Leela J. Williams
Leela J. Williams grew up with stories of her grandmother ‘knowing’ what was happening with family and friends on the other side of the world. Spiritual connection was a manifestation of love, and it seemed natural to share dreams and secret worlds with her sister. When, as teens, their sensitivities heightened, it further fuelled Leela’s fascination with the unseen, and she delved deeper into music, philosophy and metaphysics.
In 2000, Leela’s love of books, words, magic and remarkable people melded when she entered the realm of spiritual publishing. She founded The Spirit Guide in 2002, published Spheres and Spellcraft magazines and co-founded The Psychics Directory with the Australian Psychics Association. Leela’s contributions to the spiritual field were recognised with a Psychic of the Year Award for Queensland in 2004, a Psychic Ambassador Award in 2013 and the Simon Turnbull Award in 2016. She served as the media spokesperson for the International Psychics Association and had a regular spot on 2UE Radio’s Sharina’s Psychic Encounters for over ten years.
Avidly curious, Leela continues to explore philosophy, mythology and spiritual connection. Her creativity, deep thinking and quirky view of the world have made her a sought-after editor and mentor. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her four children and an ever-growing collection of books, oracles, tarot cards and musical instruments.
PUBLICATIONS
- Sacred Earth Oracle (Co-Author) [French Edition: Oracle de la Terre Sacrée. Spanish Edition: El Oraculo de la Tierra Sagrada]
- Sacred Earth Journal (Co-Author)
- Peace Oracle (Co-Author) [French Edition: L'Oracle de la Paix. Spanish Edition: Oráculo de la Paz ]
- Precious Gems Oracle (Inspired Verse & Divinatory Meanings)
- Portraits of Innocence (Co-Author)
- Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet: An Oracle Card Set (Introduction)
- Ancestor Spirit Oracle Cards (Co-Author) [French Edition: L'Oracle de l'esprit des Ancêtres]
- Oracle of the Wylder Ones (Co-Author Instruction Booklet) [French Edition: Les Messagers de la Nature]
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
- IPA 10th Anniversary Award (2023): Best Psychic Creator
- 2016 Psychic of the Year Awards Simon Turnbull Award
- 2013 Psychic of the Year Awards: Psychic Ambassador Award
- 2004 Psychic of the Year Queensland (2004)
- COVR Visionary Award 2022 (Bronze) Portraits of Innocence
- COVR Visionary Award 2021 (Gold) Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet Oracle
- COVR Visionary Award 2021 (Silver) Kahlil Gibran Contemplation & Creativity Journal
- COVR Visionary Award 2022 (Bronze) Precious Gems Oracle
IN THE MEDIA
The Sydney Morning Herald: Talk to the Hand; How COVID gave fortune tellers the palm-off
The Sydney Morning Herald: Into the mystic: Why more people are going to psychics than ever before
The Sydney Morning Herald: Broom times: fringe magazines find their niche
The Sydney Morning Herald: Strangled by ghosts, saving lives: a psychic's work day is never boring
The Age: Australian witchcraft: the truth is out there
International Psychic Association: A Guide to Finding Guidance
Benebell Wen: Review of Peace Oracle
Tarot Guild of Australia: Vampires on the Fool's Journey
Holistic Bliss Magazine: For Clear Sight, Defocus: The Magic of Oracle and Tarot Reading
CONNECT
Maxine Gadd
Maxine Gadd has been obsessed with art since she was old enough to hold a crayon. When, as a toddler, her mother tried to show her how to draw, Maxine didn’t want any guidance. She knew how to hold the crayon and how to use it and began to make drawings of recognisable figures — on everything and anything. Maxine added her flourish to walls, books and magazines. The world was not to be passively observed by a canvas to add to. All her dolls had makeovers and intricate designs were carved into her dismayed mother’s expensive oak furniture. Maxine's natural-born instinct for artistic expression became her passion, her hobby, her career and her therapy.
Maxine excelled in her creative studies and won the John Lunghi prize for best artwork from a graduate graphic design student. She began her career as an artist selling her fairy art as prints, cards, bookmarks and posters to retail outlets. Many of them were best sellers and so popular that she was soon exporting her works around the world.
With the expansion of the internet, Maxine’s work attracted international recognition and her cottage industry expanded internationally. She soon had contracts that saw her artworks feature in books, magazines and games and on t-shirts, textiles, jigsaw puzzles and more.
A book of Maxine’s work was published in the UK and the US. Fairies and other Fantastical Folk had several print runs and sold over 40,000 copies worldwide. In 2008, Maxine was a featured artist at Faerieworlds in Portland Oregon, and later at Fae Magazines’ Fairies and Enchantment in Glastonbury.
Maxine’s partner introduced her to his long-time friends, David Helfgott (the pianist protégé and subject of the movie Shine) and his wife Gillian. Maxine was honoured to have them sit for separate portraits. The portrait of Gillian was a finalist in the Black Swan Prize for Portraiture in 2014. After the exhibition, the portrait was sent to the Helfgott’s beautiful property in Bellingen where it hung proudly in Gillian’s office until her sad passing.
Today, Maxine gifts audiences access to her startling portfolio through cross stitch patterns, diamond painting charts and art prints. In alignment with her spiritual philosophies, her artworks are featured in oracle decks with writers such as Lucy Cavendish and Alana Fairchild. Maxine authored and illustrated Precious Gems Oracle, recognised by COVR Visionary Award 2022 (Bronze). Maxine was incredibly honoured when New York-based company Pat McGrath Labs approached her for permission to use her art on some of their packaging.
As always, Maxine has many projects in the pipeline and is excited for the future.
Discover more about Maxine and her Imaginarium at www.maxinegaddcreations.com
PUBLICATIONS
- Precious Gems Oracle (Author and Illustrator)
- The Faery Forest: An Oracle of the Wild Green Wood (Artist)
- Divine Circus Oracle Cards (Contributing Artist)
- Fairies and Other Fantastical Folk
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
- COVR Visionary Award 2022 (Bronze) Precious Gems Oracle
- Black Swan Prize for Portraiture 2014
IN THE MEDIA
Faerieworlds in Veneta, Oregon - World-Class Entertainment and Fun!
FAE Magazine: Cover Story. Issue 13 Winter 2010
Black Swan Prize for Portraiture
CONNECT
Discover more of Maxine's creations HERE in her Redbubble Store.
Connect with Maxine at maxinegaddcreations.com