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Dear Creative Friend, Last week I wrote about fear and presence, and creating sanctuary spaces for art-making and connection. This week's in-person Open Studio was such a great
example of a sanctuary space, where twelve of us gathered. The buzz of talking and excited reconnection gradually descended, as it always does, into the deep, quiet presence of art-making, punctuated by the occasional giggle, whisper, or comment, along with the studio sounds of tearing, cutting, pages turning, and brushes swishing in water. And, in the last half hour, verbal interaction began again as we returned from our imaginal journeys, and prepared for witnessing the images that have
arrived. For this session, I had brought some black watercolor paper and metallic watercolor paints, with the intention of exploring these materials and creating a mandala. I guess I was thinking luminescent sacred symbols, bathed in light and mystery. I recognized that I was a little more focused on product than I usually am, while still keeping
myself open to whatever might be revealed. While I found moments of deliciousness as the paint soaked in and glowed on the paper, my overall experience with creating this mandala was a sense of unsettledness. I didn't feel much energy or delight in the piece. I shared my mandala, and my uncomfortable feelings, with the group. I sensed that I was in the middle of something. Later on, at home, I remembered that someone else in the open studio group had done a bilateral (both-handed) drawing. Looking at my mandala image, and attending to the central forms, it occurred to me that this might be my next step. Standing, with a large piece of paper , and focusing on the prominent shapes in the center of the mandala, I did just that, repetitively, with two crayons, until I felt complete. Then I wrote. The next step was recreating that
image in my small daily mandala journal. Here is the progression of 3 images. And some of the writing so far: Feminine and empowered, Grounded yet uplifted Fluid, and organizing into a new
form. I didn't set out to create this mandala to explore anything in particular. I wanted to explore the beautiful materials. But, no matter the intention, the message is there, if we are willing to listen deeply enough. As Tamara and I are in the process of making shifts in our business, and I am considering what my 'form' may look like, this message is
timely and supportive. I still feel curious, but no longer unsettled, and I love the shape that has emerged. I know I am not finished, or that the image is not finished with me. I am not sure if I will return to the original mandala or keep exploring the evolving shape, or something else. What I know right now is that the central image above - the large bilateral drawing - is the one that is currently most alive for me, so that is likely where I will
begin. Daria Halprin says: "When we work on our art (whether a dance,
drawing, or poem) we are also working on something in our lives" (The Expressive Body in Life, Art, and Therapy) Like dreams, our images always hold messages, whether we discover them or not. Sometimes the messages come easily, and some require a little more of us. As we engage with the image, the next creative impulse might come from the collective field, or we may just need to sit with it awhile before we know 'how' to listen more deeply. We might write, or move, or sound our images. It's about following the energy. That is the essence of intermodal practice.
How does it happen for you? And how do you take those messages into your life? We hope you will take time this week for your own arts practice and listen within. If you would you like to share, you can do that in our private Facebook group. It is a sanctuary for witnessing one another. (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.) Maybe you will decide to join us for one of our upcoming offerings. We would love that. Did you see we have a brand new SoulCollage® workshop coming up in April? Learn how to connect with your intuition by creating and consulting with your own collage cards. No previous SoulCollage® experience is
necessary. |
There are a few last minute spots in our upcoming training with Eliana Gil. If you want to join this one, scroll down for more info and register by Tuesday. Thank you for reading our newsletter. We hope that by sharing some of our personal experiences, you will receive something meaningful, whether you are learning about the field, or
have been engaged with it for a long time. With love and gratitude, Kathleen, Tamara, and the Expressive Arts Florida
team
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Take a look at our live online & in person events happening this week! |
Join Kathleen and our wonderful online creative community to connect and engage, explore, and witness. Click here to learn more!
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Join Eliana Gil, Kathleen, and Tamara for an integrative training in Sarasota that weaves together the threads of Sand, Play and Expressive Arts therapies into a dynamic intermodal journey that will nourish you and enliven your work. Click here to learn more!
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Mark your calendar for
these upcoming classes & workshops! Registration is open for all events unless otherwise noted. To see a schedule of all upcoming events, courses and workshops visit our calendar of events here. If you have questions about an upcoming course or event, please email us at admin@expressiveartsflorida.com.
Thursday, April 17th 7-8:30pm Live Online Expressive Arts Discovery monthly sessions are back! Move through guided meditation, artmaking, writing and witnessing in this 90 minute
workshop. Click here to learn more!
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Join us for In Person Open Studio and work on a creative project! We have basic art supplies, tea and light snacks. 1031 S. Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237 Room 9 Click here to sign up!
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Join Kathleen and our wonderful online creative community to connect and engage, explore, and witness. Click here to learn more!
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Join Diane Lampitt live online for this 3 hour SoulCollage® workshop where you'll access your intuition and inner wisdom through the creation of collage cards. No previous SoulCollage® experience necessary! Click here to learn more!
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The final opportunity to begin and complete the Certificate Training Program in its final form will be starting with this course in April. This course can also be taken as a stand alone course. Click here to learn more!
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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.
Receive 1 lesson each week for 10 weeks! Easy to follow instructions, supplemented with videos, audios and examples. |
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! |
Tamara is accepting new expressive arts therapy clients seeking support using to heal and grow. Using her expertise in expressive arts and a compassionate approach, she helps clients access their inner strengths and create the change they need 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, NCC, LMHC, REACE® Kathleen Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT® www.expressiveartsflorida.com |
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