheartofus.au

Developing a new painting - tuning in, intuitively painting ... acrylics and inks on canvas
Artist: Karen Curran

There are seasons when we are called inward.

To remember.
To gather the scattered pieces.
To sit quietly with our own story.

I’ve refined and re-released The Art of Inner Alchemy as a self-paced creative reflection journey.

Four gentle modules.
Guided inner journeys.
Companion notes to download.
Affirmations downloads to carry forward.

Created and refined with care.

If you feel drawn, you can begin in your own time.

Link in bio or copy and paste
www.theheartofus.au/about-the-art-of-inner-alchemy

#inneralchemy #creativereflection #quietwonder #selfreflection #souljourney #artandsoul

Mindfulness Prompts:
COMPASSION BREAK
In a hard moment, silently say:
'This is a moment of struggle. I am not alone. May I be kind to myself.'

Karen Curran | The Heart of Us
www.theheartofus.au
and
www.quietwonder.au

Mindfulness Prompts:
LABEL THE EMOTION
When an emotion arises, pause and name it:
For example, I recognise
‘This is anger’ or ‘This is fear’ or
‘This is ?’
Then breathe out.

Karen Curran | The Heart of Us
www.theheartofus.au
and
www.quietwonder.au

Hi, welcome to Mindfulness Prompts. May they inspire you.
SOUND AWARENESS
Focus on ambient sounds - near and far - without labelling them. Simply listen and let them come and go.

This is not to feel like hard work. You might feel a 'wonder' in fleetingly identifying a sound, like a bird or rustle of the wind. But don't label it - just notice and feel into the rhythm of being gently aware in wonder.

www.theheartofus.au | www.quietwonder.au
________________________
(I do NOT use AI to create my graphics.)

The Art of Inner Alchemy is NOW RELEASED as a new, updated version since it's inaugural release last year.

Each of the 4 modules has a Guide Journey, Companion Guide, Videos, Affirmations ...

www.theheartofus.au/about-the-art-of-inner-alchemy

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.theheartofus.au
Your are so much more than you imagine!

Portrait series: Newborn.
The quiet wonder of and within a newborn.
Pencil and watercolours on 300gsm.

Artist: Karen Curran

Other site
www.theheartofus.au

'Chakra Dance' painting.
It is presently a heat wave here, and I am making the most of the cool inside with lots of painting, and experimenting allowing flow. Here is one of them.

Artist: Karen Curran, Watercolours and inks on 300gsm, small 120 x 160mm.

www.quietwonder.au

Portrait of 'Jess' circa 2012.
This was when I was first experimenting with a large Wacom monitor tablet drawing directly into Adobe Photoshop.
Nowadays I prefer to use actual watercolours and acrylics.
But it is interesting to see how I was experimenting with media back then.

More at www.theheartofus.au
Art © Karen Curran

#digitalwatercolours #childportrait

Portrait of 'John' circa 2012.
This was when I was first experimenting with a large Wacom monitor tablet drawing directly into Adobe Photoshop.
I now prefer to use actual watercolours and acrylics.
But it is interesting to see how I was experimenting with media back then.

More at www.theheartofus.au
Art © Karen Curran

#digitalwatercolours #childportrait

Fantasy Bird - small watercolour illustration imagined on 'mark' of 6 black lines.
Less than 30 minutes.
This was part of a 30 day challenge conducted by @markandmovement
and great fun to do.

More at www.quietwonder.au
Art © Karen Curran

#watercolours #inspired

Original size 11.5cm (4.5") square page.

Illustration of an Australian Bushflower Mountain Devil - spiritual qualities include unconditional love, happiness, healthy boundaries, forgiveness.
Karen Curran - Artist, Storyteller, Transpersonal Therapist
www.karencurran.com

Youtube link
https://youtube.com/shorts/wcsjuT_HVyo?si=pIh-xVDEfCcpwlrA

New Year's Blessing ... as you quietly release what no longer serves, you welcome new possibilities and new energy.
May your inner light shine. 🙏

Practically Perfect
Perfectionism often starts as a way to feel safe, seen, and enough in our world, rooted deeply in our past experiences and relationships. In my latest blog post, I explore this theme through the life and vivid imagination of PL Travers, the curious author of Mary Poppins. Her story, beautifully illuminated in the film 'Saving Mr. Banks', invites us into a journey of understanding and reflection - on her life and our own.
Grab a warm cuppa and take time to read the post.

https://www.quietwonder.au/post/practically-perfect-post

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.quietwonder.au
Artist | Storyteller | Transpersonal Therapist

Blessings for Christmas and the New Year.
May there be peace, kindness, goodness and compassion.
Wishing you joy.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com
Australia

KINDNESS. Light. Hope.

In the midst of rising emotions
grief and disbelief,
may we remember that
we are all one.

Just like the earth seen
from the heavenly skies.

What affects one
affects us all.

May kindness prevail.

May kindness move us
to act - gently and bravely.

May the community heal.

Kindness. Light. Hope.

__________________________
- KC
The Heart of Us

Art watercolours Possum Ringtail and bush flowers.
Watercolours on smooth 300gsm hot press paper.
I love Australian bush flowers and native animals. We live in a bushland area. I also love incorporating the moon and stars in many of my paintings.
This little ringtail possum is enjoying munching on native blossoms.
Original created 11 Dec 2025.
Art illustration COPYRIGHT Karen Curran
www.quietwonder.au
Australia

#watercolour #soulinart #artsoul #australianpossum

Inks, watercolours and archival ink pen - a new Christmassy painting in the making.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
You are so much more than you imagine.
www.karencurran.com

Practising sketching reindeer ... watercolour, and Micron archival ink pen.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
You are so much more than you imagine.
www.karencurran.com

Quietly noticing the wonders of our garden. Tiptoeing in order not to startle our garden's pond-loving lizard.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
You are so much more than you imagine.
www.karencurran.com

Module 1 The Art of Inner Alchemy - Awakening the Spark Within ... "Within every ember lies the promise of dawn."
Module 1 INNER JOURNEY
Meeting the Inner Flame Keeper
Join us LIVE or go at your own pace.
https://courses.karencurran.com/products/courses/the-art-of-inner-alchemy

We begin Live workshops Sydney time 10am Wed 4 Nov

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com
Artist | Storyteller | Transpersonal Therapist

The Butterfly Garden and Pond is blossoming in Springtime - contemplative, calming, magical.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com 
You are so much more than you imagine!
ARTIST / STORYTELLER / TRANSPERSONAL THERAPIST / CREATIVE ALCHEMIST
Working with Soul - Healing of the Inner Spirit

#innerchildhealing #innerreflection #manifestingjoy #picturesinthesand #aligningwithsoul

Manifesting, creating, dreaming, healing, through prompts and messages from figurines in the sand. Inner soul and inner child work.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us www.karencurran.com 
You are so much more than you imagine!
ARTIST / STORYTELLER / TRANSPERSONAL THERAPIST / CREATIVE ALCHEMIST
Working with Soul - Healing of the Inner Spirit

#innerchildhealing #innerreflection #manifestingjoy #picturesinthesand #aligningwithsoul

Reflection and wonder ...
What do the figurines/objects in these two photos share, or inspire in you?

NOTICE the sand mounds and swirls; the pearls, a stone with the word 'dream'; a little pond, butterflies, an archway of stones and a special crystalized piece at the back. And also a 'tree-man' holding a staff with a gem, little mushrooms at his feet and an owl in his branch arm. At the foreground is a stag. Notice what the stag is gazing at; what is the owl looking at? And the tree-man. Consider what they may be thinking, noticing, wondering.

Write, 'I wonder ... and complete it as a phrase or mini story'.

Self reflection takes us into our inner landscape - receiving messages and personal insight that can be wondrous.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com

You are so much more than you imagine!
ARTIST / STORYTELLER / TRANSPERSONAL THERAPIST / CREATIVE ALCHEMIST
Working with Soul - Healing of the Inner Spirit

My illustration of Australian flower Mountain Devils cheekily gazing at us ... provoking curiosity.

I love using Australian Bush Flower Essences and I remember bushwalking in greater Sydney environs with my cousin's family so long ago - looking out to spy one of our own. My uncle Ross was an expert in bush regeneration as well as a prolific artist and teacher. His legacy continues to inspire. The Mountain Devil fascinates me - from the beautiful flower to the little 'devil' that remains. It has positive transformational meanings such as Unconditional love
Happiness
Healthy boundaries
Forgiveness.
Blessings.

Karen Curran
Artist/Storyteller/Creative Alchemist
www.karencurran.com

#illustrationbushflower #mountaindevilflower #healingwithfloweressences

'Dancing Dragonflies' - meaning transformation, adaptabiity, new beginnings and hope for the future.

Vector illustration by Karen Curran.
www.karencurran.com
Artist / Storyteller / Creative Alchemist

#transformationwithin #newbeginnings #dancingdragonflies #futurehope #vectorillustration

Lion and Bear in quiet contemplation.
Which one seems to be the most relaxed? Is one watching out for the other or are they both doing so?
The flickering of little beings lights up gently around them.
All is well.

Watercolour illustration by Karen Curran.
www.karencurran.com
Artist / Storyteller / Creative Alchemist

#watercoloursart #watercolourstory #lionandbear #curiouscontemplation #creativealchemy

Illustration: When the veil is thin, wonder can be felt or perceived.

Original illustration by
Karen Curran
www.karencurran.com

#etherealart #thinveil #spiritualart #spiritualinspiration

Discovering your learning style can be an 'aha' moment.
It can also be a freeing experience.

When you understand the style of how you learn - and/or communicate best - it can be very enlightening and help you in both learning and communicating in the future.

Be curious.

Go to web page post if you wish to download PDF to read more clearly.

https://www.karencurran.com/post/learning-styles-can-be-a-heartfelt-discovery

#learningstyles #creativelearning

STORYTIME: The big eyes blinked. "Are you looking at me? I can see your big round eyes - much bigger than mine. I am looking at you. I probably won't remember you in a couple of minutes, but I like what I see ..."

read the rest of the story here
https://www.karencurran.com/post/wisdom-of-the-goldfish

______________________

Karen Curran - Creative Alchemist
The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com

#watercolourart #watercolourmarkers #goldfishpainting #goldfishwisdom

Wistful watercolour - child dreaming mermaid - from sketch to completion.
I love creating watercolour portraits that tell a quiet story—capturing not just a likeness, but a feeling.
https://youtube.com/shorts/lnu9o4n9SJk?feature=share

There’s something deeply moving about the soul’s longing, especially in someone so young.
Wistful. Dreamy. Magical. These illustrations take 4–6 hours, sometimes even days, as I reflect on them long before my brush touches the paper.
I aim to freeze a moment in time — adding delicate details that reflect something the child cherishes. In this piece, she dreams of mermaids. You’ll notice the gentle rise of water, bubbles, and a shimmering mermaid tail, all drifting into a star-speckled sky.

From sketch to soul, this is a quiet journey into imagination.
PORTRAIT of MMJ
Original created April 2025.
Art & illustration copyright Karen Curran
Australia
#watercolourart #artfun #childportraitpainting #wistfulpainting #dreamingmermaids

Prep sketch #2 of caterpillar for upcoming children’s book I am creating.

Hope you enjoy my traditional prep sketches. This one is in watercolour with a needle-pointed brush.

Illustrations copyright Karen Curran
___________________
www.karencurran.au
Blue Mountains Australia

#watercoloursketch #sketchcaterpillar #sketchchildrenstory

Prep sketch #1 of caterpillar for upcoming children’s book I am creating.

Hope you enjoy my traditional prep sketches. These are in pencil lumograph 4B, 6B, 8B.
More to come.

Illustrations copyright Karen Curran

___________________
www.karencurran.au
Blue Mountains NSW
#pencilsketch #sketchcaterpillar #sketchchildrenstory

Prep sketch #3 of baby elephant for upcoming children’s book I am creating.
Hope you enjoy my traditional prep sketches. These are in pencil lumograph 4B, 6B, 8B.
More to come.
Illustrations copyright Karen Curran

___________________
www.karencurran.au
Blue Mountains Australia

#pencilsketch #sketchelephant #sketchchildrenstory

Prep sketch #2 of baby elephant for upcoming children’s book I am creating.
Hope you enjoy my traditional prep sketches. These are in pencil lumograph 4B, 6B, 8B.
More to come.
Illustrations copyright Karen Curran

___________________
www.karencurran.au
Blue Mountains NSW
#pencilsketch #sketchelephant #sketchchildrenstory

Prep sketch #1 - Prep sketches of baby elephant for upcoming children’s book I am creating.
Hope you enjoy my traditional prep sketches. These are in pencil lumograph 4B, 6B, 8B.
More to come.

Illustrations copyright Karen Curran

www.karencurran.au
Blue Mountains Australia

#pencilsketch #sketchelephant #sketchchildrenstory

What does it mean to heal the soul? Delve into my latest blog post to uncover the various skills I use to inspire and uplift others in their healing journey.

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us
www.Karen Curran.com

#HealingJourney #Inspiration

Solstice Blessings ...
THE WINTER SOLSTICE (as in Australia and southern hemisphere) Sat 21st June 2025. It is the shortest day/longest night of the year.
Scientifically, it is when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight.

If we look at that from a soul view, we can see it as the darkest moments are behind us and we are welcoming in the light and new beginnings, new starts.

Winter in our lives is a time of rest and a good opportunity to dream.
It can also be an allegory for certain time periods/cycles of our lives which may or may not be in parallel with nature’s seasons.

But then the light starts to break through and new hopes and dreams awaken.

What possibilities are showing for us? What potential is waiting to be awakened from within our hearts? If we reflect curiously, what transformation and growth might this coming year bring for us?

REFLECTION: Perhaps we can reflect on … what is awakening for us?

CACAO: A warming cup of Cacao or Ceremonial Cacao in milk of your choice with a dash of cinnamon is a lovely way to reflect and acknowledge Solstice.
And if you don’t have Cacao, then hot chocolate is a good substitute. Whatever is warm and nourishing for you.
Solstice blessings!

www.karencurran.com

Our pond in winter.
Our Butterfly Pond
This week has been a great effort in my cleaning out the pond and stream. This is necessary from time to time and this afternoon the pond is clean and ready to welcome froglets and elementals, lizards and other wildlife. Even the native bees love to sit by the edge of the water.

Cleansing is always good for the soul - and also for nature. We can see parallels in nature as to us. I have had plenty of time for reflection quietly as nature fed my soul this week. I am looking forward to Spring in a couple of months when the butterflies and fireflies will return. And, an extra delight, the heart stone can now be seen again, reminding us to remember ‘the heart of us’.

Karen Curran
www.karencurran.com

#soulhealing #healingtheheartofus #nurturingthesoul

SOUL WORK brings hope.
“Thank you so much Karen. Today has been quite significant for me. The impact working with you has had on me is what has given me hope.
Hope in myself and hope that happiness and peace in this life is for me too.”
(Female Client).

Karen Curran
www.karencurran.com

#soulwork #innersoulhealing #soulhope #heartandsoul

Symbols: What do you see? Nature has many symbols to encourage us.
As you walk, take time to notice the little joys and messages for you.

Blessings come in all sizes.

Karen Curran - The Heart of Us

www.karencurran.com

#symbolsmeaningful #naturetherapyforthesoul
#symbolsoftheheart

This photo is of my maternal grandfather, who was an Anzac in WW1. He was just a boy when he was at Gallipoli in the 13th Light Horse Regiment for the final years. The legacy of the ‘Great War’ for him included nightmares, constant images that he could not forget, and ill health. His youth forever taken. He had already had a hard life before the war, being orphaned and adopted. And when I think of him now, I wonder what dreams he had. There was no therapy for them - they lived with lifelong fears and ‘shellshock’, which is what we now know as CPTSD.
If you have loved ones or family or friends who are returned servicemen - including current ones - let us think of them and remember them with love and gratitude, compassion and understanding.
For many, they never would/will grow old.
And those that are serving now also require our understanding and compassion.
‘We will remember them’. 🙏

#anzac #remembrance

ART as Therapy supporting healing root canal

Whilst having appropriate medical treatment, art can be supportive in visualising best outcomes.
At the time of this painting, I was having root canal treatment for a major tooth infection. For me, the green colour for me represents the healing going into the roots and out to the surrounding areas. The blue is supportive with cleansing and healing.This is art working with the soul to support the best outcome.
NOTE: The best outcome might be different to what we expect.
There is no guarantee that visualising brings healing in the way we want - it is best to focus on the 'best outcome' - which may be different to what we expect.
For me, the act of visualising helps me to stay calm throughout treatment and be open to different outcomes - whatever is best for me.
___________________
Art and music copyright Karen Curran
www.karencurran.com
Australia

#watercolourart #artvisualise #arttherapylife #artheals

So many 'what if' possibilities when working with soul and your inner child.
Some people think of them as ''Sliding Door' moments or perhaps a parallel plane. I wonder 'what if' might be your story?'

www.karencurran.com

Karen Curran ~ The Heart of Us

Are you wondering if there is something missing - or are you longing to restore parts of you that may have felt lost as time has passed by? Supportive sessions for women to reconnect with their inner wisdom, heal past wounds, and step into their most authentic, empowered selves.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you are seeking clarity, emotional healing, or a deeper spiritual connection, I am here to guide you back to yourself.

Karen Curran - The Heart of Us
www.karencurran.com

You are so much more than you imagine!
ARTIST / STORYTELLER / TRANSPERSONAL THERAPIST / CREATIVE ALCHEMIST
Working with Soul - Healing of the Inner Spirit

IF I was wondering how to feel better about myself, if I was soul searching,
I would ...
(see images for story).

If you feel called to work with me,
apply at
www.theheartofus.au/contact

Online or studio at
Blue Mountains NSW Australia

#innerhealingjourney #healingoftheheartwomen #creativetherapieswomen #heartcentredsessions

FUTURE YOU Visualising Exercise
I find it helpful in keeping my energy positive by keeping my direction in my true North - and meditating with my own Future You. Future You is an exercise you can do regularly. Keep your pen and journal handy for writing afterwards.
Breathe gently. Relax. Stand if possible holding the back of a chair to steady yourself. Shake your shoulders and stretch a little. Be still and breathe gently. Listen to the full audio/video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVFwUqTF4L8

or shorter url https://youtu.be/nVFwUqTF4L8
Suitable for all ages.

www.karencurran.au

#futureyoumeditation #newyearmeditation #innerhealingjourney

"Moments of Noticing". Dragonfly. I was swinging gently on our egg chair in the sunroom and spied this dragonfly on the rug. Gently I gathered it with a tissue and lay it on a leaf on this plant outside the window. It put out its legs to grasp the leaf. A few minutes later it had recovered and flown away.
May you go gently through this festive time and notice little moments of wonder. Blessings. 🙏🪽

www.theheartofus.au

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THE HEART OF US - Karen Curran