Collaging Your Dreams: Vision Board Workshop & Student Spotlight

Kevin (and his vision board) & Michelle along the Ottawa River, August 2010

After months of advertising my collage workshops I was on cloud nine when finally gave my first Vision Board Workshop in late June.  Inspired by the creation of my own visual business plan, it seemed fitting that the first workshop to attract the attention of potential students was this one.  My interest in vision boards was first piqued by a talk given by Dr. Lucia Capacchione at the 2009 SmARTist Telesummit hosted by Ariane Goodwin.  A few months later I found myself collaging together a visual plan to give birth to my new art business, courtesy of a course given by artist/career coach Jennifer Lee.  Realizing the great impact making one’s visions concrete, I was excited about sharing this technique with others; it gave collage a practical and magical purpose.  I began surfing the net and discovered the role the 2006 movie The Secret played in re-igniting the idea of visioning and uncovered some quirky but helpful home-made videos related to the subject.  Among the information I uncovered was Joyce Schwarz’s book: The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life.  In it Schwarz leaves no stone unturned in discussions and other creative possibilities related to the vision board; she also includes many wonderful images on the subject.  Now getting back to my first workshop… it was no surprise either that it was peopled by those closest to me who wanted to support my dream of becoming an artist/instructor – many thanks — Susan, Gates, my husband Kevin… and to Ericka for taking a chance on me!  Normally lost in the great World of Warcraft (that nasty virtual game space that steals my hubby away from me every evening!), I was elated when Kevin showed interest in creating his own vision board in the real world.  It’s funny how you can live with someone forever and still lose touch with their dreams… I was amazed to discover he held a vision of travelling through the desert some day… it made him so much more intriguing!  When he finished his board, “Desert Dream” a few days after the class, I was so proud of him I framed it an anniversary gift for him.  As well as referencing the dry, hot, desert, I found it fascinating that Kevin’s board also echoed primordial visions of creation.  In the months to come, I’ll keep you abreast of some of the other fabulous visions my students have dreamt up.