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I give creative assignments so you can practice on your own terms, at your own speed. No pressure here. This is not a "copy that, get that" kind of class. I will never ask you to copy some other artist's work. You will slowly become an artist in your own right. ​ If you sign up for live classes via zoom, you will get to know your classmates more personally, in a hope that you can find potential partners for future exhibitions and projects.
Elements
Photography:
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First, we explore main art principles and aesthetics with the medium of photography. I find photography to be the easiest route to experiment with composition, design, colors and light, because it is quick, it only requires a phone, and it gives an immediate illustration to deeper art concepts. Some of our students use the phone, while others prefer a camera. Everyone is welcome - I will help you get started.= if you are a beginner; ​notably, advanced photographers are enjoying our group even more. I will help you feel inspired and look at photography afresh. The classes touch on deeper creativity aspects.​​
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Creative Psychology
We combine art theory lectures with active imagination exercises and get in touch with our personal mythology. Our game-like journeys go beyond theory as we create new experiences together and look at life in the light of new reasoning. ​​
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Inspiration comes from:
Carl Jung
Joseph Campbell
Rudolph Steiner
George Gurdjieff
Steven Hayes
Benjamin Walter
Laurie Schneider Adams
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Storytelling
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Storytelling and Improv exercises are great to organize your thoughts and battle shyness and impostor syndrome. We use acting exercises from the likes of Konstantin Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov, and Lee Strasberg, to boost confidence and create connection with others.
On a personal note, even today, long time from studying directing, I use my acting skills to overcome daily difficulties, whether it is handling the defeat, anxiety of public speaking, or a transition to a new workplace. This process helps you become more confident in everything you do, not just in art. When I need to show my portfolio, I become Lucian Freud. He gives me confidence!
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Contemporary Experiments
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Optional homework assignments help explore personal creativity without the usual demands associated with an academic world of professional art.
Art is a door. Open it!
We never criticize. We brainstorm. ​
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My favorite photographers are:
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Josef Sudek
Diane Arbus​​​​​​​​​​
and Michael Kenna
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Ready?
I am a huge proponent of art psychologization and enjoy looking at photography process through a Jungian lens. If you enjoy psychology and photography, this is a studio for you! There was a period in my life when photography helped me address very real existential challenges. I want to share my path: a camera can be YOUR friend too!​​ ​ Together, we look at both your creative process and your life simultaneously to help you build up on your strengths, imagination and stance, and to establish a unique individual creative practice that will fit you perfectly.Â
Creativity Coaching Association
Creative Explorations are based on the Creativity Coaching Association (CCA) model, founded by an amazing teacher and an inspiring leader Eric Maisel. In addition, I bring in my own research and professional experience, making the concept my own in a unique, refreshing way.
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What is creativity coaching?
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A journey of self-discovery and progress. If you have a project you want to be working on, something you want to do, but feel reluctant to start or continue - I am here to help you organize both your time and your ideas. My goal is to help you complete your dream project - and keep you moving forward.​
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Is it like an art class?
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We work with very different clients - self-starters, solo entrepreneurs, visual artists, journalists, writers, those in transition, those in search of something better, professionals and hobbyists alike. Our practices will explain creative process as a whole, and you will be working in your own element, in tune with your style.
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But I am not a creative person. Can I attend?
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Absolutely! Our classes are not intended for professionals only. My aim is to uncap your creative potential and wake up that inner artist.
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​Is coaching like therapy?
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This is not a healing practice, but it sometimes creates a holistic effect for some persons. The difference between coaching and therapy is that coaching addresses your present and future only: we do not heal past trauma. Instead, we help you concentrate on your strengths and build upon them going forward, using your life experiences in your art. The practice is not intended to serve as legal or equipment advice, either: we only provide creative mentorship and recommend you connect to professional services if needed.​
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Are classes offered online?
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We are mostly online studio, except for Staten Island groups and Manhattan photo walks.
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I am well into retirement. Is it too late to learn?​
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I specifically love to work with older learners. You need to have a life lived to summarize your experiences! You will enjoy!
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Not only she coaches the issue, she coaches the potential, the opportunity, preparing you for the great future to come. I feel more content with my life.
- NAOMI V.
Cat is ready for a deep dive with you. She is someone you don't hesitate sharing your deep emotional states with.
- MICHAEL P.
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Very positive experience, positive reinforcement helps moving forward step-by-step. I am more confident presenting my work to industry professionals.
- RACHEL B.