Alchemy of Art-making w/ JULIE MCGUINNESS

Description

Alchemy is an ancient practice containing recipes for transformative change. It offers artists a useful philosophical and practical framework. The process begins with the first matter, or “Prima Materia” and culminates with the “Philosopher’s Stone.” The first matter is something that is often overlooked, something unwanted… it can be a challenge in life, or in art (maybe a “mistake” that has potential to be wonderful!)

In this workshop series we will take inspiration from both the philosophy and art of the alchemists ie. traditional wood block prints, which contain recipes encoded within the imagery. There will be freedom of expression for each participant to respond in their unique way to the material presented. Each session will comprise approximately one hour of theory and discussion, and two hours of art practice.

Bring a journal and if wished, favorite art materials. Some materials will be provided. $15 materials fee ($5 per class).

Three Fridays, January 17 to 31  

1:00  – 4:00 p.m.

Course: $130,  $104 OHCA members

$15 Materials fee due at time of class.

BIO: Julie McGuinness has been utilizing art as a transformative process since encountering the Tamalpa Life-Art Process in 2001. Julie was living and working at a Buddhist retreat center, and felt a pull toward a more embodied and creative expression of our intrinsic spirituality. Julie completed the Tamalpa training and subsequently an internship at the Institute of Health and Healing at Marin General Hospital, graduating from their certificate program in Integrative Medicine and Spirituality (Art & Imagery) in 2003. In 2012, Julie obtained an M.A. in East-West Psychology from CIIS where she became fascinated with Jungian psychology, and Alchemy in particular. She is a registered somatic movement educator with ISMETA and working toward registration as an expressive arts consultant and educator with IEATA.