Most artists' challenge is to create a visual representation of things we can all see. J:D Aricchi takes the unseen and turns it visible, making it come alive in vibrant colors, possessing an energy that can be felt if not easily described. J:D is an artistic channel. Often referred to as spirit art, etherealism is more than a style of painting. "I open a window for people to see what they normally don't," J:D says. "It's an opportunity for them to look into themselves in a way they are not accustomed to." J:D works primarily in chalk pastels and charcoal on pastel board or paper, and occasionally in acrylics. He began his artistic journey almost in spite of himself, referring to himself as "an artist in denial." Before becoming a spirit artist, J:D was unable to find an outlet that was compatible with both commercial success and his life outlook. Shortly after moving to Rochester, N.Y., in 2001 and unexpectedly being out of work, he went to his first guided meditation circle. It was then, through the influence of vivid imagery, that these two worlds of artistic expression and spiritual growth came together. "As I was guided to, I turned my drawing table into an easel and bought supplies in a medium that would be conducive to stepping outside the boundaries; to do something with art that I'd never done before." J:D bought his first set of chalk pastels and began drawing. Just as formal art classes have been an influence in his work, so have his spiritual explorations through meditation, classes and a refreshed outlook. J:D studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Essex Community College, N.J., from 1990 to 1994. He also received training in spirit drawing from Bonnie White of Lily Dale, N.Y. In that vein, J:D is different from many other spirit artists. He does a general interpretation his work (similar to a reading)but, emphisises the use of the Spirit Drawing as a tool to work with. "The purpose of my work is not for me to tell people who they are, it's to show them. The purpose is for them to see a part of themselves that they normally wouldn't consider. For me to tell someone who or what they are defeats the purpose of them looking within. It's important for them to grow through the process." Often a painting grows with the recipient -- the same image that may have one meaning initially can come to mean something very different as the person develops deeper understanding about themselves. J:D often works at psychic fairs and various "New Age" or Holistic venues in the northeast. While most drawings are done on commission, he continues to offer live drawings at shows, equipped with only the recipient's name-present or not-and his intuition. J:D also shares the lessons of his path by teaching classes and workshops showing others how they can create in the same way. "My classes are not lessons in how to draw; they are lessons in how to see, on canvas and in life." Ironically, it's the people without extensive experience in art who tend to pick it up more easily. Going beyond the boundaries of everyday life comes naturally to J:D Aricchi. Helping others to walk, see and draw outside the lines is his calling-a path he may have come to unexpectedly, but one on which he knows the way, shining a light for the rest of us to find our own.