CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Visual art, music, poetry,  journaling, photography, movement and even drama are all forms of creative expression.  These expressive tools allow a person to  connect with both soul and spirit in a deeper way. 

Participants in our offerings often feel that God speaks through these creative exercises and brings insight and understanding into their relationship with Him.  Therapeutic expressive therapies also work to deepen our insight and understanding of ourselves.

To engage in “process” creativity, one need not “be artistic” in the sense that the end is a pretty product. Process means that we allow intuition to guide us. We reach within and allow images, words, music, movement to draw us, speak to us, give us insight and bring transformation!

Stuart Cubley, in his book, Life, Paint and Passion writes:

“Art process is a living thing; it breathes and its heartbeat is in your soul.  Done for its own sake, it is an act of love. It is a gift to life, a prayer, a song that touches that which is timeless and eternal.  Art as process is a meditative activity.   In creating, you embrace the Spirit and move with the current of God’s river, from form to the formless, to form again and again.”

Our workshops and retreats often include creativity as part of our time. What does this look and feel like, especially for those who might come saying “I’m not an artist!”

What Does An Art Play Day or creative workshop “look like?”

You will walk into the studio to quiet music and materials for journaling and art making already on the tables. There is coffee, tea, and refreshments for you to enjoy. You will find a place to sit and settle in.

Usually we begin with prayer, a song or a poem that sets the atmosphere for the morning. Deb will introduce the activity for the day, and explain the materials available and how they might be used. We talk for a moment about process over product, and how we sometimes can “fall prey” to our inner critic, and how to mange this. We want to have fun and see what comes up for each of us!

This is soul work, interior accessibility to thoughts, feelings and Spirit, so when we actually begin to engage with the activity of the morning, we do so without chatting. It’s time just to “be with” your soul and with God.

You generally have an hour and a half to play, answering questions posed on instruction sheets given to each person, journaling and seeing how collage, mixed media and other materials unfold on your surface. You can get up and get more coffee, walk outside if its not too cold, and attend to necessaries and just breathe.

We stop playing around 20 minutes before ending to invite anyone who wishes to share their process do so. Its never required, but we always benefit from the insights of others!

“My husband and I have been coming to Art Play Day and other events led by Deb since we attended her art retreat 8 years ago.  I was hesitant at first, as I felt insecure about my artistic abilities. (I've actually gotten more skillful from coming to art play day, but that is icing on the cake.)  Deb's studio has everything you will need or desire; her guidance inspires each person and there is a very supportive sense of community.  A comment from my husband:  "Whenever we see a notice about an activity planned by Deb, we make it a priority because we know we'll come home enriched."

Andrea and Frank O'Brien

Please Note! With Covid-19, workshops are offered occasionally “online” via Zoom. If you are interested in being on the mailing list for these offerings, visit the contact page and send me your email address!

See the Home Page for upcoming events!