If I used only one word to describe my experience of Journalfest (a three day art retreat in Port Townsend, WA) it would be...
Connection
A joyous energy connecting everyone. A connection of mutual understanding-of shared interests and delights. A connection of light, joy, and enthusiasm. Everyone understands why creativity is so important, and that this expression is a deep core part of who we are. A glimpse into what humans can be when they gather together with the expectation and intention to have fun, share, explore, and deepen through creative expression. Not judging the results, but embracing and honoring the journey.
No matter what words I use, they fall short. Thanks to each and every one of you who participated in making this time so special.
While my journey to Journalfest began in January, when I submitted my classes, and joyfully got accepted to teach... the trip began on Wednesday with a ferry ride, which always makes me feel like I'm leaving my regular life behind both physically and metaphorically.
Taken from the ferry. Love that splash of red against the muted colors of the harbour.
The little town of Port Gamble. I often stop here on my way up. The town is full of quaint Victorian architecture, an old fashioned general store/gift shop/cafe, a great fabric store, and beautiful views of the water.
My favorite stretch of the whole drive is this bit of rural farmland where there are cows, sheep, horses, and buffalo-all within one or two miles. I love the old barns.
The Akamai art store is just as you enter Port Townsend. Look for this cute art car! I always stop here because for a "small" art store, they have culled a terrific collection of supplies. I have often wished this store was in Seattle so I could visit more often. Joanna and her crew bend over backwards to help Journalfest attendees get what they need for their classes. It is so important to support the art stores in little towns!
After arriving and greeting many people-I took my key and went to my dorm room. After I carried everything in and unpacked, I looked out the window and saw...
So I ran outside to get better photos!
I knew that Journalfest was going to be a great experience. But to have it begin with a rainbow was magical-and seemed to predict that it was going to be an extra special retreat.
Everything was glowing.
Sunrise Thursday morning. I was too warm and cozy to go outside.
Thursday I took a class from Julianna Coles. It was a lot of fun and I loved being a student for a change. She gave us lots of directions and ideas of using lettering as an art form in our journals. She is delightful and I really love her approach to art journaling.
For class and the party at the end of the retreat, Julianna was dressed up as a pirate. Here we are hamming it up on at the party.
At lunchtime on Thursday I went down to the beach-so sunny and clear-was this October??
The beach was full of beautiful textures and shapes.
Thursday night was the bonfire and journaling at the beach shelter (which has a warm wood stove), s'mores and socializing.
On Friday I taught the Joyful Altered Book class. On Saturday I taught the Handful of Gatherings class. Everyone was terrific and dove right in and created colorfully expressive pages. Thanks everyone for letting me take pictures of you and your works in progress!
My classroom for both days had THIS view. How can you not feel creative when you feel like you are up in a tree house?
The locals, who graciously shared this beautiful place with us.
The last night was a journaling party held in the Commons, complete with a live band.
Lisa Cheney-Jorgenson, who taught classes at JF and was a beautiful pirate! I didn't dress up-just didn't have the time to organize a costume!
Susan Elliott also a gorgeous pirate! : )
Pnina Gold, Orly Avineri (who also taught) and me.
Michelle Geller who I first met at Anahata Katkin's, Art in Ashland retreat.
Melissa Manley, Me, and Traci Bunkers who both taught classes at Journalfest.
But then the a bit of silliness broke out...
This represents to me the magic of the retreat. What all the other photos don't convey, was the soulful nourishment of this time. Where for a short time you get to connect with everyone's true selves.
A moment in time filled with light and joy-connections of like-minded souls to create unexpected magic. An interconnected web filled with beauty and radiance. Thanks everyone for such an amazing experience!
