Connect To Your Artist Archetype
I recently participated in a Live Zoom Workshop called "Unlocking Your Artist DNA," led by An Marshall, a trained SoulCollage® facilitator and accomplished artist.
I was interested in this class because it aimed to help participants understand their artist archetype. Archetypes are universal behavior patterns that, once identified, can provide insight into oneself and their role in the world. Having worked with archetypes in the past, I was interested in exploring An’s process.
I got to know An through a local women's group and discovered her passion for art. She always encouraged me to submit my art to the annual art show that she organized for many years. I never considered myself an artist; I always saw myself as a writer. However, An and many others saw me as an artist, and I have finally embraced that identity, after all, writing is an art.
Through the workshop, I learned that I am a "Connector Artist." This insight helped me better understand my creative drive, however expressed. Allowing my creativity to flow connects me with my spirit, truth, and essence. This realization has been both enlightening and empowering, and I hope to inspire and support others on their journey of self-discovery through creativity, helping them find their own meaningful connection.
In my novel, “The Secret She Kept,” the theme is all about connection. Sophia must connect to her grief in order to move through it. She learns that friends and community can look different than you imagine, making connections that change her life. In writing that novel, I connected to the deep grief I carried over the loss of my mother in my life and was able to heal that void. People who have read it have expressed their gratitude for it connecting them to something meaningful.
As part of the workshop, we created a collage to represent the archetype. I actually covered both sides of the card stock. Visually, this makes me happy and helps me remember why I write, paint, and create mixed media. It reminds me that I’ve always thought of myself as a bridge in many ways.
In one capacity, I am a bridge between two generations, being closer in age to the one before me. I have an understanding of the boomers who came before me and relate to many of the cultural norms that they’ve had to endure. I’ve also been intentional to heal the wounds of the past to make way for the new energy being generated in our younger generations.
I am a bridge between the physical and spiritual world, able to communicate with those on the other side. I am a bridge for those who feel stuck, stressed, overwhelmed, unhappy, or hopeless to begin to consciously create the life they imagine.
This post is intentioned to connect you to something.
Maybe, you’ll want to explore An’s classes, or sign up for my emails and connect with my process. At the very least, I hope it wakes up something inside that encourages you to find your creative flow.
If you want to connect with An Marshall, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
I also want to connect my readers to the amazing artists, teachers, authors, and books that have helped me to live creatively. There are so many resources to share! So I hope that you come back each week or even better, sign up below to receive weekly inspiration and creative connections.
