What if art could do more than just hang on walls? What if it could heal, transform, and uplift? What if a painting could be a portal to your higher self, or a piece of clothing could carry the energy of peace and harmony? For Helen Kagan, these questions aren’t just philosophical musings—they’re the foundation of her life’s work.
A scientist, psychologist, therapist, and artist, Helen has spent over 30 years pioneering HealingArts™, a revolutionary concept that fuses fine art, expressive arts, and holistic therapy into a single, transformative experience.
In a world that often feels fragmented—where stress, anxiety, and disconnection have become the norm—Helen’s art offers something rare: a sanctuary. Her pieces are more than visual; they’re visceral. They’re designed to resonate with the soul, to heal wounds we didn’t even know we carried, and to reconnect us with the light within. They remind us that art isn’t just something we look at—it’s something we feel, something we live, something that can change us from the inside out.
Helen’s journey to this point is as layered and profound as her art. A refugee from the USSR, she arrived in the U.S. with little more than her intellect, her resilience, and an unshakable belief in the power of self-expression. Over the years, she’s turned her personal struggles—including her battle with complex PTSD—into a mission to help others heal. Her art is a reflection of her own journey, a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the human spirit. And now, with WearableHealingArts®, she’s taking her vision even further, creating clothing and homeware that bring healing into everyday life.
Inspired by her ability to turn pain into purpose, we sat down with Helen to explore her journey, her philosophy, and her vision for a world where art is a tool for healing, transformation, and connection. What emerged was a conversation as vibrant and multidimensional as her art—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always light, and that light often comes in the most unexpected forms.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Helen Kagan, tell us more about your unique concept, HealingArts™. How does this approach work, and what makes it transformative for viewers?
I believe in the interconnectedness of mind-body-spirit-soul and in art as a catalyst for healing individuals, society, and the environment. As a scientist, psychologist, holistic therapist, spiritual counselor, musician, writer, and artist, I created my unique concept HealingArts™ of 30 years, integrating the Art of Healing, Expressive Arts, and Fine Art.
My HealingArts™ reflects deep existential expressionist emotionality while communicating healing and wellbeing to everyone in need. It facilitates your own journey of transformation and deeper understanding of your true self. My art creates a high-vibrational sacred space for meditation & rejuvenation, bridging all dimensions – real and imaginary- a Portal for intentional meaningful connection with higher self, to heal wounds on deepest Soul level, and bring Harmony, Light, Love, and Peace.
Not easily categorized, my work is simultaneously transformational, introspective, vibrant, multidimensional, and healing. A first-generation Russian-American, I bring my unique point-of-view, one that conveys depth and understanding of spiritual concepts and messages, of the current “real and alternate” turbulent times, of a sensitive Soul not foreign to the colorful abstraction of contemporary and Russian artistic traditions.
My Vision, Mission, & Purpose is to bring HealingArts™ to Healthcare, Residential, and Hospitality Markets to assist in recovery, enhance healing & wellbeing, and bring joy & happiness by introducing high-vibrational visual experience, meditation & relaxation. HealingArts™ was exhibited in multiple national & International venues – Shows, Exhibitions, major Art Fairs; written about in Magazines & Catalogs; awarded, published, podcasted & filmed. A Bestselling Author now working on 3 new intriguing books, an internationally awarded Woman-Leader 2023, and a pioneer in intentional creating art for healing, I’m currently developing my newest creation, WearableHealingArts®, integrating healing, arts, colors, fashion, and design. I envision my WearableHealingArts® clothes and homeware made out of my HealingArts™ originals, contributing to individual’s and families’ wellbeing by creating one-of-a-kind beautiful, colorful, sophisticated yet affordable “healing tool” as clothing, accessories, pet-ware, and household items. As a Healing Artist and a complex PTSD survivor, I have dedicated my life to helping others. I feel it is my duty to create art for healing, especially in our trying times, amid multiple worldwide crises, wars, fear, pandemics, anxiety, stress & uncertainty. I envision bringing my unique “wearables”- colorful designer clothes & homeware not only to individuals to enjoy wearing and/or using at home these beautiful creations, but to also create and bring various items of hospital-ware and hotel-ware to HealthCare & Hospitality facilities to make my HealingArts™ available to patients, clients, visitors, guests, staff working long shifts, just any human being – for healing & wellbeing.
Helen, your journey from the USSR to the U.S. is a story of resilience and a quest for freedom. What are your beliefs about self-expression and the healing power of art?
I think my life journey in general is about resilience, survival, determination, and a quest for freedom. Allowing creativity & self-expression, learning Gratitude & Faith, and intentional evolving (thanks to multitude of challenges!) have not been just some abstract concepts but very realities of my journey. My quest leading to this profound understanding was not linear, to say the least. Growing up in a Communist State of what then was the USSR, where oppression and control were a daily reality, formed my beliefs, values, and a great respect for freedom to express yourself. I immigrated to the US as a refugee, and the very limited luggage allowed to be taken was my Jewish heritage, 3 graduate degrees, 0 English, $100, 2 small suitcases, and an unending thirst to explore the World and its meaning. Coming from a family of scientists, I was curious about the left/right brain synergy, which led me to study from mathematics & science to psychology, therapy and healing to fine art, and finally create my unique concept and venue HealingArts™. As a refugee from Russia, my art reflects an existential view on life, a desire to bridge Realities and heal the Past. The further I go on my journey, the more I evolve, and the more my art ascends to higher vibrations and reflects higher dimensions of being. Communicating on subliminal levels, it delivers Love & Healing through positively charged intention, healing frequencies of color, embedded spiritual messages, sacred geometry, and energy balance, which brings you in touch with your own quest and facilitates your own healing journey. I believe it is critically important for a visionary artist like myself to have a strong and unique message we communicate to others. A message that can touch people’s souls, uplift their spirit, and warm their hearts. This is how I understand the Purpose and Mission of my HealingArts™.
You’ve described art as a spiritual path and a transformational process. When did you realize art could be a vehicle for healing? How did this realization shape your life’s work?
I believe we are “spiritual beings on a human journey”. My HealingArts™ brings healing and well-being to everyone in need by being a portal for intentional connection with your true self, to heal on the deepest level, to empower you and bring harmony, love & peace.
HealingArts™ was born 30 years ago when I first practiced healing as a holistic practitioner in NYC. Being a scientist, psychologist & therapist helped me to conceptualize and develop my unique approach, being a healer and artist – to express it in soulful ways to touch your Heart and uplift your Spirit. I was devoted to creating culturally-competent clinics for disenfranchised immigrant populations – from scratch, with my ‘broken English’ and zero resources available. I worked 3 jobs – successfully developed and ran clinical Programs, hosted international delegations coming to learn my experience, was featured in The NYTimes (front page Metro Section) and on TV & Radio, developed my healing practice using multiple energy-healing modalities. I was helping people heal in many different and creative ways, called myself a ‘holistic psychotherapist’ (sounded quite provocative then), my HealingArts™ blossomed serving people in need, and I was happy doing authentically what I loved. Then, I burned out. Completely. That’s when I was picked up by Ambulance from the streets in Manhattan. Soon after that ER episode, my multiple old traumas got re-activated from the amount of stress trying to not only survive, but “make it in America”, by living my Purpose, Vision, and Mission. My complex PTSD came to bloom without asking my permission. I had to stop working altogether, which was devastating. I was totally crushed, and I didn’t know how to be sick – that was a new “lesson” I had to learn. It was NOT authentic as I only learned how to survive. But I knew I had to bring myself back. I had to get myself back to my “new normal”, whatever that meant.
My HealingArts™ became an authentic source for my own healing, which I’ve been bringing to the world since, offering my unique way of healing through art. I do believe art heals, I live through art – it is my spiritual path, transformational process, a way of being. What makes my art transformational for others? The same as what it did for me – it creates a colorful sacred space to “feel good”. Synergistically integrating fine art, expressive arts, art of healing, more specifically – healing frequencies of colors, embedded spiritual messages, sacred geometry, energetically balanced composition, my HealingArts™ enhances well-being, brings love and gratitude to feel authentic, joyful, and alive.
As both artist and therapist, how do you see the interplay between mental, physical, and spiritual health in your work? Please give examples of supporting people’s journey towards well-being.
I love the word “interplay”. It implies that this complex process can be about “play”, because creativity is being in the Flow, having fun, happiness, and enjoying creating something unique and very dear to your Soul, right? Aren’t these the attributes of “wellbeing”? Below are 3 principles I believe can support you on the Journey towards wellbeing.
- Learn that self-love is not selfishness (i.e. “put your own oxygen mask first”)
I had to learn that I have to become my #1 priority for myself in order to show up for people I serve, help, and assist. Therefore, my “lifestyle choices” are now shifting in the direction of “what are the most loving things I can do for myself so I can help others who need me, who rely on me, who I am here to serve”. Yes, it does feel a bit weird, as I am absolutely not used to being the #1 priority for myself. It is a new learning curve, but a very necessary one, as many of us, especially women caregivers, are so used to serving others while forgetting to take care of or at least attend to our own needs. I also feel that NOW is the critical time for me and for many of us to shift. To shift from surviving to thriving, from Fear to Love, from despair to happiness. Regardless of the circumstances. My HealingArts™ is the foundation for my own shift to Love & Gratitude. It can assist you as well, as it is based on many holistic healing spiritual and energetic principles embedded in each work, especially in my Series “Healing Chakras”, “Mandalas”, and the latest Spiritual Collection “5D”.
- Remove clutter and disturbances. Make clarity. Stop procrastinating.
When we are removing all this accumulated junk from our environment (both external and internal), we are literally shifting ourselves from Fear to Love. One step at a time. From Breakdown to Breakthrough. Just one step at a time. From Surviving to Thriving. Just one little step in this direction. Then another one, and another one. See? You are moving in the direction of your Dream Life! And we can go on and on (remember how good it feels when you de-clutter your closet, or when you clean your living room or organize garage, or get rid of a lot of stuff from your kitchen, or donate lots of clothes to Goodwill?) Now imagine how good it would feel if you removed all this clutter, chaos, uncertainty, anxiety, overwhelm, lack of clarity, etc. from your inner world. It will feel Divine! The main thing here is the notion of transformation. It is an internal (vs. external) transformation. We are shifting our “old paradigm” – our old patterns, thoughts, perceptions, limiting beliefs, reactions- and as a result, we are changing our reality and thus our life. Isn’t it magical?
- Define your Vision. Find (discover) what you are good at. Follow your Dream.
As multiple wonderful “new age” sources suggest – Change your mind, change your Life. Change your thoughts, change your life. Change your attitude, perception, emotional state, your energy …. – change your life! And it’s all true (I am speaking from experience). I think it does not matter where and how you start; what is important is that you start. Find or discover what you are really good at. What do you like? What makes your Heart sing? Take action. Map your direction. Listen to your intuition. Follow your inner voice. Define your Vision in your terms and with your language. Embrace your journey. After all, it is your Soul Journey to yourself!
I still keep doing it as I know it is a process; it doesn’t happen overnight. For me, it is of course my HealingArts™ and the multiple ways I can bring it to the World to heal. It is my Vison, Mission, and Purpose. And, it took me many years to get to the place where I felt certain about it and allowed myself to follow my calling despite all the challenges on the way. If I get impatient (which I do), I remind myself that I am on my quest, and the most important thing is not the destination, but the journey.
What role do you believe art can play in addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being in today’s world?
I believe in the interconnectedness of mind- body- spirit- soul and that art as a catalyst for healing individuals, society, and environment. To me, art plays one of the major roles in addressing various challenges our world is experiencing. I feel it is my duty as a Healing Artist, to continue creating more art for healing in our turbulent “new normal” times, amid multiple world-wide crises, pandemics, wars, fear, anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. I feel that we, creatives, have a mission-driven purpose to bridge the societal divides and assist in fostering peace – this is why I hope my unique HealingArts™ become a sacred space for refuge & serenity to bring harmony, healing & wellbeing to everyone in need.
Here’s what others say about HealingArts™ (2 excerpts from hundreds):
“… Helen’s unique art translates the tunes of hope into a universal language of mind-blowing colors and vivid imagery. The deep, multi-layered meaning of each piece is conveyed through the dense texture and intense polyphony of close and contrasting values that releases a floating, healing aura we take with us as we walk away. The light as the apex of Helen’s art is so strong that it reminds us of the sunshine that breaks through the closed window of our visions and compels us to finally open it… for self-healing and self-discovery.” – Maya Ellenson, PhD Independent Art & Literature Critic, Examiner.com
“…Dr. Kagan’s work embraces a sincerity and therapeutic intent that is both refreshing and deeply needed in today’s fragmented world. Her art does not merely hang on the walls of galleries and collectors; it resides in the hearts and minds of those it touches, fostering healing and hope. Helen Kagan’s contributions to the art world are as much about her brilliant use of color and form as they are about her profound understanding of the human condition. Her works stand as beacons of therapeutic expressionism, illuminating paths to inner peace and societal harmony. In an era, rife with superficiality and disconnection, Kagan’s HealingArts™ offer a much-needed respite, a place of refuge where souls can converse, heal, and perhaps, find their way back home.”– Marta Puig, Editor/Art Critic. Professional review. ContemporaryArtCurators.com
What guidance would you offer to artists who aspire to combine their creative talents with a purpose-driven mission?
In my opinion, it is very important to understand if you (artist, musician, writer, etc.) are creating your craft as a hobby, as a means of relaxation, or “removing yourself from a harsh reality” (nothing’s wrong with it!) OR if you create your art because you can’t not do it, because it’s your mission-vision-purpose. One might think that being a “full-time artist” entails a luxurious lifestyle, like what you can see in the movies. But let me tell you that a “creative process” is not an easy thing. Really. If you ask me – How does your workday look like? I’d say – usually quite crazy! Those who are familiar with various intricacies of a creative process of any nature, those who know closely what it is, will agree with me, I think.
So… my “workday” might look like a regular “working day” for most folks who work a 9-6 schedule and then work another job on top for a few more hours. Or my “workday” might become totally crazy with a lot of actual painting time and lots of “processing and conceptualizing” time in-between, which would result in like a 25H “working day”. A significant amount of time is spent on essential tasks like creating advertising materials, producing and hand-embellishing giclées, making prints, photographing artwork, and improving images. Additionally, there’s writing articles and press releases, managing websites, and organizing shows and exhibitions—inviting guests, transporting artwork, packing, shipping, and handling logistics. Producing marketing materials adds to the workload. Just reading about it can feel overwhelming, right?
I think the actual time I spend painting is only about 20-25% of my time if I’m lucky to have this time! The other 75-80% goes to everything else around your art career – if you treat it as a career vs. a hobby. Of course, I’d rather spend ALL my time creating my unique art in many forms – because this is what I do best. But I do understand that other things are just a “necessary evil” on my journey. I hope you can see from this example that developing my concept, venue & brand HealingArtsTM, and now WearableHealingArts®, and then creating actual unique artworks and designer fashions made out of my artworks is a couple of full-time jobs! Again, it’s all relevant only if you see your creative talents applicable to your unique craft as your purpose-driven mission.
The last but not the least advice I can give to other creatives, if I may – Don’t ever STOP! Keep going. If you believe in your unique “message”, your mission will eventually pick up. It takes time for people to recognize everything new and innovative, change their own (old) paradigm to accept new, and then, hopefully, accept yours. I am speaking from my own, tough, rough, full of challenges, setbacks, obstacles, trauma, drama, etc., yet so valuable LIFE EXPERIENCE. Never give up. Namaste.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your art? How do you envision the future of art as a medium for healing and transformation?
It is my purpose-driven mission to keep creating my life-affirming soulful HealingArts™, to make a difference in peoples’ lives by bringing colors, healing and hope. After many years of doing other important things while wearing different “hats”, like creating & running Clinics for disenfranchised populations, creating from scratch my unique Healing practice, etc. my higher self finally “dragged” me to this magic place where I allowed myself to become the Artist I’ve always been. That magic place where I created my unique concept HealingArts™, then Holistic Intelligence™, then ArtSynergism™, and the latest – WearableHealingArts®. That place in my Soul where I feel Home. That sacred space where, after changing my “old sad story”, the most important things are Light, Love and Gratitude.
I said earlier that I don’t believe in “mistakes”. I believe there are “lessons” given to us to learn, and they will be given again and again – to finally get what we need to learn on our journey. Practicing Forgiveness. Knowing your Strength. Speaking your Truth. Learning Self-Love. Embracing Gratitude. We also need to find and define our WHYs. I am finally clear about my “WHY”. I chose to be the Artist that I was born to be, and that is my Truth. But… it took me almost 30 years to realize that I can’t NOT do it because it is my Truth, because this is WHO I AM. Because, this is not only a way for me to express myself via art, writing, music, and movement, but a way to heal myself and help others heal. I am here to bring this message to the world that my Art is Healing; it is Love and Light; it is a healing tool that can help you on your Journey to Yourself. And this is my legacy.
HealingArts™, Holistic Intelligence™, ArtSynergism™, WearableHealingArts® are Intellectual Branded Property of Helen Kagan, PhD.
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