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Archive for the ‘Art as Awakening’ Category
Happy Lunar New Year + New Collection
Posted in Art and Healing, Art as Awakening, art with lorien, Cosmology, Creative Process, Divine Feminine, Ethical Fashion + Home, Gratitude, Health and Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle, Inspiring Women, Natural Beauty, The Arts, Uncategorized, Women Entrepreneurs, tagged art and healing, art to wear, collaboration, cosmic art, cosmic painting, Divine Feminine, education, ethical fashion, fair trade, fit active lifestyle, global impact, self love, shop Vida, vday, zero waste on February 6, 2019| Leave a Comment »
My Story~ In My Own Words ~An Interview in VoyageLA Magazine
Posted in Art and Healing, Art as Awakening, Creative Process, Women Entrepreneurs, tagged abstract painting, art and healing, art for sale, be inspired, cosmic art, creative process, gratitude, healing arts, inspiration, lorien eck, Los Angeles artist, VoyageLA on April 18, 2018| Leave a Comment »
I am thrilled and honored to share a fun interview for Los Angeles online magazine VoyageLA.
Here’s the link to the article or click on the image above. Enjoy!
Thank you for reading and I invite you to share your contributions via comments and connect to me via my Facebook page, explore my Art with Lórien art classes on YouTube, and if you would like to make sure you are notified about more content like this, join my newsletter here to be the first to know when I offer my new programs, including early bird specials and exclusives!
May your days be filled with a sense of wonder, love and the spirit of Aloha,
In love, gratitude and beauty…
Embracing Grief in Challenging Times
Posted in Art and Healing, Art as Awakening, art with lorien, Creative Process, Evolution, Inspiration and Ascension, Gratitude, Health and Wellness, Inspiring Women, Raising Awareness, The Arts, What Inspires You?, tagged art and grief, art and healing, art has the power to heal, embracing grief, Grief, Kubler-Ross, Life Blessing Institute, self care, self love, Sobonfu Somé, support, the grief process on January 20, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Hello! I am happy to be back writing here in my blog, after a turn-of-the-year hiatus and by demand of very clear, poignant and pivotal events of late. In this blog, I am embarking in an area that is not often openly talked about and is quite a complex, layered, and profound area of the human experience. For some time now, what has been brought to my attention once again, is the grieving process, the stages of grief and my own personal layers of grief that began in earnest with the death of my six-year-old sister when I was eleven years old. For me, grief had been a very scary and sensitive topic (death and dying included) and I avoided or denied those feelings with some underlying. I was a young girl, just in the 6th grade and the space and stages of grieving were paused and delayed in earnest until I was about eighteen years old and a freshman in college. It was a car accident where I was injured, shaken up and overall, experienced trauma and stress, and was the catalyst to a profound spiritual awakening and the earnest start in my search for meaning and truth. It also was the impetus of my own conscious grieving process of the physical death of my only sister and my desire to connect with her spiritually. This process has been a constant, as with every death “out there,” all loss and grief is re-triggered for me. And like everything in life and personal growth, progress not perfection has been my ally as I continue to navigate the many losses and feel the grief in my life and in the collective. One of the ways that I process and integrate loss and grief now is through my art practice and I will be blogging more about art, healing and grief in subsequent blog posts… stay tuned.
Here are my observations right now and what inspired this post today. The veils are certainly thin these days, and I am being reminded once again how truly precious life on Earth is, to cherish every moment and to continue to LOVE above all else, especially when the external realities are extreme and polarizing.
Sobunfu and I at the Rowe Center, MA, June 2000
This is from January 19, 2017: Today I started my day like many others, morning rituals, welcoming a new day to embrace, embark and do my very best.
I learned of the passing of one of my very special teachers, a powerful healer named Sobonfu Somé. I do not know the details of her passing to the Spirit world other than the fact the she was with her family in Burkina Faso. What I do know deep in my bones, is the impact that she had on me and the sweet memories I have with her, studying her books, learning from her culture, the Dagara in Burkina Faso and most importantly, being with her in sacred ritual at the Rowe Camp and at the Omega Institute in NY, both in 2000. Her name itself means, “keeper of the rituals” and her work and legacy touched many many lives here in the West.
I was introduced to her work through another teacher and mentor of mine who has also passed, Joy Parker, who was studying with Malidoma Somé. I was excited to study with him but destiny guided to study with Sobonfu instead! After devouring her books, I was able to be with her in person at one of her grieving ritual 3-day retreats, this one at the Rowe Center. It was powerful, transformational and taught me about honoring the sacred in everyday life, to honor my ancestors and to embrace grief, something that was and still is a life long learning curve.
Sobonfu also taught me about the sacred element Water. She founded Wisdom Spring, working diligently to provide various villages in West Africa with drinking water and to provide resources for education through its various programs including Art for Africa and Walking for Water.
Ironically (or is it?), there is a Grief Ritual scheduled for March 2017 near Washington, D.C.
Anyway, I’m continuing to reflect on how knowing of and receiving Sobonfu’s life gifts here on earth has impacted me and what more I can do to integrate and honor her legacy. To learn more and benefit from her wisdom, visit http://www.sobonfu.com
It is comforting to me to know that she is crossing over to the realm of the ancestors and her Spirit endures through her work and us…
My reflections so far about Sobonfu and her teaching will continue in forthcoming blog posts and revolve around her legacy of discovering and sharing our gifts and for me that includes the healing, art-making and evolving through the grieving process.
Something that I heard today from another wonderful teacher/friend of mine, Georgette Star of the Life Blessing Institute, who said. “I’m learning to “share this intimacy of grief with others who can hold that level of sharing. What an incredible gift to connect heart to heart.” And, with that my friends, I’ll share that my heART is here to heal, to teach and to inspire healing the hearts of others and the world through engaging intimately with the creative process. I truly look forward to sharing my three new art program launches this spring which range from a foundations in art-making course to a program that facilitates a deep dive into your creative healing process with me as your gentle guide.
Thank you for reading and I invite you to share your contributions via comments and connect to me via my Facebook page, explore my Art with Lórien art classes on YouTube, and if you would like to make sure you are notified about more content like this, please sign up for my newsletter here.
May your days be filled with a sense of wonder, love and the spirit of Aloha,
In love, gratitude and beauty…
#52Weeks of Films By/About Women ~ My Ongoing Pledge
Posted in Art as Awakening, Creative Process, Divine Feminine, Inspiring Women, Raising Awareness, The Arts, What Inspires You?, Women Entrepreneurs, women in the media, tagged 52weeks, Bechdel test, creative process, Divine Feminine, Film Fatales, Geena Davis, gender equality, heforshe, women, women in art, women in film, women in the media on October 14, 2016| 2 Comments »
Art with Lórien Studio Video Production Set
Hello My People!
I am delighted to share this passion of mine is supporting women in the media and my enthusiasm for films that are directed by women, are written by a woman and/or feature stories about women. One of my guiding litmus tests for the content of a film, is applying the Bechdel test. What is the Bechdel test you may wonder? It asks whether a work of fiction features at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. The requirement that the two women must be named is sometimes added.
So, to solidify my commitment to my hobby and quest in January 2016 I pledged to watch one film per week as part of the #52FilmsByWomen campaign sponsored by Women in Film. What I am really excited about is discovering the #52weeks List of Gayle Nachlis, Women in Film Senior Director of Education, so many superb films on her list! I also learned about Film Fatales, a network of women filmmakers who meet regularly to mentor each other, share resources, collaborate on projects and build a supportive community in which to make their films. Here’s Film Fatales list of films directed by women streaming on Netflix USA, 245 and counting!
And, so as we approach the end of 2016, and my 52-week pledge, I am sharing what I have enjoyed so far… And, I do pledge to continue into 2019 and beyond. With our evolving landscape, values, priorities and the balancing act that is occurring, there will be much to catch on the screen, big and small! Enjoy and join the fun!
My Ever Evolving LIST from 2016 through the present day: (in no specific order)
Miss Representation- Watched this in 2014- a must see on the topic.
The Women’s List
Jenny’s Wedding
Joy
Bessie
Iron Lady
Mustang
Woman in Gold
What Happened Miss Simone?
True Cost
Diana
Tig
Tangerine
Trainwreck
Hello, My Name is Doris
All About Eve
The Story of Ruth
East Side Sushi
Séraphine
The Lady in the Van
Coco Before Chanel
Suffragette
Brooklyn
Carol
Joan of Arc: Virgin Warrior
He Named Me Malala
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
Hanna
Miss Potter
The Passion of Joan of Arc
Maggie’s Plan
Frida
India’s Daughter
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny
Zootopia
Me Before You
Dukhtar
Girlhood
Middle of Nowhere
Selma
Ride
Pariah
The Letters
Big Stone Gap
Under the Same Moon
Testament of Youth
Still Alice
A Ballerina’s Tale
Conviction
The Intern
Me Without You
Under a Tuscan Sun
Ai Wei Wei Never Sorry
Citizen Four
Wonder Woman
Planeat
The Future of Food
The 33
The Whole Truth
Our Kind of Traitor
Mia Madre
Certain Women
Lovely and Amazing
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
The Post
Ladybird
Maudie
I, Tonya
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Paris Can Wait
Moana
Jackie
Florence Foster Jenkins
Eat Pray Love
Girl Rising
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power
Eighth Grade
RGB
Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present
The Female Brain
Anita: Speaking Truth to Power
The Favourite
Yentl
On the Basis of Sex
The Kindergarten Teacher
Captain Marvel
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Bad Reputation
Kusama: Infinity
Pariah
Heal
Mary Queen of Scots
Becoming Astrid
Westwood Punk • Icon • Activist
Unicorn Store
Captain Marvel
Longshot
Late Night
Call to Courage
Breakthrough
Little
Booksmart
A Dog’s Journey
Abominable
Black Christmas
Charlie’s Angels
A Beautiful Day…
Little Women
Frozen 2
Hustlers
Harriet
Queen&Slim
and counting…
Please take a look at a blog post here that features a documentary called Seeing Is Believing: Women Direct by friend Cady McClain, She wrote, directed, and produced this documentary along with Kate Super. Also, one of my favorite organizations is the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, an organization that engages, educates, and influences the need to dramatically improve gender balance, reduce stereotyping and create diverse female characters in entertainment targeting children 11 and under.
I invite you to explore my website, especially take a look at Art with Lórien, my online learning platform and community!
Thank you for reading and I invite you to share your contributions via comments and connections and would love to hear your comments here, reach out via my Facebook page, check out my Art with Lórien art classes on YouTube, get to my website, or email me at artwork@lorieneck.com.
May your days be filled with a sense of wonder, love, creativity, adventure and play!
In love, gratitude and beauty…
Artist Interview: What is Transformative Art?
Posted in Art and Healing, Art as Awakening, Art Workshops and Classes, Creative Process, Divine Feminine, Evolution, Inspiration and Ascension, Gratitude, Inspiring Women, Raising Awareness, The Arts, tagged art, art 4 all people, art of healing, art with lorien, Astrological Apothecary, awaken your heart, be inspired, feng shui art, healing, healing arts, nourish your spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transformative art, water series on June 9, 2016| Leave a Comment »
With one of my healing Water paintings, Water III. To lean more about my Water Series, click here.
I am thrilled to start up a new blog series theme: Artist Interviews. In this blog series, I will be interviewing inspirational artists and will sharing these insightful and inspirational messages in a variety of ways that I look forward to launching soon! For now, I am sharing the first interview of yours truly. In 2014, I was interviewed by Art 4 All People as part of an art exhibition focused on arts and healing.
Here is the interview, short and sweet!
How would you describe Transformative Art?
Transformative Art is art that reaches into the soul and acts as a mirror revealing the deep and rich inner beauty of the Self, as well as the shadow self. It has the power to shift consciousness and not only raise the vibration of an individual, but shift the collective consciousness.
What inspires your own Art and what does Art mean to you?
My own spiritual journey and quest for beauty, for what is true, and as a devotion to the Sacred is what informs and inspires my art practice.
In my experience, art serves as a visual response to the questions that one asks or that the collective is asking. For example, questions about the nature of reality, what it means to be a Spiritual being having a human experience, or about what is possible in the human experience.
As an Artist what is the significance of doing Transformative Art in these times, in this century in the now?
If an individual feels the call to create and share their art with the world, the significance of doing Transformative art now is ad infinitum. Art is a bridge between the mundane and the Sacred and has the capacity to bridge the gap of disparity between suffering and pure bliss. Artistic expression gives meaning and healing to the human condition. Art is the glue of the Universe and provides a safe space for the Soul to rest and take refuge. More than ever, art and artists serve as the foundation for the evolution of human consciousness.
On Love, my Guest Blog post on the topic “Be Love” for Gently Moving Forward
Posted in Art and Healing, Art as Awakening, Art Workshops and Classes, Creative Process, Raising Awareness, The Arts, tagged art, art with lorien, be inspired, be love, belove, Byron Katie, gently moving forward, Kat Troyer, Kathleen Nelson Troyer, love, love is the answer, love what is, Matt Kahn, month of love on March 9, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
~ Denis Waitley
When asked to explore the topic of BE LOVE from my friend Kat of Gently Moving Forward, I felt overwhelmed and still do honestly. The topic of Love is no small thing. Artists of all kinds, from fine artists to songwriters, authors, screenwriters, dancers, musicians, actors and on and on have been diving deep and pulling up expressions on Love for millennia. I am reminded of something that a good friend and mentor said to me once, ART is like LOVE, it’s not easy to define or contain, Love is endless like the ocean. So, with that, I will contribute my current musings on this call to explore “Be Love.”
My artist palette, water series.
Love is finding a soul mate and life partner in the most roundabout and curious manner… I am amazed and grateful each and every moment of this miracle.
California Adventures!
Love is Mother Nature in all of her manifestations, the vast oceans, rivers and lakes, the rich and varied earth forms, the life-giving air, and transformative fire. She is my core inspiration for most of my artistic expressions in painting. The four primal elements and our home planet Earth give Love to us so abundantly and freely without any complaints, demands or refusals. She is always giving selflessly.
The majesty of mamma ocean
Love is the joy of creativity in any medium. I create art through painting and I have also discovered the joy of cooking for others in what I call my “creative kitchen.” I believe that conceiving of and preparing a meal for a beloved and loved ones is a simple necessity that has become one of my creative expressions throughout the days… as the saying goes, “a girl’s gotta eat, right?”
Home-made meal for two!
Love is the creatures of all types—four-leggeds, winged-ones, swimming ones, creepy crawlers, buzzing bees and the humming birds…. Every day I am in awe of our co-habitants and Spirit helpers. Love exemplified.
Sweet sea soul companions
Angel and Shanti
MuBee- a few weeks old!
Love is that profound knowing and love between my family, both biological and kindred-spirits in community. Love is when we just look at each other, communicate telepathically and feel each other through the breaths of everyday living, whether near or far.
My inspiration, my sister Alisa and I at the tide pools
Love is feeling compassion and being loving to the Self and Other despite the emotions that are stirred up when seeing injustices, inequalities, imbalances, or the pain and suffering of any living being through inner or outer wars or violence of any kind. Being a highly sensitive and empathic individual has its benefits for sure, though we may feel too much sometimes. The key I am discovering through the gentle and ongoing practice of Self Love is to continue to love, accept and be at peace with all aspects of the Self and of Other. A couple of modern-day teachers who explore this perspective are Byron Katie according, author of Loving What Is and the work of Matt Khan and his Love Revolution and book Whatever Arises, Love That.
Looking ahead with the drishti (or soft divine gaze of Love)
Love is “not taking it personally,” this principle being one of my key intentions for the year of 2016 and believe me, once I shot that arrow into the air and shared that intention publicly, the little tests showed up and sometimes continue. The inspiration for transformation is LOVE indeed!
And, lastly for now, Love is remembering Who I Am. After many years of awakening, of teachings from teachers, readings from astrologers channelers and the like, to meditation retreats in India, Central America, across the US and beyond, guided rituals, self-help and psychology books, volumes of personal journals and on and on… One thing I have heard and seen over and over are these wise and simple words, Know Thyself, Remember Who You Are. And this my friends, is BEING LOVE and it’s free of charge, simply requires remembering more in the game of remembering and forgetting.
I leave you with one of my favorite poems on love by Rumi.
Let us fall in love again
and scatter gold dust all over the world.
Let us become a new spring
and feel the breeze drift in the heavens’ scent.
Let us dress the earth in green,
and like the sap of a young tree
let the grace from within sustain us.
Let us carve gems out of our stony hearts
and let them light our path to Love.
The glance of Love is crystal clear
and we are blessed by its light.
~translated by Azima Melita Kolin
Thank you for reading and I invite you to share your contributions via comments and connections and would love to hear your comments here, reach out via my Facebook page, explore my Art with Lórien online classes or email me at artwork@lorieneck.com.
In love, gratitude and beauty…
Art to Awaken Your Heart, Nourish Your Spirit