art teaching —

When I begin teaching or painting I start with a prayer-ritual. Prayer denotes intention of higher level. Everyone participates in the prayer. I first recognize the strength of the group as a whole, why we are assembled, and what healing power we have for and in ourselves, and in so doing we send out positive energy to others. We go through a few Yoga stretches and deep relaxing breathing. I pray with gratitude that we are a part of this great swirling universe. I invite in the Divine, great artists wherever they are, and the angels. I pray that what we do and our materials be blessed, and that we all follow our true paths. I thank for all the help I’ve invited in, and I ask that we have fun. Joy is primary. The soon-to-be artists have begun their journey into a relaxed state of contact with their artist within.

In this kind of trusting atmosphere I speak of my own art and how I came to notice the repeat of my individual symbols, my colors and ideas, especially dolphins, birds, the celestial, trees, angels. We all have things that we love and repeat. The group knows I speak the truth because I can feel their thoughts about their own repeat symbols, ideas, hobbies. I display examples of my paintings and recognize the jewelry and colored clothing in the artists, reflecting who they are. They have selected what makes them feel strong and beautiful. This is part of their art. We have just come another step into the creative self.

I believe in each and every artist in the room and they know this. While making their own art their imagery appears in total honesty, though they cannot completely believe it possible.

WE BEGIN. Everyone sits. I bring in relaxing music. Inhibiting blocks drift away. The body loosens. Healing does not thrive in tight bodies. On the table are simple materials, craypas, colored pencils, paper. I prefer black paper but it is not necessary. I like the way color looks on black. Inky black is the color of the cosmos, our primary beginnings.

I ask everyone to close their eyes and relax, breathing deeply a few times. I do not go into a lengthy meditation. I remind them, “There is no wrong art, everything you do is right.” When they feel comfortable and relaxed I ask them to not think, but to reach for colors from the craypas and colored pencils, intuitively reaching,
Repeat, no thinking.

I then have them put their left hands on their hearts, unless they are left-handed, and to begin. My left hand is over my heart too. Putting the hand on the heart keeps the artist out of the head and in the heart. The art connection is from the heart. The heart area is the energy spot, the thymus gland, the place of love and creativity, and endorphins. Just thinking about creativity sends a surge to the immune system.

At this moment I pause, I wait, my hand on my heart. I feign disinterest, quietly starting a nonchalant walk around the room, allowing myself to be distracted, not paying attention to my students. Will it work this time? Will they really do it? What will happen? When I sneak a look the sound of craypas and pencils on paper greets my ears. I can breathe again.

Everyone goes their own way, producing individualized images. Some go right ahead, some hesitate, but not for long. They override the pause, sometimes with a little encouragement. But it happens. Surprises, circles, patterns, unique things blossom right on the spot. They are making their own private pictures. Each person marvels at what they see. It is a pure new birth of self, happening in a moment. Their spirit is free, free to heal them, to show them a glimpse of what the body and the mind are saying. The attitude is changed. A feeling of hope and excitement emerges. The room is electric. Each artist has gone into their special place and found the artist within. They have drawn out the golden thread of connection to personal strength and wholeness. Special meaning is there in front of them. It is a time of transformation. The moment is delicate yet so simple, so quick and powerful. I never take it for granted. It is a gift.

The blocks are gone, a relaxed body with faith in itself has come through. The pictures are like dances from the hands holding pencils and craypas. Some finish quickly, others take more time. All sign and date their papers. Then come the readings, unless the artist prefers not, which usually doesn’t happen. Everyone wants to know about themselves.

Reading each person’s art is very special. One at a time I ask the artist to speak about their piece. A dialogue begins between the two of us about what we each see. There can be hearts, spirals, flowers, trees, whole environments, completely new objects, shining suns, put together in new ways according to the fresh expressing souls. There is usually input from the group. The readings are magical. I believe they are touched by the Divine. Discoveries are revealed. Some feel this is the best part of the art session. This is the time of recognition of change, new decisions, new health, new openings. The ability to make art is discovered in everyone. They take that knowledge with them, never to be lost. I suggest that each person continue to produce art, buy a few materials, find their own art time and space, to keep the flow, the healing, to connect with their spirit. Spirit and body are a mechanism of one.

When you make art your mind and spirit change, your body with it. Your life changes profoundly. Art shows us a transformational spiritual image that would be hard to see in any other way. It fills us with energy. It is our love for this work that produces the change. We have found a place of peace.