Explore Christ as a Healing Icon
with Kristena West M.A.
OPEN AS A SELF-STUDY
Free PODCAST intro to the class, so you can get an understanding of my approach. You also get to hear me snort with laughter- I did not edit it out- enjoy!
$25
Self-study
Artists at some point or other, will probably devote some time to considering the Christ and what that means to them. Christianity is a world religion, an esoteric study, a universal symbol, and has millions of stories, arts, music dedicated to this theme over 2,000 years.
"Those who want to paint Christ have to live with Him."
Fra Angelico (1387-1455)
“The essential thing is to work in a state of mind that approaches prayer.”
– Henri Matisse
Contemplation as a Way into the Heart Space
For years I had a small private group where a global community of dedicated artists working with deities could come together and share artistic creative stories and ideas with each other.
In that exploration of contemplative arts we all learned so much about our approaches to art. One of the main thoughts about working with deities, is no one does it the same way; similar but different, and that is a good thing.
But everybody recognizes the necessity of contemplation. Christian contemplation, from contemplatio, Latin Theoria, refers to several Christian practices which aim at "looking at", "gazing at", "being aware of" God or the Divine.
When we undertake to work in a contemplative way, it's a quiet, inner-working of pondering our subject in our hearts. This might include holy texts, music and meditation.
We do this naturally when we enter into a book we love, give ourselves over to great music, reading poetry, and re-engage with our creative practice. But sacred contemplation is a quieter journey, soft quiet sacred music, incense, being alone if possible with phones/alarm clocks etc off. A time for our selves and the beginning of our dialogue.
Portraits
examples of participants works
JANNEKE ROSENBRAND HEAD OF CHRIST
CONTE & PASTEL CHARCOAL PAPER 18" X 24"
PROJECT 1: WARM-UP PANTOCRATOR
Let's Start with a warm-up with our Pantocrator the direct LOOK of Christ into you soul. This begins our journey into contemplation of a portrait of Christ taken from the Pantocrator painting, and here is a participants work last year. Each artist will have their own experience of the beginning of this sacred conversation. You might be aware of synchronicities, dreams, new ideas as you begin this process.
SHELLEY MASTER HEAD OF CHRIST
PASTEL CHARCOAL PAPER 18" X 24"
PROJECT 2: PASTEL PORTRAIT
You can use an image of Christ-Jesus that you like, or use the images that are available for download for your use.
Shelley wanted to work with Giotto so her portraits were inspirations from that great spiritual artist. This led to lively discussions about different artists throughout time.
Bonus Lesson
BONUS PROJECT PAINTING 18"x 24" CANVAS
Here we enter into the next step and create a painting of Christ & ourselves together.
what will you learn in this class?
What you will learn in this contemplative arts class is not really a skill-set. What you bring to the class, your motivation, focus, prayers, and energy will give back to you what you put into it. It's a different kind of creating, and it's a beginning for many people.
For many people this is a new way of working, a new chapter of art making, and for some it may become a life long practice. For others, they may be in mid-conversation, and are getting back into the practice.
Begin Where You Are. So just begin and see what arises.
•Tips and techniques on developing a Contemplative Arts practice
• How other cultures make sacred art, and are some of the key components of sacred art making?
• How to draw a portrait in pastels, watercolors with the downloadable samples of portraits
• Paint an 18" x 24" painting of two figures; the Christ being and you!
$25
SUPPLY LIST
9" X 12" OR 18" X 24" CHARCOAL PAPER
I RECOMMEND SENNELIER, NUPASTEL, REMBRANDT ETC. PASTELS
ASSORTED PENCILS, WATER ACTIVATED COLORED PENCILS, WATERCOLORS, PAINT PENS,
CHARCOAL STICK AND/OR PENCIL & CHARCOAL BLENDER
18"X24" CANVAS FOR PAINTING
ACRYLICS, OILS, MARKERS ETC.
Meet Kristena West M.A.
Kristena West received her Masters in Transformational Arts & Consciousness, a program that focused on how artists can change the world. Her thesis is on cross-cultural sacred iconography. BA is in academic and professional writing and psychology. Undergraduate is in Fine & Commercial Arts and Fashion Design.
I have been an artist my entire life. I have been engaged in community arts, curated exhibitions and worked in fine art galleries since I was eighteen years old. I have always worked with groups.
I have 30 years training with shamans and have trained groups and clients in these ways of knowing. My question has always been with indigenous shamans, "What makes Art Sacred?" And these gifts of what I learned I bring to my work and to students who take my classes.
Two years ago, I learned video & podcasting so I reach a global audience online, so many friends who cannot find transformative arts classes can now do so. This is the beauty and delight of Transformative Sacred Arts.
$25