My creative circle exists almost entirely online. I've been fortunate to meet many of them in person, but most of our sharing happens online. We see each other's art, encourage each other through slumps and just connect online. I want to explore how social media has enhanced people's creative practice, so I am starting The Google Wave Art Journal Project. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved, it is a gentle timescale and will require the use of a scanner and Google Wave (I can send you an invitation if you need one).
Best of 2009 - Moment of peace
These are the moments that restore my soul. After a few days here, I settle down to a better pace of life. The rhythm of the day brings freedom, each moment shrugs off its burden of endless potential and is content to be what it is. The landscape soars in my heart, and the water soothes my mind.
And the beer's not half bad either.
Best of 2009 - Workshops
Gosh, the word 'workshop' just doesn't have presence, does it? For me it conjures up soulless conference rooms, uncomfortable seating and a speaker droning on at the front, feeling very distant from the audience. That, or mandatory training!
However, I know it doesn't have to be that way! I was very lucky in 2009 to have the opportunity to hear two amazing people speak. And truly, I had the chance to hear them at just the right time too.
One of the reasons that I have been fairly quiet on the blog this year is that I am in a time of transition. At such times I find it difficult to find my voice to express the feelings, hopes and doubts that accompany the journey. I have that wonderful feeling, that I am on a path and things are just unfolding before me. But on the other hand, who am I to dream so big, to take my art seriously, to think that I could do this, or even that this is worth doing? That's the state of me at the moment.
When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.
Ain't that the truth, people? If you could summon up the ideal, local guides for this particular journey, who better could appear than Mike Dooley and Julia Cameron. Both are champions for my belief that the universe will provide. They hold you responsible for your own dreams and for taking the first step on the journey. So it is hard to choose a favourite. Both days were so positive, just being brave enough to spend money on something that others may not understand, and go to a new place alone and work with strangers, on your own most secret stuff is incredibly rewarding, once you've pushed through the nerves and done it!
Julia Cameron asked a lot of us though. We had to open up to strangers and share answers to a lot of questions, some silly, some deeper, but all quite revealing. And in exchange, we all ended up with these notes from people who had really heard us, and taken time to think about who we were and where we were headed. It was incredibly moving and very empowering. I am braver for it, so that has to be a best of '09.