Magic is All Around Us

Magic is all around us.

It lives on unexpected paths and in open invitations. It’s tucked into the books on your shelves and plays among the plants in your garden.

Magic is in the shoes that fit just right and the skirt that makes you dance.

Magic is in that perfectly ripe strawberry. It adds the je ne sais quoi to a meal. It draws routes on the map in your glove compartment. It dances on the whirling chain of your bike.

It’s in the wind that caresses your shoulders and the sun that kisses your cheeks. It’s in the friendly face of a stranger and the freckles on your best friend’s nose.

It’s in moody skies and your lover’s eyes and the purr of a welcoming cat.

Magic tickles our toes with a desire to adventure.

It sings our heart awake.

It calls us out of our shell to shine.

It inspires us to create.

Magic is all around us, as common as house sparrows and cups of tea.

Its in the spaces between these letters.

It lives between you and me.

Let’s open up to magic. Let’s remember what we always knew.

As a part of this magnificent world, we are magic too.

Creative Living with Jamie: Mario A. Robinson

Artist Mario A Robinson on Creative Living with Jamie



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Creative Living with Jamie (episode 264): Interview with Mario A. Robinson

How do you pour love into a  painting? That’s the impossible question I asked artist Mario A. Robinson after his portraits made me cry. I’m delighted he was willing to answer this question and many more on Creative Living with Jamie.

Mario studied at the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Early in his development, he began looking to the great masters for inspiration and technical insight. An avid student of realism, he studied the elemental principles of painting by exploring the work and technique of Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas. However, it was the work of 19th and 20th century American artists that provided Robinson with the strongest stylistic foundation, helping him forge and define his own artistic sensibility.

Connect with Mario Andres Robinson

Website: MarioARobinson.com
Facebook: Mario A Robinson
Instagram: @MarioARobinson
Mario’s Book: Lessons in Realistic Watercolor: a Contemporary Approach to Painting People and Places in the Classical Tradition.
Mario’s Online Class on Craftsy: Painting Realistic Watercolors

Truth – the documentary mentioned in the podcast

Shine a Light ~ Spread the Magic

Whether this is the first episode that you’ve listened to or we’ve been hanging out for years, I am so glad that you’re here.  I love knowing that we’re hanging out in your studio, folding your laundry or that we’re hanging out while you’re walking your dog or going to work. Wherever you are and however you listen, I want you to know, I cherish you. And if you cherish this show, if it has been a blessing to your creative life, please spread the magic! Take a moment to leave a positive rating or review on iTunes. Share the podcast with your friends! You really can make a difference by shining a light on the show so that it can be found by other creative hearts just like you.

Discover the Magic of Altars

 altar

I have always had an altar in my studio. It’s my sanctuary of calm in the midst of creative dreaming and productivity. It’s a gentle spot that I can turn to any time for a moment of respite and beauty. Time with my altar helps me find my focus and remember who I am. It tunes me in to magic.

I want to spend the next two weeks sharing The Art of the Altar with you..

Through the act of creation, experience for yourself the power and possibility of a meaningful personal altar. Join me on this journey and and build your relationship with your self, the four directions – North, South, West, East – and the elemental energies that they represent.

Create a bit of magic in your own home.

To explain more, I hosted a Facebook Live, sharing personal elements of my own altar an answering questions about everything from the best location for your altar to how long the class videos are.

Watch The Art of the Altar Q&A Video

Below you’ll find all the practical details, including the course outline, schedule, supplies and registration fee. Between that and the video, I hope you have everything you need to know whether The Art of the Altar is for you. If not, just hit reply. I’m right here to answer any questions or qualms you may have

Every altar becomes a self-portrait of the person that created it. If you join in, one of my deep wishes for you is that you will look at your altar at the end of the course and say, “Yes, that’s me. There I am. Whenever I get lost, I can come here and remember exactly who I am.”

I hope you’ll start this journey with me tomorrow.

with love,

Jamie


The Art of the Altar Course Gives You…

Lesson One: An Introduction to the Art of the Altar We’ll explore how an altar can be a significant gift to your creative life. You’ll learn how to lay the foundation for your personal altar, choosing the right space for this energetic focal point.

Lessons Two, Three, Four & Five: Encountering the Four Directions – North, South, West and East Embark on a voyage of discovery with each of the four directions. Learn the grounding power of North, the fiery aliveness of South, the mutable energy of West and the fresh dawn of East. Create a connection with each of these energies to make them powerful allies in your life and in your work.Lesson 6: Focus & Activate Activate the energy of your altar, imbuing it with a sense of purpose and belief.

Bonus Lesson 1: Tending to Your Altar Like a garden, an altar thrives when tended. Learn strategies for keeping your altar alive and meaningful so it can serve as an ongoing support for you and for your life.

Bonus Lesson 2: Traveling Learn how to make an altar wherever you are with whatever you have so that you always have access to beauty, meaning and focus.

A Community Explore the art of the altar and the power of the four directions in a community of like-minded creative spirits. Share discoveries, insights and inspirations as well as creative expressions of your deepening understanding of the Art of the Altar.

A Guide I have been a student of these universal energies for most of my life and I am delighted to go on this journey of creation and exploration with you. I have experienced the magic that is possible at the intersection of spirit and creativity. That is what I want for you as you create and experience The Art of the Altar.

The Details

Format: This is an online e-course delivered through a series of video lessons.

Schedule: The Art of the Altar course runs July 12 to 29, though you can participate at your own pace and in your own time. Lessons will be released on Wednesdays & Saturdays.

Wed July 12: Welcome & Foundation
Sat July 15: North
Wed July 19: South
Sat July 22: West
Wed July 26: East
Sat July 29: Focus & Activate plus bonus lessons on Tending and Traveling

Supplies: This course is designed to be both personal and flexible. You will discover the components of your altar as you journey through the course. You will be able to use items you own or that you find in your environment. You are also welcome to invest in new additions, if you like.

You will need:

a location for the creation of your altar
symbolic objects (you’ll choose these throughout the course)
a camera (optional)

Community: private Facebook group

Your Guide: Jamie Ridler MA CPCC

Regular price $75 USD

Studio Members save 10% with a coupon code.