Art

The Enterprising Entrepreneur: Behind the Scenes of Timberella 6

The Enterprising Entrepreneur: Behind the Scenes of Timberella 6

In the practice of art-based mindfulness, an intention rests behind every artwork. Preluding the creation of Timberella 6 (T6), the intention was enterprising

Immediately, the piece went in unexpected directions. I wanted to think forward in time, but T6 took me back. I wanted enterprising to be expressed as entrepreneurial grandeur and financial success, she wanted simplicity and resourcefulness.

Restricted by time and materials—and knowing better than to force creative flow—I opened to the process. Here are the surprising (and inspiring) results! 

Girl in the Woods Parable #6 | Creativity & Inner Wisdom

Girl in the Woods Parable #6 | Creativity & Inner Wisdom

There once was a girl, who lived in the woods, in a nest on the tallest of treetops…

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based art. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella.In Parable 6, she meets the Stag— symbolizing divinity—who teaches her how to connect with her Inner Wisdom through art and creativity. The sculpture Timberella 3 is also revealed

Girl in the Woods Parable #5 | Catharsis

Girl in the Woods Parable #5 | Catharsis

There once was a girl, who lived in the woods, in a nest on the tallest of treetops…

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based art. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella. Parable 5 describes her return to the broken nest, and moment of catharsis.

Girl in the Woods Parable #4 | Tending To One's Roots

Girl in the Woods Parable #4 | Tending To One's Roots

There once was a girl, who lived in the woods, in a nest on the tallest of treetops…

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based art. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella. Timberella 2 emerges in parable #4, with the message of emotional safety and tending to one’s roots.

Girl in the Woods Parable #3 | Of Voice and Sky

Girl in the Woods Parable #3 | Of Voice and Sky

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based sculpture. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella, a lost girl who is guided by the wisdom of the forest creatures. Parable #3 explores imperfection, voice, amplification, and connection.

Girl in the Woods Parable #2 | The Bird With No Wings

Girl in the Woods Parable #2 | The Bird With No Wings

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based sculpture. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella, a lost girl who is guided by the wisdom of the forest creatures. Parable Two explores victimhood; the girl discovers a new wisdom key.

Girl in the Woods: Parable #1

Girl in the Woods: Parable #1

Through parable and environmental sculpture, Girl in the Woods is an ongoing body of work that explores my personal journey through the lens of yoga philosophy and nature-based sculpture. Central to the story is a woodland character named Timberella, a lost girl who is guided by the wisdom of the forest creatures. Parable One imparts the teachings of a songbird.

The Ancient in Ease: On Modern Life, Yoga, Archetypes, and Environmental Art

The Ancient in Ease: On Modern Life, Yoga, Archetypes, and Environmental Art

In my art-based mindfulness teachings we explore why it is imperative to first calm the body, then quiet the mind, towards deepening self-awareness and insight (as well as managing anxiety and stress). We do this through the intentional use of materials, processes, and embodiment while we work. As the mind quiets, an inner voice—what some call the True Self—can be heard. We work with that voice through specific interactive techniques (typically journaling) with the artwork. The big questions are: Are you listening? Are you living life in alignment with your True Creative Nature?

Lost and Found: The Yoga of a Giant Moss Wall

Lost and Found: The Yoga of a Giant Moss Wall

Lost and Found, the moss wall at Enclave, is a representation of the yogic path. It speaks to the journey that we’re all on, whether we ascribe to yoga philosophy or not. Presented as a bird’s eye view of a winding path in the woods, it represents the round-and-round mental patterns that keep us stuck in jobs and relationships that don’t really fit. It represents moving from depression and disconnect, through the falling away of old versions of ourselves (through intention and practice), to a new, inspired experience of alignment, contentment, and peace within. In this blog, I describe my own personal journey (which began on a horse!) and how it informs the origins of art-based mindfulness as I now teach it.

Yoga and the Healing Potential of Nature-Based Art

Yoga and the Healing Potential of Nature-Based Art

The combined practice of creativity and connection with nature is a powerful healing tool for those longing for connection; who need to calm fear and anxiety; and who want to process and move out powerful emotions. Yoga philosophy offers a unique explanation for why nature-based art is so healing—and appealing.