Week 2: Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters

In week 2 we used sculpture to explore the second day of creation- as this is when God separated the waters from the waters, giving form to the unformed...

This day represents the beginning of form from what has been yet unformed. Throught the teachings of Charles Fillmore, Unity co-founder, we know that this is the establishment of Faith. The vast expanse between the waters below and the waters above represents Faith. It is Faith, therefore, that shapes the very beginning of form. Unity minister Eric Butterworth has this to say about that!

We started class with a few stream of consciousness exercises to help us stay with the present, to accept what is held in mind and in body and emotion in the present and to do so without judgment. So we begin to give form to ideas and thoughts, without judgment, but in faith form begins. 

See below for our play dough recipe. We engaged in a few sculpting exercises designed to begin the process of formation without attaching to a finished concept or piece. Then we listened to "God Is" by Faith Rivera during our guided meditation in which we became present to what was showing up in the moment emotionally, in thought, in body. I asked everyone to identify whatever came to mind as friend or foe and then choose something and sculpt it. This was a very sacred experience. 

Homework: 

1. Choose a partner and do the stream of consciousness activity. One person speaks a word, then the partner speaks whatever word comes to mind. Go back and forth for 1 minute. Stop and start again with the other partner. 

2. Meditation: spend time getting centered through prayer and meditation, be present to what is showing up for you- thoughts, concerns, feelings, celebrations- whatever comes to mind and has energy around it. Accept whatever comes, without judgment. Notice how you feel about it, stay with it, is it your inclination to identify it as friend or foe? Sculpt a representation of this friend or foe. You will likely discover something new about it, perhaps experience a healing, gratitude, a deeper knowing and connection to your experience of it. You may discover a new inclination toward this friend or foe, just by noticing your own conviction about it. 

Journal about your process. Feel free to share thoughts about this experience here on the blog or with a partner or friend. Think about it in terms of Faith, giving form to the unformed, and your thoughts about the process. Thank you for participating!

Our sculpting material was homemade play dough, using this large batch recipe:

3 cups flour (sifted)

1 Tb cream of tartar

1 cup salt

3 1/4 cups water

3 Tb vegetable oil

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, pour into a large pot, stir in wet ingredients over High heat, continue stirring for 3-4 minutes. Add a few drops of vanilla or preferred essential oils for scent, add food coloring during this time if you want the entire batch to be the same color. Remove mixture (it will still be wet, very similar to cooking scrambled eggs- remove from heat while still somewhat soggy). In bowl knead dough, separate into smaller sections and knead in food coloring in if you want smaller portions of different colors. Dough will dry into nice silky smooth texture. 

Week 1: More process examples-

Here are more examples of the 25 image assignment from week 1:

Week 1: Process

Here are a few images from both Class 1 and of the homework assignment. Feel free to send more images for me to post. This is a great place to honor yourself and each other and to be present for the work we are each doing! 

Week 1: Let there be Light!

*Bring a camera to class! Any kind will do (preferably digital), even your cell phone camera. 

Genesis 1:1-5 (New Revised Standard Version)

1 In the beginning when God created^[a] the heavens and the earth, ² the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God^[b] swept over the face of the waters. ³ Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

So we begin at the beginning! Let there be light- we will explore the metaphysical meaning of light in the creative process. And once there is light, there is space and time- and these three: Light, Space, Time comprise the elements necessary for photography. Using photography, we will explore the first step in the creative process as you embark on this journey of developing your personal creative process and style. You are the Light of the world, and "God saw that the light was good."

You might choose to share some of your thoughts as you prepare for our first class together. What thoughts do you have about your own creative process? Use this space to introduce yourself. Thank you for your willingness to unleash your creative power!

Unleash Your Creative Power- Creativity is your Divine inheritance!

Creativity is your Divine inheritance! In this unique class, you will work with the first creation story from The Book of Genesis as a springboard for exploring and igniting your creative energy in new ways. Each week will feature an art form aligned with the seven days of creation, including: photography, sculpture, painting, drama, drawing, mixed media/music, and reflection.  This course is designed to inspire you to unleash your creative spirit while you examine the creative action of universal Mind as told in scriptures. Emphasis will be on developing a personal creative process that will allow you to bring your divine ideas into expression. You will challenge self-imposed limitations and liberate your creative soul as you experience firsthand these words of Unity co-founder, Charles Fillmore, "the ideal is continually pouring itself into its creation and lifting it higher and higher."  

*No previous artistic skill or experience required.