Jo's thoughts on Transformative Art
Art is a way of making meaning in our lives. It is also a way of being with ‘unknowing’ and just leaning into our lives as they are. And at times it can be a way to push through old barriers and express new visions. Art is far richer than an object to be admired. It is a living, breathing process, an essential part of what it is to be human, and the birthright of each and every one of us.
The above vision is at the heart of my work. I strongly believe that creative process has an essential role within the wellbeing and vibrancy of individuals, communities, and environments.
My workshops and courses are there to enable people to go deeper and to become more creative; to enter the flow. I am on a mission to promote art as a learning process for all people. This is because I believe that art has an incredible power to help us to live our once-only lives fully and wholeARTedly. This is how I see art as a transformative process:
1) Art wakes us up: To make art we must fully enter the present moment by becoming keenly aware through our senses. As we become present we can experience a state of ‘flow’ - the antidote to being 'stuck'.
2) Art welcomes us: It asks us to value ourselves and our work, not for being something special but for simply being wholeheartedly us. In so doing, it requires us to find a way to deal with our inner critic. Art is embracing imperfection.
3) Art helps us to let go: The artistic process requires us to surrender. We learn that all creative acts are accompanied by anxiety, this is normal and to be welcomed. The healing and the art are found in managing this anxiety, in trusting the process.
4) Art moves us: Art creates a shift in the way we view ourselves and the issues that affect our lives. It reveals the inner world and engages the outer world. Art gives us a voice and makes us visible.
5) Art makes us whole: The combination of head, hand, heart and hara involved in creative play is integrative and thus healing. It is also joyful and full of beauty - which is good for us at any age.
Above all, art connects us to our core, the very centre of our being, the 'suchness' that is our being. Art connects us to our aliveness. Just this - and every inch of it!
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The above vision is at the heart of my work. I strongly believe that creative process has an essential role within the wellbeing and vibrancy of individuals, communities, and environments.
My workshops and courses are there to enable people to go deeper and to become more creative; to enter the flow. I am on a mission to promote art as a learning process for all people. This is because I believe that art has an incredible power to help us to live our once-only lives fully and wholeARTedly. This is how I see art as a transformative process:
1) Art wakes us up: To make art we must fully enter the present moment by becoming keenly aware through our senses. As we become present we can experience a state of ‘flow’ - the antidote to being 'stuck'.
2) Art welcomes us: It asks us to value ourselves and our work, not for being something special but for simply being wholeheartedly us. In so doing, it requires us to find a way to deal with our inner critic. Art is embracing imperfection.
3) Art helps us to let go: The artistic process requires us to surrender. We learn that all creative acts are accompanied by anxiety, this is normal and to be welcomed. The healing and the art are found in managing this anxiety, in trusting the process.
4) Art moves us: Art creates a shift in the way we view ourselves and the issues that affect our lives. It reveals the inner world and engages the outer world. Art gives us a voice and makes us visible.
5) Art makes us whole: The combination of head, hand, heart and hara involved in creative play is integrative and thus healing. It is also joyful and full of beauty - which is good for us at any age.
Above all, art connects us to our core, the very centre of our being, the 'suchness' that is our being. Art connects us to our aliveness. Just this - and every inch of it!
Back to The Feathers Project