Workshop Tour- Day 1

/in , ,

DLH_8314b

What a gorgeous day! The colours are out in full here in Newfoundland and a 9-hour drive across the island gave us plenty of time to admire them. I took a few photos out the window, but these really don’t begin to capture the amazing scenery we saw, even from the highway.

Another bonus to driving across the island instead of flying is that I was immersed in French for 9 hours with the program coordinator and communications agent for the Fédération francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador.  As explained in a previous post, French may be my mother tongue, but if you don’t use it, you can lose it.  Thanks to this program, I’ve found it again. Yay!  I deliver my first workshop tomorrow morning at l’École Sainte-Anne in Grand’ Terre on the Port-au-Port peninsula – a land rich in French ancestry.

We arrived on the peninsula as the light was lowering in the sky.  Luckily, the Alpacas of Newfoundland craft shop was still open. Since the place is up for sale, I decided to invest $80 in 2 pairs of these amazing alpaca wool socks that I don’t react to (which I do to sheep’s wool).  Those I had bought during my 2011 road-trip are wearing thin in spots and I had expressed my need to come back here to get more the day I received the call about this job.  Love that story!  I also love having warm feet!

DLH_8346

We’re staying at the Inn at the Cape in Cape St. George.  I have a gorgeous room with a gorgeous view / balcony and the buffet supper was sooooo very good.  We’re here for 3 nights.  Nice!

OK – time for bed (which one will I sleep in…. all these choices?). I want to be in great shape for my morning workshop tomorrow.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

From Coast to Coast and Across

/in ,

afficheI leave bright and early tomorrow morning for the French cross-province painting workshop tour organized by the Fédération francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. I’m driving across the island with the coordinator to deliver the first workshops on the west coast of Newfoundland. Then I fly alone across to Labrador for workshops in Labrador City and Goose Bay.  At this point, I know my flights, hotels, and car reservations, and I have my lesson plans and materials organized.  I’ll be filled in on the rest of the details during our 10-hour drive.  I’m so used to being in control of the details (or thinking I’m in control anyway…) – this has been a major exercise in letting go and trusting that all will work out as it needs to.  I’ve become quite good at that when it comes to my personal life (finding jobs, housing, major guided life transitions), but not when it comes to planning and marketing workshops that I’m leading for others.  Life is definitely providing me another opportunity to grow here. This whole project came to me as a blessing, and so I know that if I continue to embrace the mystery, I will be pleasantly surprised. May it be so!

Today, my friends Leslie and Orinda, and I had a Bon Voyage picnic along the most eastern coast of Canada before I head across the province to its western edges.  What gorgeous weather!  Although they’re both Newfoundlanders, they hadn’t been to Petty Harbour before (or not in decades). It’s only 20 minutes from where I live in St. John’s.  It was such a pleasure to share this with them after I myself got to re-experience it a few weeks ago with my good camera. This time I only had my iPhone to take photos, but I’ll be bringing my good gear with me on my trip, even if I won’t have much free time in some locations.  At the very least, I’ll have Thanksgiving Day off in Labrador City.

For now, enjoy this iPhone photo break at a working fishing village on the Atlantic ocean.

P.S.  This blog site has now become my new website so you’ll notice changes in the navigation bar at the top. You can now access everything from here, including my art for sale pages and other goodies.  You can also sign up to my e-mail list here as well as following my blog. Hope you enjoy the changes. This ex-technophobe is now officially a techy!

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

“Art To Soothe” – Open House October 1st

/in

Art To Soothe Poster small2

This is very exciting!  Thanks to Gloria Williams (the owner of Soothe Spa) my new exhibition, “Art To Soothe” is up and running – 30 paintings on 3 levels. I will be adding to the show as pieces sell and as I create them.  Pieces will be on display and available for sale at least until Christmas.  Payment plans are available.

Mark your calendars! Gloria is planning an Open House on Wednesday, October 1st from 4pm to 9pm.  This will mark their first anniversary in their downtown location (as well as Gloria’s birthday!).  Come have a piece of cake and enjoy the art – perhaps even start on your holiday shopping.

Here’s a glimpse of the show. It’s not like seeing the work or space in person, but it will give you out-of-towners a good idea. It’s a really great space – 4 rooms that can accommodate private treatments or group parties.  I’ve mixed those photos in with better pictures of the art – hover over these and you’ll see the size & prices.

Come Play – $575 (18″ x 24″) – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Happy Place” – 9″ x 12″ – $225 Mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas: acrylics, granular gel. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Make a Wish” – 12″ x 12″ – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas. This piece is all about manifestation. The bubbles represent our deepest wishes released into the Universe and let go. It’s also about the wonders of prayer and the limitlessness of the mind. The figure, the bubbles, and the blossoming background of the Universe are all made of the same fabric – worth pondering on… To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
The Messenger – $195 (9″ x 12″) – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“On the Forest Floor” – $845 – 12″ x 36″ Acrylics, tar gel, gold and pearl mica, stone, on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing necessary) To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Zippora” – 12″ x 12″ – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt When I see red, black and gold together, I associate it with a mix of western and eastern meanings: love, passion, vibrancy, excitement, good luck, happiness, longevity, abundance, and mystery. For me, this brave spirit is being led boldly and confidently by her winged guides as she embraces the mystery of the unknown. Her inner fire has fueled the flames of a passionate, fulfilling life. When it came time to name this painting, I searched for a woman’s name that meant “bird” – and found “Zippora” – a hebrew name that means just that. It was also the name of the wife of Moses. Can you see the two birds flying high above, aware of the bigger picture?
Dolphin Rainbow Mixed media on deep-edged canvas: acrylics, photo transparencies of a wild dolphin I swam with in Hawaii, stabilized Chinese turquoise 16″ x 40″ $875 ___________ stabilized Chinese turquoise: Strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world; throat chakra www.dominiquehurley.com
Lakshmi Acrylics on deep-edged stretched canvas 12″ x 16″ $250 www.dominiquehurley.com
“Sweet Harmony” – SOLD- 12″ x 16″ Acrylics & granular gel on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing necessary) To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
Precious Moments Mixed media on deep-edged canvas: acrylics, tar gel, photo transparency of buddha statue with crystal ball, dragonflies, and butterflies 18″ x 24″ $575 www.dominiquehurley.com
“Pixy Dust” – $675 (15″ x 30″) – Mixed media: acrylics & granular gel on gallery-wrapped canvas. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“The Forest for the Trees” – 9″ x 12″ Mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas: acrylics & glass beads. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Watch Over Me” – 12″ x 24″ – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas.
Coming Forth Mixed media on deep-edged canvas: acrylics & glass beads 24″ x 24″ $695 www.dominiquehurley.com
Sun Quest Mixed media on deep profile canvas: acrylics, photo gel transparencies of SK dragonflies 11″ x 14″ $245 www.dominiquehurley.com
“Angel of Mine” – 12″ x 24″ – Mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas: acrylics & glass beads.
Balance Acrylics on deep-edged stretched canvas 16″ x 20″ $345 www.dominiquehurley.com
Exaltation – $1250 (24″ x 36″) – Acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Passion Tree” – 9″ x 12″ – $225 Mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas: acrylics, glass beads. To purchase, please contact me via my webpage at www.DominiqueHurley.com or www.facebook.com/DominiqueHurleyArt
“Colours of my Soul” – 24″ x 36″ – $1,350 (acrylics, granular gel, blue topaz, mica on gallery-wrapped canvas – no framing required) Mica: Love & Compassion Blue Topaz: relationship with our Creator, relationships, soothing/calming, throat chakra, rises vibratory rate, truth, honesty, openness, and forgiveness, helps discover your own inner riches
“I See You” – 24″ x 36″ – (acrylics, pumice, blue topaz on gallery-wrapped canvas – does not require framing) Blue Topaz: relationship with our Creator, relationships, soothing/calming, throat chakra, rises vibratory rate, truth, honesty, openness, and forgiveness, helps discover your own inner riches Pumice: insight, helps rise above challenges
“Silver Thaw” – 18″ x 24″ – $575 – (acrylics & glass beads on gallery-wrapped canvas – does not require framing).

On any day they are open, feel free to walk in – if the rooms are unoccupied, they’ll show you around. You could always treat yourself and make an appointment- here’s a list of what they’re offering. I’m including it here as their website is under construction.

1378506_529636797127906_1551168819_n

So mark your calendars for the
SOOTHE OPEN HOUSE
OCTOBER 1ST, 4-9pm
155 Queens Rd. St. John’s (Entrance on Bate’s Hill)

Featuring “Art to Soothe” by Dominique Hurley

www.Dominique Hurley.com

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Cross-Province Art & Inspiration Workshop Tour

/in

Part 1: ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS IN FRENCH

I love stories of the new normal and this post starts off with one.

Last week, as Orinda and I were heading out for a walk to pick up garbage off the street and feed the ducks in Bowring Park, I pointed to the thinning heals and toes in my wool socks and said “I love these lama wool socks. I need to go back to the Port au Port peninsula soon to get myself another pair.” Then we went on our walk. That’s all.  I’d put the message out there in the Universe and let it go.  It turns out I was mistaken about the kind of wool though.  I knew they weren’t regular wool as I react to those, but since I wanted to provide you with a link, I was just reminded that they’re actually alpaca wool socks from the Alpaca farm & craft shop on the west coast of the island. I bought them during my 26-day road trip across the island in 2011.  Anyhow, back to my story.  That afternoon, as I was happily painting in my studio, I received a call from the Fédération des francophone de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador).  They offered me a contract to teach painting workshops in French across the province – and yes, including on the Port-au-Port peninsula.  Yay! I’ll be getting a new pair of alpaca socks! And if you speak French, you’ll get the opportunity to participate in a free painting workshop.

Les mains dans l’art  (Literal translation: Hands in the Arts)

DLH_7147This is a brand new program for which the Résau culturel francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, part of the Francophone Federation has received a Canadian Heritage – Official Languages grant.  They chose me for this test run, but the goal is to involve several artists over a period of several years to:

  •  promote and expand the reach of traditional visual arts and fine crafts across the province
  •  express the rich French heritage and teach arts-specific vocabulary and expressions recognized throughout the Francophonie
  •  to help discover francophone visual artists and craftspeople, their work, mediums, and the techniques that they use
  •  to offer French schools and communities high quality training in their native language (developed around the learning outcomes of the NL Department of Education)
  • to offer an opportunity for participants to create their own artistic works

Locations:

These fun acrylic painting workshops will be offered free of charge to 2 groups of participants in 5 locations across the province.  During the day, I’ll be teaching workshops within the school system.  In the evenings, I’ll be teaching in community centers.  These workshops will be open to both Francophones and Francophiles.

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with where I’m living, it’s a huge province that not only includes the very large island of Newfoundland, but also Labrador on the mainland. I’m thrilled that this program will take me to Labrador for the first time in my life.

Canada_Map_Areas_-_Newfoundland_-_Labrador_260wWorkshops within the schools and in French community centers will be offered in:

  1. St. John’s
  2. La Grand’Terre on the Port au Port peninsula
  3. Notre Dame du Cap on the Port au Port peninsula
  4. Happy Valley Goose Bay in Labrador
  5. Labrador City

(I will post links to registration and more information as soon as they are available.  At this point, I will be on the Port au Port peninsula October 9-11, in Labrador City October 14 and in Goose Bay October 16)

Screen Shot 2014-08-23 at 9.44.58 AMI’ll admit to my ignorance.  I knew it took about 10 hours to drive from St. John’s, where I live, to the French peninsula on the west coast of Newfoundland, but when I asked about renting a car in Goose Bay to drive to Labrador City, so that I could see more of the province, I found out that simply wouldn’t be wise.  First, there’s a distance of 530 km between them, partly on gravel roads I’m told (about 7.5 hours drive if lucky).  Second, the average snow fall in October is of 15 inches (39cm).  Alas, I’ll be flying…

Stay Tuned:

We’re planning to offer these workshops in late September in St. John’s and in October for the other 4 locations.  I’ll likely do these ones back to back to keep more of the budget for art supplies. As soon as we have more information about the program and details about registration, I’ll let you know.

P.S.  They’ve got the website up – if you’re a francophone or francophile wanting to participate in my free workshop in Port-au-Port, Labrador City, Goose Bay, or St. John’s, click here.

My French Background:

I thought I’d include this for those of you who are curious, since most of you know my English self.

backyard

In our Ottawa backyard

I was born in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, a country with two official languages: French & English.  Although the city is in Ontario, it borders Québec, Canada’s French province. The capital region actually includes both sides of the Ottawa River, and so federal government offices, museums, and parks, for example, are found in both provinces. Because of all this, there are lots of bilingual folks in Ottawa.

Painting demonstration in 1990: Canadian Museum of Civilization (Gatineau, QB)

Painting demonstration in 1990: Canadian Museum of Civilization (Gatineau, QB)

My mother is from Québec and my father, who is originally from Ontario, also spent a great part of his childhood in Québec. For me, therefore, it was French at home and at school, but often English in the playgrounds and out in the community.  It was the same when we moved to Canadian Air Force bases in Germany for 5 years when I was 5, but then there was German in the mix too.  Basically though, I grew up with both French and English on equal footing.  When I attended the bilingual University of Ottawa, for example, I took some of my courses in French and some in English, depending on which were taught by the better teachers – a great system! As of 1992, however, when I started traveling the world to teach English as a Second Language, I almost completely stopped speaking French, for lack of opportunity.  In fact, when I would visit my family, it became challenging to have a conversation entirely in French – often plugging in English words mid-sentence (not an uncommon phenomenon in bilingual families and a habit I had begun decades before).  Luckily, when I moved to Newfoundland & Labrador, I started reaching out to the Francophone community.  I participated in some of their events, added myself to their directory of artists,  and was featured in their newspaper.  That interview was truly what helped me regain my comfort with my own mother tongue, especially when it came to speaking about spirituality and art. Also, when I was studying in Vienna last year, the managing director of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art is from France, and so it has become quite normal again for me to communicate in my native language.  It’s true what they say: “If you don’t use it, you lose it”.  The opportunity to teach these workshops in French across the province, therefore, is a very welcomed one on many levels.  I’m very much looking forward to it.

 

Part 2:  BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT RETREATS

Dominique Hurley Art & Inspiration Quote Series2 Retreats brought to you by Lucy O’Driscoll.

1) November in Salmonier

This autumn will be dotted with opportunities for travel. Not only will I be teaching art across the province, I’ll be leading 2 workshops during the November 7-9 Body, Mind and Spirit Retreat in Salmonier, about an hour outside of St. John’s.  The first will be Developing Your Intuition and the second Simplify Your Life.  I’ll be one of many workshop leaders at this weekend retreat.  Other leaders include Brent Bashara, Dorothy Corrigan, Stefanie Finn, Barb Lambe, Alison Normore, Tina Olivera, Meranda Squires, and Nora Squires. Your registration fee of $290 (tax incl) covers 2 nights accommodations, 6 meals, 4 workshops with professional facilitators, and evening programs.

For more information and to download the registration package for the November retreat, click on this link: Nov 2014 Retreat.

2) October in Grand Falls

Although I won’t be teaching at this one, there’s also an October 3-5 Body Mind and Spirit retreat weekend in Grand Falls, Central Newfoundland.  For more information and the full registration package for this one, click here:  October Gr. Falls 2014

If you feel moved, don’t hesitate and register now.  I’ve been to two of these retreats before, both as participant and leader, and they are truly wonderful weekends.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Graduation Exhibition – Vienna Academy of Visionary Art

/in ,

IMG_7707Well there you have it folks!  I’ve graduated from the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art!  My wonderful chapter of overseas art education is almost over.  During the past 10 months,  I’ve successfully completed two full-time trimesters at the Academy and other classes, workshops, and artist-in-residence experiences in Bali, Italy and here in Vienna. Wow! What a great year indeed! Thanks again to all those who invested in my dream (through art sales, crowdfunding, donations, etc.), making it possible for me to follow my Spirit Calls.

INNER WORLDS: GRADUATION EXHIBITION

It’s not quite over yet though.  Our graduation exhibition runs until June 28th (open daily 11am – 6pm).  There’s so much beautiful work from all my classmates.  My Silent Auction runs until June 24th at 6pm (in Vienna only).

graduation layout

Exhibition Opening:

We had the opening on Friday – so much work to prepare and so gratifying to share.  I was happily interacting at the Pay What You Want tables and being a part of the graduation speeches/video presentation that I forgot to take any pictures during the evening.  Sorry… You’ll have to believe me that we had quite the party.  Music, dancing, healthy food, live painting, and lots of interesting and touching conversations.  Of course there was also lots of stunning artwork to see from students and teachers. The wall of large pieces opposite mine is filled with amazing paintings that the students will continue to work on next year – works in progress that show some of the stages of the Mischtechnik.  I got a few bids on my work, but it wasn’t a big art buying crowd that night (although we all did well at the Pay What You Want tables (which still have work on them).  I can only hope that word will spread about the exhibition and the silent auction so that we can all continue to fulfill our purpose on this earth.

 

Free Your Expression Workshop Conclusion:

It’s been a big week.  The rest of Amanda Sage’s workshop was great  – more raw food, more painting, more learning. I really like how my stylized figures are evolving .  All the little paintings I created during the week, including this one you haven’t seen yet, were quickly grabbed at the PWYC table – a good feeling indeed.

IMG_7692

We ended the workshop with a closing clrcle – half paintings, half painters.  Each got a chance to share about their experience and process and received feedback and/or thanks. What a lovely group. I’m glad that many of the participants stayed in town for our Opening

Celebration Breakfast:

IMG_7710I’ll admit, I’m very tired today.  I was at school helping to set up until 11:30pm on Friday and got home at 1:30am on Saturday after the opening.  On Sunday morning, I got up early to meet with my new friends Helmut and Regine (whom I met in Italy and who came to Vienna to be a part of my graduation celebration). How sweet and wonderful it was to have them here.  We met at a café near Schönbrunn Palace for breakfast.  I don’t usually like breakfast foods in restaurants, but I sure liked what I chose on Sunday:  rhubarb strudel and an exotic fruit sundae with lemon and mango ice cream, exotic fruits, nuts, and whipped cream.  I needed the sugar to wake me up and give me the energy to manage the exhibition from 11am – 5pm.  Different students and our managing director will be running the exhibition until its end, so please come visit!

What’s Next?

I’m glad to report that after an intensive year of workshops, I’m very much looking forward to time alone in my own studio to integrate everything I’ve learned and to see where that takes me.  I’ll be moving back to Canada into the home of a like-minded spirit who lives by a river surrounded by greenery in St. John’s Newfoundland. It has ample space for me to paint in. Yay!  The more I think about this new space I’ve manifested, the more excited I get.  I’m so grateful for this chapter that is coming to a close, but equally excited about the new chapter ahead. Let’s see where continuing to live in the new normal takes me next.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Graduation Exhibiton at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art (June 14-28)

/in ,

10411343_473051109491573_7577237702928160176_nYou are all invited to the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art’s Graduation Exhibition titled “Inner Worlds“.  I know many of my readers are nowhere near Austria, but if you happen to be or know someone who is, here is all the information.

Dominique Hurley_Lighting The Way

Dominique Hurley

INNER WORLDS

  • From June 14th until 28th, 2014
    Monday – Sunday from 11:00am – 6:00pm
    Free Entrance
  • Opening on Saturday June 14th 2014 at 6:30pm 
  • The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art
    2nd Floor of the Palais Palffy
    Josefsplatz 6, 1010, Vienna

Website
Facebook

SPECIAL:  there will be Pay-What-You-Want tables of student sketches, etc. and most of my pieces will be offered on Silent Auction with “buy now” prices, or the option to bid above the minimum bids (ends June 24 at 6pm).  I trust that each painting will find its right home while I am compensated for both my work and talent.  This feels like a win-win as I return to Canada on June 26th.

Elizabeth Banker

Elizabeth Banker

PRESS RELEASE – May 2014

SEE THE GERMAN PRESS RELEASE BY CLICKING HERE.

INNER WORLDS
The Graduate Exhibition of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art
 
Julianna Richey

Julianna Richey

In celebration of its inaugural year, The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opens its door to the public for INNER WORLDS, its year-end Graduate Exhibition. A must-see for any art enthusiast, the in-house exhibition commences with the Opening Ceremony at 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 14th and runs until June 28th 2014 at the Palais Palffy on Josefsplatz. 

 
This year’s group of international students (mostly from Canada and the U.S.A) have out-done themselves, exploring phantastic and sacred themes in their works while celebrating the Academy’s ideals of beauty, craftsmanship and style. Together, these meticulously rendered paintings by Elizabeth Banker, Martin Cash, Kevin Campeau, Dominique Hurley, Rachel Lubeck, Julianna Richey and Hadley Seymore form a stunning example of a new, Idealist art – an exhibition not to be missed, with many of the original works priced for sale. The Opening will include Live Painting and Collaboration by the exhibiting artists. 
 
Martin Cash

Martin Cash

For three trimesters, these emerging artists have explored Old Masters drawing and painting techniques through classical academic methods. Guided by an international faculty of well-known Visionary artists, they have explored three distinct traditions: The Humanist Style within the  ‘Western’ Canon of Classical Greek & Renaissance Art, The Hieratic Style within the ‘Eastern’ Canon of Ancient, Islamic & Hindu-Buddhist Art, and the newly emerging Visionary Style, which carefully combines the best elements of the Humanist & Hieratic traditions. Coming from Australia, America, London, Paris and Vienna, members of the academy’s faculty will also be on hand to exhibit their works: Timea Tallian, David Heskin, Aloria Weaver, Daniel Mirante, Kuba Ambrose, Vera Atlantia, Amanda Sage, and Laurence Caruana. The result is a masterful collection of paintings where each work manifests the artist’s unique vision while also pursuing the Academy’s ideal of “AD SACRUM” ~ Toward the Sacred.

 
Hadley Seymore

Hadley Seymore

Located in the Palais Palffy – home of The Phantasten Museum, Viva Art Gallery, and Professor Ernst Fuchs Studio – The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opened its doors in September 2013. With English as its primary language of instruction, this international private school was founded by The Visionary Guild, a circle of recognized Visionary artists who had learned the “Mischtechnik” (an egg tempera and oil glazing technique) with Professor Ernst Fuchs – and who are now transmitting their knowledge of this special technique to a new generation of talented artists. The Academy offers a Three-year Programme, as well as Single Trimester studies, week-long Intensives and bi-weekly Life Drawing classes open to the public. Their classical curriculum focuses primarily on Historical Techniques of Painting and Approaches to the Figure, Colour and Composition within both Eastern and Western cultural traditions. By learning the sacred styles of different cultures, the students are able to create original compositions based on their own ideas, visions, and designs. 

Kevin Campeau

Kevin Campeau

As Guest Lecturers, local Viennese artists such as De Es, Michael Fuchs, Peter Gric and Otto Rapp have revealed a distinctly Austrian dimension to the students’ European experience of art-making in a cultural capital. Now in its seventh year, the academy’s special summer programme in Italy – The Visions in the Mischtechnik Seminar – has further enhanced the students’ classical knowledge of art and technique.

 
After the culmination of this exciting inaugural year, the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art will again open its doors on September 21st with an Opening Party, before classes recommence for the Fall Trimester with instructors Laurence Caruana, Autumn Skye Morrison and Daniel Mirante. With no entrance examinations, the academy is open to all lovers of the newly-emerging trend in world culture called Visionary Art.
Rachel Lubek

Rachel Lubek

 
Dominique Hurley

Dominique Hurley

.

Contact:
Florence Ménard
Managing Director
Email : [email protected]
Tel : ++ 43 (0) 660 377 98 71
***
Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

The Art Of Fundaising

/in , ,

Today marks the last official day of fundraising for my Vienna Visionary Art Scholarship Fund.  I’ve just received my last paycheque from Memorial University for my summer ESL teaching contract, and I’ll be receiving my last payment for one of the auction paintings later today.  After that, I have no income planned for my year as a student. Truth be told, I’ve gotten quite used to having “money flow my way each and every day” (one of the affirmations I sang as I walked to school these past 6 months).  Alas, that has come to an end, and now it is time for the funds to flow out for a year – all part of the plan.  Indeed, it’s as it is meant to be – just like the tides of this beautiful Atlantic Ocean I’ve been blessed to live next to for the past 27 months. I have successfully manifested the funds I needed and now it is time to put them towards those plans – it is simply the ebb and flow of this energy form called money.  The tides of change and money will continue as I live and breathe. All is well.

Last night I pulled 3 cards and received this message:

abundanceI have been very public about my latest Spirit Call and my fundraising needs as I follow my heart.  It only seems right, therefore, that I also share the results.  Part of me feared that this may seem like bragging or that “we shouldn’t talk about money, especially online for all to see”, but a bigger (or Higher) part of me trusts that this may serve as inspiration to anyone out there who has a dream and wants to make it happen. If I can inspire one person to listen to their inner guidance and live a life of greater meaning, so be it!  It’s the least I can do after having received such a gift from so many.

First, I’d like to reflect on how the Universe/God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.  When I first got the call to attend this visionary art school in Europe, the thought of fundraising $30,000 in 6 months for a 4-month sojourn overseas (and my remaining time in Newfoundland) was quite overwhelming.  If you’ll recall, I was sharing that with a friend in her car before yoga on the day I made my decision, but then walked in the studio to find one of the students wanting to buy one of my paintings hanging on the wall.  That’s when I knew I would be OK – it was the sign I needed (one of many in those first few days).  After that, I trusted I could raise that $30K with hard work and dedication.  It was only after I had exceeded that original goal that The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art changed their curriculum, leading me to decide that I needed to attend for a full year.  There’s no way I could have handled the the idea of raising $44,000 + 6 months living expenses in Canada before leaving had I originally thought I needed to be there for a year.  Once I could handle it, however, everything came into place.  It’s all part of the Divine Timing.

I did not raise the full $53,000 needed ($44,000 for a year in Europe and all associated costs of getting there)  + $9,000 (6 months of Cdn living expenses), but I came very close, and with the money I had my savings account, I will be able to live this experience debt free.  So far, that’s how I’ve managed to live my life, and I’d definitely like to keep it that way.  I must now trust that the next step on my journey after Vienna will replenish my empty bank account.  One step at a time, though. First, Vienna!

To some, my final numbers may not seem so impressive – there are plenty of folks out there used to 6-figure salaries.  What you need to understand, however, is that I moved to Newfoundland after a year devoted to exploring my art.  I then chose to live a lifestyle here that afforded me time to develop my art business in a new location from scratch while taking occasional ESL teaching contracts to finance my immediate needs.  I also chose to take the time to appreciate life and to discover this new province I quickly fell in love with.  Although I can’t imagine it now after 6 months of driven fundraising work, I actually had time to read 53 Newfoundland novels in my first 1.5 years here.  That gives you an idea of the wonderful life I had created for myself on this island.  So when I say that I managed to raise $46,586.15 in 6 months, that’s HUGE!!!

How did I do it?

1.  Donations: $1,771.42
First, I asked for help.  I got over my qualms and started sharing my dreams, my goals, my story with people in writing, one-on-one, and on stage in various venues.  Family and friends sent me money in the mail or handed me $20 bills after a spiritual retreat I was teaching at or in yoga classes.  It felt both strange and wonderful – I simply had to step out of my own way by being grateful instead of shy and embarrassed and to remain open as to where the necessary funds would come from.  My friend Cathy in Saskatoon organized a fundraising drum circle and sent me a cheque for $100.  My friend Cheryl organized a karma yoga class here in St. John’s and folks donated $205 towards my dream in addition to buying bookmarks, metallic prints, and oracle cards.  In total, I raised $1,771.42 in donations.  This includes a few of the crowdfunding cheques I received from those who didn’t want to pay online (I should have separated those in my records, but I didn’t). It does not reflect, however, the money I’m saving by house & cat-sitting this month or the generous donation-in-kind by Dr. Gillian Peters, who didn’t charge me for my yearly dental cleaning, check-up and x-rays.  Thank you all for your donations!

2.  Rockethub Crowdfunding: $4,357.11
(www.rockethub.com/projects22252)Soon after I decided to go study in Vienna, a friend introduced me to the concept of crowdfunding in which people donate funds online towards a project in exchange for various thank you gifts.  This inspired the creation of a few new artistic offerings: screensavers, magnetic bookmarks, metallic prints, 55 full sets of Spirit Calling Cards, combo packages of these and custom Energy paintings.  This campaign ran from April 11- July 11. A lot of work and money went into producing the gifts and marketing the campaign, but it was all worth it.  I didn’t reach the full $11,111 goal set in that campaign and so Rockethub kept a 12% commission.  That’s OK – all part of the energy flow.  This campaign taught me so much about myself and people.  So much!  One of the many highlights was being commissioned to do 2 channeled energy paintings by the ocean in Bay Roberts – a very powerful and affirming experience. One of those was paid for by cheque and so that’s why the total above doesn’t reflect the total on the website.  Another highlight was creating my Spirit Calling Cards, which are a daily blessing in my life. Thanks to all who funded this campaign!  Hope you’re enjoying your thank you gifts!

3.  Lotto: $31
During my campaign, I bought 1 lottery ticket a month.  I did win, but not much. Still, I made a profit 🙂  Thanks Lotto 649!

4.  Tax return & HST:  $1,643.79
I counted every penny coming in and every penny going out during this campaign (as always – a habit I began in the 1990s in order to be conscious of the financial energy flow in my life and to make sure I was spending according to my priorities).  So I include my federal tax return and HST payments in my fundraising total.  Thank you Government of Canada!

5.  ESL Teaching Contracts:  $14,343.74
This is my total from teaching at Memorial University since the day I made my decision.  I worked much more than I would have ordinarily wanted to, and my boss generously asked me to do various other tasks in between sessions.  Thanks Janet for your support!

6.  Art Sales:  $21,554

  • a.  Art Business: $10, 633.20
    This includes full price sales during the many exhibitions I organized in town (Ebb & Flow, Shakti, Natural Health Shop, Whole Health, MUN Botanical Garden, Eastern Edge Gallery) and the fundraising art gala that my friend Leslie organized for her family & friends, where I sold many of my paintings.  It also includes the sales of magnetic bookmarks, metallic prints, and Spirit Calling Cards outside of the online crowdfunding campaign.  Last but not least, it includes the 3-day painting workshop I was hired to teach for Mental Health Week and a weekend spiritual retreat I taught at.  Thanks to all!
  • b.  Art to Go Auction/ Make Me An Offer Sale:  $10, 921
    This includes the sale of the 125 paintings and photographs on canvas that found a home during and immediately after my online auction at www.32auctions.com/ArtToGo that started June 18 and ended August 1 with exhibitions in 6 locations. It was also part of an inner call to liquidate the amount of stuff I was leaving behind in NL to manage while overseas (a calling that later became clear when I decided to stay a year instead of the original 4 months).  So much work went into preparing, marketing, and managing this auction, which came into being when I realized that my other fundraising efforts wouldn’t finance my study plans.  I’m thrilled with the results! Not only did I raise a large part of what I needed, my art has been brought into the homes and businesses of my fans where they were meant to be.  Yay! Happiness all around.  I even got to help out 2 of my artist friends by asking them to join my last exhibition at The Sprout and the online auction.  That feels great too and their participation increased my benefits on many other levels too. That was fun! Thanks Lori, Sama, and St. John’s / Newfoundland!

7.  Garage Sales / Kijiji:  $2,885
This is a big shocker!  Always is. Every time I move, I have some form of garage sale, and it always amazes me.  This time I did it via Kijiji and Facebook as well as on my living room floor the weekend folks came to pick up their stuff.  The only big items I had were my bicycle, my collection of paraliminal CDs, and my art supplies – no furniture!  About half of what I made here was from many little things at cheap prices (or the ever so successful “pay whatever you want over $1, 2, or 5.” – “whatever you feel is fair”).  If you’re in fundraising mode, don’t neglect the opportunity to de-clutter. The universe abhors a vacuum.  By liberating what you don’t need or want anymore (and that someone else will treasure), you’ll open up energetic and physical space for what you need to come in.  And in the end, it feels good to give whatever doesn’t sell to friends and charity.  Thanks shoppers!

So that’s it – that was my 7-point plan to fundraising.  Wow!  Yes, I’m exhausted after 6 months of driving myself to my limit.  But I’ve succeeded, and I feel so very grateful about so very much – including what I’ve learned about myself in the process.  This includes my need to check in with myself about the energy I was putting out there – I found myself having trouble turning off “the marketer” and sometimes being in a “money-grabbing” state that halted the flow of incoming funds, reminding me to shift back to a state of trusting, letting go, and allowing.  This was definitely part of the hard work I had to do this year.

I also learned a few fundraising tricks.  One trick is definitely creating win-win situations in which everyone is happy – happy to contribute towards a cause, happy to bring home gifts they’ll cherish, happy to participate in an experience, etc.  Another is to totally let go of attachment.  For example, some of my artwork was purchased for less than I what I paid for in terms of supplies to create it … but it really didn’t matter. In the end, it added to my total, and I am so relieved that I don’t have to manage my art from overseas – all that in addition to my art having found appreciative homes for it.  Perfect!  Also, I’ve never really missed the stuff I’ve sold in garage sales in my life.  Some of what I felt moved to let go of this time surprised me, but it all became clear once I figured out I was meant to go to Vienna for a year and not 4 months.  Follow your intuition – trust your Self – it can see a much bigger picture than your day-to-day to-do list creator/follower and money manager.  In addition, I had to detach from what many in the artistic community felt about my auctioning off artwork at the cost of materials – as explained in an earlier blog, some felt sad and told me it seemed desperate.  It all comes down to perception – I was glad, and it fulfilled my needs – a real cause for celebration. It was all part of a creative financing plan that definitely was outside the box of “the arts”, “business practices”, etc., and I have no regrets!

So once again, my eternal gratitude to all those who contributed to my dreams in so many ways – those mentioned and unmentioned. None of this would have been possible without the support of family, friends,fans, and strangers in the many communities I have lived in.  I’m sure there’s so much more to share about this whole journey, but that may come with time and further reflection.

I hope that my openly reflecting on my abundance will be of some help to others.  Feel free to share this post with others.

To sum up, here’s the card reading I got this morning before starting this blog

promise

P.S.  The 25 full sets of Spirit Calling Cards left (out of the 55 printed) are for sale at Ebb & Flow Boutique.

Summary: 
Total needed: $44,127.42 for Vienna + $9,000 for 6 months in Canada =$53,127.42
Total raised in 6 months from all sources: $46,586.15
Difference:  $6,541.26

What’s your dream? What wonderful life projects do you want to manifest?  Commit to something and be open to the creative ways you’ll be inspired to make it happen.  In my case, it required 6 months of heavy-duty planning and work.  That’s the route I chose, and I’m thrilled with the results.  Maybe next time I’ll win the lottery…

Love & Light,

Dominique Hurley
Art & Inspirationwww.DominiqueHurley.com

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Spirit Calling Cards

/in , ,

Limited Edition 

painting deck shot

photo deck shot

I created these for my Vienna Academy of Visionary Art crowdfunding campaign and had a very limited run of 55 sets of decks printed (these are not mass produced).   Each deck is numbered and signed.

What are Spirit Calling Cards?

In January 2013, I handmade a set of 14 index cards with a word and small photo that I used to make up sentences and affirmations to guide me on my day. I was so inspired by them that when it came time to think of what Goods I would offer supporters of my “Vienna Visionary Art Scholarship” crowdfunding campaign, I felt moved to create 2 decks of 44 cards – one based on my photography and one on my paintings. These can be used separately or combined.

Why did I name them “Spirit Calling Cards”?  For years, I have referred to the strong guiding messages I have received as my Spirit Calls (from my Higher Self, intuition, God, Great Spirit – whatever name or concept you are comfortable with). These Spirit Calling Cards are two-way communication tools that facilitate the asking for and receiving of such Calls.  First, they’re a way for you to tune into that source of guidance, just as you would use a calling card to connect by phone with loved ones around the world.  Second, they’re a way for your source of inspiration to announce its presence, much like the calling cards used by visitors of olden days.auction spread 3How to use them:

Feel free to use these cards in any way you feel moved.  I’ll outline a few options here. I recommend using your left hand to pick cards as it’s the hand of your subconscious/ intuition.

1 – Spontaneous Sentences/Affirmations:

Pick a number of cards (8 or more) for your week.  Quickly combine them every day in different ways to find inspirational messages.  With my original 14, for example, I was able to create seemingly endless combinations every day for 6 weeks.  The trick is to not think about it too much while you’re placing them together.  Reflection about their meaning / messages comes afterwards – in meditation, journaling, etc.  Note: you’ll need to change the parts of speech as needed (nouns to verbs, verbs to adjectives, etc.) and add little words like a, the, with, etc.

For example, on one day, I made up:

  • “Contemplate the flow of love in your life”
  • “Be trusting of the spirituality that guides your imagination towards the light”
  • “Unite with the creativity that nourishes an abundance of beauty”

And on another:

  • “Create union by trusting love”
  • “Be the spiritual light”
  • “Flow with the guidance you receive in contemplation”
  • “Imagine beauty and you’ll nourish abundance”

2 – Daily Picks:

Shuffle and pick 3-5 cards to make up one affirmation/guiding sentence for that day.

3 – Question & Answer:

Focus on a question while you shuffle and pick a card. Journal about the guidance you feel it’s giving you – feel free to write in the voice of your source of guidance (ie: a letter from your Guardian Angel)

4 – Past, Present, and Future:

Shuffle and pick 3 cards to help you understand a particular situation.  The first on the left will show you your past in relation to the situation, the second your present purpose/mindset, and the third your future.  Reflect about your journey.

5 – Whole Being Perspective:

Ask for guidance on a particular issue and pick a card with your right hand to show you how your action oriented left-brain is perceiving it. Next, with your left hand, pick a card to show you how your intuitive right brain is perceiving it. Then pick a third card to show you how to synergize both sides.

6 – Message of Love:

Tune in to your source of guidance and to a loved one.  Ask to be given a message of love for them and gift it to them by letter, email, phone, etc.  Have fun discussing the possible interpretations and timing for the message. It beats talking about the weather…

7 – Team Brainstorming:

Use them in a group setting (yes, try them at work) and have each member of a group pick between 3-5 cards while focusing on your goal/ challenge, etc. Have them each make up sentences and brainstorm about their meaning.  Members can do this alone in writing first or more spontaneously out loud as what one member says may enlighten another on their contribution.

8 – Relationship Building:

Couples, friends, parent/children, etc. can use them to connect to each other on a deeper level.  They make great conversation openers that help people get past the banalities of life and into really seeing, hearing, accepting, and loving another person’s true Self.  This can be accomplished in a game fashion (pick 5 cards and explain how it relates to your day) or on a common question / feeling / etc.  (How is this challenging situation an opportunity for us to grow?).

The ways in which you use these are limitless and may evolve with time.  You can also find many different tarot card spreads explained on the Internet.

May these cards enhance your calls to Spirit & Spirit’s calls to you.

PAINTING DECK VIDEO:

PHOTOGRAPHY DECK VIDEO:

Limited Edition – Buy Yours Here

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Sadness Begone – This is a Cause for Celebration

/in , ,

I was talking to another artist this weekend who said he was sad going through my auction site because everything was so cheap. As an artist, this was obviously hard for him to take. If any of you out there are feeling the same, please know that I’m not sad at all! Quite to the contrary, I’m feeling great! Let me explain.

It’s actually very freeing, very fulfilling to know that all my artwork will find good homes (that’s my goal, anyway) and that I won’t need to manage a huge collection from afar. It’s actually a huge relief! Plus, I’ve already gained such benefits from each and every painting in the very act of creating it. Now I’m exercising letting go, detachment, and it’s a lot of fun.

Yes, I agree, they were expensive to produce, and I’ve spent countless hours marketing, moving, exhibiting, etc., but it was all worth it on many levels. Plus, I’ve enjoyed an abundance of sales over the years and for those I am truly grateful as they helped me continue to paint. Now, I love the idea that when I get back, at whole new level as an artist (that’s also the plan), I will start fresh. I’ll be living in the NOW instead of managing the past. More than that, however, I love knowing that the many fans of my work who previously couldn’t afford it now can. I just hope the news of my auction reaches them.

I’m sure many in the art business wouldn’t advise doing what I’m doing for many good reasons, but I’m not following tradition or popular wisdom – I’m following an inner calling that has motivated me to find alternative ways of financing my dreams while giving back to the community. Now that’s uplifting! I trust in the process, and the support I have felt from friends, fans, hosting businesses, and strangers alike has been amazing! I’m learning so much! This is nothing to be sad about – it’s all cause for celebration – a win-win situation indeed!

By the way, I am now guaranteed to reach the financial goals I set for myself last winter and soon I’ll be off to study at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art, so join in my happiness and feel free to spread the news. Thanks. www.32auctions.com/ArtToGo

Art To Go Upload

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Last MoMonday’s Video Compilation

/in

1043953_586485234706302_324133630_nSee 1 minute of everyone’s 10-minute June Mo Monday St. John’s presentation (me included) in this compilation video.

Photography by: Alick Tsui
More photos in MoMonday’s Gallery

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.