(back to front) Cher, Dian and Leila work on their creative maps.
This weekend saw a new reiteration of the Journal workshop -- the third year begins at El Cielo Workshop. It was a full house, a new moon and a wonderful group of caring, sharing women...again. I am blessed to have this space, this time, these skills and an audience of co-creators for my quirky kind of teaching. What I like best: the small size of the group, the all-day/all-night rhythm, the pacing of working and playing, eating and talking. The sharing of trials, tribulations, victories and strategies for living a creative life. Playing with materials, new and old.
Friday night began with my co-instructor Sue Cooke showing us all how to make a small lovely Coptic bound journal, with decorative papers, real bookbinding stitches and all the right amount of patience. Saturday and Sunday brought the group through pathways toward a way to use journaling in the way that makes the most sense for each individual, and along the way we all worked on studio rituals, goals for the year and recognizing what must be given up to accomplish those goals. (Ah yes, the old 24-hours-in-a-day reality.) Here are a few of the mixed media Journal Boxes made by those present. (click on the thumbnails for a larger view) In order, boxes by Heather, Sharon, Leila, Cher, Dian. I love open-ended forms, as you can see. The same instructions and a stash of materials, a few simple kindergarten cut-and-paste instructions, and look how different these minds are!
Here are a few more in-process pictures.
If you are interested in being part of the next El Cielo workshop artist's retreat, call or email me as soon as possible as each workshop is limited to seven at the most (and a few people have already reserved). Coming up:
THE HEART OF ART
February 9-10, 2008
Saturday & Sunday
$160, most supplies included. Accomodations, free to $30. $150 if paid by Feb. 1.
Romance your creative self with a focus on heart energy. Try your hand at mixed-media valentines to yourself, chocolate as edible art, and heart chakra mediations and movement to inspire an art cloth scapular as heart armor/amor. Where our passion is, so lies our potential for genius, for inspired work, for speaking in the voice that is truely your own. The work we do from our hearts surpasses that from any kit, any class, any technique. Start the journey of identifying that one-of-a-kind self that longs to have its say in the world.
CALLING ALL ARCHETYPES
March 7-9, 2008
Friday evening to Sunday
$160, most supplies included. Accomodations, free to $30. $150 if paid by March. 1.
Explore the inner team that keeps you going, makes a difference and sometimes holds you back from your best life. Create a unique fiber art quilt altar to one of the archetypes. learning fusing techniques. Suitable for all levels, great for those beginning an art journey. Note: Friday night is an optional evening potluck and stayover for a small additional fee of $10.
And don't forget:
SOMETHING SPECIAL: Workshop in Tuscany
March 16-22 in Lucca, Italy.