I went to Squam Art Workshops not knowing a lot about what was going to happen. It was my first time & I didn’t know anyone. I went with an open heart just to see what this would be & eager to learn all that I could. My creativity is still in a development stage & I’m just trying everything on to see how it fits, flows & brings joy. I keep reminding myself that I’m just playing, nothing serious is going on here.

I was lucky enough to be in the airport shuttle to the camp with five amazing women who so funny & kind – we laughed the whole way there & I knew the weekend was going to wonderful. I can’t even begin to list all the things I learned & all the ways I was changed, but I am NOT the same woman who arrived that day.

If anyone is interested in expanding their world of creativity, no matter where you are today, I HIGHLy recommend you getting your butt up to New Hampshire (bring your winter clothes) and dive into this lake of beauty, community, creativity, laughter & color called the Squam Art Workshops. Join me next year!

Misty Mawn taught my first class on Painted Icons. I have been a fan of Misty’s work for some time now so I was a little star struck when I first met her. I was giddy to be able to play with paint with her & the amazing women in that class. The paintings that we created that day were all so gorgeous, emotive & unique in everyone’s own expression.

Here is what it looked like:

Misty Mawn

Misty Mawn

icon sketches

start of icon - I used Iraqi girl photo to left, Our Lady & the Santa Fe sculpture for inspiration

my icon

Icon painted by Jenica McKenzie - I LOVE this !!!!!

Then I learned how to crochet a necklace in a cold, dark room by the colorful Alix Bluh. Alix is an amazing jewelry artist (think blacksmith or smithy) in San Fransisco. The class ended up in front of a roaring fire crocheting, telling stories & feeling great. It was so old world (perhaps not the right term) but I loved it. I wish I had more of that.

my talisman creation - I stamped BIG LOVE on it!

On Saturday, I spent the morning mixing paint to create color pallets with Mary Beth Shaw. This class fit right into my desire to understand color better. Mary Beth cleared a lot of my confusion around color palettes. I still have some, but I think the more I play with it, I will gain an intuitive sense of works for me.

painted palettes

one of my palettes

It’s hard being back & trying to get into the oh-so-different pace of this world with baby, teenager & husband all wanting my attention but it is also so nice – it’s always good to be home when home feels like home, & this home does.

Big Love, Katariina