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Creative Course Program

We will explore the psychological creative space as a containing space, its unfolding content and how it may be meaningful. The natural tendency of the unconscious to restore equilibrium in creative work will be discussed, together with its symbolic function. Objectivity and relating assists us in inviting the content of the work into our real lived lives. Old stories or fairytales from around the world will be used to demonstrate these characteristics of the creative process. Electronic links to the reading material will be emailed. I look forward to discussing your questions and comments, and how it might enrich your relationship to your deeper self.

Module 1

Introduction: In this discussion we explore unhelpful ways that might affect our creative inner work. We explore the importance of choosing a suitable creative medium, how to get started, and more.

The creative space: In a Native American legend, we will explore aspects of the creative space as a containing symbolic space, why this is so important, as well as an introductory approach to meaning making.

Module 2

Restoring inner balance: We will explore the tendency of the unconscious to restore inner equilibrium within the contained creative space, as demonstrated in an ancient Chinese story.

The work of David Blum: A short case study of the development of the main motifs in the work of David Blum, well-known conductor and writer from New York, who drew images from his dreams. During his illness, his creative work was an important source of meaningful support to him.

Module 3

The role of relating: By relating to the content unfolding in the creative space, we are influenced by it. In Ovid’s Pygmalion we explore how symbolical creative work may contain one in a meaningful way and how the content of the work might influence and alter an outdated conscious approach to life.

Sharing: In conclusion of our work together, there is an opportunity to share the content of our work and experience the process first hand, but it remains optional. One might share only an image, or what one feels comfortable to share.

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Creative Course

Creativity and the Inner Other

A creative approach to active imagination

An individual online course – Yes, Online!

Book your own dates, 3 separate days

3 x 2 hour slots

3000 ZAR pp.

Psychotherapist-in-Muizenberg

Jung said that sometimes the hands can solve what the brain could not. By expressing emotional distress creatively, an opportunity to gain insight into out deeper selves arises. In this creative course, I integrate practical and theoretical components of this creative process within a Jungian framework. Artists as well as non-artists are welcome.

“I have patients who, evening after evening, work at these images… The work has a fascination for them; it is the fascination which the archetypes always exert upon consciousness. It is almost impossible to define this effect in rational terms; it is a sort of ‘magical’ effect, that is, a suggestive influence that goes out from the images to the individual, and in this way his unconscious is extended and changed.” ~ Carl Jung

Image Credit: Study to Jacob’s Ladder, Marc Chagall

The Practical Aspect: I will provide simple guidance. We start by setting up a safe containing space, inviting the inner energy to want to come. Drawing upon your current emotional state of mind, commencing with what comes to you, it is allowed to unfold. It is really important that you should be working in a medium which you enjoy. It does not matter if you are not familiar with the medium. In preparation to our work, a regular, everyday environment must be prepared to become a liminal space. By arranging the workspace the night before, we signal to our inner selves that an event of some kind is forthcoming. With this objective in mind, participants will receive recommendations on how to prepare. The advantages of working online is that one can use one’s creative material of choice and mess as much as you like, yet still be supported and guided by another, and sharing the experience.

The Theoretical Aspect: revolves around the fundamental principle of the creative space, which encompasses both physical and psychological aspects. It delves into the exploration of the psychological creative space as a containing space as well as the process and significance of its unfolding content. In our discussion we explore the unconscious mind’s innate inclination to restore equilibrium within creative work, and its symbolic function. Objective observation and the building of relationships with our work aid us in integrating the content of our creative work into our everyday lives. Utilizing old stories or fairytales from various cultures can illustrate these key characteristics of the creative process and its unfolding content. Prior reading is essential to prepare for our theoretical work, and all relevant discussion material will be made available.

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Important information: After arranging your course dates, you will receive a PayFast pay-link via email. PayFast is a secure South African payment facility similar to PayPal, and used by large online South African stores like Takealot. When you click on the pay-link, you will be taken to the secure website of PayFast. You do not need to register on PayFast to be able to make a payment. Different options are offered; please use the credit card facility. Your payment will be in South African rand. Standard credit card fees apply.

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The zebrafish

In this image, the foreground frames the background vision. The two fantastic animals represent the process of integration of the opposites; it represents wholeness. The man and the animal at right are gazing at each other with wonder. The man has the marks of the fish on his face. It is the task of the man to reflect upon this mystery and to learn to relate to it consciously.

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Psyche and Art

Wilna’s inner journey brought a discovery of the reality of Psyche through the expression of art. She views the creative space as the sacred space between above and below. In this approach the canvas became a living mirror reflecting meaningful inner truth.

“In Wilna van der Walt’s work she gives expression to the inner consciousness of healing powers that find expression in the creative fervency. Here it has to do with the activation of the practice of art to stimulate the subconscious to find expression in an image and a striving for purification. She opens herself to tell her story on canvas within the rich chaos of inner perceptions. Her palette becomes the medium and her canvas the reportage of her psychic journey, and the answer to her continuous inner dialogue. Each of these paintings has its own life – a part of the greater puzzle of truths that form part of a wider cosmic understanding.”

Amanda Botha

THE MARY MAGDALENE Oil on canvas board, 60 x 50 cm
SPLIT FEMININITY, MARY MAGDALENE AND BARBIE, Oil on canvas board 55 x 70 cm
THE WHITE MAN, Oil on canvas board 60 x 50 cm