Drawing Towards the Earth: Making Journals for Life


“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

S. Portico Bowman is a friend of mine and a talented artist, writer, and teacher. She is also a creative and insightful person. I particularly admire her ability to transition between different media – from pottery to printing to writing, and her insights during our shared travels have helped me to see things differently.

Portico is offering a workshop from July 12-16, 2020, at the Hollyhock Retreat Centre on Cortes Island, British Columbia, and I strongly encourage you to take part. The workshop is entitled Drawing Towards the Earth: Making Journals for Life and will involve making coptic stitch Arcadia Playhouse journals and Bargello tapestry bookmarks. The slow, repetitive creative process is designed to be contemplative, meditative, and introspective. In addition, Cortes Island provides the most fabulous garden setting surrounded by the ocean. It sounds absolutely perfect!

Madie Fleming, Pittsburg State University with S. Portico Bowman

You don’t have to be an artist to participate. In fact, from my perspective, it’s even better if you aren’t as you’ll be opening yourself up to new experiences that encourage growth and renewal. I took an art workshop yesterday, and it scared the heck out of me. I mean! It involved drawing, and knives, and paint! But I stuck it out and am proud of the linotype I created – but even prouder of myself for venturing outside my comfort zone.

There is a 10% discount for Portico’s workshop if you book by January 31.Go ahead - venture outside your comfort zone!

“When you do things from your soul, the river itself moves through you. Freshness and a deep joy are a sign of the current.” – Rumi

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