Teaching and Coaching
Maureen Foley currently teaches private and group creative writing, visual art and bookmaking classes for children, teens and adults. She also offers creative coaching workshops and sessions. For more information or to set up a class, e-mail [email protected].
"Hand," mixed media
This sculpture was produced during the 2008 Art by the Sea Summer Camp.
Photo by Jennifer Buur
"Hand," mixed media
This sculpture was produced during the 2008 Art by the Sea Summer Camp.
Photo by Jennifer Buur
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that everyone is innately creative. Children are naturally artistic beings, transforming tape and cardboard into houses or turning a few words into a song. But as young people grow into adults they often lose their fear of striking out into the void. Fears develop and questions arise. What if I look stupid up there on stage? What if I paint this canvas and everyone hates it? Why do I think I can be a writer?
Over the last ten years I have developed various tools and methods to help individuals cultivate and realize their artistic dreams, based on my own struggles and successes with creativity. From hands-on teaching to goal-setting to brainstorming sessions, I have helped clients turn a vision into reality, regardless of their artistic medium.
Finally, I believe in the healing potential of the artistic process. Making art (in any form) transforms emotions and abstract ideas into something tangible. Like alchemy, artists transform dross to gold, pigment to masterpiece, ink to ideas. While the final piece itself is important, I feel that the creative process is the truly revolutionary act. The act of creation is like a forest fire; problems, concerns, worries, and anxiety are burned away, to reveal the true self.
Over the last ten years I have developed various tools and methods to help individuals cultivate and realize their artistic dreams, based on my own struggles and successes with creativity. From hands-on teaching to goal-setting to brainstorming sessions, I have helped clients turn a vision into reality, regardless of their artistic medium.
Finally, I believe in the healing potential of the artistic process. Making art (in any form) transforms emotions and abstract ideas into something tangible. Like alchemy, artists transform dross to gold, pigment to masterpiece, ink to ideas. While the final piece itself is important, I feel that the creative process is the truly revolutionary act. The act of creation is like a forest fire; problems, concerns, worries, and anxiety are burned away, to reveal the true self.
All content and images copyright Maureen Claffey
