A School of Thought and Contemplation                                                                                                                                                         Contemplation is in danger of becoming a lost art. Let's change that. I am not referring to 'dwelling', dwelling on things can lead to negativity and an unhealthy mental state. In my opinion, we human beings need moments of constructive contemplation in our lives. Taking time to smell the flowers along the road is an old and  beautifully visual reference alluding to our need to slow down and pay attention to the 'real' world we are a part of. Nature. Part of  'our ' nature, is the need to take time and space to contemplate.                                                                                                            This is a good thing, a healthy thing, that gives us important opportunities to gain a level of awareness we might not otherwise enjoy. Many people run from the idea of going within. Much of our current global culture is about external stimulus and imersing ourselves in everything but ourselves. Going within, in a fast paced world is not easy to do. A personal art practice can cultivate states of contemplation that are productive and enriching. The holistic art practice I nurture, cultivates an awareness of all the various intelligences and parts of our being that make up who we are and how we process our experience of life. We go within ourselves to find our way. We strive to expand awareness and to honour the; physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual contributions, that are made and experienced through the practice of art.Learning is meant to be an ongoing human condition. We are constructed to be learners.

Classes may cover many other fields of knowledge as well: discussion, critique verses criticism, technical aspects of a variety of mediums and analysis of materials. developing a series of works, observation of our external and internal worlds, sketching, personal inventories and more. In my work with participants, I strive to build confidence in creative thinking and living through the practice of art creation. 

Teaching Goals
My primary goal is to support and train people to think for themselves. To that end, helping them to achieve the awareness and appropriate skill levels to realize a deeply satisfying personal art practice. An 'ongoing' art practice that is both enriching and challenging, enhances creativity throughout our lives and facilitates sharing with in our circles when we desire it. Art, is an opportunity to contemplate. Contemplation is a lost art. I want to change that.

Heads up. Integrity; Copying and 'Do it For You' Fixes
As your guide and facilitator, I will give you no short term how to courses, no quick fixes and no devices involving mimicry. Be yourself and learn the skill base or go home. If that seems harsh it is not intended to be so. It's simply that I have had prospective students come to me and say, "teach me how to paint like that". No, I will not. I will direct you to find yourself instead. 
The only copying I allow is from your own photographs or personal family archives. You need to own your own experiences. 

Educators
Professional teachers working for our schools are encouraged to request or apply to have me come into the classroom to work with them and their students. These professional collaborations and a team approach to art education working with professional artists are respectful and very beneficial for everyone. Professional consultations and workshops may be considered on a case by case basis. 
Consultations are sixty dollars per hour. 

A final note;
I have found it is extremely important for serious artists, to insist on being treated professionally and for artists to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of their careers. Artists  must be paid fairly for their time, expertise and final works where applicable.                                                         

Please refer to C.A.R.F.A.C. at; http://www.cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/article/viewArticle/939/845