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Hello creative
friends,  "The thrill of creation lies in the possibility of what might be unearthed, both in the maker and the materials"  This quote by Jennifer Higgie, in her new book The Other Side: A Story of Women in Art and the Spirit World, is really resonating with me (Kathleen). (I am devouring this book, by the way, and
hope to write more about that soon.) In online Open Studio this past week, while dealing with an unexpected power outage and a tenuous internet connection, I decided to simply explore some new materials, rather than dive into a project. I have some iridescent watercolors and black watercolor paper, and I began to play with them. I was delighted with what I learned about the materials, and also with what was unearthed in me.  I discovered the luminosity of watercolors on black, the possibilities of wet-on-wet blending, of precision, of contrast, and radiant glow. I discovered that when the paints dried, the colors looked flatter, but when I tilted the paper or put it under light, the shine was breathtaking.  In myself I quickly became absorbed and delighted, a playful explorer.  And, at the end of our studio time, I picked up my pen and spontaneously wrote: "Look from a new angle and you will see the shine, and the iridescent beauty that may be invisible at first glance.
Imagine what radiance may live in that place". The message was an unexpected nugget of wisdom, emerging organically from free exploration of the materials.  Since then I have been thinking a lot about radiance, and how easy it is to miss it - in ourselves, in others, in relationships, in the world.  All it takes to notice radiance is a second look and a shift in
perspective.  In my guided meditations, you will often hear me say "just follow your next creative impulse". Another way to say that is 'rather than plan your painting, stay open to the discovery, the possibility of what may happen, both within you and with the materials.  Consider
these invitations: - Do you have some materials that you haven't explored? Pick them up and begin to play. Don't make a plan. Just invite the materials to teach you about themselves, and about you.
- Meditate on 'radiance'. Consider where it might be hiding - in you, your loved ones, in the world. What art
materials, or arts modalities, might assist you in finding it? Open your heart and mind to discover something new.Â
Here are some opportunities to connect and create........ Â We are so excited for Playback Theater this Friday! If you haven't experienced Playback Theater before, you are in for a treat. Olga is an amazing facilitator and we had a wonderful time at the last one. This one is all about expressing yourself through the body, and embracing the emotional connection within. Â If you're feeling like you could use even more
creative connection, join us for Open Studio on Friday before Playback Theater. It's a great time to get together and create in community. We'll have art supplies there but you are more than welcome to bring whatever you are working on as well! Â We have a few spots left for the Sacred Chaos retreat with Tanjariitta and Tamara and are getting so excited to create together in the magical Montana mountains with those of you who have already signed up. If you have any questions, please reach out. Â In case
you missed it, we also have a lot of new workshops and events to share including the Imagining the Sacred series with Renee Bhatia and a
new SoulCollage® event with Diane Lampitt.  We are still accepting applications for our next expressive arts certificate training program start date! EAFI 130: Scope of Expressive Arts. This course will be in person, in Sarasota, FL. Respond to this
email if you're interested and we'll send you more info! Â |
Would you like to share your personal practice images? Our private Facebook group  is a sanctuary for witnessing one another. It is not a place to
share or promote your professional work; it is a place to share the images the arise from your deepest creative wisdom. (If you are a new member, please be sure to answer the questions and agree to the rules. That helps us to hold a safe and welcoming space.) We hope to see you in the circle soon. With gratitude, Kathleen, Tamara, & the Expressive Arts Florida
Team |
These are both on Friday, in person in Sarasota! Come for Open Studio and stay for Playback Theater! |
See all our upcoming offerings here! All Self-Study Courses contain detailed, yet approachable instructions, videos, and meditations facilitated by Kathleen & Tamara. The imagery and guidance from this work can assist you, whether dipping your
toes into expressive arts or seeking a deeper connection.  *All courses come with lifetime access so you can refer back to them at any time! *No previous art experience
is necessary! |
Featured Self-Study Course  |
 10 Steps Expressive Arts Practice
Awaken the power of your own creative wisdom! 10 expressive arts lessons that can be done at your own pace. These easy to follow lessons are instructed by Kathleen and Tamara and can be done in any order at any time.Â
 Receive 1 lesson each week for 10 weeks! Easy to follow instructions, supplemented with videos, audios and examples. |
Tamara is accepting new clients in Florida seeking therapy services and support using expressive arts to heal and grow. Using her years of creative practice and a compassionate approach, she is able to help clients access their inner strengths and
create the change they most want in their lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE,
call/text 941-444-9585 or email tknappcounseling@gmail.com  ~Tamara and Kathleen  Tamara Teeter Knapp MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern,
REACE®  Kathleen
Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®  www.expressiveartsflorida.com  |
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