Who participates and what do they get out of it?

RSU Studio can help you navigate change, process grief, improve health & wellbeing, develop vision/motivation, build confidence/self esteem, or simply give you space to explore your own creativity.

Expressive art workshops and creative counselling are not just for artists or those in the creative professions. Experiential interaction with visual art, craft, music, movement, journalling and guided meditation, benefits people of all ages and walks of life.

Here's what some RSU Studio participants have said about their experience:

“Having someone walk through my visual story with me was powerful. I gained a new understanding of my own responses to working within a male dominated organisation and developed new resources to cope with the challenge.” – Public relations officer, female, 32yo

 "These sessions have been life-changing for me. Creating things to explore my past and present and to envision my future, has moved me beyond talking the talk, to walking the walk." - Business owner, male, 30yo

“As I shared my artwork with her, I felt, for the first time, that someone was actually listening to my story. It was a great gift to receive.” – Department manager, female, 45yo 

“I’ve enjoyed exploring my own creative responses during these workshops. My awareness and observation of the world around me has really grown as a result.” – Writer, male 26yo

“I was very nervous about joining an “art” class because I hadn’t done art since I was in primary school. I soon found the environment was very supportive. My first attempts at creating art were accepted in the group and I now have the confidence to explore further artistic endeavours.” – Retired, female, 58yo

“At first I wasn’t sure about this class. It was not what I expected. But now that we’re at the end of the term, I wish we could keep meeting every Friday.” – Female, 18yo

“As a landscape oil painter of many years, this approach seemed a bit strange at first. After experiencing the emotive and intuitive side of my own creativity, I have a whole new appreciation for modern and abstract art. Now I’m doing lots of intuitive artwork in soft pastels – a brand new medium for me.” - Artist, male 49yo

“I sometimes feel a bit behind the eight ball as I’m still learning all this spirituality stuff. But today I felt like an equal. We entered this creative experience together, and now, I have a new sense of belonging.” – spiritual seeker, female, 42yo

“This creative experience gave me new insight into my spiritual journey.” – male, 37yo

"It's hard to explain it really. All I can say is that since I've been doing this creative stuff, all areas of my life have improved. It's like exercising my right brain has given me fitness for life.  - Student, female, 22yo

Get off the treadmill and into the studio!

Explore, create, dream, renew.

Enquire now about upcoming workshops or personal coaching sessions.Think outside the square and try something different.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results.

Summer @ the studio

This summer, would you like:
* space for your soul
* to relax at a deep level
* time for reflection
* freedom to play
* space to be creative
* clarity on an issue or your life path

Escape to RSU's island studio for an hour, a day, a weekend. Explore your own creativity, find right-brain solutions to the issues that matter. Play with pastels, paint, paper, clay, found objects, music, movement, meditation, journalling. Paint your own prayers, draw your own dreams. Discover resources that will nourish and support you on your return home. 

Email RSU for more info.

RSU on worldwide creative prompt calendar

Some of my original artwork and creativity prompts are included in the Creativity Portal's 365 Picture Prompts Project .It's a perpetual calendar and my work shows every year on June 20, July 19 and August 13 (USA time). Click on the image below for a closer look.


Every 24 hrs a new photo and and thought prompt appears there, and will reappear there on the same date next year. Makes an interesting "home" page to start your creative day with.

Interstate sessions : creative spirituality

Right Side Up helps people make the connection between art and spirituality. Particularly focusing on the use of art and imagination to take them into transformative spaces.

RSU presented a day of creative spirituality for a community in NSW. Touching on themes of unity, healing and connection, the sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their spiritual journey as individuals, and as a group.

We facilitated opportunity for creative expression, reflection, alternative forms of prayer, and a space for shared storytelling. Meditation and reflection stations, individual doodle art and collage, combined with journal pages bound to create a lasting memento of the day's activities, offered a variety of ways for participants to engage their senses, and map their inner spiritual landscape.

Winter workshops

Art Walks
Let nature be your creative muse. Enjoy an easy walk in company with others, then create artwork inspired by your meditative response to the surroundings. Some sessions will be held entirely outdoors, others will see you return to the studio to create your artwork.
2 x 2 hr sessions
$60 includes use of studio facilities, refreshments, art materials and tuition.

Expressions in Clay
Based on transpersonal intuitive art methods, this free-form activity will encourage self-expression and story-telling. Create your own raw-clay sculpture, and if you choose, embellish it with a variety of items.
1 x 2hr session
$35 incls clay costs, studio facilities, refreshments, other materials and tuition.

The art of becoming yourself
Using pastels, paint, paper, clay, visualisation, music, movement and journaling, this series of art therapy exercises is designed to improve your self-awareness, expression and confidence. Facilitated in a small group environment offering opportunity for supportive dialogue, feedback and friendship with others on the path to self-improvement.
4 x 2hr sessions
$120 includes use of studio facilities, refreshments, art materials and tuition.

click here to
Enquire or Enrol now

Enrolment/payment due no later than one week prior to course start date.
All courses offered subject to minimum enrolments.
Individual Art Therapy sessions available by appointment.

Creativity prompt: Which Way?

I have another creativity prompt being featured at Creativity Portal on July 19, USA time.


When you come to the fork in the road, which way will you choose to travel . . .
Create your own response:
Draw ~ Paint ~ Collage ~ Write ~ Journal

RSU featured on worldwide photo prompter

Some of my original artwork and thoughts to ponder are being included in the Creativity Portal's 365 Picture Prompts Project on June 20 (USA time). Click on the screen grab below to read it after the show date.

Every 24 hrs a new photo and and thought prompt appears there, and will reappear there on the same date next year. A perpetual photo prompt. Makes an interesting "home" page to start your creative day with.

A list of contributors is here. I also have new creative prompts coming up on July 19 and August 13 (USA time).

New Year / New Studio

Introducing Right Side Up's new island studio.


For individual sessions or group workshops.


Brew yourself a cuppa in the kitchen.


Space to create - individually . . .


. . . or in community with others.

Want to be notified of new workshops, private creative retreat options and more? EMAIL RSU

Artomotive

Right Side Up was contracted to provide art therapy and creative coaching sessions with young adults in East Gippsland who may be characterised by a range of social dysfunctions including: marginalisation from the community, low self esteem, bullying (both bullies and victims), unstable home environment, poverty, poor literacy and numeracy skills, substance abuse, cultural and racial intolerance, self harm and, a juvenile justice history to name a few.

Based on the initial brief to create an exhibition using recycled materials, RSU built on the concept of using recycled car parts to create art. The project started with a trip to the scrap metal yard and car wreckers. The aim was to encourage them to think outside the square. Exercise their creativity and gather bits and pieces of cars with from which they would create art.

The results of this project were exhibited in the East Gippsland Art Gallery, July 18-29, 2008. Artist profiles and their story or symbolic reference to cars are displayed alongside their artwork.

Mayor of East Gippsland Shire, Mendy Urie, officially opened the exhibition. She expressed satisfaction at witnessing the stories these young adults shared in their profiles and artwork. "It's a wonderful opportunity to give these young people a voice," she said. "We can learn more about our community by listening to a variety of stories. And I encourage any initiative that gives voice to those who are not always heard."

A popular choice of creation was hubcap art.


The circular theme continued . . .




Some chose larger canvases for their creations:

Autumn Workshops

Visual Story Board
It’s no secret! What we focus on is what we move toward. Take the dream or vision that’s in your heart and move it forward into reality. In this half-day workshop combine found images and key words to create your own visual story board. This powerful tool helps create momentum to move in the direction of your dreams.
Sunday May 4 9.30 – 1.30

Mask Making
Gain self-understanding through the creation of 2D and 3D masks. Experiment with the use of paint, pastels and raw clay sculpture. No art experience necessary, just a willingness to explore your creative self in a supportive environment.
Sunday May 18 9.30 – 1.30

Body Mapping
This workshop for women provides a safe and supportive environment to tune into your body’s innate wisdom. A creativity coach and therapist will guide you through a series of visualisation, music, movement and creative art activities. Discover resources to improve your total wellbeing.
Sunday June 1 9.30 – 1.30

Creative Block Be Gone!
Are you a writer, artist, designer, florist, baker, or business owner who’s lost your creative spark? Participate in some creative free-play designed to stimulate your “intuitive” right-brain. This half day workshop may include music, movement, painting, paper snowball fights . . . whatever it takes to help you beat that block and rediscover your creative mojo.
Sunday June 15 9.30 – 1.30

These courses are being offered as part of the Term 2 Lifestyle program at Community College East Gippsland. For further details go to http://www.cceg.vic.edu.au/ and click on the lifestyle courses picture.

Art therapy for body image

Art therapy is a powerful modality to provide insight, self understanding, and a re-envisioning of oneself. This video is an excellent example of the way art therapy is used to help people who struggle with body image and other related issues.

Unique creations

This workshop focused on the mandala as a map and a steering wheel.
Using the same materials and following the same guidelines, a group of women created individual mandalas. Each one is unique. Each one telling stories of past, present and future elements of the artist's life.

Mandala workshop - Buchan

Learn why people have created circular art for centuries, and create your own during this introductory session. Mandala art will be created as a means for personal reflection, improved insight and understanding.

When: Sunday, September 9
9.30am-12.30pm

Where: Buchan Neighbourhood House

Phone: 03 5155 9216

Email: brc2@net-tech.com.au

Visual Journaling

Develop a visual language and discover your personal symbols, while using mixed media to complete journal entries.



These techniques are helpful if you’re facing life choices, stress, illness, or simply want to improve your creativity in a supportive environment.



No previous art experience required.

When: Wednesdays, August 8–29, 5:45pm–7:45pm
Where: Community College East Gippsland
Mitchell Studios

Info: phone 03 5152 2899

enRiching Voices - Expressions in Clay

RSU has been invited to provide creative workshops for enRiching Voices - a new project run by Community College with support from the Australian Government's Living in Harmony program - which aims to celebrate our many successes as a diverse and harmonious multicultural society; and re-commit to our common values of respect and goodwill toward our fellow Australians.

East Gippsland residents from diverse cultural backgrounds will take part in arts workshops, tutorials and other activities to learn new skills and develop self confidence in relating to others. They will explore how to use photography, art media, digital media, bushcraft, silk painting and creative writing to express their personal stories and their Australian experiences. These "stories" will then be told through an exhibition - enRiching Voices - which will tour East Gippsland later this year.

RSU will facilitate "Expressions in clay" which aims to encourage self-expression and story-teling through raw clay sculpture.

Unlock your creativity in 2007

Art Explorations
Discover your own creativity and gain confidence in expressing yourself. This course of experimental art activities will extend your perception of colour, shape, texture etc, as you explore the use of paint, pastels, collage and clay. No previous art experience needed, just a desire to explore your creativity in a fun, supportive environment.

6x 2.5hr sessions
May 24 - June 28


The Art of Healing
This creative course aims to provide nurture, structure and inspiration in times of stress, burnout and disease and lead to an increased sense of personal wellbeing. No previous art skills required.

8x 2hr sessions
May 17 - June 28


Mask Making
Explore different aspects of yourself as you create 2-D and 3-D masks. No previous art skills required.

1x 4hr session
Sunday June 17, 9.30-1.30


Mandala Art
Learn why people have created circular art for centuries, and create your own during this introductory session.

1x 4hr session
Sunday May 20, 9.30-1.30


To enrol, or enquire further, phone 03 5152 2899.

Art Adventures

A six week workshop was recently held in Bairnsdale where participants were invited to explore their own creativity and gain confidence in expressing themself. Experimental art activities extended their perception of colour, shape and texture as they explore the use of paint, pastels, collage and clay.

This is what some participants said at the end of the series.

“I was very nervous about joining an “art” class because I hadn’t done art since I was in primary school. I soon found the environment was very supportive. My first attempts at creating art were accepted in the group and I now have the confidence to explore further artistic endeavours.”

“I’ve enjoyed exploring my own creative responses during these workshops. My awareness and observation of the world around me has really grown as a result.”

“At first I wasn’t sure about this class. It was not what I expected. But now that we’re at the end of the term, I wish we could keep meeting every Friday.”

“As a landscape oil painter of many years, this approach seemed a bit strange at first. After experiencing the emotive and intuitive side of my own creativity, I have a whole new appreciation for modern and abstract art. Now I’m doing lots of intuitive artwork in soft pastels – a brand new medium for me.”

Art project reconciles people

New York school children were recently encouraged to patch up their differences while creating huge mandalas. Read all about it here.

Group art projects are an effective way of building a sense of community, shared purpose and respect for others. While this story features children, the power of art works equally well with adults.

• Does your workplace have interpersonal tension between staff?
• Are you trying to establish a new department or special projects team?
• Are you amalgamating, regrouping or simply trying to inspire your current employees?

Why not get Right Side Up to design and deliver creative team-building activities for your next staff meeting or professional development day.

Studio sessions are available in Bairnsdale, or you can request RSU's Portable Program to visit your workplace or conference venue.

Clay containers

Participants created a symbolic clay container using raw clay sculpture and embellishments as desired.

Banish the winter blues

[MEDIA RELEASE]

A new business in East Gippsland helps people find creative solutions for life's challenges.

As the shorter, colder days close in, many people in the southern states of Australia get the “winter blues”. Those who work, find they are leaving home and getting home in the dark. There is less opportunity for outdoor activities and less exposure to light and sunshine. For some, however, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. These people are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Art therapy workshops and individual sessions can help people look at life “Right Side Up” during the darker months of the year. A creativity coach and consultant guides clients through creative modalities such as journaling, drawing, painting, sculpting, guided meditation, visualisation, music, movement and environmental awareness to encourage right-brain activity and offer a fresh perspective on dealing with daily challenges.

Creative art as therapy helps people explore their issues, blocks, and personal resources in a right-brain way. It puts the logical and analytical left-brain to rest for a time and allows intuitive solutions or answers to arise. When used in a non-prescriptive way, creating art helps the client dialogue with things that are important to them, be validated, accepted, and assisted in moving forward.

Right Side Up workshops can be a lot of fun. It’s all about having a go and discovering your own innate creativity.

Mid-winter workshops include;

Not SAD Sundays: foster a spirit of exploration and play in a supportive and social environment. For those seeking relief from the winter blues or who simply want to explore their own creativity.

Art Paths* can help those facing crossroads and transition to clarify goals and make confident choices.

The Art of Healing*: provides nurturing and inspiration in times of stress, burnout and disease.


For bookings or more info: phone 0403 856 993 or see email link on sidebar.