Irena started painting while working as a professional engineer, in order to cultivate her passion for visual creativity and colour. Soon Irena was painting chairs, pots, tables, mirrors, and more! She sold her one-of-a-kind painted pieces through various stores and galleries, and was a feature artist on a national television show (episode of Citytv's Cityline "Homeday").
Irena expanded her passion for colour by painting on canvas and silk, participating in several art shows. Her artwork is inspired by colourful uplifting imagery and a love of nature. Irena's visual expression expanded to include: Bliss cards, journals, bags, paintings and prints, mural painting, graphic and web design, and home interior consultations.
Irena also began practicing yoga and meditation to add balance and clarity to her life. A serious health issue was a 'wake-up' call, inviting her to live a more authentic life. She became a certified Yoga Teacher (Kripalu) and Kids Yoga Teacher, and has explored many years of meditation, spiritual development, energy awareness, yoga (hatha yoga, flow, ashtanga, yin, restorative, partner yoga, eye yoga and more), and dance (expressive, conscious, ecstatic dance, 5Rhythms, Dance Movement Therapy, Axis Syllabus Dance Research, natural movement pathways, somatic movement). Irena’s inspired to hold space for uplifting and playful experiences in meditation, yoga, dance, intuitive art and more, in private and group settings.
Irena has a strong connection to Hawaii with many extended stays on the beautiful islands, and has been blessed to study Hawaiian cultural wisdom, traditions, and healing arts practices. She has studied various healing arts (Lomi, Ha Breath, Ho'oponopono, Laulima) with Hawaiian teachers (mahalo, thank you Kumu Harry Uhane Jim, Papa Kepelino). These wise practices support evolution and transformation into greater peace, well-being, freedom, and love. Irena is honoured to hold compassionate space and be a bridge assisting others in their opening, healing and transformation.
Irena deeply loves Mother Earth, and is inspired to live more gently/lightly, and promote ‘circle culture’ ways that honour cooperation, community and balance with all life. She is very thankful to native/Indigenous communities, teachers, Elders and artists, and for diverse Earth experiences including: living and working on an organic biodynamic farm, living at an ecovillage, volunteering on the land (eg., at the beautiful Waipā foundation, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, several community gardens, the Great Lakes Water Walk), as well as other Earth stewardship and social justice action. Bliss is committed to positive social and environmental change, and donates "1% for the Earth" of all proceeds, to support Indigenous/BIPOC & environmental groups who stand for Mother Earth and regenerative pathways forward.
Irena believes we have great potential to more fully embody our source / spirit consciousness, to honour lineages with deep roots who carry spiritual, relational and Earth awareness, and to live in peace, harmony and balance together. And life becomes more meaningful when we move from our inspiration, and create and connect from that space. 😊
I like to offer and create with integrity and heart, and be a bridge to expanded awareness, connection, healing, transformation, well-being, and joy! May you know your value and shine your beautiful unique light in the world! 💗
love, aloha,
Irena
