Sandy Monier

***“Draw close to God and He will draw close to you” - James 4:8***

God is present in every piece of our day and provides safety and freedom in the beauty of spiritual direction. I find that when we enter that safe space in time, we embark upon a journey of love with the Divine and therefore are given the grace to recognize that we are Blessed by Design.

Sole proprietor of Blessed by Design: Art & Spiritual Direction is located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sandy divides her time between family, friends, parish office and the art studio.

Experience: I have served the Catholic church in the areas of religious education, hospice and hospital chaplaincy and retreat ministry since 1997. Currently, I serve as a parish-based Roman Catholic Director of Pastoral Ministry in Western Pennsylvania.

Education: Certification in leading individuals through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises - Pneuma Institute (spring 2021 expected completion). MA in Christian Spirituality/Spiritual Direction - Loyola Chicago, IPS. BA in Religious Studies/Art History - Seton Hill University. Certificate in Pastoral Ministry - Seton Hill University, AA in Fine Art - Art Institute of Pittsburgh

My Journey

God used my artwork as a way to come into my heart and transform my life. Through my ability to think in images and place myself in the scenes of scripture, I embarked on a transformative journey. I was living a life leashed to what I thought would make others happy and then one day everything changed. My leash fell off and I stepped up to find Jesus beside me, looking at me with eyes of love, saying, “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father” (John 15:15). This happened when I first went through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and discovered true freedom in the love and glory of God. I no longer “do” ministry because it is a job I fell into when I was a young mother. I spend my time looking for an encounter with God’s love in every aspect of the day, then strive to express that encounter through my life, relationships, art and my time working at the parish to help the poor, vulnerable and suffering of my community.

Artwork - "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

My art is an expression of the encounter with God that I experience while in prayer and throughout my day. I invite you to use the art as a reminder of your own blessedness with and in God . I enjoy painting (or writing in images) icons and dying silk scarves or simply painting angels. All work is done on a private commission basis. If you are interested in purchasing some of my work please see my contact information included below.

Blessings on your day,

Sandy

Gallery