Wine, Women and a Paintbrush

Our Last Post At This Location

2011-05-30T22:23:00.002-06:00

We are growing and evolving, as always. And, as part of our evolution we have moved over here:

Wine, Women And A Paintbrush

Come visit us and see what new, exciting things we are up to and ideas we have to share with you!

Lori and Cheryl.

What an inspiring project -

2011-05-01T08:36:00.003-06:00

This brings tears to my eyes. I know too many little girls (and bigger ones) who don't believe this. I want it to run in schools everywhere. Maybe we can begin to adjust the horrible messaging that we are all receiving that beautiful looks only like the model on the cover of Vogue.

Here's how it started...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/theiambeautifulproject/

and here's the completed project...

You should download this...

2011-05-01T07:45:00.002-06:00

Print out a couple or all of them and put it where you can see it everyday. Then... let it sink in, believe it, roll around in it a bit, and let it be how you go out into the world.

23 things about you.

for those afraid of lettering...

2011-04-06T09:35:00.003-06:00

This is such a great video about how easy it is to create interesting lettering for your art journals and canvases.

Lettering for Your Art Journal from Julie Balzer on Vimeo.

I'm a big fan of her blog too... there's tons of inspiration and she's very generous with her "how-tos" as in this journal spread. So interesting to see how it transforms in the process.

on love and vulnerability

2011-04-04T12:56:00.003-06:00

You will love this!

2011-04-04T11:54:00.004-06:00

I happened on Christy Tomlinson's first online workshop - She-Art - signed up on a whim, and have been thoroughly enjoying it for the last few weeks. She has such a warmth that you just want to grab a cup of coffee and hang out "with her". (Watching her videos). It was a three week process, with new videos of inspiration and techniques uploaded each week and lots of time to watch - I think they are up through April.

I'm taking the next one and thought you might want too, too. It's worth every penny of the very inexpensive $35! Sign up here. Plus I think you'll like her site. Be careful, though, I got a little carried away in her online store.....

A course you should know about - especially since it starts tomorrow!

2011-04-04T11:44:00.005-06:00

I just took this workshop and would highly recommend it if you are up for a pretty intense life review! I was challenged by it, inspired by it, and moved by it. It's a wonderfully creative way to create some space for yourself, and ultimately understand yourself better. The brave girls ladies have created an online offering, with lots and lots of videos of both how tos and inspiration. They also provide all the materials you need - you just print them out - I loved that part. It created such ease. I could add my own materials if I felt like it but otherwise everything else was there. It has a time line on it which is generous but ultimately it comes to an end, so if you are not in a place when you have time to keep up, it might not be right for you. They do, however, allow you to take it again for just $25. Here's the link - Soul Restoration.

Symbols and Labels

2011-04-04T11:27:00.003-06:00

In preparing for this month's Wine, Women and a Paintbrush, I was thinking alot about the "labels" I wear these days. Mostly, they are Chauffeur, Chef, and Spectator and, while I am 100% behind my kids and their passions, I'm not always fulfilled by the routines and responsibilities that that brings for me. So, after reading Jennifer Swift's book, Creative Bloom, I thought it would be fun to create new labels or symbols that help us to remember who else we are. And, as is always the case at WW&P, everyone went off on their own tangent! Which is exactly what Cheryl and I hoped for when we designed this offering. A place to take the materials we provide and explore and play to your heart's content.

This particular evening was delightfully intimate (just 5 of us) and, as such, was full of deep thought and conversation. And outcomes. Included below are: a remembrance of life, inspiration for managing the day's activities, the fun of play, a reminder of flow, peace and joy, and a gift for someone who inspires.

This project is an easy one to do at home. Just head over to Home Depot for some rebar tie wire and flush wire cutters. Then put on some play clothes and bend away. The book mentioned above is great for whimsical inspiration and even comes on the Kindle!

The Inner Critic

2011-03-02T11:47:00.003-07:00

Whew. This one was a little sombre. I guess I should have known that when women are faced with looking at their inner critic (or outer critics), we are ultra hard on ourselves and tend to not only look at but feel all the things that we think are wrong or not working. And, with lives that are so full of responsibilities, expectations and choices, it's easy to pay way more attention to the things that aren't
getting done or that aren't working or good enough instead of looking at all that we are and all that we accomplish.
Luckily, part of the exercise was a second portrait that reflected the opposite of the critic - based on questions like - "what are your gifts?" what's wonderful about you?" what can you say to the inner critic to get a little space and a little perspective?". And despite having gone so far down the path of yuck, I think we all got there and I think it shows in the artwork. I don't think that most women take enough, if any, time to pat themselves on the backs and review their successes - at least the personal ones. It's all about perspective - looking at the big picture - life as a whole - not just the pieces that aren't working in this moment.

Inspiration for this project came from several artists - you might want to take a further look. The portraits themselves are a wonderfully simple, rewarding process developed by Pam Carriker. She has a great video on her site that walks you through it. The inner critic/gremlin part was inspired by a book by Diana Trout - Journal Spilling - and another online artist - Violette.

Thanks to the ladies who put their hearts into this evening - I hope that it has tempered some of that endless nattering from the critic and reminded you about how fabulous you really are!

Right Brain Planning

2011-02-28T11:42:00.003-07:00

I've just added a link at the bottom right of the blog that might interest you. Jennifer Lee's Right Brain Business Planning Summit started today and I've just spent an hour listening and looking around her site. There is lots of creative inspiration there and, if you are in the midst of business building or planning creative projects, you might want to catch the rest of the 10 days of webinars. It's so great to have access to like-minded people who are making it easier for those of us who think, plan, and dream creatively to do that without feeling so "black sheepish"!

Try Odosketch

2011-02-18T08:43:00.002-07:00

This is fun! Love the pastel colors and the crayony, watercolory feel of the drawing. It's always a little frustrating to try to draw with a mouse but these give such pretty results, it's worth a try. Here's the link - odosketch.

A wonderful start to 2011

2011-02-16T16:05:00.004-07:00

January's Wine, Women and a Paintbrush was an inspiring start to the new year. Part of the process this time was exchanging a finished prayer flag anonymously. I always love how that turns out, the synchronicities blow me away. And I think it reminds everyone there how amazing the group is. There is never a dull moment, the opportunities to learn are endless, and everyone's support for each other really is heartwarming. If you've been considering joining us, believe me, you'll be hard pressed to find as welcoming and interesting a group as this!

one more that i have to add!

2011-01-14T15:58:00.002-07:00

I've been signed up to this group - which is free by the way - for quite a while but have just gotten around to participating. And, I'm impressed! Tam, at Willowing and Artist Friends, has generously offered this course for free, has obviously put lots of heart and time into it, and I'm excited about its contents. There are all kinds of other courses and creativity on her site as well. Well worth a look.

some help in making creativity part of your daily life

2011-01-14T12:13:00.003-07:00

Every January I wonder how I can be more creative in the year ahead. (And keep it up past January). Fit more projects in, make journalling or painting or sewing more of a priority as opposed to letting it sit on the back burner - as it often does - while I race around attending to all the other "priorities". Fortunately, there are artists out there who understand! And who've, either on their own, or in groups, have created projects and challenges for people just like me - to provide daily, weekly or monthly inspiration to make the time and enjoy the process. I've discovered three sketching/art journalling ones so far and have put their badges on the right side of this blog so that you can check them out. I love that each of them is a mix of inspiration, technique and support. Now to find the time to fit them ALL in!

And... if you have lots of time and really want to go down the rabbit hole, check this out! What a fantastic art journal reference post... Rhomany's Realm.

Lori

Two Fabulous Sites you need to know about BEFORE the Holidays

2010-12-14T21:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Holidays,

A couple of sites I love that will be of big help in the last minute holiday frenzy...

One, Smitten Kitchen, has a recipe for the decadent and

oh so simple "Christmas Crack". The only time I make this is when I am taking it with me to a gathering where it will all be inhaled - so that I won't eat it all myself!

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/04/chocolate-caramel-crackers/

I've signed up to receive emails from this site because the recipes are terrific - and the pictures make me want to rush right to the kitchen (or to the store to get whatever I am missing.)

The second site is Michelle Allen's. I met Michelle at Artfest last year when I was lucky enough to take a class from her. She is every bit as happy and energetic in person as she seems on her blog. It's one I check in on regularly as I love how she shares her life as well as her creativity. These gift labels will definitely be adorning many of my Christmas gifts..

http://allendesigns.typepad.com/blog/

She's generously created these tags and some address labels that are downloadable from her site for us to use.

Wishing you all a creative holiday!

Lori

Holiday Greetings

2010-12-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

There are going to be some very lucky people who will find beautiful, heartfelt mail art in their mailboxes this season. A variety of scrapbook paper, paints, stamps, stickers, and various other ephemera went into the creation of the fabulous letters above. Just as important though, were the contents - there was a lot of love being poured into these beautiful gifts. This is the season when it is so easy to get caught up in the doings and the chaos of holiday preparation and we forget about the love, gratitude and generosity that are the foundation of the holidays. This month's workshop was all about letting someone know how important they are - I think that the writing of the letters was truly as wonderful for the authors as it will be for their recipients.

Happy Holidays,

Lori

2010-11-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this video! Also, have a look at Cheryl's link on the left hand side of the page. She's been quite prolific since moving to Victoria and has lots of wonderful inspiration on her blog. You can sign up to be updated to all her new posts as well.

October's Wine, Women and a Paintbrush

2010-11-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

These are photocopied self-portraits, over-painted, and collaged. There are a couple more to add as soon as my camera battery is recharged..

March

2010-04-17T08:44:00.000-06:00

The gathering of women at this workshop was amazing. The connections, the interactions, the surprises were truly fantastic and it was just a great place to be for a few hours.

Someone suggested recently that perhaps, in light of our focus on process rather than outcome, we shouldn't be putting the finished pieces up on the blog. That they essentially defeat the purpose of letting go of expectations in order to really be present at the evening, letting whatever happens, happen. It makes me think about the need for both - the ability to, in the moment, let go of outcome, judgment and expectation, and also, in the end, to honor the outcome, no matter what that is. It seems to me that as women, and caretakers, we spend alot

of time giving - usually without expectation - and probably not nearly enough time appreciating or being appreciated. So maybe Wine, Women and a Paintbrush is a

place for both. An opportunity to let go of the daily responsibilities for a couple of hours but also to acknowledge and be acknowledged for what we've accomplished.

These pieces turned out beautifully. There is so much thought and heart in every one of them. You could feel that in the room and it showed in the way that women who'd just met were there for each other with support and guidance.

Fabric Paper

2010-03-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

A new twist on collage. This process uses cotton fabric - or, in this case, an old sheet from value village. We added glue and images from magazines and cards to make quite a thick but flexible cloth. It has endless uses - book or journal covers, framed as is, cut up to use in other projects, part of an art quilt, postcards, the list goes on. The best thing, however, about our February evening was the conversation about life and love and where we belong.

What a Start to 2010!

2010-02-02T15:14:00.001-07:00

(If you click on one of the above images, you'll be able to see the journal pages more easily.) January's kick off evening was such a blast! We chose a project that we plan to be adding to over the course of the year - an art journal. There were a couple of guidelines but no real plan - as you can see from the photos. Just an opportunity to fool around with paint, ink, stamps, collage, whatever! I love how vibrant they all are. We finished with a new twist - some downtime to use the journals and record whatever you felt like recording.

Our plan is to either bring the journals to each session or we will provide you with paper that you can add in later so that we can continue to journal about the processes, ideas, insights or whatever else is on your mind that evening.

If you were unable to join us, we'll have kits available each evening for a nominal fee so that you can catch up at home. It's easy, messy and very fun!

Our next gathering is Thursday February 11th. We had to make some changes to accommodate various kid activities this weekend. Sure hope that you're coming!

February Date Change

2010-02-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Please note that we've changed the dates this month to accomodate various child activities. Hope to see you next Thursday the 11th!

Celebrate What's Right With The World Video by Lazarus! - The Resurrected - MySpace Video

2010-01-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!

Here's a piece of a wonderful video to help you get your year off to an inspirational and positive start!

Celebrate What's Right With The World Video by Lazarus! - The Resurrected - MySpace Video

The Magic of the Holidays

2010-01-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

This month's intention was to remember and revisit the wonder, magic and meaning of the holiday season. With a great, relaxing intro from Cheryl and a wonderfully inspiring bit of music, we were relaxed and ready to dig in to all the watercolors. A little drawing and painting, some memories, and lots of creativity.

2009-10-21T16:49:00.001-06:00

AT LAST!!!! We have dates!! We are so sorry to have kept you waiting but promise lots of great activities for the next 7 months.

We also hope to be offering a second night of Wine, Women and a Paintbrush in the Bowness area. We are teaming up with Self Connections who will be opening their new location in the new year. Watch here for more details and dates.

So November's theme is designed to help you both chill and get "ahead of the game". Both Cheryl and I have been ultra busy this fall and it's time to slow down, regroup, and reconnect with the creative process. This activity will do that - and it has the added benefit of being practical too. That's all I'll tell you for now. I'll send out an email closer to the November date to let you know what you can bring...

We can't wait to see you all! If there are new ladies who'd like to come, please leave a comment on this post and we'll be in touch.

Here are the dates:

Thursday November 12

the rest are Fridays

December 11

January 15

February 5

March 12

April 9

May 7

Pop them into your calendars now - in pen!

Lori

Summer Windup

2009-07-06T12:55:00.000-06:00

Knowing that we'd be busy with all the summer brings, whether it's kids home or vacations or whatever, we wanted to our last project to be something to help us all be at least a little bit creative for the next couple of months. So, these handmade journals were born.

The inspiration for the covers was a mix of zentangles, zendoodles and zendalas.

We used leather that can be doodled on with Sharpies! That was so much fun in itself. Then we added pages of cardstock and artist paper and watercolor. A little bit of everything so that the possibilities for creativity are endless. Though, as usual, we probably bit off more than we could chew from a time standpoint, we also added the options to include some charms and cords for bookmarks.

One of the more fearless of us also went crazy with leather stamping which is sort of hard to see here but was totally cool. She also bound her book a little differently so you can see her name on the spine.

Cheryl and I are hopeful that these little books will be just the perfect size and inspiration for some summer doodling. Mine was swiped by my daughter so I am already behind but I am excited about catching up and, not only having a memento of our summer's activities, but also ensuring that I make the time for creativity each day.

We'll be starting up again in September, maybe with a couple of new locations as well. Keep an eye here for where and when we will be.

2009-05-30T20:15:00.000-06:00

The theme for MAY was listening, paying attention to where you are right now. What's going on in your world that you are or could be noticing. It brought up all kinds of creativity as you can see from the pictures below.

I've had a number of people tell me lately that they just aren't "creative" and are not sure if they'd be a good fit with our evenings. I think that translates to "would I enjoy it or would I just be frustrated with not being good enough, artistic enough, whatever enough?" It's a good question - how can you enjoy something if you are not comfortable with the outcome - what if it doesn't meet your expectations? Was the time you spent in the activity worth it?

For anyone reading this, wondering if taking part is right for them, look at the images below. Everyone of them tells a meaningful story about its creator. Lots of thought and reflection and "effort" went into each of these and they turned out perfectly - as they always do. But more importantly, the joy is in the process, in the being with other wonderful, friendly, inspirational women. Seeing something about yourself in the work that others do. Actually chilling (as my son would say) for a whole three hours and allowing yourself to totally (well usually almost) get caught up in yourself and your life.

We are wrapping up for the summer with a bang on June 19. It will be a creative celebration of the beginning of summer. If you've been thinking of coming, come! We would all love to meet you!

2009-05-30T20:03:00.000-06:00

2009-05-22T15:53:00.000-06:00

For those of you interested in the metal working we did in last month's workshop, you might want to spend some time at this site. Nina Bagley's blog at http://ornamental.typepad.com/ is absolutely wonderful - her posts, her photos and her jewellry are so inspiring. Take some time to really scour the site - this photo above is just one of many examples of her work.

APRIL

2009-05-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

2009-05-13T13:24:00.000-06:00

April's Wine, Women and a Paintbrush was NOISY! But the "results" were spectacular and the evening, as usual, lots of fun.

Building Community

2009-03-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

Some of the nicest benefits of creating in groups is the sense of community and support we can share with one another. Our Tuesday afternoon Creative Connections group just completed a project based on the idea of Tibetan Flags. Of course, the Tibetan flags are created and hung with messages of peace and the intent that these blessings would be shared around the world, carried by the wind. In the same way, we created miniature inspirational tiles, shared them with each other, and strung them on chains to be hung in our spaces as a way of continuing to encourage one another with these positive thoughts. Just another reason to love creativity!

Our Hands, Ourselves

2009-03-22T21:30:00.000-06:00

This week's creative adventure was an exploration of our hands. What and who they've touched, what work they've done, how they express who we are, what their future holds. We started with a conversation about all those things and more and then chose positions to plaster. Once dry, we painted, glued, drew and doodled to add more personal details.

One of the ladies who attended is off on a global adventure shortly. Her young grandson, wanting something of hers to have while she was away, took home her plaster hand! He loved the feel and look of it, loved placing his own little hand inside. Whether they are hanging on the wall, sitting on a shelf or table, or being used as mementos, they all tell incredible stories of our lives, loves and experiences.

An interesting perspective on the importance of PLAY

2009-03-18T08:36:00.000-06:00

As I was doing some prep for corporate work I'm doing, I came upon this TED talk about play. It's fascinating.
Here's the link...http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/483

2009-03-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

This video just makes you happy!

Enjoy,
Lori

The Lovely Ladies of February's Wine,Women and a Paintbrush

2009-03-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

When you re-read a classic you do not see in the book more than you did before. You see more in you than there was before.

~Clifton Fadiman

I think creating self-portraits has a similar effect. Despite the wonky measurements, each of these are reflections of their creators. One can't help but, in this process, see more about themselves. Thoughts?

2009-02-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

This TED talk with Elizabeth Gilbert is well worth the 20 minutes you'll spend. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine and settle in for an interesting perspective on the creative process. Whether you were a fan of Eat, Pray, Love or not, if you have a passion for creativity and all that it brings to your life, watch it. And if you have comments, please leave them - I would love to know what you think.

Lori

New Dates for the Wine, Women and a Paintbrush Series

2009-02-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist when I saw the photo of the two sheep smiling. Cheryl and I keep talking about taking a picture of the two of us, this one will have to do for now!

Here are the rest of the dates for the Wine, Women and a Paintbrush evenings through June.

Thursday, February 26

Thursday, March 19

Thursday, April 30

Friday, May 22

Friday, June 19

Please let us know when you'll be joining us!

2009-01-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

When I re-opened my altered book this morning I was struck by the experience of just being grateful. This fabulous book is a collaboration of some wonderfully warm and creative women that I had the pleasure of spending a laughter-filled evening with. What a great gift and memory. And, even as I look at it now, I can see that it has more to tell me. For instance, I've journaled about the quotes being "black and white" and me feeling more grayish and yet the colors I chose to journal and doodle with were black and white! As Monic so aptly put it, "huh". Regardless, though, of what I see or discover, what is already there are beautiful colors, quirky stamps, thought-provoking quotes and terrific memories, and that's enough in itself.

So, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who began this adventure with us. I believe that it's going to be a fun ride! I'm already excited to see you again next month. And, for anyone who is curious and thinking about being part of this amazing group, please do. We promise you'll be warmly welcomed and quickly at ease!

Lori

A Community of Courage

2009-01-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

Less than a day after our first Woman, Wine and a Paintbrush evening, I am reflecting on how inspired I am by all the really cool women we shared our night with. Lori and I chose to lead everyone down a road of uncertainty, and they all willingly and cheerfully allowed themselves to go there. Why?... you might ask. Well, we knew that most folks often get hung up on needing to have a measure of control over our efforts, particularly creative ones. And, yet, we are often quick to judge our own creative efforts quite harshly. And, so we moved these adventurous women down a road of creative activity that did not allow for any control at all. (The project was an altered book done collaboratively, with a different person completing each layer.) Perhaps it was difficult for some, and perhaps it was completely frustrating for others, and I believe it was fun and liberating as well if one successfully reached the place of "letting go". What I do know is that all were willing to go into uncharted creative territory and be uncomfortable with the process in it's various stages. With this, I am inspired...and grateful. A community of women to share a creative journey is a blessing to me. And, to know that they are willing to allow themselves to be uncomfortable at times is so inspiring. I love that about women friends - we are willing to learn about ourselves, to grow and to stretch, to be vulnerable in the presence of one another, to grapple with our desire to have a measure of creative control, and to laugh at ourselves in the process. I believe this is what makes us women powerful. So...KUDOS to all you brave ladies who joined us on a journey of creative experimentation. I hope we have only just begun to show each other what we are capable of and you will continue this creative adventure with us in the coming months.

Creative Connections / Wine, Women and a Paintbrush

2009-01-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

"You use a glass mirror to see your face;

you use works of art to see your soul."

George Bernard Shaw

Over the last couple of weeks, Cheryl and I have been following a blog from Milliande - check out her incredible zentangle to the right - who has created an amazing community of like-minded souls who love to create and want to stay connected to others doing similar things. You can, and should, read more about her at www.milliande.typepad.com. We think she is absolutely fabulous!

Every time I read one of her new posts, I'm inspired to get out my paints and journals and all other paraphenalia and get after it. The problem so far has been that I don't make the time (not that I've had much extra lately). But even when I do, my creativity hasn't been nearly the priority that I want and need it to be. That's a big part of the reason that I'm so excited about our upcoming Creative Connections and Wine, Women and a Paintbrush workshops. Both prepping for them and then being a part of them will ensure that I'm actively creating and not leaving it for when I have a moment, after everything else is done and before I finally collapse at the end of busy days!

Both workshops, weekly on Tuesday days and once a month on Thursday evenings, will be full of learning new things, creating fabulous projects, and making the most of those 3 hours that you've set aside for yourself each week or each month. Cheryl and I have oodles of ideas, all designed to get a little introspective, laugh at ourselves sometimes, and keep the whole thing more creative than artistic. That said though, Cheryl is an accomplished artist who can help you build your skills in a number of media.

We are starting out with a January to June offering for Thursday evening, and a March to June session for the daytime. Hopefully you'll be inspired to stay with us in the fall as well cause we have great ideas for those months too. Actually, we have enough ideas for years to come but that's getting a little ahead of ourselves!

Here are the particulars:

Daytime

Tuesdays, starting March 3 from 12 - 3 pm. At Willowridge Community Centre, 680 Acadia Drive SE.

Evenings

The third Thursday of each month, starting January 29. From 7 - 10 pm. Same location. Which, by the way, is fantastic! Lots of parking and big, sunny windows that look out over lots of green space, so we may have a chance to get outside when the weather suits us.

Cost and Materials

$40.00 per session gets you 3 hours of creative fun, most of the materials needed, nibbles (contributions gratefully accepted each week), and inspiration galore. We'll make sure you either finish your project completely in class time or help you access the things you need to keep you happily creating at home in between.

So, if you, like us, are in the mood to spend this year reflecting and growing, connecting with interesting people, and creating, join us. Email us here through the box at the left or call either Cheryl 403.542.6241 or Lori 403.452.4085. It's going to be a blast!

Lori and Cheryl

2008-11-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

"my just crawled out from under a rock look"

I made this in an art class that I take with a phenomenal artist/teacher and a group of amazing, creative women. Though I was given the dimensions of my features (ie. two different sized eyes, a really long nose, and a very small mouth) and a process to follow, it took me a while to get comfortable. The sheer novelty of spending all that time studying my face in the mirror, not looking for new wrinkles, but looking to reproduce my features, was enlightening. I really saw myself in a new light, the color of my eyes, the shape of my nose, the shades in my hair. I've noticed all these things before, of course, but not in the context of having to reproduce them. And then, just when I was getting a little more used to seeing myself on the paper, Jill (my teacher) handed me a piece of charcoal to create the shadows and dark circles. More discomfort. Not exactly a "pretty" result. In these days of staying youthful, and getting rid of the flaws, I'm busy highlighting them! What a freeing thing to do. It actually looks like me, though I'm not quite that pinched or sickly looking :) And I love it! I've done tons of painting and other creative projects over the years but I'm not sure that any have had such an impact on me.

I've made many more since - of my kids, my dad and my mom's dog. I'm so excited about the possibility of making them with old and new friends in our Wine, Women and a Paintbrush series. Can't wait to see what will arise!

Lori

Today I am Grateful for Me - A Mixed-Media Self Portrait

2008-11-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

A self-portrait seems like the most daunting of creative endeavours. Why is that? Do we feel we can only attempt a portrait if we have the skills to get the likeness just right? Or is it because we really have to look closely at ourselves; if not at our actual features, then at ourselves, our lives, our values, etc. Sometimes this navel gazing seems like a huge task that we don't have the time to do "properly" - with genuine reflection and effort. Does "properly" mean that we need to get it RIGHT? Goodness, there seems to be so many things that can stop us dead in our tracks because we have this perception that we must get it right.
I think of that quote...."boldness has genuis in it...", you know it:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” - Goethe

So with that abandon to action, I attempted a self portrait that became a wonderful exercise in letting go and surrendering to the process. Surrounded in a variety of papers I found appealing, magazines I love reading, pages from old journals, and a current writing on Gratitude, pictures of family and a selection of my own artwork that had some meaning for me, I let loose with scissors and gel medium. The process of collage was completely absorbing and enlightening as I watched myself be moved and inspired by certain images, colors, and words.
The whole process was inspired by the book Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts, so I can't take credit for the idea. I can however own the courage it took to jump in and allow myself the gift of engaging in the process. It's hard to give ourselves permission to take the time for these things most of the time....so for this I am grateful - to myself.
In the end, it was very moving, enlightening, and fascinating as the painting spoke to me on it's own as I worked. Only one brief moment felt frustrating...when my critical brain piped up to observe that my facial features were out of proportion. I was both amused and grateful that my Wise Woman (right brain) very quickly quipped back..."that's OK, it's SUPPOSED to be like that!"

24 Hours of Creative Bliss

2008-03-14T08:06:00.000-06:00

The Girls' Great Escape -

Imagine 24 hours away from the usual daily routines! Come enjoy some space and freedom, renewal and creativity. There will be time to unwind, to discover new creative talents, to experience JOY, relax, laugh and have fun. As part of the 24 hours, you’ll be given all the things you need to maintain that spirit when you are at home – that will sustain you and create new routines for the future. Together we will hang with old friends, make new ones, and use the time just for ourselves – something most of us don’t do often enough. Our creative sessions will incorporate sacred art, creativity, meditation, journaling, nature and play.

Our time together will leave you with simple and powerful techniques to use in your daily lives, to sustain and enhance your own adventure. You’ll also create beautiful, interesting artwork that will continue to inspire you long after the great escape is over.

We are holding the Girls' Great Escape at the FCJ Centre on the weekend of May 15. Please join us.

Cheryl and I were fortunate to have met at a weekend exactly like this. We met on the airplane, talked our heads off, connected - as Cheryl has pointed out - in so many ways, and became lifelong friends. The time away from our busy lives and families, the opportunity to meet new people, relax thoroughly, learn new skills, and create to our heart's content allowed us to totally be ourselves, put aside everything else in our lives, and just be. Memories of that weekend and the inspiration from it will stay with me forever and we are excited to be able to offer something similar to you.

For me, I have a really hard time finding enough time to be as creative as I would like to be. Really to do anything that is important to just me. Everything always seems hurried or just a little too short. It's not that it is necessarily, it's just that that's the way that it can feel sometimes. I'm either pulling myself away to attend to something else or really needing some sleep! Fitting alot in into not alot of space. Even though I try to make the most of those times, I really relish the idea of spending 24 hours on myself, knowing that there will be no interruptions and nothing else to do - I can just relax into the day and enjoy it fully.

If you'd like more information about the Girls' Great Escape, please contact Cheryl or me.

How it all began

2008-03-12T20:03:00.000-06:00

Syncronicity brought us together... and the more time we share the more we see our parallel lives, philosophies, and loves for art. We became fast friends when we realized that we registered for the same retreat in California early last year. How much we have in common is almost freakish. We both have a significant corporate background and once becoming mothers we realized that the environment there is most definitely NOT focused on wellness. We both individually chose to follow our hearts and start our own businesses supporting the corporate environment we left - our focuses: stress management and emotional intelligence. In our personal lives we learned through becoming mothers that balance is critical and that for us, resilience and much needed stillness comes through a variety of creative endeavors. And, so....we both are avid artists in a multitude of mediums. We even discovered that we played soccer together in a tournament a few years back when Lori joined our team for a couple games! Imagine - less that a few meters apart on the field and yet we didn't really "meet" until years later. And so.....this led us to now. For us the connections are obviously purposeful. We still share art adventures and ideas incessantly. We love the retreat experience and understand first hand how a brief escape away from the daily routine is a vital renewing gift we give ourselves. We have a passion to share our creative experiences with others who may not otherwise make time for it themselves. We call it Emotional Wellness Experience - a variety of creative and fun interludes delivered in a retreat setting or in an ongoing series or even as a corporate wellness program. The underlying focus in most of what we do is to provide meaningful, fun, reflective, creative activities to counteract the fast and stressful lifestyles that most are currently living. Sound like fun? So...come, unplug from the crazy-making, grab a crayon, tune in to your silent and intuitive self and get lost with us in some creative fun!

Rumination for the moment
Tools: A pen or pencil or crayon of your favorite color. A journal or anything to write on.
Get quiet. (Lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to.) After a moment of stillness consider this: What color speaks to your soul? What does it say? Draw something with a pencil, pen or crayon of your color - a doodle, a symbol - whatever image or words that surface spontaneously. When complete, journal any thoughts you may have on this reflection. What does it mean to you or say about you or what message is here for you?