Thursday, August 25, 2016

The Art in NVC

Art comes in many forms. Communication is definitely something to which we all relate. Here I am with NVC facilitator Sylvia Haskvitz, who came to Sedona this past weekend, leading  some of us on a journey of  self discovery.
"Non Violent Communication, A Language of Compassion"  is the definative book written  by  its founder, the late Marshall Rosenberg, PHD. I met him when he came to Sedona,for several times. My book inscribed by him is dated 1998. Where has the time gone?
 The intention of this process is to be able to make a connection with another, while getting both of your needs met. There is a process to do this, four main steps: observation of the event; identifying the feelings this raises in you,and the needs is behind these emotions. Lastly, make a doable request. Not all new thoughts, but he put them all together in a way that works, if we stick with our intention.
 Marshall picked the giraffe,the land animal with the largest heart, as the symbol for this language. The other symbol is the jackal, simply a "giraffe with language problems". He was a funny, very charismatic leader. He  recently  passed away. There is always something new to realize, that is why it is called the " practice" of NVC.

Someone once said to me that I was being paid to practice my art.There is truth in that.  I start out with a lump of clay, or pen and ink, and slowly create something that pleases me. Lots of years of working on my techniques. 
 Communication is an art form that I am always trying to improve. I have personally seen this NVC art form work for me with people I care about.I see it as a dance.
 I hope this creates an interest in you and a desire to learn more. Since you are reading me on the internet, this is all out there too. Then you try with real live people.

Monday, August 8, 2016

My Adventure with Mono Print

Here is my first experience making a mono print.  
The initial step is spreading colored inks  onto  a mylar surface, using a hand roller. This is Akua ink, with a soybean base, which comes in many colors. I chose my favorite dark red, purple palate. Since I was at a print maker's studio, there were lots of stencils and objects to use as texture. I chose this nautilus stencil, and added some string for further random effects.The final paper is put over this surface; covered with protective paper, then felt, and set on the press surface. 
 Next the press is turned on, and  the weight of the wheel presses down into the paper as it rolls along. It was a 1950's Dickerson Combination Press  which worked great, et voila, this  finished  page.
I used print paper for this, after soaking it  beforehand. However for this final page, I took rice paper , and got a second," ghost" print of the same image.Two views of the same process.
 It was a great experience. While I have no immediate plans for this paper, I am sure it will be used in a future piece of calligraphy,  or maybe a hand made book. Create now  so the inspiration is before us!