HeartWorks: Interview with Founder Tricia Sybersma

HeartWorks is a company that serves to bring the art — specifically paintings — of animals like horses, cats, and dogs directly to consumers in a way that combines heart-centered science, biofeedback, and spiritual connection. It is a fact that horses’ hearts emit electromagnetic fields that are powerful enough to help regulate human emotions. The HeartMath Institute and biofeedback studies have tracked this calming effect and the positive impact it has on people. From there, the brand creates opportunities for people to engage with horse-made art that is tailored to fit their emotional needs as revealed by the in-house designed HeartWorks Intention Quiz.

Tricia Sybersma is the founder of HeartWorks, and she is a HeartMath® Certified Trainer. She recently discussed the company and its mission via an exclusive interview.

Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get interested in the arts?

Tricia Sybersma (TS): I have always had an interest in self-expression, but my true understanding emerged through my comprehension of transformation and energy. The world of art extends well beyond its surface; it is a language on its own, a link between the physical and the metaphysical. The moment I acknowledged that animals could embody active roles within this creative process, a new dimension opened. It’s profound how an experience, emotion, or intention can be preserved in fragments of art that provide a gateway to oneself.

MM: How did you get involved with the personal growth movement, and what inspired you to write your books?

TS: My personal experiences with trauma, healing, and the impact-focused intention have on life greatly inform my approach to personal growth. I studied The HeartMath® System and Dr. Joe Dispenza and learned how emotions and energy create our reality. Writing has always been an outlet and transformational tool for me, and my books act as an extension of that. My objective has always been to help others reconnect with their inner strength and wisdom, and my writing offers tools, guided exercises, reflections, and stories that aid them in their own journeys.

MM: What made you decide to start incorporating animals into your self-care and wellness philosophy?

TS: Animals exist in a state of constant presence, something many of us have difficulty accessing given our busy daily lives. Just as they don’t dwell on or regret the past, they also don’t stress about the future. They simply are. This kind of presence carries an energetic signature. I wanted to find a way to share that and help others. Through the privilege of having the animals create the art, we aren’t just witnessing their expression; we’re receiving a piece of that energy, that wisdom. It’s a way to blend nature, science, creativity, and transformation in an organic and intentional way.

MM: Art is made by horses, dogs, and cats. So, why these specific species, and how does the process differ for each creature?

TS: The short answer is that our animals are all part of our barn family and asked to be involved. However, each species brings something unique to the process. Horses have a grounding, heart-centered energy that radiates outward — they teach presence, strength, and emotional regulation. Dogs carry an energy of joy and companionship, and their art tends to feel playful and expressive. Cats bring an intuitive, almost mystical quality, working with subtler energies. The process itself differs as well — horses use their muzzles and lips, dogs engage with their lips and nose, and cats interact with their art using their whole body, adding purring energy. Most importantly, they infuse their paintings with the energies of what they have overcome as a source of connection and support for us. You can read about their stories on our website.

MM: You are involved with a lot of rescue initiatives, so what are the backstories of the animals that you work with?

TS: Many of the animals at HeartWorks have their own stories of transformation. Some have been rescued from difficult situations, and their journey to healing mirrors the personal growth we seek in ourselves, but through care, trust, and creative expression, they’ve found a new purpose. The beauty of this is that they now become healers themselves, offering their energy and wisdom to those who engage with their art.

MM: What do you wish more people knew about the connections between art, animals, humans, and self-care?

TS: That transformation isn’t something external — it’s something we live and allow. Animals naturally embody the balance of presence and intuition, and through their art, they remind us that self-care isn’t about escaping, but about coming home to ourselves. Art carries energy; it holds emotion, intention, and wisdom. When we engage with it — especially art created by animals — we’re tapping into something beyond logic. It’s a form of energetic support, a tool for realignment, and a bridge between mind, body, and spirit, which I refer to as our relationship with energy.

MM: How did you establish your organization and go about raising awareness of your movement?

TS: HeartWorks started as an exploration — a way to blend art, energy, and animal wisdom into something tangible. Increasing awareness around HeartWorks has been a natural process, one that has used education, community, and storytelling as its pillars. I focus on campaigns that are impact-oriented. Collaborations with like-minded organizations, media outreach, speaking, and attending live events have also played a role in sharing this movement with a wider audience.

MM: How have you expanded the organization since its inception?

TS: HeartWorks started with paintings and wearable energy-infused products, but stay tuned as we expand into more conjunctive experiences. We now offer guided meditations and plan to offer immersive online, virtual workshops and personal intention-setting sessions in the future. Our vision includes creating more opportunities for people to engage with this work, whether through digital experiences, community events, or new artistic collaborations.

MM: So far, what has been the highlight of your experiences at the helm of HeartWorks?

TS: It’s hard to pick just one, but some of the most rewarding moments for me are when people tell me the artwork truly touched and resonated with them in some way — whether it’s a painting that helps them through their trauma or a simple practice that shifted their energy and perspective. Experiencing how people light up when they feel a genuine connection between art, animals, and transformation is why I find this work so fulfilling and serves as a reminder that this work is needed.

MM: What are your ultimate goals for the future of the movement, and is there anything else that you would like to mention?

TS: The ultimate goal is to continue expanding HeartWorks into a full-spectrum transformational experience — blending art, energy, and wisdom into everyday life. This includes more educational offerings and larger-scale collaborations. I want HeartWorks to be a space where people can reconnect with themselves, with animals, and with the unseen forces that guide us. It’s about making transformation not just something we seek but something we live every day because HeartWorks is something you carry with you in your heart.