How did I arrive at my decision to register for the inaugural fall trimester at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts? Some have asked, and so I’ll do my best to answer here. I’m sure this has been a lifetime (or more) in the making, but here are some of the more recent guideposts.
First, people have been encouraging me to join Facebook for years … but I was scared that it would go against my ongoing efforts to simplify my life. Had I never joined Facebook, however, I don’t know if the Universe would have found another way to inform me of this brand new school that I’m obviously meant to attend – I’d like to think that it would, but that it didn’t need to because it gradually led me into letting go of my resistance to being a part of the Facebook world.
You see, in the recent past, Facebook came out with their Pages to help businesses network with their clients – something that was in line with my priorities as an emerging artist in Newfoundland. I soon found out that with just a Page, I could avoid some of the challenges I had feared while taking baby steps into social networking. Interestingly, I did experience some frustration at the fact that I couldn’t explore the Facebook Energism Art Group that a fellow artist in Saskatoon had told me about when she informed me that there was a whole movement of artists out there with a similar purpose and energetic feel to their work. Joining groups is something only individual members can do – not business Pages. My curiosity was peaked, but still, that wasn’t enough for me to join. Fear is a powerful thing…
Then, in January, I went to pick up an order of supplies at a local art shop and my friend Leslie, who gave me a ride, wanted to browse, so I did too (I’m not a browser, so that was unusual). My eye caught sight of the book “Brave Intuitive Painting” by Flora Bowley, an artist whose process is very similar to mine. This was the kind of book I would have liked to have written– even some of the chapter titles were some that had been brewing in my mind and in my workshops. When I found out she offered an e-course, I told one of my blog-followers in Hawaii about it since she had expressed disappointment that my workshops had been so far. She immediately signed up. At this point, I was extremely busy and so I didn’t even explore the e-course website, but I did contact the artist to thank her for her book and to tell her of the synchronicities. Between her replies and my reading about the course, I ended up signing up and what an incredible journey that was (recorded on Facebook). To be able to network with my Bloom True classmates though, I needed to join Facebook as an individual, so this time I did (and my years of fear around that led to some weird technical challenges and a few stressful nights, but I’m over most of that now). Just to let you know, I activated the settings that block “friend” requests in order to not be too overwhelmed all at once. Instead, I focus my Facebook time on the “Energism Art” and “Bloom True E-Course” groups, and now also on the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts private group, where I’m getting to know my future classmates and getting tips before moving to Austria for 4 months. There are days when Facebook consumes several hours of my precious time, but it’s worth it, and I’m slowly learning how to filter what’s not needed or desired. Life is truly an ongoing opportunity to grow, learn, and “feel the fear and do it anyway”. So that’s my journey into Facebook, which led to my finding out about the school.
OK – let’s put Facebook aside as I bring in the magical world of vision boards. As the year started, I made a consciously planned Vision Board outlining my priorities for the year.
Looking at it daily was instrumental in my joining the Bloom True E-Course, a decision I’ll never regret. My art is my passion and my continued learning in that field is a top priority. The visual reminders of that helps to make decisions in line with those priorities. A few weeks later, my friend Corie asked to have another vision board gathering like I had organized in 2012, and so we got together and this time I created an intuitive board – the kind that gives no time or space for thinking and planning, and the type I’ll be teaching at the upcoming Body, Mind, and Spirit Retreat. As you can see in this photo, there’s a strong focus on creativity, learning, and health.
After putting it all down on paper, I was able to interpret most of it readily to my friends …. all except one bit of text in the top right, under one of my photos of pelicans flying off into a dreamscape. It says: “I don’t predict, I invent, I am a visionary”. One thing you need to understand is that the term Visionary Arts was not one I used or was very conscious of, despite the fact that my main tarot deck was created by a Visionary Artist.
Ok – back to Facebook. One day, someone posted a notice in the Energism Art Group that the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts was publically launching on that day. I followed the link, which led to chills down my spine and total awe at the teachers’ artwork and references to the sacred and beautiful. For a week, thoughts of it would pop into my mind at the oddest times and a growing excitement in every cell of my body was sending clear messages.
Despite these feelings, however, I was experiencing some confusion on an intellectual level. To begin with, I had spent an increasing amount of time being an artist since I moved to Newfoundland almost 2 years ago, and so the school’s 2 & 3 year diploma programs were way out of my budget. In addition, their focus on oil paints (which are more toxic than acrylics), and on working meticulously on 1 painting for a whole year did not particularly attract me. My current art flows from a much more spontaneous intuitive style which leads to highly prolific painting spurts. Figuring all this out simply required a few more hours of research and some emails back and forth with Florence, the very helpful and friendly school administrator. You see, their first trimester will be all about drawing, sacred geometry, and acquiring visions through energy work. This does appeal! Finally, I will learn to draw after years of frustratingly “trying” (even tracing out my simple yoga tree silhouettes causes me challenges)… But more than the drawing, there is something about spending a few months with this group of people that is calling me. As my friend Kim told me, this is a lot more than about drawing – I could learn that here…
I told Kim about my decision the night that I had committed to it in my mind. We were in the car outside of yoga class. Of course I expressed my concerns about the finances of such a project (something I had calculated would require raising $30K in 6 months). The moment we entered the yoga studio, however, I noticed a student looking at the artwork on the wall and before I knew it, she had bought a small painting. To me, that’s a sign – I sometimes go months without selling something, so this was no coincidence. Someone had also left money for me after purchasing some of the magnetic bookmarks I have for sale there. I felt my decision was being clearly supported! On the way home from class, I checked my emails and found another confirming sign. A workshop leader from 2 years before was contacting me because she wanted to chat about the impact of her Hawaii “Communing with Dolphins” retreat on my artwork because her upcoming workshop was aimed at visionary artists. Definitely another sign.
So I paid my deposit on tuition and housing within days (helping me feel totally committed), and then I started working on my fundraising plans, all the while spending 3-5 hours a day on my Bloom True e-course on top of teaching English Second Language. 2013 has been a hoppin’ year so far!
So how did I arrive at my decision to go to Vienna? That was mostly the job of my right brain – the intuitive, receptive side of me. I have developed a strong awareness and trust in the messages I receive from my Higher Self/ God / The Universe (I use many names). Basically, I’ve learned to hear and answer the Spirit Calls. How will I make it happen? That’s in part the job of my left-brain – the action and goal-oriented side of me that will work in unison with my creative self that is manifesting the support I need on this path. Luckily, I’ve spent a lot of time developing both the right and left sides of my brain in this lifetime– not always in a balanced or harmonious way, but that’s all part of the learning. My biggest lesson yet, however, is that things always work out best when it’s the heart/intuition that leads and the pragmatic action-self that follows. It’s not about forcing things though (a lesson I’m still learning) – it’s about knowing when to act on what needs to be acted on…. even when that meant joining Facebook 🙂
OK … long enough for one post, eh? “I have made this letter longer, because I have not had the time to make it shorter.” Blaise Pascal
A Sacred Honour
/in PaintingsHave you heard of a placenta print? I hadn’t, but this morning I received a visit from Fiona and little Grace (a very new and precious being on this planet) and learned all about the significance of this nutrient-rich organ and the various things some people / cultures do with it after a child is born (including eating it, dehydrating it to make potent energy capsules, tree planting ceremonies, and placenta art). After Grace was born, Fiona made this print by lying the Tree of Life side of the placenta on a canvas, creating what I already feel is a powerful and beautiful image. She has commissioned me to enhance the print with my art. What a sacred honour! Thank you Fiona for helping me expand the depth and breadth of my energism art practice and for welcoming my desire to share what I learned with others.
Spirit Calling Cards – one of the Goods in my upcoming crowdfunding campaign
/in Events, Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsWhen I first told my friend Cheryl about my decision to attend a trimester at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts and my need to raise funds for it, she told me about crowdfunding. My research revealed that crowdfunding websites “provide Internet platforms which support the collective cooperation, attention and trust by people who network and pool their money and other resources for projects initiated by other people”. I was very impressed by the multitude of art / social projects out there and the visible support they were gathering – just like with the art patrons of olden days, but on a mass scale. In the modern version, patrons also receive Goods in exchange for their contribution, which is why I was inspired to create these “Spirit Calling Cards”. I just finished writing the instruction sheet to go along with them, so I thought I’d share that here to give you a glimpse of the Goods that I’ll be giving through my crowdfunding campaign (April 11-July 11). Feedback on it is welcome – just leave a comment.
Spirit Calling Cards by Dominique Hurley
In January 2013, I handmade a set of 14 index cards with a word and small photo that I used to make up sentences and affirmations to guide me on my day. I was so inspired by them that when it came time to think of what Goods I would offer supporters of my “Vienna Visionary Art Scholarship” crowdfunding campaign, I felt moved to create 2 decks of 44 cards – one based on my photography and one on my paintings. These can be used separately or combined.
Why did I name them “Spirit Calling Cards”? For years, I have referred to the strong guiding messages I have received as my Spirit Calls (from my Higher Self, intuition, God, Great Spirit – whatever name or concept you are comfortable with). These Spirit Calling Cards are two-way communication tools that facilitate the asking for and receiving of such Calls. First, they’re a way for you to tune into that source of guidance, just as you would use a calling card to connect by phone with loved ones around the world. Second, they’re a way for your source of inspiration to announce its presence, much like the calling cards used by visitors of olden days.
How to use them:
Feel free to use these cards in any way you feel moved. I’ll outline a few options here. I recommend using your left hand to pick cards as it’s the hand of your subconscious/ intuition.
1 – Spontaneous Sentences/Affirmations:
Pick a number of cards (8 or more) for your week. Quickly combine them every day in different ways to find inspirational messages. With my original 14, for example, I was able to create seemingly endless combinations every day for 6 weeks. The trick is to not think about it too much while you’re placing them together. Reflection about their meaning / messages comes afterwards – in meditation, journaling, etc. Note: you’ll need to change the parts of speech as needed (nouns to verbs, verbs to adjectives, etc.) and add little words like a, the, with, etc.
For example, on one day, I made up:
And on another:
2 – Daily Picks:
Shuffle and pick 3-5 cards to make up one affirmation/guiding sentence for that day.
3 – Question & Answer:
Focus on a question while you shuffle and pick a card. Journal about the guidance you feel it’s giving you – feel free to write in the voice of your source of guidance (ie: a letter from your Guardian Angel)
4 – Past, Present, and Future:
Shuffle and pick 3 cards to help you understand a particular situation. The first on the left will show you your past in relation to the situation, the second your present purpose/mindset, and the third your future. Reflect about your journey.
5 – Whole Being Perspective:
Ask for guidance on a particular issue and pick a card with your right hand to show you how your action oriented left-brain is perceiving it. Next, with your left hand, pick a card to show you how your intuitive right brain is perceiving it. Then pick a third card to show you how to synergize both sides.
6 – Message of Love:
Tune in to your source of guidance and to a loved one. Ask to be given a message of love for them and gift it to them by letter, email, phone, etc. Have fun discussing the possible interpretations and timing for the message. It beats talking about the weather…
7 – Team Brainstorming:
Use them in a group setting (yes, try them at work) and have each member of a group pick between 3-5 cards while focusing on your goal/ challenge, etc. Have them each make up sentences and brainstorm about their meaning. Members can do this alone in writing first or more spontaneously out loud as what one member says may enlighten another on their contribution.
8 – Relationship Building:
Couples, friends, parent/children, etc. can use them to connect to each other on a deeper level. They make great conversation openers that help people get past the banalities of life and into really seeing, hearing, accepting, and loving another person’s true Self. This can be accomplished in a game fashion (pick 5 cards and explain how it relates to your day) or on a common question / feeling / etc. (How is this challenging situation an opportunity for us to grow?).
The ways in which you use these are limitless and may evolve with time. You can also find many different tarot card spreads explained on the Internet.
May these cards enhance your calls to Spirit & Spirit’s calls to you.
The Guideposts Along the Way
/in Inspiration, My Travels, Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsHow did I arrive at my decision to register for the inaugural fall trimester at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts? Some have asked, and so I’ll do my best to answer here. I’m sure this has been a lifetime (or more) in the making, but here are some of the more recent guideposts.
First, people have been encouraging me to join Facebook for years … but I was scared that it would go against my ongoing efforts to simplify my life. Had I never joined Facebook, however, I don’t know if the Universe would have found another way to inform me of this brand new school that I’m obviously meant to attend – I’d like to think that it would, but that it didn’t need to because it gradually led me into letting go of my resistance to being a part of the Facebook world.
You see, in the recent past, Facebook came out with their Pages to help businesses network with their clients – something that was in line with my priorities as an emerging artist in Newfoundland. I soon found out that with just a Page, I could avoid some of the challenges I had feared while taking baby steps into social networking. Interestingly, I did experience some frustration at the fact that I couldn’t explore the Facebook Energism Art Group that a fellow artist in Saskatoon had told me about when she informed me that there was a whole movement of artists out there with a similar purpose and energetic feel to their work. Joining groups is something only individual members can do – not business Pages. My curiosity was peaked, but still, that wasn’t enough for me to join. Fear is a powerful thing…
Then, in January, I went to pick up an order of supplies at a local art shop and my friend Leslie, who gave me a ride, wanted to browse, so I did too (I’m not a browser, so that was unusual). My eye caught sight of the book “Brave Intuitive Painting” by Flora Bowley, an artist whose process is very similar to mine. This was the kind of book I would have liked to have written– even some of the chapter titles were some that had been brewing in my mind and in my workshops. When I found out she offered an e-course, I told one of my blog-followers in Hawaii about it since she had expressed disappointment that my workshops had been so far. She immediately signed up. At this point, I was extremely busy and so I didn’t even explore the e-course website, but I did contact the artist to thank her for her book and to tell her of the synchronicities. Between her replies and my reading about the course, I ended up signing up and what an incredible journey that was (recorded on Facebook). To be able to network with my Bloom True classmates though, I needed to join Facebook as an individual, so this time I did (and my years of fear around that led to some weird technical challenges and a few stressful nights, but I’m over most of that now). Just to let you know, I activated the settings that block “friend” requests in order to not be too overwhelmed all at once. Instead, I focus my Facebook time on the “Energism Art” and “Bloom True E-Course” groups, and now also on the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts private group, where I’m getting to know my future classmates and getting tips before moving to Austria for 4 months. There are days when Facebook consumes several hours of my precious time, but it’s worth it, and I’m slowly learning how to filter what’s not needed or desired. Life is truly an ongoing opportunity to grow, learn, and “feel the fear and do it anyway”. So that’s my journey into Facebook, which led to my finding out about the school.
OK – let’s put Facebook aside as I bring in the magical world of vision boards. As the year started, I made a consciously planned Vision Board outlining my priorities for the year.
Ok – back to Facebook. One day, someone posted a notice in the Energism Art Group that the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts was publically launching on that day. I followed the link, which led to chills down my spine and total awe at the teachers’ artwork and references to the sacred and beautiful. For a week, thoughts of it would pop into my mind at the oddest times and a growing excitement in every cell of my body was sending clear messages.
Despite these feelings, however, I was experiencing some confusion on an intellectual level. To begin with, I had spent an increasing amount of time being an artist since I moved to Newfoundland almost 2 years ago, and so the school’s 2 & 3 year diploma programs were way out of my budget. In addition, their focus on oil paints (which are more toxic than acrylics), and on working meticulously on 1 painting for a whole year did not particularly attract me. My current art flows from a much more spontaneous intuitive style which leads to highly prolific painting spurts. Figuring all this out simply required a few more hours of research and some emails back and forth with Florence, the very helpful and friendly school administrator. You see, their first trimester will be all about drawing, sacred geometry, and acquiring visions through energy work. This does appeal! Finally, I will learn to draw after years of frustratingly “trying” (even tracing out my simple yoga tree silhouettes causes me challenges)… But more than the drawing, there is something about spending a few months with this group of people that is calling me. As my friend Kim told me, this is a lot more than about drawing – I could learn that here…
I told Kim about my decision the night that I had committed to it in my mind. We were in the car outside of yoga class. Of course I expressed my concerns about the finances of such a project (something I had calculated would require raising $30K in 6 months). The moment we entered the yoga studio, however, I noticed a student looking at the artwork on the wall and before I knew it, she had bought a small painting. To me, that’s a sign – I sometimes go months without selling something, so this was no coincidence. Someone had also left money for me after purchasing some of the magnetic bookmarks I have for sale there. I felt my decision was being clearly supported! On the way home from class, I checked my emails and found another confirming sign. A workshop leader from 2 years before was contacting me because she wanted to chat about the impact of her Hawaii “Communing with Dolphins” retreat on my artwork because her upcoming workshop was aimed at visionary artists. Definitely another sign.
So I paid my deposit on tuition and housing within days (helping me feel totally committed), and then I started working on my fundraising plans, all the while spending 3-5 hours a day on my Bloom True e-course on top of teaching English Second Language. 2013 has been a hoppin’ year so far!
So how did I arrive at my decision to go to Vienna? That was mostly the job of my right brain – the intuitive, receptive side of me. I have developed a strong awareness and trust in the messages I receive from my Higher Self/ God / The Universe (I use many names). Basically, I’ve learned to hear and answer the Spirit Calls. How will I make it happen? That’s in part the job of my left-brain – the action and goal-oriented side of me that will work in unison with my creative self that is manifesting the support I need on this path. Luckily, I’ve spent a lot of time developing both the right and left sides of my brain in this lifetime– not always in a balanced or harmonious way, but that’s all part of the learning. My biggest lesson yet, however, is that things always work out best when it’s the heart/intuition that leads and the pragmatic action-self that follows. It’s not about forcing things though (a lesson I’m still learning) – it’s about knowing when to act on what needs to be acted on…. even when that meant joining Facebook 🙂
OK … long enough for one post, eh? “I have made this letter longer, because I have not had the time to make it shorter.” Blaise Pascal
Spirit Calls Again… and I’m answering
/in Inspiration, My Travels, Vienna Academy of Visionary ArtsThe last time I received a strong inner call to move was over 2 years ago when my intuition guided me to Newfoundland. It’s no wonder, therefore, that I’ve come to trust these Spirit Calls – my time here has been so fulfilling on all levels, and I plan to return after I answer this latest calling to study for a trimester at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts in Austria in the Fall.
I found out about the school the day it was publicly launched on the Internet – the online gallery of the teachers’ work and description of their purpose sent chills through my entire being. The following few days brought many undeniable signs confirming my initial intuitive guidance. I’ve since paid my tuition and housing deposits. I’m committed!
Their first trimester will be totally focused on drawing the human figure, sacred geometry, and seeking inner images through visualizations and visionary healing modalities. I’ve wanted to draw, but have been unsuccessful at it my whole life, building resistance and lots of frustration. The upside of that has been to develop my photography skills and to use photo gel transfers instead in my work – there’s a reason for everything. I’m now ready, however, to focus on developing drawing skills so that I can integrate that more into my art. Doing so with a group of like-minded artists whose purpose is to express through the beauty of the sacred will be such a blessing. I know my intuition has guided me there for much more than just learning to draw – I could do that here – so I look forward to experiencing the reasons I’m meant to be there as I once again embrace the mystery and take the leap of faith.
This means raising over $30K in the next 5 months through art sales, ESL teaching contracts, and grass-roots fundraising efforts (details to come as plans evolve) to cover the costs of tuition, flights, visas, health insurance, student residence housing, living expenses, school supplies, etc. and my time here in St. John’s before I go and upon coming back.
So if you were ever considering buying one of my paintings or photographic prints (or another one), now is a great time. You can see my work on my website or live in St. John’s at The Natural Health Shop, Ebb & Flow Boutique, Whole Health, Shakti Yoga Studios, the Craft Council Gift Shop, and Newfoundland Canvas.
I will announce further win-win fundraising plans as they evolve. At this point, I wanted to share this happy news with you.