miriam louisa simons :: creative retreats
 

The workshops I offer these days take the form of Creative Retreats. Their content has evolved out of my experience as a somewhat nomadic artisan and teacher. And while a great deal of my teaching experience was in the classrooms of schools and institutions I have found that the context of a focused retreat is more conducive to the exploration of our natural creativity. It's this mysterious movement that has always been my passion. One's artworks are maps of one's journey into creativity rather than prescribed or pre-defined products. While I am now in the so-called retirement years of my life, I can easily be coaxed to share the delights of this creative journey.

Three workshop-retreat programs are offered:

the art of chance
a colored state of grace
empty canvas : wondering mind

The first two can be designed as three-day 'long weekend' events, or week-long events. In both cases they are preceded by an introductory evening. empty canvas : wondering mind is only offered as a 6 or 7 day event, as it covers a great deal of territory.

The retreats are ideally offered at venues established with the intention to provide a space of beauty, tranquility and sanctity; places conducive to inner exploration, creativity and celebration.

For further information please download the
creative retreats program
(pdf 107 KB)

INDIA
art workshops and A-levels
September 1996 - April 1997

Please note that the art of alchemy: shibori and aizome is no longer offered as a practical workshop. Those huge dye vats are now too heavy for me! However, I am happy to present the topic within the larger context of a lecture and slide presentation called COUNTRY TEXTILES OF JAPAN. The majority of the slides included were taken when I was in Japan studying traditional and contemporary textile art.