TAOS 2018 - CREATIVE GUIDES
JENNIFER ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood to me is where I find myself. By that I mean, it is the safe space where I can lay down my guard and be seen and heard. It is where I can witness and be witnessed. Sisterhood is the healing balm in life. It is here I have found home.
JENNIFER ALBIN - BIOGRAPHY
My name is Jennifer Albin. I am a mystic, compulsive coffee drinker, mother to three amazing boys, and wife to one of the most beautiful souls to walk this Earth. I am also the artist/owner behind Soul Whisper Arts.
I am a self taught artist with a background in substance abuse counseling. I fell in love with mixed-media art in 2011 and I haven’t looked back!
I am am a super firm believer that Love conquers all, that the heart of Life is in fact awesomely good, and that Art heals on some really deep levels. And that is why my mission at Soul Whisper Arts is to create art heals. My art serves as a reminder that you are not alone. When you fumble in the dark, there are torch bearers to light the way. When you are weary from peeling back the layers, there are others alongside you on the journey to lean on.
In addition to creating art, I strive to foster community through art classes and workshops and to teach women about the wisdom and beauty waiting to be witnessed within. It is with paint brush in hand that I believe we can discover some of the bravest parts of ourselves.
WEBSITE: http://www.soulwhisperarts.com/
JACKIE ON SISTERHOOD
Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. The bond we share with other women creates a sisterhood. Sisterhood is the ability to feel connection and trust with another woman; to know that we are more alike than different; to believe that we are not alone; and to share genuine love, joy, compassion, and goodwill for one another.
JACKIE BARRAGAN - BIOGRAPHY
Jackie Barragan is a Mixed Media artist and instructor from Orange, CA. Though she has always been creative, it wasn’t until 2013 that she discovered her love for art and the liberating joy of Art Journaling. Soon after, she realized that art was part of her life’s purpose. Her passion lies in Mixed Media due to its messy and imperfect nature.
Along the spiritual path of looking inward, Jackie began to experience the healing properties of creating art. She feels that art is a reflection of our souls.
Jackie’s art focuses on the gifts that life’s challenges have given her: Courage, empathy, forgiveness, gratitude, joy, trust, acceptance, hope, and love. With every piece she creates; with every lesson she teaches, she experiences further validation that creative expression is a powerful means to healing the wounds of the past.
As an instructor, her hope is to help others discover their courage… courage to stand in their truth; to be authentic; to follow their heart; to trust their inner voice; and to let go of the past and heal their soul through art.
WEBSITE: https://courageandart.com/
JENNIFER ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood to me is an unconditional, loving connection between women that transcends time, space and circumstance. It requires honesty, patience, forgiveness, humility, acceptance and grace to grow… thankfully, my circle beautiful circle of sisters is growing by the day.
JENNIFER BONNETEAU - BIOGRAPHY
Bonjour 🙂 I’m Jennifer Bonneteau. I’m an artist, teacher and mom living and creating in Murrieta, CA with my family and our dog, Jasper. I believe we were all born with creative gifts and a desire to connect with one another and that art is a conduit for connection and healing. Through my work as an artist and teacher I hope to inspire others to tell their personal stories through their own creative expression.
I’ve been working as an artist for nearly 2 decades as a muralist and an owner/designer of Chick Picks, guitar-pick jewelry. I’ve designed artwork for oodles of guitar picks over the past decade including an “Artists for autism” line created along with several other gracious and talented artists to help raise resources and awareness for autism. Owning and operating a creative art and jewelry business has afforded me the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of areas such as graphic design, web design, and photography and although I’ve enjoyed all of these creative endeavors, my true passion lies in expressive painting and sharing that process with others through my studio classes, online classes and in-person workshops 🙂
I began my love affair with expressive painting in 2014. I find the process allows me to both lose and find myself at the same time. My work has been described as electric, emotive and powerful, often employing vibrant hues and dramatic textures. I often paint portraits because I feel alive and connected to humanity when I’m attempting to capture the essence of a person in a painting…it’s often a spiritual experience for me. My style resonates in the areas of abstract realism and modern Impressionism. I draw inspiration from my faith, friends and family, music and life experiences teaching and traveling.
I feel blessed to be able to share my passion for creativity with people of all ages and abilities including people with anxiety and autism. It’s been my privilege to serve on the Advisory Board for Temecula’s local autism organization, Our Nicholas Foundation, and has aide in their efforts to provide resources for children and families affected by autism. I recently obtained my ART4Healing certificate so I can help at-risk youth, the autistic community, and people with anxiety and/or chronic illness cope by expressing themselves creatively and profoundly through the expressive painting process. Thank you for your interest and support…x
WEBSITE: http://www.jenbonart.com/
DENISE ON SISTERHOOD
When women unite to create community, sisterhood flourishes. Together we create a chain of hearts and souls that speak a common language. My being recognizes your being. And already, together, we make a difference. Sacred answers and perspective. Presence and gratitude. This is our sisterhood.
DENISE BRAUN - BIOGRAPHY
Denise Braun is a licensed professional artist and an uber-creative teacher, therapist and inspirationalist. Self-taught and raised by a professional artist mother, Denise grew up tie-dying her own clothes and silk-screening t-shirts. As a child, Denise was often the winner of local art contests and was always asked to draw pictures on her friend’s books and notepads.
Denise’s mixed media/collage art depicts an authentic connection to happiness and joy, which is inspired from a deep contentment & personal wisdom. Denise masterfully weaves together acrylic, paper, ink and gesso to create her own one-of-a-kind Heartwork City pieces…her style is undoubtedly representative of whimsy & color, joy & spirituality.
Denise is a certified hypno-art-therapist. Having worked in the field of Psychology for many years, it is important that her work represents positivity, hope and wisdom. Her Restorative Art Therapy programs help countless children and families including those struggling with cancer and other health challenges. Her art and spirit imbue light, happiness, and her mantra “anything is possible” to all they shine upon.
WEBSITE: http://heartworkcity.com/
KARA ON SISTERHOOD
To me, sisterhood is a group of women that whole-heartedly believe in one another, want the best for each other, accept and celebrate the differences of each other, and hold space for one another, at all times. A sisterhood is a group of women that want to spread kindness, strength, love, and hope to their fellow sisters. Finally a sisterhood is open to anyone. The doors are never closed, as the true goal of a sisterhood is to continue to grow and join arms with all women seeking the same thing…..more connection, more love, more power, more success, more kindness, and more positivity for all! We ARE a sisterhood! We ARE responsible for making this happen and TOGETHER WE CAN! Sisterhood is a choice…..and it is one that I choose.
KARA BULLOCK - BIOGRAPHY
Kara received her BAS in Child and Adolescent studies in 1998, and immediately upon graduating, began her career as an elementary school teacher working with children ages six through 12. In 2004, she returned to graduate school to earn her MA in Education. In 2008, she left the elementary classroom and began teaching college courses, online, to adults studying to be teachers! She found it very rewarding to work with those that had a passion for teaching others!
Art has been Kara's passion for as long as she can remember. Although her career started in education, she had no idea how this would help her later in life. In 2013, Kara began taking art classes as a hobby, which soon became her full time career. Teaching education classes online, and working with children in person, helped her to become an expert in developing curriculum, teaching art lessons to children and adults, and guiding others in the teaching process.
In 2015, Kara began teaching art online via her website. She now offers over 25 creative courses on her site, and serves over 2500+ students internationally. In 2017, Kara opened the Kara Bullock Art Studio in old town, Tustin. She now provides an in-person, creative experience for both adults and children. Kara not only inspires other artists to live a creative life, but also mentors those that are looking to create and teach their own online courses. She is living the dream of working as an artist, art instructor, and mentor! She feels that she has found her place in this world, and loves to help other realize that, they too, can live a creative life!
WEBSITE: karabullockart.com
SARA ON SISTERHOOD
In a nut shell it is a pure connection, love, acceptance, being in authenticity, it is laughing/having fun, mutual respect, being there for one another, allowing the unfolding of pure love to come through, letting go of barriers that hold us back, being vulnerable and having the trust to do so. I've always had a strong connection or feeling for the word Sisterhood and have a beautiful, loving, and supporting Sisterhood where I live, with friends I've had for years. It is witnessing love and empowerment, a beautiful flow of energy.
SARA BURCH - BIOGRAPHY
I am an intuitive artist who loves creating original faces and works of art. Each painting has a special purpose and is created with love and positive energy. When a painting finds a new home, my hope is that it will encourage the viewer to go deeper within their own spiritual path, their own truth. I love when a painting resonates with the soul, a character strength or emotion they connect with, either from the past, what they are currently going through, or what they desire to become. Especially if it is an emotion they are searching for. Like a mark in time on their ongoing spiritual journey; past, present or future. I love art that touches the soul "Art much like music, speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul."
Art is living life... Since stepping into being an artist, a couple years ago, my everyday life has become much more colorful and dreamy, even with the struggles of living a creative life, art is such a gift to us all. My relationships with all in my life have become more connected, meaningful and beautiful. I've formed lasting bonds with so many creative, soulful, loving, beautiful people. Art has changed my life in ways I never expected, it has awakened me in the most amazing way possible. I'm so grateful for this journey of art and life, to feel more connected and grounded in my spirituality, and for all the beautiful souls in my life. Love is the Answer
KIALA ON SISTERHOOD
My core belief is that women are energetic magnets. We are the force in the Universe that creates, attracts, pulls, absorbs, and internalizes. Sisterhood is about tapping into that force by finding connections to women who help us explore the inner depths of ourselves in a safe and sacred way. It's about facing our light and our shadows, nurturing others in a way that nurtures us, and having a place where authenticity is more than a buzz word, but a way of navigating the world every-single-day. Sisterhood breaks the barriers of color, nationality, religion, sexuality, genealogy, and socioeconomics because true sisterhood is about the soul of person -- their essence -- the person we are when no one else is around. When we connect to that part of each other, we are experiencing the undeniable and infinite power of the Universe -- stardust, magic, abundance, and divine & fierce femininity -- that is Sisterhood.
KIALA GIVEHAND - BIOGRAPHY
Kiala Givehand is a published poet, bookbinder, creative business strategist, teacher, fountain pen collector, and radical nomad. She believes in surrounding herself with ordinary humans who live extraordinary lives, gathering with people who make her laugh & love uncontrollably, and living a life intent on cultivating happiness.
Kiala is a double Capricorn, ambivert who grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida where she learned to appreciate and respect hurricanes, humidity, and the transformational powers of the sun, the moon, and the ocean. She holds six academic degrees in various subjects from various Universities, but the one she cherishes most is her M.F.A. from Mills College where she studied with (and later apprenticed for) world renown Book Artist, Julie Chen. Finding and falling in love with Book Art was a life changing experience for Kiala after having gone through a traumatic two-year health battle and realizing life is too short to put off doing the things we most desire.
Kiala is proud of many things, but at the top of the list is having a successful 20 year professional teaching and training career at the K-12 and College levels, being married to her best friend of 30 years, raising her nephew Treavor, mentoring more than 20 young women over the last 25 years, and unapologetically pursuing her creative and entrepreneurial dreams. She now runs two successful online businesses and through online courses and in person retreats, teaches women all over the world how to find what makes them happy and pursue it without regrets.
She's always seen books as a vessel for sharing our journey and documenting our lives. And while many believe that Book Art is a complex skill that only a select few can master, Kiala is on a mission to demystify creativity & handmade books in order to make both accessible to anyone who wants to document their ideas, images, and stories. Through her love for paper, words, and handmade books, Kiala has been able to cultivate an artistic life that includes Book Art, poetry, lots of silly doodling and tons of creative exploration and discovery.
WEBSITE: http://www.kialagivehand.com/
TAMARA ON SISTERHOOD
I associate the concept of Sisterhood with the 'feminine'. And for me, the feminine is not gender based as such. So I can imagine a sisterhood to be a group of people that connect with each other in the spirit of the divine feminine, meaning qualities of nurturing, compassion, sensitivity, strength and gentle kindness.
TAMARA LAPORTE - BIOGRAPHY
Tamara Laporte (‘willowing’) is a creative catalyst of thousands of beautiful people. She is a celebrated mixed media artist and art teacher who has been running her own creative business since 2008. Her work can be described as ‘mixed media folk art’ with a focus on ‘magical realism’. It ranges from whimsical children’s illustrations to a more stylised fantasy art. Love, mystery, innocence, hope, spirituality, kindness and self-connection inspires her art work. Symbolism and layering play a big part in her work. Her paintings often contain healing themes, uplifting messages and inspirational poetry.
She believes that the act of creating art can be a gateway into healing and personal growth – often, her art classes contain an element of self development as well as learning art techniques. She is deeply devoted to helping people get in touch with their creative fire and would love to help YOU too to get in touch with the artist in you!
Tam is the inventor and creator of Life Book a year long art course that includes some of the most celebrated mixed media and personal development teachers out there. Since its inception it’s been joined by over 16,500+ people who’ve gained tremendous artistic and personal skills through it.
Deeply passionate and caring for the well-being of the world and its people, Tam works tirelessly to bring uplifting, nourishing, creative and empowering content to her amazing tribe of over 34,000+ souls.
WEBSITE: https://www.willowing.org/
DIANA ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood to means, judgement free zone. It means that you have woman to call on that will be your sounding board. It means your never alone.
DIANA MAYORGA-VOGEL - BIOGRAPHY
Mother, Wife, Therapist Intern, Motivational Speaker, Doctorate Student
Passionate about balancing life through stress, anxiety and depression management.
The focus of my work is to help clients overcome and manage stress, anxiety and or depression that keeps them from achieving life long goals and finding ultimate happiness. In addition to working with individuals and couples, I specialize in working with weight loss surgery patients and those who suffer from addiction.
WEBSITE: www.DianaVogelLMFT.com
IVY ON SISTERHOOD
To me, Sisterhood is all about embracing the women in your life and truly celebrating their beautiful gifts. It’s about wanting success and happiness for your sisters. It’s about standing by them when they need you. It’s about wanting more for ALL women. More equality. More peace. More strength. More opportunities. More kindness. More empowerment. More freedom. More love. I believe that women are the answer to all the pain in this world but first we have to love ourselves and each other.
IVY NEWPORT - BIOGRAPHY
Ivy is a published artist, art instructor and creative guide. Her online collection of artistic workshops have served thousands of students internationally and she prides herself on giving devoted care and support to her student body.
She spent most of her childhood growing up in Sydney, Australia and received private art education from a well known Australian artist as a young girl of 8 until her family was relocated to America when she was 16. She went on to finish high school in Connecticut and attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, receiving her BFA in Illustration.
After graduating she relocated to Austin, Texas where she was employed to create and implement an elaborate art education program at a local Montessori school. Life then took her to New York City, where she was employed by the Whitney Museum of Art working in the President’s office and assisting both the President and the museum’s Trustees. Finally a move to Portland, Oregon led her into the interior design business as a design assistant. A few years later, she owned and operated her own successful Interior Design company.
She left this fast paced role to become a mother to her two girls. While at home, Ivy engrossed herself in creative discovery and began to passionately shoot photography and author a blog. These endeavors ultimately led her to the online creative community – which inspired a fruitful and gratifying career as an Art Instructor – teaching both online and in person. Her domestic and international workshops offer rich and expansive creative experiences, with a focus on personal growth and renewal.
Ivy’s artistic message is to guide others to their creativity and nurture those special gifts in each of us. She strongly believes that every soul is creative and finding ways to express that creativity is paramount to joy and healing.
She has been published in several magazines including, Somerset Apprentice, Somerset Digital Studio, and Artful Blogging
WEBSITE: https://ivynewport.com/
LAUREN ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood to me bring sup the words reflection and connection.
When we open our heart towards another in the most deeply vulnerable way and we are met with open arms and an open heart, this is sisterhood.
Throughout our lives we need support to walk on our path. When we listen to each other, hear each other, and love unconditionally with complete acceptance offering support we have found a sisterhood.
Sisterhood is in the deepest sense peace when it is real and genuine. It is a space to evolve and grow. Most importantly it’s a space to have fun. laugh and just be. Sisterhood is a gift.
LAUREN RUDOLPH - BIOGRAPHY
I create to connect. I connect to myself through artistic expression and I connect to others through telling their stories and sharing the vision. Art is a vehicle for growth and brings me closer every day to essence of who I am. I have always chosen portraiture as my subject matter because I am fascinated by the human spirit. There are so many layers to see and to work through. I am committed to my art and I am inspired to use my creative voice.
WEBSITE: http://www.laurenrudolph.com/
TIARE ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood is a beautiful, massive thing. Sisterhood means never ending love, laughter and growth. It is the place where you are embraced and experiences can rock you to the core. It is a place where your strength grows but you can also be very vulnerable. My chosen sisterhood is a place where I find consistent and intentional love and acceptance and yet I can be called on me mess.
TIARE SMITH - BIOGRAPHY
Tiare Smith is a self-taught mixed media, art journal artist and instructor.
Born with art in her heart she lost her way from her art for 18 years. It came back to her life in a burst of emotion and anxiety. By practicing techniques of love, positive self talk, thoughts and action which have helped her to overcome other areas of struggle, she now enjoys her art in a free and inspiring way.
She inspires creatives to embrace their inner artist while also nurturing their hearts and memories.
She has not only been featured on HGTV but has had numerous works published in a variety of crafting magazines and blogs.
You can find her teaching at her local paper crafting store, online or in her private studio.
She aims to help women to embrace the artist within through lessons infused with love, happiness, confidence and creativity, empowering them to experience and express their art more freely. It is her mission to touch one million hearts in such a powerful and significant way.
WEBSITE: http://tiaresmith.com/
MURIEL ON SISTERHOOD
Sisterhood for me is a community where you feel safe and supported. It is where you feel equal even though you are different. It’s a place where differences are celebrated as much as the similarities. It’s a place where you can rise to your full potential.
MURIEL STEGERS - BIOGRAPHY
My Name is Muriel Stegers and I live in the Netherlands. I was born and raised in Amsterdam. I became the fabulous 40 this year and have 2 amazing daughters.
I am an ARTIST and I love making a statement like that. I am completely self-taught and greatly enriched by all the beautiful coaches and teachers surrounding me. Creating art is like the air that I breathe.. It’s a priority and basic need for me!
I am a mixed media TEACHER national and international. I am also a creative COACH.