A CARDIGAN artists and illustrator has teamed up with a well-known spiritual teacher and best-selling author to produce ‘The Angel Guide Oracle’.

Jenny Hawkyard, who owns The Blue Boat gift shop and art studio at St Mary Street, has joined forces with Kyle Gray to create 44 stunning images of guardian angels.

“Over the course of 2019, I illustrated an Oracle deck -much like a Tarot deck -that can be used as a means to tune into one’s intuition,” said Jenny.

“This meant 44 individual angel-themed artworks over the course of a year – roughly one a week. Needless to say it’s no small amount of work and I’m super happy with the end result.

“This was like a dream project for me and I was astonished Kyle asked me to collaborate with him. He had seen some of my work online and we met in March last year in London, along with the publisher, and then we just hit the ground running.”

Scotsman Kyle’s books and works enjoy a huge following around the world and he has published seven books already.

He says of his latest book: “Did you know our angels are constantly ready to share guidance with you? Yet so often we’re distracted by daily life and don’t recognize these divine signs when they come our way.

“Each of the 44 cards in this deck has a depiction of an angel and a keyword message to activate your intuition. The included guidebook explains how to attune to the cards, conduct angel readings for yourself and others, and how to work with card spreads.”

Jenny admits that ‘The Angel Guide Oracle’ might seem a departure from the norm to some but she thoroughly enjoyed working on the illustrations and the meanings behind them.

“It’s weird trying to explain it to some people while others just appreciate the artwork but don’t understand the scope of what it is about,” she said.

“But I think deep down everyone wants a spiritual connection and the cards are really inclusive and approachable.

“People are often surprised when I tell them what I do. I am tucked away in a little shop off the high street and am not really part of the fine art community and don’t exhibit in the traditional way.

“Illustration is my first love but equally I love being in the shop and being here in Cardigan.

“I was working in graphic design and branding for some 11 years over in Canada before I decided to give it all up and move home and pursue my first love of illustration. I’m now in my fourth year of business and it’s going from strength to strength.”

The decks will be available online and from all good book shops and also in stores from September 1, published by Hay House, - as well as at The Blue Boat, where Jenny will be selling signed decks and prints.

And there is also the prospect of another collaboration.

“Kyle would like to work with me again and hopefully something will be coming out soon,” added Jenny.