WESTFIELD-Christine Southworth sees doodling as a metaphor for life and will share her insight and expressive art techniques as she hosts a unique workshop Sept. 10 in the Rinnova Shoppe/Gallery.
Christine Southworth, an RN/Holistic Nurse Educator and Expressive Arts Facilitator, will offer “Quiet Your Mind With Line Design” at the Rinnova Shoppe/Gallery on Elm Street next month.
Titled “Quiet Your Mind with Line Design,” the three-hour workshop begins at 10 a.m. at the gallery, 105 Elm St., sponsored by Westfield Creative Arts and Westfield on Weekends.
“Doodling is like life, we never know where we will end up,” said Southworth in her home studio in Southampton. She has been a nurse for 21 years, a holistic nurse educator for 10 years, and an expressive arts facilitator for three years.
Southworth noted the innovative doodling process allows participants to let go of perfection and discover how small changes and experimentation can bring us to a place of beauty and peace.
“While in the moment and playing with the interesting material that will be provided, one returns to a time when life was carefree,” she said, adding “no agenda, no judgment, and no artistic ability is required.”
With the proliferation of adult coloring books and paint nights now in vogue, Southworth sees how using doodling as a creative relaxation tool can also become a new hobby.
“This innovative, simple doodling process is a creative and portable relaxation technique,” said Southworth. “Leave the day’s stress at the door and allow yourself to engage in creative play while breathing to soothing music.”
Christine Southworth, an RN/Holistic Nurse Educator and Expressive Arts Facilitator, displays an example of line design in her studio in Southampton. She will present a workshop next month at the Rinnova Shoppe/Gallery in Westfield.
As part of the $30 fee, Southworth will provide participants with supply bags that will include card stock in a variety of colors and textures, a black pen, a white gel pen, and a 4” x 4” canvas. Additionally, Southworth will supply colored gel pens and “embellishments” ranging from colorful baubles and sparkling jewel-like materials to “bling” as well as a box of quotes that can be used to enhance one’s line design.
“Our morning will begin with relaxing music in the background as we do a quick exercise on breathing and grounding ourselves, followed by a show and tell of work I’ve done, and then a review of materials participants will use to create their line designs,” said Southworth. “Once our creative play starts, I will be able to work with each participant providing assistance and instruction as needed.”
Southworth noted that line design can be used on cards, placed in a frame, or designed on any type of canvas.
“The line design starts with little sections and through repetition the design becomes a piece of artwork,” she said. “The artwork comes together as a whole just as life comes together to make us whole.”
Southworth added that if a design pattern goes awry, it can always be patched up with bling.
“I will share my tips and tricks on how to turn any line design into something beautiful,” she said, adding the unique pieces can also make a nice gift for someone.
“It’s nice to challenge yourself in different artistic ways,” she said, adding that once someone starts doodling, the design process flows effortlessly.
Registration forms can be downloaded at www.westfieldcreativearts.com, picked up at the shoppe/gallery, or by calling (413) 579-5967. Since gallery seating can only accommodate 10 participants, early registration is advised.
“One of the greatest joys I receive from these types of classes is watching people relax which then helps them improve and maintain their health,” she said. “I’m using my nursing background along with my passion of the arts to help make a difference in people’s lives.”
