Decked Out: an Interview with Dreamy Moons

[UNPUBLISHED:] Where did the name Dreamy Moons come from?

[ANNIE:] When I first opened my shop, I only painted watercolor moons and they looked dreamy – that’s how the name DreamyMoons was born. I didn’t think much of it. Now moon art prints are only a small part of what I do, but they remind me of where it all began.

[UNPUBLISHED:] Artistically speaking, where do you draw inspiration from? Any specific artists, movements, or styles?

[ANNIE:] A lot of my inspiration comes from my mind. I am deeply inspired by nature, the Universe, the way this world works, and all the things we FEEL but can not see. The magic beneath this 3D realm. The power of our minds. Some of my inspiration comes from my dreams. I am deeply inspired by the cosmos and celestial elements – sun, moon, stars, and constellations.

[UNPUBLISHED:] How would you define art? How would you describe your own art?

[ANNIE:] To me, art is a message or a feeling that the artist is trying to convey without using words. I would describe my art as celestial, magical, dreamy, heart-opening, mind-opening, astrological, spiritual.

[UNPUBLISHED:] What drew you to make books, calendars, planners, and diaries?

[ANNIE:] Since I was very little – I am talking about 5-9 years old – I made my own little books for fun. They were often about fairies and unicorns because I was obsessed with fantasy books as a kid. I just drew pictures and wrote a few sentences and stapled the pages together and called it a book! I still have them saved with me, they remind me of my inner child and that I always knew I was going to make books. It was just so much fun. As I was growing up, I forgot about that part of myself until I started DreamyMoons, which also just started for fun. I naturally started wanting to create books again, because it was always so enjoyable for me. 

[UNPUBLISHED:] Could you talk a bit about your Cosmic Guidance oracle deck?

[ANNIE:] Even though the idea of an oracle deck lived in my head for months, it was only able to come to life during the lockdown in March and April 2020. This oracle deck was that big project that just kept me occupied and sane during all the craziness that was going on around me. It allowed me to slow down, to look inwards, and for that I am thankful. Creating it was like a ritual that I committed to every single day for 3 months. I felt very connected with my creativity and intuition, so creating it was a breeze for me. 

[UNPUBLISHED:] How would you describe your spiritual path and/or guiding beliefs?

[ANNIE:] It is hard to put all that I believe in into words, but I would say that the base of my beliefs and spirituality is the knowledge that we are all one. That the energy/life force/consciousness in me came from the same place as yours did. Everyone we meet is a reflection of ourselves, just like we are a reflection of them. I believe that, just like a droplet in the ocean, this consciousness in us is a part of the bigger, Higher Consciousness that created this Universe, that lives in everything from crystals and plants to animals and humans.

[UNPUBLISHED:] How did quarantine and lockdown impact your artistic and spiritual life?

[ANNIE:] Even though it has been such a tough time for most, and as inconvenient as it was for me too, I am extremely happy that it forced me to slow down and look within. Before the lockdown I was traveling a lot, every month I would go to a new place for about 3 years. I am grateful I took advantage of traveling at that time, but it did exhaust me. I was craving stillness, and I have received it. I made so much more art than before and worked on myself & my business.

[UNPUBLISHED:] There are also rather organic, natural themes to be found throughout your artwork. What does nature mean to you, or what role does it play in your life?

[ANNIE:] Nature is everything to me! I can’t go a day without needing to be in nature. Everything about it inspires me deeply – it’s perfection, its harmony and balance, and love and growth. A walk in a forest feels like a hug and when I swim in the ocean, I feel like I am being held and protected. Nature is how I connect to myself. I receive so much energy and healing from nature, and I love to depict it in my art. 

[UNPUBLISHED:] How does astrology figure into your art or spirituality?

[ANNIE:] Astrology, stars, and celestial bodies remind me that there is so much that we don’t know. There is an entire Universe above our heads, where stars are constantly colliding and suns are being born and planets are constantly spinning. I believe in interconnection – that means I believe that we are in some way connected to that realm also – to the stars and the planets. 

[UNPUBLISHED:] Where can people find you? What projects do you have going on currently and do you have anything exciting coming up in the future?

[ANNIE:] I am currently working on a Gratitude Journal and a Dream Journal, and a new card deck called Soul Whispers, all to be released by the end of March. My annual limited edition Year of Growth diary for 2022 is coming out in September. Stay tuned via Instagram @dreamy_moons or website www.dreamymoons.com.au.