Not really in San Antonio, but almost, and not really in Boerne, but almost. It was an invitation from Chicago, from Crystal Naubauer a collage artist I have admired for a number of years. It was also an invitation from Laura Roberts, (aka Hasty Pearl) gracious hostess with the innovative idea of having an art workshop in her home. Laura: artist, collector, gardener, who lives in a wooded area on the outskirts of San Antonio welcomed participants to her exquisite home and gardens with handmade name tags, delicious lunches, and a garage/workshop that could compete with any studio/classroom.
An eclectic group of artists reveled in the delightful setting and especially in the gentle/kind/generous/creative/ spirit of Crystal Neubauer. By her, we were led through a number of mark-making/drawing/painting/stamping/collaging exercises designed to assist us in accessing the intuitive artist within. Her quiet/rich/deep/confident personal nature, nourished by the Holy Spirit, established a comfortable working environment. The heady atmosphere of nine working artists fed each individual artist as we grappled with materials and ideas and stretched ourselves to let go of control and trust our intuitive natures.
Below are photos of our expressive attempts. I apologize for my quick shots, some of them may be presented sideways or upside down, (which is a good test for artists to see the quality of composition) and unfortunately I cannot credit the individual artists with each of these experimental works of art:
Pregnant with possibility? Some of them seem to have a full delivery of expression already. Only two days together, yet bonds were formed and each artist went home with several “works” or “starts” and an impromptu handmade paint brush culled from Laura’s garden:
Fun? Fun! not a frivolous zany kind of fun, but a fun that had within it some Texas hospitality and an overflowing cup of creative juice, mixed gently with spoonfuls and tidbits and pinches of new ideas. I’m charged anew with energy for creative endeavors in my studio. Thank you Laura and Crystal!
I enjoyed meeting you! You are a wonderful artist, I love your work!
Thanks, Michelle for this response…
Helen what a lovely tribute to our weekend together. Thank you for sharing it. I am honored and humbled!
Gwinn, I just arrived back to Boerne, from 10 days in the mountains…refreshed, exhausted and still romancing our days here with Crystal. What happened in those two days, effected what I created on vacation. Effected ME and I know that it will continue on in my work. It was an interesting group. Ive been to rowdy workshops, but this…was different. Something was quietly rooting in each of us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so eloquently. Each of us fed the other, no doubt. And sign me up for a continued relationship…I think we all were “married” in those days. How lucky we are! It was MY blessing to have had each of you!! Bookmarking your blog! xo Laura