art that supports the healing process

“Heart Chakra Mandala.”  20″ x 20″. Tempura, gouache, Smooch and crystal on paper.

Each summer since 2006, I spend one week as Artist-in-Residence at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY. “More than simply a place, Omega is a global community that awakens the best in the human spirit and cultivates the extraordinary potential that exists in us all.” The primary role of the Artist-in-Residence is to provide classes for the community of dedicated staff members who do the support work that makes any stay at Omega so enjoyable.

Based on my own studio practice, I offer classes in Art, Vision and Transformation utilizing breath, sound, music, movement and guided meditation. All serve as resources for the intuitive construction of collages or paintings imbued with the energy signature of the day’s theme or goal.

I call the series of classes The Mystery School of Art. In the ancient traditions of Egypt, Greece, Rome and elsewhere, the Mystery Schools provided initiatory experiences leading to spiritual mastery. The Mystery School of Art does the same, but with a focus on the role of art and artist in serving Universal Evolution. Each day we focus on one fundamental aspect of being a spiritual artist: shifting consciousness from brain to heart, finding one’s mission vision, asking for support from archetypal forces, undertaking a healing journey and, finally, putting it all together in a flow of guidance.

It all starts with the heart. The Ancient Egyptians knew the seat of intelligence to be located in the heart rather than the brain. Therefore, the first class orients the student to his/her own heart center as chief headquarters for consciousness. Through chant, movement and guided meditation, we energize our heart centers. Working with specific intuitive techniques, we create mandalas resonant with the energy and wisdom of the heart.

Once we open ourselves to guidance, unique artworks naturally unfold. Whether or not the student has any background in art, something of beauty is birthed in the sacred space of the studio. The beauty is not only the resulting artwork but the transformation that has occurred in the artist.

“Heart Chakra Mandala.” Background is 10″H x 8″W. Paper collage with sequins.