Meet Matt Rosemond: Healing through Art
Much More Than Paintings on a Wall
Matt: “I first saw I’Leyah’s post on Threads asking if anyone wanted genuine conversations and true friendship. I responded, and what came next completely changed my life.”
Leyah: “When I met Matt, I felt immediately inspired. He challenged me to really tap into my creative side, it wasn’t just about creating what he wanted. He invested in me as an artist and trusted me to intuitively create something magical. That process was healing, freeing, and encouraging.”
The First Painting
Matt: “My first painting for her was based on a photo I took of the waves on a Northern California beach. It happened to be one of the best photos I have ever taken, and it was taken during a very special time in my life.
The sand pattern reminded me of a female torso. I asked Leyah if she could create a scene around it.”
Leyah: “At first, I wasn’t sure I could, but as I looked at the image, it felt like I could bring it to life. I didn’t want to give up or let him down because it was so meaningful. I asked a lot of questions about the location, the mood, the emotions behind the photo, and sent him progress photos along the way.
This painting started as this photo and grew into an amazing work of art. Each time I shared progress, it developed more depth and life.”
Matt: “Even though I didn’t touch a single brushstroke, I felt completely involved and aligned with what she was creating. As the painting evolved and she asked for feedback, I completely trusted her intuition.”
Leyah: “I had so much fun creating this—being able to tap into my inner child and just play. I fell in love with this painting; it felt like a true collaboration.”
Matt: “When the painting was finished, it was perfect. Every time I look at it, I notice something new—a depth I hadn’t seen before. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.”
Leyah: “That’s the magic of painting—it’s a conversation between the artist, the subject, and the viewer. Each layer, each detail tells a story.”
The Peace Below the Vortex
Matt: “The second project was a little different. It was inspired by a photo I took of the beautiful Valley where i live. The Wind and cloud Vortex i had Discovered forms above the Valley. I wanted Leyah to capture that feeling.”
Leyah: "I feel that the process was about trust, collaboration, and tapping into intuition. I asked questions, studied the photo, and then let the painting unfold. I think that this project brought me a lot of healing, too, and reminded me how freeing it is to create from the heart.”
Matt: "Peace Below the Vortex" is what i told leyah i wanted to name the painting."
Leyah: " I loved it, it was absolutely a perfect name".
Healing Through Art
Matt: "This painting healed a lot of wounds for both of us. Once again, I felt included, seen, and heard during the entire process. It was a collaboration in healing."
Leyah: “Being able to connect with the person I’m creating for is so important to me. I believe you have to truly be empathetic to feel someone else’s emotions and pour them into a painting. That connection drives me to channel it all into something healing, something that carries depth and life."
Expanding Horizons
Matt: “Both of these projects launched I’Leyah into a different genre than the portraits she was painting previously. She has since created a few more abstract scenes, all of which are beautiful. My favorite is Eyes of the Divine—that painting even inspired me to write a short story based on an unfinished dream. This is a prime example of how art can inspire all of us!”
Leyah: “Seeing my work inspire someone else’s creativity is incredible. It reminds me that painting isn’t just about the canvas—it’s about the energy, the story, and the connection it sparks.”
Matt: “The Vortex Above the Valley currently hangs in the most prominent place in my home. Each time I look at it, I notice more detail. The cloud vortex she painted is beautiful and unique, and I can feel her energy as if she’s standing right next to me. These two projects were far more than just paintings on a wall—they led to a beautiful friendship. I can’t wait to add another Leyah Ni’Tie original to my collection.”
Reflections & Connection
Leyah: *“Working with Matt reminded me why I create—to trust myself, to explore, and to share pieces of my soul. This experience has been transformative for me, as I step into the world of original works and continue to create intuitively. Each painting is a story, a mirror, a connection. I hope that when you view my work, you find a piece of yourself in it too.
Art has the power to heal, to inspire, and to spark wonder—and I feel so grateful that my pieces can live in the spaces of those who connect with them. If a story, a dream, or a feeling moves you, I invite you to explore my curated collection of originals and prints and discover a piece that speaks to your own journey.”*