HEY, FLORA! WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG ARTISTS?
I must admit that trying to convey the magnitude of magic that was present during our week-long workshop in Mexico is a little daunting, but here goes…
Yep, that's San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful gem of a city nestled in the Sierra Madres Mountains and fondly referred to as El Corazon de Mexico (the heart of Mexico). To be honest, I had surprisingly never heard of this magical land until I received an email from Miss Rebecca Brooks about eight months ago. Rebecca was keen on taking a Bloom True workshop, but alas, they were all full. Was I interested in teaching a workshop in Mexico, she wondered? One sparkly converation later, (we were kindred spirits for sure), it was ON…a workshop born out of TRUST, a desire to follow our soul's longing and no small amount of BRAVERY.
Arriving from four countries, ages 35-83, fourteen brave women gathered together for seven dreamy days in the sunny courtyard of Casa Carmen, the oldest bed and breakfast in San Miguel…can you say charming? It's no surprise to me that this workshop attracted such a special group of women. We were all there for the same reasons—to gift ourselves seven days of pure creative time, to meet like minded people, to explore a beautiful city and perhaps the most important reason—to dive into our own personal journeys of letting go, stepping into the unknown and embracing ourselves with MORE LOVE and MORE JOY…yes please!
Our days together were deeply soulful—with the perfect balance of laughter and tears. Each day started in a circle where we settled in, eyes closed, hearts open and birds singing. Then we talked. We talked about art, of course, but the conversations often widened to hold our stories of personal awakenings, tips on letting go, favorite books and ways to move through fear and accept what IS. As the official teacher, you might imagine that I was doing most of the talking—oh no! I simply created the container for this amazing group of women to share their unique perspectives and their wise wise words. I'm sure I learned just as much as everyone else during those circles!
Morning circle…photo by Michael Murnane
Fueled by inspiring quotes, positive affirmations, painting demos, time spent sketching and writing, great playlists and fresh jugo, we painted up a storm for about five hours each day. We made repeat trips back to the local art supply store to re-stock on our lucious jars of vibrant Mexican paint—the colors were AMAZING! Our evenings were spent exploring the colorful streets of San Miguel, eating in the hundreds of great restaurants (the rooftops were my fave) and doing some sweet bonding with our fellow bloomers. I think everyone would agree that it was a very BLISSFUL time.
*Check out more gorgeous photos and beautiful words by Miss Andrea Scher right HERE.
Yummy paints…photo by Michael Murnane
For me, the most amazing thing about this workshp was the TIME we had—time to really sink into the process, to explore many ways of approaching FOUR big canvases, to let go into the luxurious hours of creating freely with nobody telling us to stop or to clean up or to…go home. This was the key! I know my approach to painting (not knowing what will happen before you start…totally letting go…embracing the unknown) can bring up all sorts of emotions which often opens doors into news ways of being. And THIS, my friends, takes time…sweet deep time. You can be sure I will be offering more of these longer format workshops. I think I'm addicted.
"Papel Picado" my Mexican demo painting
Now that I'm firmly planted back in THIS reality (not such a bad one, I must say), it's time to put some final shiny touches on my Bloom True E-Course…it starts on Monday and I can hardly wait to unveil this exciting new project to you (there are still a few spots open if you want to jump aboard in the final hour!)
Exploring San Miguel…photo by Andrea Scher
xo, flora
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Wow Flora! What a beautiful picture you’ve painted (no pun intended! lol) of a miraculous week. I’m sorry I missed it but ooooh so glad that Monday is coming. Well, it will be Tuesday for me because I’m from the future ;^) And I feel soooo ready!
xo
Wow Flora! What a beautiful picture you’ve painted (no pun intended! lol) of a miraculous week. I’m sorry I missed it but ooooh so glad that Monday is coming. Well, it will be Tuesday for me because I’m from the future ;^) And I feel soooo ready!
xo
sounds amazing! I always love reading about your journey and your style. So looking forward to Monday!
sounds amazing! I always love reading about your journey and your style. So looking forward to Monday!
Such a joy,dearest Flora ,to have been part of this amazing experience in Mexico ,to have spent time with such beautiful group of like minded artists.To see and feel the way you held us all together with such love and to watch the emerging colourful canvases each produced was incredible.. Your gifts are priceless and your generous heart becomes visual when one sees the explosian of colour on your canvas..your workshops are not a “how to paint” or painting by numbers but are a journey into the inner heart where one’s creativity lies. This week will stay with me for the rest of my days thank you Flora
Such a joy,dearest Flora ,to have been part of this amazing experience in Mexico ,to have spent time with such beautiful group of like minded artists.To see and feel the way you held us all together with such love and to watch the emerging colourful canvases each produced was incredible.. Your gifts are priceless and your generous heart becomes visual when one sees the explosian of colour on your canvas..your workshops are not a “how to paint” or painting by numbers but are a journey into the inner heart where one’s creativity lies. This week will stay with me for the rest of my days thank you Flora
oh Flora…. this looks like it was a most amazing retreat!!! Between the location, the group and the “wonder of Flora”, I can feel all of it’s beauty.
It’s on my list to catch another workshop with you before the end of this year~ looking forward! all the best~ xo
oh Flora…. this looks like it was a most amazing retreat!!! Between the location, the group and the “wonder of Flora”, I can feel all of it’s beauty.
It’s on my list to catch another workshop with you before the end of this year~ looking forward! all the best~ xo
Oh Flora !! I want to do the long, in person format, and I’d love to do that in San Miguel – I have always wanted to go there!
my mom and I are coming to Squam by the Sea – but your workshop is full – but we will see you and hangout!! xox
Oh Flora !! I want to do the long, in person format, and I’d love to do that in San Miguel – I have always wanted to go there!
my mom and I are coming to Squam by the Sea – but your workshop is full – but we will see you and hangout!! xox
wow – that first picture is AMAZING! And I bet it’s an iphone pic hey? I’ve heard great things about San Miguel..and I felt like I was right there with everyone while I was following on various Instagrams – oh the joy of technology! 🙂 Anyway, it looks like it was a magical experience. I’m so excited to experience some of the magic at Teahouse in March – I’m a big fan of your work – you’re so inspiring!
wow – that first picture is AMAZING! And I bet it’s an iphone pic hey? I’ve heard great things about San Miguel..and I felt like I was right there with everyone while I was following on various Instagrams – oh the joy of technology! 🙂 Anyway, it looks like it was a magical experience. I’m so excited to experience some of the magic at Teahouse in March – I’m a big fan of your work – you’re so inspiring!