Without seeing things as they are, it is hard to create art. Our perceptions are obscured and our mind is not fresh, so making art becomes a troubled, futile process by which we're trying to create something based on concept.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
Shambhala Art can be seen as a process, a product, and an arts education program. As a process, it brings wakefulness and awareness to the creative and viewing processes through the integration of contemplation and meditation. As a product, it is art that wakes us up. Shambhala Art is also an international non-profit arts education program based on the Dharma Art teachings of the late Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of Shambhala Buddhism, Shambhala International, and Naropa Institute. These teachings were recently re-published in a volume entitled, True Perception.
These teachings have been key to my recent work along with the study of Buddhist philosophy, in general. I am trained and certified to teach the first three parts of this five part program that offers an experiential framework for learning the Dharma Art teachings. Each program is co-taught by two teachers who ideally work in different media, to show how this approach works with a variety of creative disciplines.
Co-taught by Rebekah Younger and Marcia
Shibata, Ikebana Master and Senior Student of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Friday, February 5, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. - Public talk on Shambhala Art and review
of Part One, $5 suggested donation.
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Shambhala Art Part One is a prerequisite for this program)
In Shambhala Art Part One we learn what it means to create from the open space
of meditative mind, using our sense perceptions to return us to "Square One." In
Part Two we explore further the difference between the felt sense of things as
they are and our thought sense. We examine the role of signs that point to
something using relative information and our direct experience, what Chögyam
Trungpa Rinpoche refers to as things as a symbol of themselves.
In Part Three, The Creative Process, we begin to see how the expression that
arises out of space can take form and have energy. In joining the vision
(heaven) with things as they are (earth), energy or a spark naturally arises.
When these are combined in the creative process and finished product, a potency
is conveyed that can be felt by the maker and viewer alike.
We will continue our journey through these teachings by Chögyam
Trungpa Rinpoche with more exercises, discussion and contemplation to ground our
learning in direct experience. Part Three requires a small additional fee of $25
to cover materials needed for each student. This non-refundable deposit must be
paid by all participants and sent to Julia Huttel, 34 Cobble Knoll Road, Poland
Springs, ME 04274 by April 20. Scholarships for the balance of the class fee are
available on an as-needed basis.
For more information contact: Julia Huttel, juliahuttel@gmail.com or
207-998-4809
On-line registration at www.shambhalabp.org.