Jill
Segal's Newsletter
Spring 2011
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Dear Friends,
Happy spring!!!! There do seem to be a few small signs out there that Spring is on its way, like joyful birds and longer days.
I hope you all managed to retain some form of warmth and creativity during the cold winter months.
I spent January and February in Naples, Florida and enjoyed every minute of my stay there.
I loved being able to walk on the beach everyday, and for the most part the weather was mild and warm. (A great change from snowy Toronto!!!!) The ocean, seabirds and mangrove swamp and magnificent sunsets fed my soul with joyful inspiration, constantly.
ART EXPERIENCES
1) CREATING ALTERED IMAGES
I joined the Naples Art Association and participated in a very interesting Collage workshop, given by the artist Gretchen Bierbaum, at the Von Liebig Art Center. She is the Founder of the National Collage Society and author of the book “Creating Collage in all Dimensions”, She demonstrated many intriguing techniques for creating image transfers and altering images, for use as collage material. For more information see www.nationalcollage.com
I am happy to announce that next January I will be teaching a workshop on Fluid Acrylic and Collage at The Von Liebig Art Center. For more information about this Center see www.vonliebig.com.
2) COLLABORATIVE PAINTING
In the last 10 years or so, collaborative art practices have moved into the mainstream of cultural production, and collaboration or joint production by two or more artists - is now largely taken for granted as one of the numerous ways that artists can choose to operate.
 I had a great time collaborating with artist, Paula Brody, working on the biblical theme of “The Seven days of Creation”. We used acrylic and collage material. We each started working on a piece of watercolour paper 11"x15". After approximately twenty minutes, we exchanged our paintings, and proceeded working on the piece we were given. This exchange continued until we came to a joint consensus that the paintings were complete.
This process is very exciting and challenging. One has to let go of any attachment that one has to one's own work, and let go of one's own biased perception and beliefs about what constitutes a finished piece of artwork. In this way, we allow “Creativity to flow” and open to infinite creative possibilities. It's fun, a great learning experience, and we produced some very unique artwork! I recommend you try it with a “painting buddy”.
I also did some collaborative work with poet, Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann. Jinks, read me a few of her beautiful poems, and I showed her a few of my latest paintings. We sat for a few moments in quiet contemplation, and then she wrote a poem about one of my paintings, and I painted inspired by one of her poems. After sharing the process, I tried my hand at Creative writing, and Jinks created a mixed media collage.
This was also a very inspiring process for both of us. We were amazed at the depth of all of our creations. It felt as if we were tapping into the river of “Universal Creativity”.
Unfinished |
Never finished, I am a work-in-progress;
sometimes I know that this
is exactly how it should be.
Doors open unto doors,
Alice in Wonderland,
and when I surrender any notion
that I should be different,
I too can tumble down the rabbit-hole,
having adventure after adventure.
Measuring sticks and rule books
are tossed out the window
as I pull yard after yard of color
and uncertainty
into my center
from which all creativity and
unknowing arise.
Sometimes I need to stop my ears
against the droning voices
of shoulds and shouldn’ts,
and when I do
I can disappear freely and playfully
into the blessing of knowing
I am forever unfinished.
Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann
February 11th 2011
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ART SHOWS
I will be participating in the Thornhill Artist’s studio tour and Sale on May 7 and 8, 2011.
Please pass the information on to your friends and come and visit my studio. I will be exhibiting a large variety of acrylic and collage paintings. Florals, landscapes and abstract subject matter.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
EXPLORATIONS WITH ACRYLIC AND COLLAGE (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED) INDEPENDENT STUDIES.
This is a great opportunity to work on the subject of your choice in the medium of your choice, with like-minded artists.
You will be encouraged to think about yourself as an artist, and what you would like to express in a series, through your art. Individual guidance and direction will be given, and each person will be encouraged to express their own unique concepts and style of expression.. Each class will include group discussion and sharing.
Date: June 2, 9 2011
Time: 9.30 - 1.00pm
Fee: $70
Location: My Studio (The garden is beautiful at that time of the year.)
Register early as class sizes are limited. A deposit of $25 is required with registration.
SUMMER SESSION
1) BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Dates: May 30 - June 1, 2011
For Information and registration contact: (705) 446 2044 Bluemtnpainting@hotmail.com
CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH FLUID ACRYLIC AND COLLAGE
This is an inspiring fun-filled workshop, for developing artists, who are ready to break free and explore new directions in painting and self expression. You will be encouraged to loosen up and explore the exciting effects created by combining fluid acrylic, collage material and texturing techniques, adding a new dimension to landscape and non-objective subject matter.
2)HALIBURTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
A) COLLAGE AND ACRYLIC EXPLORATIONS
Dates: July 4 - July 8, 2011
Location: Haliburton School of the Arts
To register: (705) 457-1680
Website: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts
In this exciting process oriented course you will learn to combine collage materials and acrylic paint as a means of personal visual expression and distinct visual vocabulary. With a creative spirit, you will be encouraged to explore and experiment with new concepts and ideas, using magazines, old paintings, oriental and stained papers, found objects, photographs, fabric, fibres, acrylic paint and anything else that you would like to adhere to your support surface. Composition and design principles will be addressed. You will benefit from individual attention and group dialogue. Personal creative expression and uniqueness will be encouraged
B ) ACRYLIC,COLLAGE AND YOGA
Dates: July 18 - 22, 2011
This exciting process oriented course, invites you to an exploration of acrylic painting and collage, combined with the experience of gentle yoga and meditation.
You will be introduced to Gentle Kripalu Yoga, which facilitates connection to your body, relaxation, self awareness and self-compassion. It calms the mind and allows you to connect with your authentic “Creative Self”. From this “centered place”, you will have the opportunity to explore your creativity and experience the joy of self expression in a fun filled, non-judgmental environment.
You will be encouraged to experiment with new concepts and ideas, combining fluid acrylic paint and acrylic mediums with magazine pictures, oriental and stained papers, found natural objects, photographs and anything else that you would like to adhere to your support surface, and incorporate into your art.
Your learning will be enhanced through, individual attention and group dialogue. Personal expression and uniqueness will be encouraged
Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
Jill@jillsegal.com (905) 731-3834
WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK
Please check my website periodically for new paintings, and join me on facebook, so we can keep in touch and I can share my newest paintings and other news with you.
May there be peace in your hearts, your homes, your communities and on our planet.
May you be open to joy, laughter and creativity.
Blessings,
Jill
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Please contact me at Jill@jillsegal.com or 905-731-3834 if you are interested
in any of these classes.
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