Hello Creative Friend,

After last week's announcement of how 2026 is shaping up for us and the Fall Equinox ushered in Autumn, we consider the changing of seasons. Seasons can be defined as many things, though. We have seasons in life, in society and culture, in the natural world, and in our own development. As with anything we want to consider, it is useful to "take it to the art" to see what happens. I (Tamara) wondered what it would be like to explore transition in an art process. I used water because it flows and watercolor paint because it easily shows how the water moves. I started with green and the shape started to look like a hand to me. Out of the hand emerged yellow shapes reminiscent of leaves. As I put the water on the paper, then paint into the water, the color was drawn into the water and moved to fill the wet space. When I put another color into the wet space, it merged and created a gradual transition from yellow to gold, to burnt sienna. This process was natural. I did not have to make it happen. I simply observed it happening as I put the color down. The metaphor of easy, smooth, natural transitions began to unfold. As I played with the colors, I noticed how they worked together, blending and merging. 

Changes in seasons happen naturally. One does not stop without another already beginning. It is gradual. It is a process. Some changes are imperceptible - so minute that they are not visible to the naked eye or each day. But each day, there is a little less light until we get to the darkest day and then start getting lighter. Each small, imperceptible shift adds up to the change. 

gold and brown and red

I am held as I release

to transition to the next

As we move toward the new things at EAFI, we continue with the things that are already in process. We will teach four courses in the coming months as we also prepare new things for the "next season". We will be like the fall leaves, changing colors then dropping away only to see new growth emerge bright and fresh. There is excitement in the air. A crisp anticipation for what comes next and the aroma of excitement pervades the room as we prepare to be in the circle with our students soon. 

I invite you to explore the changing of the seasons in your art. Maybe it is a move from the home you have lived in for a long time, or letting go of unused clothing or furniture that needs to be replaced but holds memories for you. Maybe your season is changing from having children in the house to having an "empty nest" or you are transitioning as part of aging. Whatever season you are in, spend some time with it and notice how it naturally begins to draw you into what comes next. Take your time with your materials and see what they do. LEt them teach you as you play. 

With you in the liminal spaces, 

Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida Institute Team

Scroll down to see our upcoming events, trainings, workshops and more! Or visit our calendar of events here.

Therapy Services

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 Teeter Knapp

MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE®

Kathleen Horne

MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®

www.expressiveartsflorida.com