Hi there, I’m Jo Parkinson.
My passion is to create a warm and inviting space where my students can make art, which is as healing as it is transformative. I run classes, workshops and international retreats – always with the intent to invite creativity, ease and openness into the space I hold. My creativity sessions are made to feel like a sanctuary, whether in my Melbourne studio or in the tropics of India.
I believe that art is healing. It’s expressive. And it is transformational – both on the canvas and inside yourself. It allows you to articulate your inner world into a visible form effortlessly. Self-knowledge and insight into yourself are a happy side-effect of any of my classes.
Art has the potential to be a real and raw expression of your vulnerability. But this is where the precious nuggets of inner-wisdom reside. My passion is in making art effortless and calming for my students. I create a non-threatening and explorative environment for you to let your creativity run free – and I promise to uncover your creative spark even if you think you’ve never had it.
Making art can be an exercise in gaining clarity and empowering yourself in other areas of your life. Finding lucidity with a paintbrush, pencil or materials you’ve found in nature often extends beyond the class, workshop or retreat. Clarity organically grows on past the borders of my studio into the rest of your life.
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
Edward d Bono
So, when did I discover the healing power of art?
I’m going to preface this by telling you that I wasn’t always creative and ‘artsy’. Actually, as a child I felt decidedly uncreative. As I grew older I made my way through a number of self-employed ventures – from mowing lawns to owning cafes. It was when I was looking at studying landscape architecture and enrolled in an art folio course, that I discovered how beautiful and fulfilling the creative process could be. The amazing healing potential of art and creativity also became apparent.
Now I am an Artist, Initiatic Art Therapist and lover of all things creative. I work with women (plus some amazing men) and children who are wanting to express and explore themselves as well as to manifest their inner landscape by creating unique works of art.
Although art may sometimes feel like you’re simply playing around with paints, textures, colours and materials just for fun, it’s actually a genuinely therapeutic and beneficial time where you can tap into your inner sage.
“Creative people are curious, flexible, persistent and independent with a tremendous spirit of adventure and a love of play.”
Henri Matisse
Is this for me?
If you’re looking for an art teacher to cover specific techniques or the history of art I might not be the right fit for you.
My clients aren’t looking to study art – they are seeking self expression and exploration, maybe even healing. They are often looking for a way to connect back to themselves. They may be feeling a little lost after a significant life event. Maybe they are continuing a spiritual journey or simply just looking to get closer to their truest, highest self.
In many of my children’s classes I work with kids that think outside the box. They find that creativity is the perfect way to communicate, connect and express themselves. All children benefit immensely from having the time and space to be creative and I’m grateful to be able to provide this.
