Current Classes Online

Mystic Art Circle Online

This ongoing weekly class is for anyone with an interest in art and spirituality who has a curious eye for great artists of the past. You will gain new insights into your own creative process and hopefully life process.

The class begins with a grounding meditation, poetry and short check-ins. We then watch a 50 minute slide presentation of the day's artist followed by a short discussion. Artist's then work in whatever media they choose, words, images or both and we end by sharing our insights and creations.

Artists learn by seeing the ways artists of the past handled their materials and formal concerns of line, form and color. We also look at the way each artists temperament interacted with the social and artistic milieu they found themselves in and how their philosophical and aesthetic concerns contributed to their unique expression.

I present a new grouping of mystic artists in each five-week series as a means to awaken beauty, possibility and inspiration. My presentations include the most well-known names of art history to lesser-known mystic artists of the past. The artists I choose are related to students work and serve to broaden their artistic vocabulary and potentials.

This is a Process Art Class not focused on technique though there is plenty of learning going on. We value a non-judgmental approach that creates a strong container for experimentation, support and growth while building community.

Whether you are a trained or untrained artist you will find your art process and life process enhanced by joining this intimate work/study group.

Together we enter a space where art is a sacred dreamscape of the heart and we see that not just our artwork but our entire life is a reflection of the way we look, feel and listen.

Mystic Art Circle is a 3 hour class with about 60 minutes of creative time.

Contact me for current class openings and new classes forming.

zievestudios@gmail.com

A list of some artists we have looked at in no particular order..... Marc Chagall, Ithell Colquhoun, Joan Mitchell, Paul Cezanne, Nell Blaine, Claude Monet, Jane Freilicher, Remedios Varo, Emil Nolde, Wolf Kahn, Emily Mason, Hilma of Klint, Romare Beardon, Mayumi Oda, Paul Gauguin, Pierre Bonnard, Berthe Morisot, Joseph Yoakum, Dorothea Tanning, William Blake, Wabi-Sabi, Grace Hartigan, Susan Hall, Odilon Redon, Carl Jung, Casper David Friedrich, Qi Baishi, Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, Emily Carr, John Singer Sargent, Helen Frankenthaler, Henry Darger, Indian Miniatures, Florine Stettheimer, Pierre Lesieur, Willem de Kooning, Victoria Crowe, Gustav Klimt, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Otto Modersohn, Henri Matisse, Hollis Sigler, Paul Klee, Nathan Oliveira, Mary Cassatt, Gustav Baumann, Agnes Pelton, Chiura Obata, Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Brown, Edvard Munch, Robert Deluanay, Sonia Deluanay.

Mystic Art Circle Overview and Slide Show

A conversation about Mystic Art Circle in two parts:

Mystic Art Circle: Part 1

Mystic Art Circle: Part 2

Student Remarks about Mystic Art Circle Online:

"Initially, Michael Zieve's Mystic Art Circle seemed like an opportunity to explore creativity and spirituality while sheltering in place. Like all of us, unexpected events and life changes occurred during this time. The circle of new friends became close and trusted, a group that I can lean on and support each week as we meet together. Michael focuses on the story and work of individual artists to highlight our diverse study of the creative spark and mysticism. We have time in the group to practice our art and to receive constructive comments from the group. For me, all of this has been inspiring and healing. I am so grateful for this class, especially right now." Laura Herman Willits, CA

"I studied art history in college but Michael's enlightening slide shows have filled in so many gaps in my education and also allowed for deeper understanding of my own journey. I've been a student in Michael's class for over two years and the addition of the artist slide shows have taken the experience to another level." Jennifer Robin, Petaluma, CA

"Do you think you know Georgia O'Keefe, Picasso, Chagall, or Monet? Are you an artist, or maybe just art-curious? I have been studying art with Michael Zieve in his Mystic Art Circle's for 2 years. Our weekly groups include a deep dive into individual artists, often viewing lesser known works that expand my perceptions of the artist, the zeitgeist that informs his or her work, and the mystic threads that inspire all art. Michael's comprehensive illumination of each artist, and his personal support for my own process has been invaluable. My own creativity has flourished, and my emotional connection with the artistic process has expanded through the support of this group." Annalise Madsen, Sebastopol, CA

"Michael's online groups offer so many advantages. Obviously, I have the privacy of my own space, which also means I have ready access to my own materials, and the luxury of continuing my art exploration after the group has signed off. Not so obvious, perhaps, is that online learning has added motivation for setting up a studio area, and scheduling creative time daily. Feeling a strong 'togetherness' in this small circle, we create and learn through Process Painting, and then share with the group each week. Our group is supportive, respectful, creative and open, energetic and friendly - which in large part is down to our fearless leader, Michael. He brings a kind spirit, always encouraging and professional. The framework he has created is well-balanced, grounded and safe. He has brought a dream of mine to life - we 'visit' works of art together, and then discuss and learn, thanks to Michael. Online with Michael is a time I look forward to all week long."
Lindy Woods, former Expressive Arts Therapist.

Touch the Earth

I offer creativity workshops grounded in nature for intimate groups and gatherings. I have used a modified version of this workshop effectively as a healing modality for coping with the uncertainty and challenges surrounding dramatic cultural and ecological change.

Workshop Description:

In pursuing a deeper course of attunement we find our body to be part of a vast body. Art practice in nature (the outdoors) is a potent theater for a deeper sense of enchantment, connection, spiritual embodiment and creative revelation.

Held in a loving container we ground in the earth, the elements and nature, letting our native impulse to explore and commune with the vegetable and elemental worlds return. Using components of painting, drawing, movement, meditation, poetry and song we delve into a multi layered call and response. The shared intention to hold sacred space and the tender arising of soul response in nature softens our attachment to 'product' in artistic expression and makes for greater currents of aliveness through grounded play. As our awareness deepens and we relax into our 'true nature' memories and wounds from the past are allowed to surface. Facing the inevitable shadow material that arises in our expression challenges us to go deeper, to experience the root of our unease and give that as an offering to Gaia. This deep listening through creative engagement is self releasing and we return more whole, balanced and revived.

Workshops from 3 to 6 hours or weekends.

Workshop photo Workshop photo Workshop photo Workshop photo

Past Classes and Workshops

Process Painting and Somatic Inquiry:

Petaluma Art Center, Petaluma, CA. class series spring/summer classes. 2019
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA. class series spring/summer. 2019

Wild Indigenous Watercolors

Petaluma Art Center, Petaluma, CA. Class series fall 2019

Mixed Media Composting Circle

Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA. Class series winter/spring 2020

Touch the Earth: Intuitive Art Workshops

Sacred Garden Events, Sebastopol, CA. Spring and Summer workshops, 2018 and 2019.

Infinite River: Intuitive Painting Workshops 2004-2009

Flatfile Galleries, Chicago, IL. (with Mur Quaglia)
Atelier Mur Quaglia, Chicago, IL. (with Mur Quaglia)
Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, IN.
Purdue University, North Central, Westville, IN.
Zieve Studios, Three Oaks, MI.
Tom Robinson Studio, Chicago, IL.
Silver Creek Farm, Laporte, IN.
Camp Summit Boot Camp for Juvenile Boys, Laporte, IN.
Liberation Park, Buddhist Study Center, Oak Park, IL. (with Mur Quaglia)
Suburban Fine Arts Center, Highland Park, IL.

Testimonials:

"Michael's facilitation opens doorways into creative play through movement, ritual, writing and mixed media color. He holds sacred space in a sensitive way to create a safe and supportive environment to explore without judgement. I bring my art home every week to meditate on and discover deeper connections into the mysteries of it's whispered messages for me. I share with the group each week about my insights and explorations of themes, including how my emotional landscape is transformed through the process of art. This creative play is soul medicine, helping me at this time to move through waves of grief and find inspiration to bloom into a new life of curiosity and joy."
Annalise Madsen, Sebastopol, CA.

"As a long time painter, Process Painting brought me back to the basics of creating and reminded me how much I love engaging with pure color, texture, and brushwork. In the environment that Michael created I was free to play and explore, unconcerned with result. I looked forward to our weekly meeting and enjoyed every minute. The class reinvigorated my painting and I feel a new freedom and confidence."
Jennifer Robin, Petaluma, CA.

"Michael created a unique setting to explore moment to moment what wished to come forward on to the paper in front of me. This was achieved through his ability to convey his understanding of the creative process as well as connect us to our bodies through movement and grounding. What a fun and rich day!"
David Lee, Sebastopol, CA.

"I recently attended Michael's "Touch the Earth: Workshop". If like me you are struggling to keep your bearings as we witness extinction, political mayhem and climate catastrophe this work that Michael Provides is something to embrace. He is a skillful guide blending his intuitive creative process, the work of Joanna Macy, movement and selecting wonderful settings in nature to commune with others treading these troubled waters. It is good medicine and nourishment for the soul in these times!"
Jeff Rooney, Santa Rosa, CA.

"I would feel terribly selfish if I did not share the knowledge instilled in me by hearing your messages to help me to accept loving, positive thoughts. The mindful art class filled me with strength, warmth and kindness. I am still feeling that calmness."
Arlene Morrison, Petaluma, CA.

"...the workshop was a wonderful experience for me. I was able, through Zieve's gentle coaching, to open my mind to colors I never dreamed of painting with, and to breakdown personal restrictions about what to paint and how to paint. The workshop encouraged me to become one with the brush, the paint, and the paper, and to freely express my interior dialogue in my work."
Susan Aurinko, Flatfile Galleries, Chicago

"...I felt challenged to own my ability to listen and take heartfelt action in a medium where I have often felt a great deal of uncertainty. Thanks for your attention and directness. A totally freeing experience. Wonderful job."
Don Wenig, Dancing Feet Yoga, Michigan City, IN.

"I am constantly looking for tools to break down barriers to the creative flow. The workshop with Mike was a big help. It was supportive and fun (yet serious) ...I recommend it to any artist who is looking for ways to loosen up!"
Lynn Bassa, Chicago

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