POWER ANIMAL
SELF-PORTRAIT
2-DAY WORKSHOP • MARCH 1 & 2
in SANTA YNEZ
In this workshop participants will create a unique artwork by looking within, examining the Self, and giving the Self a “visual voice.” We will work in a fun, engaged and supportive setting with fellow artists.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SATURDAY, MARCH 1
10:30 – 11am: Opening meditation and orientation
11am – 12:30pm: Work session
12:30 – 12:40pm: Stroll through vineyard to winery
12:40 – 1:30pm: Lunch at Roblar Winery
1:30 – 1:40pm: Stroll through vineyard back to studio
1:40 – 3pm: Work session
3 – 3:30pm: Group discussion
DAY 2: SUNDAY, MARCH 2
10:30 – 10:40am: Opening meditation and check-in
10:40am – 12:10pm: Work session
12:10 – 12:20pm: Stroll through vineyard to winery
12:20 – 1:10pm: Lunch at Roblar Winery
1:10 – 1:20pm: Stroll through vineyard back to studio
1:20 – 2:30pm: Work session
2:30 – 3:30pm: Group discussion
COST:
Price is $275 per person for the 2-day workshop. Price includes one canvas and lunch both days.
APPLY
WHAT IS A POWER ANIMAL?
As anthropologist, Michael Harner, describes:
"In shamanic cultures all over the world, one finds shamans conscious of special nonordinary animal companions or helpers, commonly referred to in the anthropological literature as ‘guardian spirits.’…Such guardians are not unique to shamans, for in their cultures it is assumed that almost everyone needs spiritual help….The power animal, or guardian spirit might be compared to an electric transformer or adapter that receives the immense power of the universe and modulates it into a form that can be safely transmitted to a human.”
(p.76) Cave and Cosmos
Is there an animal that you feel offers you this power and guidance? Perhaps the redtail hawks that soar overhead, or the hummingbirds that flock to the feeder outside your window. Your power animal may be your household pet. Or perhaps one you’ve never actually seen – a deep sea dweller or even something out of mythology. Your power animal can be any creature for which you feel a deep connection, that you look to for support, strength, and inspiration.
WHAT IS A SELF-PORTRAIT?
There is the classic preconception of the self-portrait – artist with easel on one side, mirror on the other, ardently capturing their likeness on canvas. This is but one version of a self-portrait. A self-portrait need not necessarily be a picture of your face! The process of creating a self-portrait is a vehicle for self-reflection. Looking inside and expressing what we find there. When viewed this way, a self-portrait truly has no bounds or set format. It may be figurative or abstract. It may be representational or expressionist. It may be anything, as long as it is a reflection of the Self.
The intention of this workshop is to combine both the concept of a power animal with the concept of a self-portrait. To look deep inside and see what incredible things may emerge.
WHERE?
The workshop will be held at my studio, a converted hay barn on a vineyard in Santa Ynez.
WHAT I WILL PROVIDE:
Easels (or tables), a canvas, instruction on art making techniques, guidance on conceptualization (if desired), a supportive forum for group critique, and lunch both days.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:
Paints, brushes, or any art making tools that you wish to use, reference images (photos of animals, photos of yourself, inspiration images, etc.)