Art Camp 2013-Conquering Fears

First Annual Art Camp 2013

You teach what you need to Learn… Nothing like spending 4 Days, 28 hours with 8 pint sized artists 7-11years old…

Will I survive?? Heck ya! I get to be a child again. I was up everyday early, excited like a kid on Christmas morning.

The girls arrived each day a little earlier. That is a good sign. They are COMMITTED!

Number ONE skill to have as an artist. Discipline, Commitment and a LOVE of ART is key to leading a creative life. We began the day with Yoga. Finding our breath, looking inward, grounding and connecting. Day 1- they can barely stay still vs Day 4- when half way through class they asked, “When is the story coming? When can we lie down and rest. That is my progress…

“What next?” Favorite question of the day (Actually this question is on constant replay)

“Art is next,” I reply. We played with watercolor, pastel, acrylic, sketching, printing.

Creating our Masterpieces with intention.

What I loved most was the sense of community. We had guests come share their expertise. Jesse the Fire Twirler, Jay the Balloon Artist and Shauna the Prayer Flag Artist all helped to empower the kids to believe in themselves. Providing a space to create with freedom, teaching them to share, watching the fears set in. Balloon twisting and popping struck a few nerves. Does that fear ever go away??

Bike riding was a challenge that I was not quite expecting.

All was going well- until the first BIG HILL…

Top of the hill

T: “The hill looks so BIG! I am scared!”

M: “It’s ok, just take your time, go slow. Use your brakes. YOU CAN DO IT!” Bottom of the hill

T: “ I DID IT! It wasn’t that bad, I am proud of myself.” I smile.

Off we go…then I hear sssssssszzz. I stop smiling.

T: “Michelle, Something is wrong with my bike.”

M: “It’s a flat tire-oh boy.” My challenge. We are far away from home- no tire tube.

T: “What are we going to do?”

M: I pause, “Lets go play and sketch at the river.” Truth is I need to think about this one.

We all had a great time at the river. Cooling off, playing with dogs. It was 37 degrees. Time to get back. Little 7 yr old trouper artist, pushed her bike over 5 km home. Not a tear shed- I was so proud of her. She is a true artist! Brave, Strong, Committed. The other girls get a GOLD STAR for their patience and understanding. Popsicles for all!!

When you have a Fear it is wise to find someone you respect that has walked the path ahead of you. The teacher can relate, as they have had their own experience. The unknown is scary. You wonder…Am I good enough? Will I be accepted? Will other judge me? Am I capable? Very Fearful thoughts indeed.

The teacher has learned through personal experience to challenge those thoughts.

Nourish yourself, have fun, choose Love over Fear, Support others. Be Brave, Be strong, Be authentic. JUST BE!

In the creative process we take time to look inward- to stir our imagination-to feel what inspires us and turn our inspiration into something we can share.

Together- We MAKE ART!!!! MAKE ART!!!! MAKE MORE ART!!!!

It is in the process that we learn to overcome our fears, our self-doubt, have some fun Explore. Inspire and Believe…

Manifest your Masterpiece.

In Creative Spirit,

Michelle