Jill Segal's Newsletter

Spring 2009

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Happy Spring!

What a wonderful time of renewal and rebirth this is. I feel a surge of new creative energy and excitement in me as I watch the buds on the trees opening, welcome the blooming daffodils, crocuses and other magnificent spring flowers and listen to the birds singing so joyfully.

At this time of year I am always reminded how the creative process and the rhythms and cycles of Nature are so similar.  There are times, during our creative journey or process when it seems that nothing much is happening. We may reach a plateau, which can feel rather frustrating and empty. For me this usually marks a time like winter. A time of incubation and rest, when it doesn’t seem like much is happening. If we can be patient and accepting, after a while spring will come again and with it a new burst of ideas and creativity.

 Some interesting Quotations on Spring

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment” ~ Ellis Peters

“Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” ~ Neltje Blanchan

Oh, Spring! I want to go out and feel you and get inspiration. My old things seem dead. I want fresh contacts, more vital searching.  ~ Emily Carr

TRAVEL NEWS

In January and February I spent time in Naples , Florida. It was lovely and warm and relaxing . I took an exciting course, in water media, called “Splish Splash,” at the Von Liebig Art Centre, with a wonderful instructor, Genie Kell. The Von Liebig Art Centre www.naplesart.org  is a great facility, offering a variety of art classes in all types of media.

In May I will be returning to Peru again, and will be staying at the beautiful garden retreat centre called Willka T’ika. www.willkatika.com

The gardens are laid out as ‘Seven Sacred Gardens’. Each is dedicated to a different energy center, or chakra, to provide for personal meditation, healing and rejuvenation.

While there, I will be helping to organize an art program for children, from a remote mountain village. Carol Cumes, owner of Willka Tika has set up a children’s fund to help these communities build classrooms, and libraries. It helps with school supplies and provides hot meals for the children.

Carol’s story is really interesting. Have a look at the website and history of the children’s fund. www.willkatika.com

SPRING & SUMMER WORKSHOPS

If you are thinking about taking a workshop you may be interested in some of my workshops listed below

EXPLORATIONS WITH WATERMEDIA CREATIVE (INDEPENDENT STUDY)
 
Date:                 May 28, June 4, June 18
 Time:                9.30 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
 Fee:                     $90
 Location:          My studio

This is a great opportunity to work on the subject of your choice in the medium of your choice, with like minded artists. My garden is gorgeous at that time of year. 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 end with a group critique.

CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH YOGA AND ART

In this workshop, you will be introduced to Gentle Kripalu Yoga, which facilitates relaxation, connection to your body and self compassion. It calms the mind and allows you to connect with your authentic Creative Self.  From this “Centred Place” you will have the opportunity to explore your creativity, and reconnect with the joy of self expression, in a funfilled, non-judgmental environment, using acrylic paint, oil-pastels and watercolour crayons.

Date:               Saturday June 21, 2009
Time:               9.30 a.m. – 4.00p.m.
Fee:                  $70 plus material fee of $15 if you don’t have your own supplies.
Place:              18 Prince Edward Blvd, Thornhill

COLLAGE AND ACRYLIC EXPLORATIONS
Date:                 June 29 –July 3, 2009
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

For more information and registration contact Jill Segal
(905) 731-3834  email jill@jillsegal.com 

KRIPALU  GENTLE YOGA CLASSES

Kripalu yoga is a gentle form of yoga. It emphasizes self compassion, self respect and honouring the needs of one’s own body.

In these classes you will learn basic postures (asanas) and how to co-ordinate these with breath and movement, thereby developing body awareness. You will learn Yogic forms of breathing and how to sequence breath with movements to assist you in creating, mental and emotional balance. For experienced students, who enjoy a gentle class, this class offers an opportunity to deepen your practice and refine your ability to be guided by your body’s innate wisdom.

SPRING SESSION

May 25, June 1, 15, 22
Time: 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Fee: $40

ART SHOWS and GALLERIES

I will be exhibiting exciting new work in the following galleries this summer,

The Ethel Curry Gallery, Haliburton Ontario, www.ethelcurrygallery.com,
705-457-9687

The Oxtongue Craft Cabin, Dwight, Muskoka, www.oxtonguecraftcabin.on.ca
705-635-602

Studio 737 Art Gallery, Tweed, Ontario, www.studio737.com,
1-800-420-7964

If you are in the area, have a look at the galleries. I am always pleased to get your feedback.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at some of my workshops. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Happy Spring,

Jill Segal

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