News November 2023
Below you will find:
Tricia Hersey - The Nap Ministry
Art and soul
Drawing for Regulation
Sunflowers - Still life painting workshop
The Art of Process - Mandala Meditation
Tony Oricco Blur
A Glimpse Into Our Upcoming Blog - Right Brain, Left Brain
Dear Creative C Community,
Welcome to November!
In this issue, we introduce restful reprieves with discussions on unwinding in today's fast-paced environment, and we dive into our workshops like 'Art & Soul' sessions,, 'Drawing For Regulation', 'Sunflowers: Still Life Painting with Linda Brown,' and 'Mandala Meditation' which promise to enrich your creative skills and emotional well-being.
Also, you can draw inspiration from our featured artist, Tony Oricco and, don't miss our preview of our upcoming blog, 'Embracing the Harmony: A Personal Traverse Through Creativity and Cerebral Symmetry,' offering a deeper look at the artful mind.
Join us for a journey through creativity, where tranquillity and artistic exploration meet.
Sending waves of warmth and creativity your way,
The Creative C Team.
On the back of Mental Health Week, we ask:
How do you find Rest in this busy world?
I think we all feel that in today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of rest can seem like an unattainable luxury. The constant demands of work and life can lead us to believe that being busy is the norm and that downtime is a sign of laziness or a lack of ambition. No, No, No! We firmly disagree and the wonderful Tricia Hersey in her book "Rest is Resistance," presents a powerful counter-narrative to this belief and we recommend you have a look. Tricia invites us into a radical rethinking of rest, arguing that it is not just a break from our busy lives, but a form of resistance against a capitalistic society that equates our worth with our productivity. Here at the Creative C, we know we are more than what we can produce, and Tricia’s thinking serves as a powerful reminder to take back what we are sometimes forced to give away – our time.
Tricia’s manifesto exposes the problematic relationship we have with rest, encouraging us to envision a future where rest is celebrated and regarded as a form of self-care and for her, rebellion. Tricia thinks that by disconnecting our self-worth from our output, we challenge a system that exploits and dehumanises us for profit. Not to say profit is inherently bad, but Tricia’s critique of the capitalist work ethic calls for a shift in our perspective, urging us to embrace rest as a radical and healing force. She advocates for a societal change, moving us towards a more restful and equitable world. Well, we can’t argue with that, and perhaps we can all agree that 4 days (or even 3..shh) at work would be better than 5…a topic for a blog perhaps.
Tricia goes further, saying that capitalism’s relentless push for production has not only detrimental effects on the environment but also erodes the social fabric of our communities, leaving us little time to connect with one another. Sadly this may be true, we see rates of volunteering dropping, not through a lack of intention, but rather a lack of available time. She goes on to say that our current systems impose trauma, promoting individualism over the communal care that could lead us to a more promising future. Tricia prompts us to question the values we pass on to our children too, particularly the idea that life should be cantered around ceaseless work.
To combat this, Tricia urges us to reclaim our time and our bodies. She suggests that resting is a "lost language" that we must relearn to speak. We agree, and it doesn’t have to be complicated, rest can take many forms: immersing oneself in nature, daydreaming, art or hobbies, these are all things that can provide respite. It won’t surprise regular readers to hear us say that creativity plays a pivotal role here, we know it can unlock the door to what we might term as ‘active rest’, providing an escape from the everyday and a return to self.
According to Tricia, Rest is not a means to enable more work; it is an end in itself, a practice that belongs to us alone. What can you do to start this process of reengaging with rest? Perhaps simple concepts like just having a cup of tea, or "ritual tea," may be an easy start. There is something special about the simple act of enjoying a hot cup of tea. Or, maybe pick up a craft project, this is always a better option than the vacuous rest a screen can offer.
Could we see Tricia’s work as a clarion call? Can we recognise rest as an essential, transformative act? Perhaps it’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and engage with life beyond the confines of work that has no end. Moreover, it may guide us towards acknowledging the importance of rest in our busy world, not so that we can do more, but so that we can be more—in touch with ourselves, our communities, and the rhythms of life that flow beyond the ticking of the clock.
Below is a link to a wonderful conversation with Tricia Hersey and the fabulous Hilary Harper on ABC’s RN, we hope you can find the time to have a cup of tea and tune in;
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/tricia-hersey-rest-as-a-radical-act/102763846
~ Tania
ART & SOUL - November Sessions
SPECIAL ART & SOUL CUP DAY 3 HOUR SESSION
Tuesday 7th November 3-6pm
Carving out time and space to connect with your heart & soul through art on a regular basis can have profound benefits in all aspects of your life.
For those of you who are yet to experience this soulful time we highly recommend giving yourself this time to just be, no pressure, relax, listen to soft music and create whatever is in your heart and soul in the moment. There’s something about being in the creative studio alongside others which makes the Art and Soul time beautiful.
Explore different mediums such as watercolour, pastels, acrylics, clay, ink, collage, natural fibres and other craft materials.
Session includes a simple prompt, creative zone time listening to music without chit chat, optional group sharing/witnessing at the end with a cuppa & snacks.
Amazing for creative expression, no experience necessary. Small group, supportive & carefree environment.
Due to a change in commitments the next fortnightly Art & Soul session originally scheduled for the 11th of November will be running on Tuesday the 7th of November from 3-6pm.
For this session we have extended it by an hour so we have 2 hours of art and then a full hour afterwards for reflection and connection. Investment being $35 pp.
Come to one or come to all!
We offer fortnightly sessions so that if your heart desires after coming along to a session you have the opportunity to cultivate and commit to a regular practise.
NOVEMBER DATES
Tuesday 7th Nov 3-6pm
Saturday 25th Nov 10am-12pm
Booking is required to guarantee your spot as space is limited. For further details
Contact: Beth - bethx77@hotmail.com PH: 0422 270 437
Sunflowers: Still Life Painting with Linda Brown
As the blossoms unfurl and the scent of spring fills the air, we extend a warm invitation to our Still Life Painting Workshop. What could be more delightful than welcoming the season of renewal with brush in hand, as you create a captivating acrylic portrayal of a sunflower?
Led by the lovely Linda Brown, an accomplished artist and experienced visual art instructor, this workshop is an ideal retreat for anyone eager to explore the art world or to polish their existing talents. Under Linda’s expert tutelage, you’ll master the essential techniques of drawing and painting, using the medium of acrylics to capture the bright cheer of a sunflower.
Linda champions the belief that creativity is not merely an artistic endeavour but a vital aspect of well-being. Our sessions are thoughtfully crafted to foster inclusion and to strengthen community bonds, creating a space where imagination is supported, and personal expression is embraced. Regardless of your artistic background, you’ll find inspiration and companionship within our Creative C community.
All the necessary materials are supplied, including a workshop booklet. This workshop offers a serene haven for stress relief, a boost to your energy, and a wonderful opportunity to be open and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Embrace this chance to create, engage, and rejoice in the vitality of spring with us. Artistic experience is not a prerequisite—simply come with an eager spirit and a willingness to delve into the rich potential that paint and canvas afford.
3 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7.00 - 9.00 PM
22 & 29 NOVEMBER & 6 DECEMBER 2024
CONTACT: 0438 581874
Workshop: Drawing For Regulation
Find your way out of stress and feeling overwhelmed by surrendering yourself to the process of Guided Drawing. The use of bilateral movement will support you to find your rhythm and connect to your authentic impulses to move stress and tension from your body and mind, to experience greater presence, stability and space. In our upcoming blog, we delve into the intricate dance of the Left and Right Brain, and how these principles are found in the bilateral movements of Guided Drawing, so stay tuned for that.
This drawing method encourages a harmonious rhythm, inviting you to connect with your innate impulses, channelling tension from both body and mind to cultivate presence, stability, and spaciousness. With drawing materials you will be guided to explore the experience of expansion and contraction, fast and slow, soft and hard gestures in your mark making and within your body. This is a wonderful method to discover and build your internal resources to experience greater capacity, resilience and understand where your choices, preferences and desire lies.
To find out more about Tania your facilitator
www.integratedtraumatherapy.com.au
Workshop time: 2 hours
Cost: $110
When: November 18th
Time: 3pm-5pm
Where: The Creative Continuum
To make a booking: Please register your interest via email tania@taniavirgona.com.au with subject title Drawing for Regulation
Drawing Workshop: Mandala Meditation
A mindful practice of self expression with Stephanie J Ellis
Wednesday Dec 13th 2023. 6 - 9pm
It will be a wonderful evening
Inspired by Carl Jung's teachings we will explore The Mandala in a traditional and contemplative sense, whilst exploring cross-cultural foundations for psychological and spiritual health.
Students will learn how to draw and understand the inherent symbolism and symmetries of Mandalas around the world under the gentle guidance of Artist and Colour Therapist Stephanie June Ellis, founder of The Art Of Process School and author of Geometherapy.
Mandala Meditation: Art making for the purpose of transcendence, mindfulness, and wellness.
Traditionally, the mandala is used as a meditation tool to search for the meaning of self. This often requires a study of this diagram which we may call the "personality" - the part of ourselves which bares witness to our vast invisible potential.
Creating your own personal mandala is therapeutic, symbolic & a beautiful reflection of one's own soul. Present emotions will be represented in your mandala through the use of organically formed shapes & colours. By allowing your instinct and feelings to inspire & guide you through the process of creation, a portrait of yourself will emerge. When you reach your destination, you will have a representation of something meaningful and personal that you can take home with you -
Your mentor ~
Stephanie June Ellis is a professional artist, qualified Colour Therapist and founder of The Art Of Process. https://www.theartofprocess.art
ALL Materials are provided
NO artistic skills required
Investment
$66.20
Bring a friend $122.40 - Save $10
Where - The Creative Continuum - Suite 2B/2 Colin Ave Warrandyte VIC 3113
Workshop time: 3 hours
When: Wednesday Dec 13th 2023, 5:45 - 9am
Bookings essential Limited to 16 people. To secure your spot book in advance
www.theartofprocess.art/events/mandala-drawing-meditation-evening
Please note: There are no refunds due to material allocation and other people missing out on a class. You are more than welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else. I hope you understand - Thank you, June.
Featured Artist - Tony Oricco
This month dear readers, we are so happy to introduce artist Tony Orrico, he’s an exemplar of avant-garde performance art fused with contemplative drawing and we love that sort of thing around here. He’s a really interesting artist, born in 1979, he excels in an art form that marries the kinetic with the visual, invoking a harmony between physical precision and abstract conceptualisation. And he’s known for his ingenuity within the intersections of performance and drawing, they are a true spectacle. His works investigate mental and physical endurance, somatic drawing, choreography, bio-geometrics and improvisational practices. Phew, I’m a little tired just thinking about that list…
Orrico's exhibitions have traversed the globe, engaging audiences from the metropolitan hubs of the United States to the cultural centres of Europe and beyond. To give you an idea, his series, CARBON, is an odyssey that starts with rudimentary marks on a blank canvas and evolves into an intricate dance where his body, coated in graphite, becomes an instrument of artistic expression. This series is an exploration of repetitive motion, encapsulating profound themes of existence, the perpetual cycle of life, and its inevitable conclusion. The remnants on canvas are a poignant testament to his transient presence – fabulous!
The Penwald Drawings showcase Orrico's endurance, both mental and physical, as he employs his body as a compass to inscribe vast geometries, his arms defining the extents of his artistic reach. These drawings are not merely artistic expressions but are chronicles of his exhaustive commitment to the craft.
We heartily recommend you take a look at this talented artist and thinker.
https://tonyorrico.com
A Glimpse Into Our Upcoming Blog
Embracing the Harmony: A Personal Traverse Through Creativity and Cerebral Symmetry
This November, prepare to be enlightened by "Embracing the Harmony: A Personal Traverse Through Creativity and Cerebral Symmetry." Join us, dear readers, as we pour a cup of inspiration and don our thinking caps to explore the fascinating concert of creativity and cerebral mechanics.
We'll try to demystify the celebrated left and right brain saga, and journey from the sensory symphony of the womb to the collaborative masterpiece of our adult brain functions. We'll discover the silent rhythms of implicit memory and the articulate dance of explicit recollection. We'll see how creativity forms a bridge between these realms, allowing for a symphonic dialogue that the corpus callosum masterfully conducts.
Stay tuned for a blog that promises to be a little enlightening, reminding us that creativity is not just an art form but a vital part of our humanity, inviting us to paint, dance, and sculpt our way to a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Coming soon on the Creative C blog!
Thanks for reading :)
