Esalen Institute Campus: Photo Credit Karen O’Connor
Since I’ve written my final book I decided to see what other artistic talent, if any, might be lurking inside me. So I signed up for a workshop at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, which occurred a couple of weeks ago: “Art As a Spiritual Path: Paintings That Awakens the Soul.”
Our leader, Paul Heussenstamm (
Mandalas.com), was a remarkable teacher and inspiration in so many ways. And of course being at a retreat center located right above the Pacific ocean made it a perfect experience.
The Art Barn where we painted days and evenings for a week.
We each painted a mandala of our own choosing on canvas from a template, which we then embellished as we were inspired. I was scared and excited and eager and fearful all at once but I was determined to see what might occur. I knew nothing about mixing paints, selecting the correct brushes, or rousing my imagination to create something on canvas. I was at first so afraid of ‘doing it wrong.’ But that can’t happen! The result can only be what each painter chooses to express.
Inside the Art Barn–a busy painter’s paradise.
I realized during the process that painting, just as writing, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument or any other art form is a transformative experience whether or not we’re aware of it. I came home changed in ways I can’t put into words. But these photos give you some idea of this amazing process and experience of the meeting of my heart, mind and soul.
Our last day–projects completed. Souls satisfied. New friends made.
My painting–that I titled Jubilation!
I did it! Thanking God for yet another opportunity to express myself in a new way.
What talent or experience is lurking in you and eager to be expressed?
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Oh am I impressed. My mother painted and I do have some of her paintings and so does my sister. I have often entertained the idea of trying to paint. You have inspired me.
Oh good, Joan. I hope you’ll give it a try.
Wow! Wow! Wow! What you painted is really beautiful! Love learning about this new gift that God has given you. Love and blessings!
Thanks, Glenda. It was truly an amazing experience.
This is so beautiful Karen. I love your courage in expressing yourself in an that you’ve never tried before. How wonderful!
Thank you, Sandy. I’ve always admired your ability to draw and paint so your example helped give me the courage.
Karen~ your painting is very impressively beautiful! I love your selection of colors.and design. You are a very creative person ! Enjoy your new venture!
Thank you, Joan. I appreciate your encouragement.
You go, girl!!! I’ve been a painter for fifty years and only at the age of 70 took up writing (with your excellent teaching). I’ve found that one art form can feed off another and further enhance both. So glad you’ve found another outlet, but there’s no harm with doing both. Continue to have fun, Karen.
Thank you, Marie, for your awesome encouragement and for sharing your experience e with your artistic talents.
That is so beautiful, Karen. I admire your initiative and courage to try new things. I love working with colors. Something spiritual happens when I’m creative. In the past I’ve done things like country painting, stained glass windows, quilting, etc. Currently I’m making ornaments for my Jesse Advent Tree. It’s easier to buy them at Target ha ha, but the ones I make are more meaningful.
What a lovely thing to do, Pam, creating your own Jesse Tree ornaments. I remember when my brother Kevin was in eighth grade he came home from Catholic school that year right before Christmas and proposed to my parents that we make ornaments as a family for a Jesse tree. We did and it was not only a lovely family activity it was meaningful too.
So glad you experienced such joy in your painting Karen…
My silk paintings have been therapeutic for me for years!
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas holiday!
Thanks so much, Elaine. It’s lovely to hear you are a painter–on silk. How pretty. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas holiday too.
WOW and DOUBLE WOW ! I love your painting. Some of the women in my church had a “tile painting day” and it was a success! YOUR painting reminds me of some of their tiles.I am SO proud of you! You did an awesome job and I think you are already a successful artist!!
I have said for “years” that when I get to Heaven there are four things I want to do besides what God wants me to do, of course, and that is: be an artist, concert pianist, choir Director and arrange music. My deceased brother with whom I loved so dearly and we would sing and play the piano together, came to me in a dream one night and said: “marg, hurry up, we need you up here. I have written a song for you”. Then he hummed the notes of a few lines. When I woke up I had those note in my mind, went to the piano, played them and wrote them down!! Amazing that I still have them. So, who knows, maybe they NEED an arranger ? Nothing is impossible with God!
Thanks for a real day brightner filled with pride for knowing YOU!
Margaret
Thanks, Margaret, for your encouragement. What a beautiful story about your brother and your mutual love of music. You continue to inspire me.
Karen, your painting is beautiful! I’m not surprised you have another artistic talent you’ve just discovered. Sounds like a wonderful week of learning, exploring and making new friends. Wonderful!
Thank you, Carol. It was exactly as you described. 🙂
Beautifu,l and unique just like you 😍
Thank you, Cathy. I love hearing from you.