Akiane: Heaven Is for Real

Marlise talks to the internationally renowned artist and poet Akiane, a child prodigy. Completely self-taught, her astounding work gained media attention as a seven year old, not only for its artistic brilliance but also for potentially exposing the mysteries and deepest workings of the unknown. She has appeared on Oprah, The View, Fox News and World News Tonight. In this revealing interview Marlise and Akiane discuss the reality of heaven – and beyond.

Marlise Karlin: Yes, it is about being in this life and infusing it with the other world because that in essence is who we are in reality – filled with greater love and creativity.  And, that’s what you present through your images.

So, Akiane, you talked about your family being a mixture of all beliefs but your painting, the Prince of Peace is an exquisite image of Jesus that is not the usual one we’ve seen. The little boy in the film recognized him as the man he saw in heaven.  Do you have any way to explain that?

Akiane: Oh, there are so many things that are unexplainable, but through my experience I believe it was definitely not a coincidence. It was something that we both saw at different times and it was that connection that brought us together.

Actually this painting was a 3-4 year development. When I was 4 years old I started seeing this image and from that point on I was really dedicated, and looking for a model to represent at least a bit of how this person looked.  By the time I was 8 years old I almost gave up – I had already looked at grocery markets, malls, television stations – I couldn’t find a single person. I sat down on a couch and I said ‘God, if you want me to represent Jesus in my painting, I need your help.’ And the most amazing thing happened.