Frequently asked questions

Animals don't speak, so how do you speak/communicate with animals?

I am clairsentient, clairvoyant and clairaudient; I feel, see and hear things outside of the spectrum of every day life. Animals have feelings and emotions just like we do - so I work firstly with picking up on their feelings. As I move into their feelings I pick things up telepatically from them that they are trying to communicate to you. They get very frustrated when they are not listened to; and invariably once they have been able to express themselves to you they feel a lot better. Just like us humans really.

What do animals want to talk about?

They talk about what’s important to them. This could include things about changes in their routine, food they don't like, where they have a pain in their body, how they feel bored sometimes, what experiences they've had in their previous home which has created a 'fear' in them, where is their favourite spot to lie in, how we can help them heal and any messages they may like to pass on at the end of their lives.

Can you help pets with behavioral problems, especially if the pets have been abused?

Yes, they can be helped once I’ve been able to discover the reasons for their problems through communication. Sometimes pets that have been adopted at an older age were abused in their previous homes and this can cause problems in their new homes. Communication can help their new carers to to understand their unique or troublesome behaviors. Any information communciated that can then be used to help those pets satisfactorily adjust to their new environment - usually through mutual negotiation and agreement.

What if there doesn't seem to be any previous abuse in their lives to explain their behaviour?

There can be a few things to explore here. Sometimes new routines have thrown them out of sync and it just takes a few adjustments to sort the problem out. However, at other times - and this happens quite a lot - the animals and carers have been together before in a previous life and experiences from this lifetime or sometimes several lifetimes, are raising their head in this lifetime. I would explore these connections in depth - sharing the information with all parties concerned, and these issues on an energetic level. More often than not as soon as the past life issues have been resolved the emotional charge has been released and a healing, often quite dramatic, takes place.

Can you always convince an animal to stop a certain behavior?

Not always. All animals have free will, and in some cases, we’re asking them to stop doing something that’s prompted by their natural instincts. That said, I would talk through both sides to the story openly and attempt to reach a compromise that works well for all concerned. Sometimes these things take time to resolve. Each case is different.
 
What can you do to help sick or injured animals? 

Being a skilled empath I can tell exactly where the pain is located in their body, by feeling it in my own. This, and details about accidents, can be confirmed by the animals themselves through communcation; being especially useful if nobody was witness to an accident. I can feel how intense their pain actually is. If need be I will douse for confirmation. This information is very useful for a veterinarian, or a chiropractor; either providing new information or confirmation. Translating for sick or injured animals is intense and beneficial - rewarding all concerned.

Can you talk to animals from a distance?

Yes, I have communicated with animals from many parts of the globe through telepathy. It is rather like tuning into a TV or radio station. As long as I have a photo and their name I can exchange thoughts and feelings with them wherever they are in the world. Saying that, I can also tune into the animal if I am speaking with their carer; and once I know the animal it is always easy to connect at any time.

Do you work with pets who are dying or about to be put down?

If an animal is dying it is always very comforting for them to be able to communiate their end-of-life wishes so that I can help their wishes be honoured. Animals usually know when their time has come and they like to have help whilst making their transition to the light. Sometimes they ask me to tell their carers that it is time for them to go.

When was your first memorable experience of helping an animal?

When I was about 7 years old. I still remember it; being very close to my family dog. When it was time for her to pass I was terribly upset, and sat with her by her side for many hours talking with her and offering her healing comfort. When the time came for her to go I instinctually knew what to do. I continued to speek with her and comfort her; and she comforted me too - but it didn't stop me crying! She was eventually taken to the vets to be put to sleep to ease her pain, so from a distance I helped her to move on to the other side.

How accurate are your Readings?

I have been told by many clients that what I have told them will happen has been spot on; in the actions involved, people involved and the timing. However, that said, timing isn't always an easy thing to predict. Often I see the patterns at work in your life and the lives of those around you, together with how and when they are likely to manifest into certain events -- if your current momentum remains unchanged. Hence it can be difficult to predict exact dates or timing of events that will come to pass - but they can give you a pretty good idea (ie. 4 to 6 months guideline, but sometimes much more specific). So, if at the end of the time predicted within the reading you are still in the same career or living in the same house you might tell yourself that my reading was inaccurate. But, then, two months later that promotion, job move or house move comes through - you will remember my reading and put two and two together. It is important to remember that accuracy is dependant on your action and motivation that in turn effects your momentum.......like the cycles of life (hence the Apocalypse image used in my logo by the way). If you significantly alter these rhythms your life will readjust - some events occuring sooner and some later as a result.
On one occassion I have been a year out - and when things started happening, they happened exactly as I said, just a year later.

What is the difference between a Reading and a Soul Illumination?

A Reading will give you an idea of where you are headed, based on your energy in the 'now'. They will indicate any areas in your life that you could 'tweek' to allow yourself to move in a more positive direciton. Readings offer clarity, guidance and reassurance - which is in itself a healing experience; a place where many people start. Readings however do not offer the tools to help you 'tweek' your life; Soul Illumination is for that.
Soul Illumination encorporates all these things, but takes it one step further; working with transmuting your energy. This healing process may involve soul retrieval, soul rescue, chord cutting, energy management, spirit release, past life regression and/or past life readings, removing crystallized energies, extracting hardened energies, learning how to manage entities and intrustive entities, environment issues, transforming toxic emotional energies into light, overwriting imprints to name a few. Anything that is needed to free you up to truly be who you are. It is in effect evolution - and is ultimate freedom. You will need less sleep, kiss goodbye to sleepless nights; gain a clear mind and make decisions and take action with confidence and clarity. Your energy levels will increase tenfold!

How do I know if I am an Empath?

Do you have days when you feel great - until you go 'out and about' and mix with the public at large and suddenly you feel tired and drained; and you don't really feel as if you have done enough to justify this feeling? Have you ever been called oversensitive, neurotic, co-dependant or a hypochondriac? Do you ever take on others pain, headaches and anger? Or do you sometimes get unexplainable desires for chocolate; or a 'fit of the giggles' that comes from supposedly nowhere, and you can't seem to do anything about it? Are you very, if not ultra, sensitive to your friends and colleagues feelings and emotions, sometimes to the point where you feel as if you are living their life and their problems for them?
If the answer is 'yes' to one or more of these questions then it is probable that you are what is known as a 'natural empath'. This is wonderful news! You can really use these skills in your life in many ways. Empathy is a gift, if used purposely. And when I say that I mean if you become skilled with your empathy. It is actually a 'lifestyle' and if you find yourself being described here it would be a good idea to take a good look at your life and ask yourself how much of the time you actually feel overwhelmed by it all. If this is the case it is time for you to hold the reins, as it were, and learn how to manage your gifts. This is a very exciting journey - and my goodness your life will improve so much for the better if you do! To claim back your life see Become a Skilled Empath sessions.

What qualifications do you have as an artist?

Nothing official on paper! I am essentially self taught. I took a Foundation Course and studied photography at the West Surrey College of Art and in the late 1980’s, but did not finish the course due to personal reasons at the time. From this point on I decided to continue down the self taught route - of which I am very glad. I think it has allowed me a great deal of creative freedom. I did however, take a few terms of sculpture adult education classes to get me going. My tutor Tom Preator is a star and really encouraged and inspired me to be brave with the clay. Now I carry on; experimenting as I go. It is a fabulous journey. To discover more of my work that is on this site do visit my other website.

I would like to commission you to portray my animal - do you need to see them in the flesh?

Where possible, I prefer to have the opportunity to meet my subjects, and take my own photographs to work from. However, this is not always possible as the subject may no longer be with us or time and distance may be a factor. I work from photographs. If I am painting the subject, you will need to provide at least one sharp, clear, and detailed photograph on which you would like the portrait based, with several other photographs capturing either the correct skin tones or coat colours etc to support it. All photos must be of good quality high resolution. All reference photographs must be free of copyright for legal reasons.
Sculpting your animals I will work from photographs; again I like to have taken them myself. However, if this is not possible I can work from your photographs, but they need to be from as many angles as possibleand of good quality. You will have to show me all the photos you have so that I can choose which I can use.

How do you take payement for a commission - before or after you have delivered the final work?

Payment may be made by cheque or via PayPal. A non refundable deposit of 50% is payable before work commences. Half way through the commission I will take photos and send them to you via email for you to look at. Any changes you would like must be mentioned at this time. However, you have chosen me because you like my style and inspiration so it is easier if you leave me to continue the process in my own way.
Once your sculpture or painting has been completed I will photograph the work again and send it to you via email for your approval; on receipt of the remaining cleared balance the painting portrait will be shipped to you. Collection is possible if prearranged. Sculptures will need to be collected in person. Figures quoted are inclusive of postage and packaging within the UK.

How much will it cost to commission you?

This will be dependant on may factors. Prices start from £120. It is best to contact me with a budget and we can take it from there. My prices are very reasonable.

What happens about copyright of a commissioned work of art?

I, Liz Shewan, reserves copyright on all final commissioned portraits. Commissioned portraits will not be reproduced without permission of the customer. Work may be displayed on my website, other related sites, and advertising material, unless you advise that you would prefer it not to.

What materials do you use for your commissioned paintings?

I usual paint on canvas using acrylic paint. They generally look like oils when they are finished. Paintings are unframed with a plane background; detailed backgrounds and additonal animals/people increase the price. Paintings can be produced on traditional stretched canvases or deep sided canvas (which does not require framing), or canvas board can be used if you would prefer. I am happy to arrange framing through my usual framer at additional cost.

What materials do you use for your sculptures?

Sculpures are mouled by my hand in stoneware clay, dried and then fired in a kiln. They are then glazed and put in for another firing or finished in a bronze patina or hand painted, dependant on requirements. Real bronze sculptures increase dramatically the price so please contact me for a quote. 

When do you remember being first aware of your gift as an artist?

I very distinctly remember sculpting my first rabbit at the age of 7 years old. I was in the school artroom and I disappeared into my own world. My family still have this rabbit, and I have to say, I look it now with total wonder; I was capturing movement and giving the clay life from day one. And it has taken me many many years to meander my way through what to me then was 'the distrac tingsoup of others expectations of me' to the point of actually experiencing making beautiful clay sculptures as a living.

What is your most memorable painting?

That is a difficult one to answer. Actually, no it's not ... every painting is equally memorable. If you put one infront of me I would be able to recite everything that was going on in my life and in the discovery and painting of it at the time - pretty much.