2013 The Art of Encouragement

Photo by Dawn Breeze

I am so elated to be exactly where I am and to be exactly who I am right now.  This very second on this first day of a new year!  I feel grateful, deeply grateful for the many new artistic opportunities that became possible in 2012.  Without question the highlight of the year was beginning my workshop series Creativity & Courage, the gift of my new beautiful art studio and the wonderful solo show at Mcdaris Fine Art in Hudson, NY. 

Leading my workshops is truly an indescribable joy.  I do not have words to describe the feelings I feel.  When I complete my classes I am "high" with love, excitement, joy and compassion towards all my students and their creative potential.  I feel quivery all over.  I have been trying to understand what this is?  What is happening in my classes?  What is happening to both me and my students?  I know my students feel similarly because they all keep signing up again and again.  In the rehab I have had two separate situations where people have extended their stay one extra day in order to be able to take my class one more time before discharge.  These people who love my class are not in any way stereotypical creative types.  In fact at the rehab my most enthusiastic students are also the most "brute" artistically.  So what is this?  I have an idea.....

Last week my class was on Courage and the Hero.  In preparation for class I was researching the definition of courage and the definition that most struck me was #2.

cour·age

[kur-ij, kuhr-] Show IPA

noun

1.

the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

2.

Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion.

  

What I was most taken with was that definition #2 was an original definition of "Courage" and has now been deemed "Obsolete".  I disagree with it being obsolete.  I believe that courage is following the heart.  When I asked my students about their hero's many of them spoke of people who loved them, who they felt supported by....and then it struck me!  Their hero's had "encouraged" them!!!   The word "encouraged" became so large and powerful to me in this moment-"encourage" to fill someone with courage, ie. to love and help fufill someones hearts purpose.  I realized that is what is happening in my classes.  Me and my students are mutually encouraging our hearts purpose, which is simply to to be our authentic creative selves.  So my New Years resolution is "Encourage" in every possible way and my motto is the photo above. "With You I Can".   I love you all!  xoxoxoxoDawn

 

New Autumn Creativity Workshop Series

Following my wonderful teaching experiences this Summer I've decided to offer a new series of four workshops.  Below is a brief description, to read more and sign up for my new newsletter.click here

As of right now I have 4 available spaces and will be overjoyed for you to fill them!

Creativity & Courage

The Origin of Becoming. 

 

New: Autumn Workshop Series
Creativity & Courage to See September 22
Creativity & Courage to Listen October 20
Creativity & Courage to Be Whole November 17
Creativity & Courage to Love December 15
Each workshop will meet one Saturday a month from 2-5pm.  Weather permitting the first two workshops will be outdoors in beautiful Germantown, NY. The cost for the workshop series is $200 including all materials.  For questions and to register, email dawnbreezepaintings@gmail.com or call #917-622-5141.

Through exposure to a variety of artists, play and hands-on imaginative exercises, you will deepen your ability to express thoughts and feelings. Through your innate creativity you will discover new ways to problem solve, communicate and connect with both yourself and others.

This series is for each of you that want to explore your unique creativity in a supported and mindful environment, to be challenged to experience and examine your relationship to your existing thoughts and perceptions, and allow new ideas to emerge in surprisingly delightful ways!

Previous workshops students have said:
"I learned that I flourish in spaces of time devoted purely to creativity."-Nicole Smith Vidor, Life Coach

"This is a wonderful workshop, there were many ways to access our own knowing.  I left feeling stronger and internally balanced."-Alison Fox, Artist, Educator.

"By taking time out of routine thinking and actions and by giving myself the time and space for creative exploration, I became present for deep insights to emerge that perhaps were always present, but not overheard above the more habitual thoughts."-Gianni Iacono, Chef

"I was reminded of many things. It is really important to take time to smell the roses. If I don't take care of myself it is impossible to take care of others. I have learned this but must be reminded often. life is so busy and we don't seem to find enough time to nourish ourselves. this was a great opportunity to do just that."-Dana Eudy, Herbalist, Farmer

Artful Medicine for Corinna Borden

Spring Pink Flowers, Mixed Medium on Paper, 2008

A dear high school friend, Corinna Borden is currently in treatment for cancer.  Being the incredible brave soul that she is, she has asked for help and support.  I want to help her afford her treatment by turning this painting in to medicine.  I have been thinking about this for quite a while and chose this painting, Spring Pink Flowers which speaks to me of her.  She is beautiful, generous of spirit, joyful and vibrantly full of life similar to the bursting flowers of spring and early summer.   She is an avid gardener, writer, farmer, and advocate of miracles.  She laughs loudly and easily, she radiates happiness.  Her life is precious.

I believe art is inspired by the beauty of life and inspires our personal discovery of beauty in our lives.  I believe generosity is prosperity.  I believe that it is our job to follow our hearts desire.  I believe vulnerability is courage.  I believe we are of service by being authentic.  Along with all these beliefs I believe we can follow our hearts today and help one another by giving; giving our gifts, sharing goodwill, giving financially, giving our hearts, giving our time.  I also believe that should include giving all those things to ourselves too.

"Let the beauty you love be what you do"-Rumi

Your purchase of this painting will be 100% donated to Corinna.  I want you to buy this painting because you love it and want to open this gift amount to what you can afford and feel moved to give, I will accept the first donation over $200 the painting normally sells for $650 unframed.  It is double matted with white gallery 4ply mat and shrink wrapped ready for a frame.  It is 17" x 22" matted.  If you are interested in helping Corinna without making this purchase she has set up a blog with an easy to donate widget.

May we all have a beautiful day!