Artist, Art Therapy, Psychotherapy and Belief Statement

I believe all people have the need and ability to create. Using various art and therapy methods I provide a safe and empathetic environment, to encourage life-enhancing expression that brings wholeness, physically, emotionally and spiritually to people's life.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Oshawa Fibre Art Show Nov. 20 - Dec. 5

I have been busy getting ready for the Oshawa Fibre Art Show. The charity that the event will donate funds to and raise awareness for is the Canadian Diabetes Association. Each artist provides a piece for a silent auction. The piece that I will donate is a Zentangle on Silk. Come to check out this wonderful show of Fibre Artists in the GTA. This Free show is on everyday for the next 2 weeks, from 10-5 p.m.  For more information check out http://www.bluemoonfabricarts.com/

I have 4 pieces on display, including more Zentangles on Cloth. I have been hosting the Tangle Club and Zentangle classes 101, 201 and looking forward to 301! Also a birthday party! who knew! lots of fun.
Tangle on in stitches!
deb

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Autumn

Autumn. it is one of my favorite times of year. hence why I got married in Fall. I also had my son in the fall. Autumn is a strange beautiful part of the year. everything is dying. the leaves change colour and fall off the trees. the cooler temperatures mark the end of summer. we begin anticipating the long cold winter. it doesn't feel like time for celebrating.
  Yet there is a cool freshness to the air. there is no heaviness in the air. the sun seems strong yet not overpowering. the plants are dying yet there is a new beauty to them. with less outdoor activity there is more time to quilt. draw. socialize inside with friends.
   Autumn is about change. how many of us welcome change? Change is what inspires us. change challenges us. without change life would be the same. we would continue in the same way we have done in the past. we remain comfortable. life is easy. we assume what will happen next.
  We need change. change is stressful. but change is necessary for growth. with change we are forced to make new decisions, we step out of our comfortable areas. change enables us to respond in new ways. change makes us learn new aspects of ourselves. there have been many changes for me in the last year. I did not welcome them. my son has gone through many changes, because of mental health- and the family with him. Yet without this challenge, he would not have found more about who he wants to be - in life, with friends, as a career. He has learned to stand up for himself, and to recognize his own weaknesses and strengths. But so too the family - we have learned to listen more to each other, to recognize that talking and conversing and arguing is okay- letting it out is the more important role right now.
   I have begun to teach and share Zentangles. I have learned that I love sharing with others. I have acknowledged that art can be a powerful tool and healer. I have learned that I have a power that I did not know I had. And I must embrace it and not abuse it.
  Change will continue to happen. It is how we respond that makes a difference to us and those around us. How will you respond? in the meantime, zentangle a response!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Classes

Contact me to find the right class for you. I can also create a class to fit your needs.
deb@kopeschny.ca

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Freedom

Freedom - what does that mean to you? As I was driving to work the other day - to my desk job, as they say, i was listening to one of my favorite singers; Janis Joplin (did you know she died at 27?). Her song "me and bobby mcgee" was on. The words resonated with me,
"Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose,
Nothing, that's all that Bobby left me, yeah,
But feeling good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues,
Hey, feeling good was good enough for me, hmm hmm,
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee"

Freedom  - all attachments gone - just happiness. I think of jealousy, our feelings and beliefs of inadequacy, illness and pain, and realise that much of this is just ourselves wanting more, believing we need to have - in order to be happy. Jesus said to the rich young man, "after following the ten commandments, you must sell all your things and give them to the poor, and then you will have everlasting life".

Happiness and freedom is not necessarily the ability to do what we want, to have what we want, to make our own decisions - Freedom is the ability to say "I am complete with God, as I am now."

Zentangles are freedom too, while working within the process, you can create without any fear of rules. There are no expectations to the result - it is all good.

may you live in freedom, deb

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Today is a new day

Have you enjoyed the wonderful fall weather? We've biked, gone on walks, sat by the fire. It is a nice continuance of the summer relaxation.

But I've also been full steam ahead with Tangle classes, cooking for work, quilting, and supporting family and church. I always find myself very busy. Hmm.

I have had enquiries from people in North part of New York state, London, On., and Waterford, On. I hope that I can accommodate these requests for experiencing the art of Zentangles. If you are in these areas, let me know and I will be able to add you to the contacts for these area venues.

As for recent class works, here are some great Zentangles from the latest class at the A.M. Milton Gallery.  Wonderful work and excitement.

As well I have completed a quilting project I started in June. The Sewing Machine Factory Outlet referred a lady to me, for possibly creating quilts out of her mother's clothes. Although a task like this is often tedious, I have a soft spot for supporting people through grief. In the meantime, this ladies brother also died. And so I incorporating his clothes into the quilts as well. I tried to create a feeling of brightness in the center to express the hope that we can feel despite the grief that often accompanies the "passing" of a close person.
Comments are appreciated.

enjoy your moments, you'll never see them again.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fun Inspirational Classes

I have had two excellent classes. the first class was with some newbies who have wondered what Zentangles are about. It was an intimate small group, which was relaxing and exciting at the same time. Here are their tangles.

Next post will have the next set of photos from my group of artists at the Milton A.M. gallery who zentangled into the zone.
Tangle on.
deb

Monday, September 20, 2010

Classes

Greetings friends
My next class will be at the a.m. Gallery in the Milton Mall. The class will be for advanced Tanglers, on Sept. 22, from 7-9 p.m. I will be sharing some new tangles and we will look at breaking down the patterns around us to include in our work.
If you would like to join us, email me at deb@kopeschny.ca

On October 1st, I will host a Zentangle for Quilters class. We will explore practicing tangles, and how this will help your quilting. More ideas around where you can use tangles, and transferring your new ideas into your quilting will be shared.

I look forward to having you join me. Zentangles will help expand your creativity at the same time as reducing your blood pressure.. isn't that cool?!
Here are some photos of tangles from 1 of my classes.
Create on

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

You are power!

Do you know that time between awakefulness and sleep? Well that is the best brainstorming time for me. My mind drifts from one thing to the next. This time is when my quilt problems and design dillemmas are solved. This is when I realise what my next focus will be, either in my business or in my personal life. This is the time when I realise my potential.


Last night was no exception. I have been reading "Anatomy of the Spirit" by Caroline Myss, on recognizing the connection between illness and our own physical, emotional and spiritual energies. The most recent discussion has been thinking about the "second chakra" which is the description of our personal power. This discussion has been so connected to one of my all time favorite quotes from Nelson Mandela, which is:


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. 

And so, in my half awake mind I made this wonderful connection of how we live must recognize our own power. How often do we recognize that we have "power"? How often do we acknowledge that we are an energy being that carries that positive or negative energy to everything thing we do and participate in - whether it is discussing how to raise our children, or standing in line at the grocery store.  Once we acknowledge this power, we can realise how much we affect. Once again, we are usually shy about what we can affect - how can I really change the atmosphere in my house? in my workplace?how much do I really have power over? Is the world affecting me? or me affecting the world? But really - our energy affects EVERYTHING. We have immeasurable power and energy. Even the air we breathe. If I accept that how I be affects others (and myself), that I have a power, unspoken and subconscious - that can change everything around us, then I can realise the enormous power and responsibility I have to consciously positively be.


Once again, acknowledge you are power - Live knowing your power - Live placing all your acts with Intention. 


This also is well expressed in Zentangles. In Zentangles, we sit down, not knowing what potential might happen, but knowing it is there. Accepting it. and placing every stroke on the paper with intention. Like in life, knowing that each stroke will affect the next. And realising that I have the power to place that stroke, and to participate in life and in my own power, and experience with purpose and responsibilitiy.


Here is one of my recent intentional drawings.
Enjoy!
p.s. Next Zentangle 101 workshop will be on Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 1-3p.m. at 4 Manorwood Road. 
Next Advanced Zentangle workshop will be on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, from 7-9p.m. at the Art Gallery, in the Milton Mall, Milton Ontario. Let me know if you would like to join us.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Summer, Advanced Class

Greetings, Still around!
I have had an Advanced Tangle Class, as well as another Zentangle 101. They have all been well accepted and a joy to teach. I'll just provide some samples from the Zentangle Advanced class.
Of course, i developed the class according to what was requested. I focused on more advanced tangles to draw, develop and finding "strings", the philosophy of strings. We talked about paper, shading, drawing on fabric; I had requested the participants to bring a favorite photo and fabric, and we dissected some possible tangles from these. I had some great new photos that my daughter took while in London, England. (Thanks Laura).
Here is a great tangle from a lady's purse.

I gave them some hints on small additions to your tangles that add that little extra which provides more interest, and depth to the Zentangle. Some of the participants brought works that they have been doing, including making cards, drawing on photos with the tangles, etc. It was a great morning. I enjoyed meeting these artists and hope they had fun too.

Here is my daughter, Laura's, Zentangle on a rock. No instruction from me! She is a natural tangler.

And here are some great photos from our trip to The Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend, Ontario. What a beautiful place.
Sun setting over Lake Huron
Moon rising over Pinery Provincial Park
See you Soon!

Monday, July 12, 2010

First Class Report

Oh it was a great class! The nine people who came were very intent on learning the tangles. They were excited to be there and very focused. After the first tangle, they were like little kids..."Can we do another one? Can we?"

At first I was nervous, but once I began talking about Zentangles, my passion came through and it felt so natural to be sharing what I feel is a great technique and life builder.
Here are the two class tangles we did:




I tried to do tangles that were not in the regular kit, and yet simple enough that they would be able to advance to standard tangles on their own. As you can see each person's tangles were unique to their own style - but so cool as mosaic together.

Reminder that I will be having my Zentangle Club Class on Thursday, July 22 at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Let me know if you would be interested in attending. The cost is $15.00 per person, which includes some accessories, and several new tangles to learn. 416.431.9980.

I will be in the London, Grand Bend Area on "vacation" from July 19-22, if any Southwestern Ontario people would be interested in a course during that time. LET ME KNOW ASAP! I know of a location in London where I could host a class. deb@kopeschny.ca

In addition, My next Zentangle 101 class will be August 4, 2010, from 10:00-12 noon at the Quilter's Block, 2861 St. Clair Avenue East. Cost is $40.00.
Hope to see you Soon!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Excitement!

Greetings friends! I am getting so excited about my class on Saturday, July 10 at Quilters Block, 2861 St. Clair Avenue East!

I have recovered from visits, and am saying adios to my family - the kids are off on their adventures! so I will be able to concentrate on my business.

Last week - July 1st, to be exact, I celebrated Canada Day in a very public way.... I tangled out in the Sun! At the park! My friend at the Quilters Block had rented a booth at the East York Park Celebration and allowed me to share my tangles there. People love to watch what you are doing! there was a regular stream of people watching, and asking questions. Although I didn't get much initial response, I gave out a lot of cards. All of us tanglers know, that it just takes a few people drawing and it catches on real quick.
Here are some of the large size tangles I drew in the park.

 I have also been working on incorporating my tangles into my quilts. Here are some photos of tangles I have drawn on fabric and as a larger piece, which I will then quilt on.... I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

What's in the name "in-laws"?

What an odd title for a quilting page. Hmm. and Hmm again.

By marriage I have received a set of parents. This is not new, this has been happening for over 22 years. About twice a year, my in-laws come to visit our household in Toronto, which is a mere 1 1/2 hours from their residence in Niagara on the Lake. But really, it is a token distance that keeps us at a decent space from one another. Not that I don't like my in-laws, but rather, I need my own space. I am from a totally different style of living. After all, I did marry my opposite.
For instance, while I value a clean house, I don't rate it as next to godliness. For me there is a lot more to living than making sure I need to be able to eat off my own floor. If the kitchen gets wiped down once a day, I'm happy. If there is food on the table at 5pm, or 6 or 7 or 8 - well, I am happy. If my laundry gets done once per week - or once every two weeks- I am happy. If my fridge gets cleaned out twice a year (when she comes to visit) - I am happy. You get my drift.
Today, my in-laws will be coming for their bi-annual visit. I always need to remind myself that it is only temporary. Hold your tongue. Smile and be appreciative. And this brings me to the phrase "in-laws". What has that got to do with marriage? Couldn't a better term have been created to explain this relationship? For me it is too close to "law" as in police, or... law abiding citizen. As in my in-laws are coming to check up on me again. The law is coming. Okay, so my emotions are taking over and making extreme connections to these familial relations, who really are not the law, but just feel like it to me. How insecure!!!

So what would a better description of the relationship be? We can really break it down and start with: parents by marriage, parents of my husband, parents to my husband, people who see me as a surrogate daughter, people who want to parent me along with their son, people who don't know how to let their son grow up!! okay that's hitting way too close to home. Did I say that?   Do I want to call them Mom and Dad? I know that is how they see themselves to me, and truthfully, they have been parents to me, as well as my own parents. Really, I am an adult like them, who have had significant life events that have shaped my personality and wisdom. It is time that I share with them the strength of my character, and request verbally and non verbally their respect. It is time to grow up.

And how will I maintain this composure? Why Zentangle or quilt - of course. After all, that is living!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Happy Dance!

It has been quite a week. At my dayjob, I organized, for the 15th time, our Annual General Meeting. It is becoming tedious. So it was a taxing week.

But really... the weather was great... and on Friday I found out 1 of my quilts will be in the World Quilt Show, travelling to the Mancuso Managements' 4 quilt shows; Manchester, NH, Philadelphia, PA, San Diego, CA, and Florida.

That is my Happy Dance. After submitting works and getting rejection, it has felt like, okay, my work satisfies me;;; but is it really art if the quilt world does not recognize it? So Finally - confirmation! Now I will plan to visit my work with my husband at one of the closer venues. More plans. I like to plan. Part of the whole experience is the planning and anticipation!

Onward!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Zentangle Workshops

I had my first dry run at my place of work. 6 people participated, and more would like to come. Although most were interested but skeptical about the activity, it turned out to be refreshing for all who participated.



As well I have planned two dates for workshops in the next month. On July 10th, 2010 I will be holding my first Zentangle 101 class. This will be in the morning from 10:00-12noon at thequiltersblock.ca which is located 1 block west of Victoria Park Avenue, on St. Clair Avenue East.

I will begin an ongoing class for people who have been tangling already. This will start on the 24th of June, at 7pm at the same location. The Quilter's Block.

I am locating other venues, so if you are interested, or even not from the Toronto area, I would be happy to arrange a workshop near you. email me  deb@kopeschny.ca and I would be happy to arrange a workshop.

As I look back on my time in the training with photos of wonderful people, I miss them.
But as I bring this treasure, Zentangling to others, I realise how powerful a tool it is. See you soon? Hope So!
Peace

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

It's a beauty to behold!

We have had such nice weather. I have been cleaning out my sewing room and sitting outside. What a combination. I finished two projects last week, 1 a mending job - don't do much of those! and a Quilt creation for a baby at our church.

The couple - pre baby- have been into nature, hiking, mountains, etc. so what better way to starting teaching him about nature?!

To the Tangles! did you notice the tangles in last posts pictures? how about the sticks on the beach? that reminds me of hollibaugh! The patterns are everywhere!
Peace

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Ocean

Sunset on the Bay off Goat Island


I have fallen in love with the ocean again. It's the second time i've been there this year! to an ocean that is. There is something different from the East coast than the gulf, or carribbean.

I think I have some of the my best memories of childhood at the ocean, usually North of Boston. It was one of the few "vacations" we did growing up.

Sachuest Bay at Sunrise
I had fun photographing the ocean and it's beauty.

Point Judith


Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Back ;;;

I had such a great week by myself. And it was great to get home to my family too.

I attended the Certified Zentangle Teachers training in Whitinsville Massachusetts for 3 days. It was a Great experience. We were housed in a mansion built in 1862, which had gorgeous woodworking detail and stature. 57 people came from all over North America and 1 from Holland. The sharing and energy was wonderful. The calm - from the tangling - and from people's presence was amazing.

After the 3 days I spent about 1 24hour period touring Newport Rhode Island. I enjoyed my time just walking the streets, visiting the Atlantic Ocean, and eating supper by the sunset. It felt so freeing to be able to make my own decisions about when to stop, where to go, what to eat. I loved the taste of the salt on my lips after walking outside, the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks, and the sound of the waves kissing the beach sand. All of the birds in Newport - the warm sun... the ocean breeze.. . It was a beautiful debriefing after spending 3 days creating, and learning. .. then to go and experience God's creating. Ahh...

I look forward to sharing Zentangles with you... It will bring you peace and energy too.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

From my church book







I have been drawing and sketching in church for quite some time. I find that church is very conducive to feeling the creative presence. And it also helps me listen to the sermon, scripture, etc.






Today I have included some of these Zentangles. Drawing is such a meditative process. Or it can be. I encourage you to take a small piece of paper. Draw a leaf shape or a circle. Dissect it a couple of times, and fill in the remaining openings with geometric patterns. As you can ssee from my drawings, it can be as simple as straight lines following the curve of the shape. It can be dots. It can be repetitive same or different size circles.
Try a little meditative drawing. It will help you focus in anything else you do.
p.s. Can you see some Quilting Patterns?! I do!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Quilting? Zentangles? Where is the connection?

As I began creating this blog, it was mainly about quilting. So why the addition of Zentangles? Well, I began "zentangling" 2 years again, when I read a fellow quilters blog who zentangled. She is from New Hampshire. I had been drawing and sketching already for several years. I used the continuous sketching to help my quilting, as I am a long-arm quilter. My specialty is freestyle quilting which is a continuous line drawing on quilts. I love to do this. By using the Zentangle technique I am able to enhance my style, skills and design possiblities when I am quilting. It is a natural spill-over.

This quilt is an excellent example of how I use many of the different styles and line drawing I practice while Zentangling. The heading of my blog, is another example of this drawing.

As I draw, I realise so many areas where art is helpful in my daily life. Mental Health is an important topic and interest of mine. I hope to use this art form to help others increase their self-esteem and encourage others to be the Creative Being that God has called us to be - in all aspects of our lives. Draw On!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Zentangle Examples

Onward to share what I've been working on! Yes here are some photos of my vacations.

Here are some items that I have been working on while my ankle has been sore. There must have been a reason I got that?!!!


I look forward to sharing more. And I look forward to teaching after I get certified in May!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Zentangle, CZT

Greetings, I have been busy - but not on this site! Besides a trip to Vermont skiing, another trip to Mexico, sunbathing, and putting together two pieces for entering into shows... i've sprained my ankle, and did my first presentation on Zentangles.

Zentangles. A great inspirational, relaxing and creative pastime hitting the creativity world. It is a phenominal new method of drawing. By completing small pieces of art with simple strokes, you both relax, and release creativity.

In May I will become a Certified Zentangle Teacher. and I will be able to teach this fabulous technique to many different types of people. Please see the Zentangle site: http://www.zentangle.com/ for more information. I want to bring this to arts and crafts people but also health and community members. It is meant to encourage new creative expression, but also helpful in enhancing the mental health of all. I look forward to bringing you examples of this helpful skill.
Blessings. and Draw on.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Some More Photos

Greetings,
here are some more photos of the quilts that were put together at the Quilt retreat.

This piece began as a play time to do something with those colourful kaffe fassett fabrics; Hence why they all come together so well. The colours used with each other just make the leafs pop. As is my style, I just thought, "oh this would look nice" and started cutting, and then appliqued. Then thought "oh, there needs to be some focus..." It turned out well, despite my lack of planning. And as always, it is great to get feedback and support from fellow quilters.

This past weekend, I was away again, for a visit and hockey tournement attendance in London, Ontario. My quilting buddy, Beth; took us to some amazing fabric shops in the outskirts of London. Needless to say, my other quilting buddy, Carolyn, and I were in awe with the different fabrics. Two shops and we were done for. Our eyes and brain swimming with ideas and overload with colourful fabrics. And of course our wallets empty. Thanks Beth for a great visit. We will have to come again.

And the Hockey? well, it was great that our midget boys, ended there single A hockey career making it to the Semi-Finals. One of the best hockey games I have seen. There is nothing like just playing the game for the fun of it.

See you soon!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Finally Quilt photos!


Yea, Yea, this is a quilting blog. not just a reflections blog.

So here you have it. I am posting some photos from the recent quilting retreat I went on.


In the beginning I was grumbling about packing all my stuff up to go away. Why can't I just retreat to my own corner and have time to myself? Then i won't have to cart all this fabric and thread and ... you know stuff to some place else. I was not looking forward to it.


But all you quilters know, that life gets in the way, and often we fail to dedicate ourselves to what we want to do most. Most of us are puritanical hardworkers, who feel guilty for doing something we enjoy so much. So protestant ethics aside, I packed my goods and headed off to a weekend with my fabric and machine, and fellow quilters.

Despite falling ill, I was able to focus and complete a few tops that have been mulling about in my head. These are experiments in colour and creative play. Now I just need to dedicate time to quilting them.
!

Enjoy the photos

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Life philosophy for me

A course in miracles. Have you read this? Heard of it? I began reading the "chapters and verses" but on push from some friends, we have begun reading the Lessons. I have not kept up to read the appropriate lesson for each day (we began with lesson 1 on January 1), but the process is extremely rewarding none the less.

This book promotes rethinking how we view the world, in a way to bring real salvation to us. Don't let the "salvation" word scare you. We have so much history, baggage and perceptions that we bring to everything that we see, do, and interrelate. The course in miracles attempts to heal us from these preconceived ideas and open us up to real life and wellness in mind, body and spirit.

As an artist, this is a very rewarding process. It helps me see and experience life in a more open and awe-inspiring way. This in turn helps me create. Which to me, is what we are here on earth for. To create alongside the most unbelieveable creator.

See something new today. See something a-fresh.