Painting in Mid-Air: The Messiness of Letting Go

Painting in Mid-Air: The Messiness of Letting Go

"It is not possible to complete yourself without sorrow." ~ Hafiz Last April, I began an enormous and purposeful transition in my life. I left my long career in residential architecture to explore the direct experience of creativity, and its healing potential. I soon felt like my life was out of control, derailed and barreling [...]
Acceptance, Recovery and Process Painting

Acceptance, Recovery and Process Painting

And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, It is because I find some person, place, thing, situation -- Some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me, And I can find no serenity until I accept That person, place, thing, or situation As being exactly the way it [...]
Three Steps to Greater Creative Self-Compassion

Three Steps to Greater Creative Self-Compassion

“Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.” ~ Kristin Neff In the first part of this series on self-compassion and process painting, we explored how staying present and compassionate toward ourselves can free us to more fully [...]
Be Fierce: The Way Out Is In!

Be Fierce: The Way Out Is In!

When “what is” is what is, “what is” is no longer what is. ~ J. Krishnamurti I was once teaching a workshop at a retreat center when I arrived to find the room far from ready. There’s much work to prepare the studio for a week-long painting course -- lights, protective coverings for the floors [...]
Listening to Your Intuition

Listening to Your Intuition

Intuition is subtle and always available, waiting patiently for you to turn to it.When a spontaneous image arises, we often erect a red light or “wrong way” sign in front it. It is as though every new shape or color has to stand trial before a formal court prior to being allowed to appear in [...]