Dear Creative Friend,

In your creative life, where do you find the pulse? How do you touch the vein of gold?

On Friday, twelve of us gathered for Open Studio.

As we settled in, we opened our bags and brought out our materials: watercolors, acrylics, collage. Leaves and flowers. Bits of shiny metal picked up on a walk. Fabric from an old blouse. Pieces of moss. Old paintings to cut up. And much more.

Creative camaraderie.

We created together for two hours in a rich silence where the sounds of art-making, and some gentle music, held us. Someone got up to move to their art and another went outside for a time. Supplies, and smiles, were exhanged.  Later we shared our images and words, telling our stories, naming our fears and triumphs. Grieving and celebrating. Touching the simple magic of creating something brand new in the world, brand new in our lives.

And when we said goodbye, we carried treasures home — in our hands, in our hearts, in the very way we move through the world.

This is the pulse of it: the vein of gold running through expressive arts practice.

Expressive Arts is a profession, and a wonderful one. And it is far more than that. It is a way of being in the world. A way of approaching life’s questions. A way of connecting with others. A way of making the world a little brighter, a little more whole. 

Some of the words that emerged during our sharing time:

I felt calm… Elegant strength… So pleased… I am the one who recovers… The dream is mine to make… Landscapes, seascapes, dreamscapes....I am part of a greater whole… Scrappy goddesses… A deep dark forest welcoming me… Fun to draw chaos… Paint something calm… Grieving and celebrating…  returning home after a time away… A space to be inspired and a space to rest.

landscapes, seascapes, dreamscapes

In your own creative life, where do you find your pulse, your vein of gold? How do you touch it?

In solitude? In community?

How do you find your way back to it when you are lost? What are the gifts it brings to your life? To the world?

These are important questions to ponder, to live with. We are hungry for meaning, purpose, and creative solutions in our lives and in the world.

All over the world, people are seeking another way, a better way. And all over the world, people are creating better ways.

I am grateful for those moments when I touch the pulse, when I remember that I carry within me a connection to actively creating a world that supports the web of life.

When does that happen for you?

However it happens, I invite you to engage with it as much as you can.

It makes a difference. You make a difference.

 If you would like to share with us, you can do that in our private Facebook Group. We would love to witness you. If you are not already a member, please be sure to fill out the membership questions in order to join. 

You can also follow Kathleen's personal practice on Substack.

There are only two weeks left to register for our next in person training! In Expressive Arts as a Wisdom Path: A Journey of Creative Transformation you will learn the intermodal expressive arts process from the inside out so you can experience firsthand what your clients will experience when you offer it to them. You will also learn our 5-step model for structing expressive arts sessions. 

See all our upcoming offerings here!

 Each course contains 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