The Right of Writing - Give Me back my Mo-Jo

Ok - not EXACTLY - I didn't have the discomfort of flying there, but teaching at Studio 33 on Tuesday was simply gorgeous. Our hostess, Catherine Stempowski is the most gracious lady with FINE, fine art abilities. The studio dog, Ochre is a rescue dog. She was so relaxed, so in tune with her environment. After the workshop, participants were reminded that this course is about combining many disciplines into one process to access creativity.  In order to begin this journey we examine ourselves - our own version of the 'self portrait'. Writing is ultimately the subject matter. Writing as reflection, as poetry as asemic as aesthetic as logographic as landscape of the mind.  I hope I did not leave anyone out! Sitting in this environment of peace and creativity brought out for me, once again, the reason why creativity is our greatest gift, given by the Creator of all.

An essential part of creative thinking is to unpack ones thoughts in a visual way. Ideas and concepts are made flesh and somehow, therefore become further evidence to be explored. The following are some wonder journal pages from the second and third group of creatives. We are unpacking seeds as metaphors for ideas. This is not everyone in the group, but these images give the idea of digging and delving, searching and revealing layers in order to UNDERSTAND. Most of us will be meeting again on the 10th November and then lets see how much more gets unravelled. We will also be painting and discussing The Medici Effect in workshop 3.  I am looking forward! We held this class at eye4art, but the next will be held in my studio at home. We will then revert back to the gallery space.

We had a great evening - and I think by the end, brains were a little boggled?! The group melded beautifully and the nurturing environment enabled us all to step into the liminal space - the first breath, arms flung back before we all take a leap off the high-dive board. We know what we know, we know what we don't know, but its time to feel and become familiar with the spaces in-between. The class of participants - we were 3 short, so we have to work a way to get the others to do Workshop 1. First results after workshop 1. Don't be fooled - these will be VERY different by the time you see them at the end. Thanks again Michelle and Zelda - Zelda - that mushroom soup was the best I've ever tasted.I look forward to the next bowl of delicious!!  A closer view: - I won't tell you how we got here, thats for you to come and see for yourself.

Please note: The first of 6 modules in the series Give Me Back My MoJo! Accessing Instinctual Creativity will begin D.V. on Saturday 8 September at 2.30 pm. The Right of Writing  (Part 1) investigates the liminal space, the Medici Effect, various forms of ancient writing and of course we will be painting! This course, which cross-pollinates various disciplines, including Narrative Therapy and Visual Art is a must for anyone experiencing any kind of BLOCK! We unlock creativity by moving from the concrete to the abstract using rules and imagery of language rather than art.

Many thanks to Michelle and Zelda for hosting an amazing evening at Eye4 Art. There were 10 of us and we ALL had a good time. The work produced was hugely interesting! AND, when I look at the final colour palette - its very optimistic - different from how the process started. Thanks everyone. Please contact the gallery for further details: Tel:   083 951 3747 Eye4 Art: Shop 206, Sunningdale Shopping Centre, 1 Village Way, Sunningdale, Durban, 4019

SO! I presented the Introductory class to two different audiences. One session was directed at professional women for whom art as therapy/art used as revelation are new, and the other was given to artists. Two completely different reactions I must say! The reason to hold two pilots was to ensure that each audience is catered to and to see how material must be slightly altered depending on participants. I won't give my findings say, but man! It was enlightening :-) - in a GOOD WAY!!  I do these classes at the same time, and never cease to enjoy the process. Photographs were were permitted by the participants for these sessions. Sorry - didn't get everyone in!