Chris Zydel is a self-described "professional believer-in-the-gifts-of-others." She is a creativity coach who teaches expressive arts painting classes out of a wonderful Victorian home in Oakland, CA.

As Chris says, "Regularly diving into your creative pool renews your soul, heals your spirit, keeps your inner spark alive and allows you greater intimacy with the full depths of your being. And it's fun!"  Chris has helped countless people over many years discover and deepen their connection to the creative process.

On May 12, 2009, The Arts and Healing Network's Director, Mary Daniel Hobson, interviewed Chris about her creative journey, the important teachers on her path, the benefits of taking time to retreat, transformational stories from participants in her workshops, and advice for diving more deeply into one's creative work.

You can learn more about Chris Zydel on her web site at www.creativejuicesarts.com.

Interview from November 26, 2008 with Jen Cross, a freelance writer and facilitator of writing workshops for survivors of sexual abuse, and of erotic writing workshops.   Our conversation begins with Jen describing what happens during a Writing Ourselves Whole Workshop.

Check out the Writing Ourselves Whole blog where Jen has written out longer answers to the questions we covered, and some we didn’t get to include.

Wendy Johnson is a Buddhist meditation teacher and organic gardening mentor who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She is the author of Gardening at the Dragon's Gate: At Work in the Wild and Cultivated World.

You can find out more about Wendy, her book and where she'll be speaking next at www.gardeningatthedragonsgate.com

Ecological artist Aviva Rahmani’s current work reflects her interest in the application of mapping analysis to, "explore potential solutions for urban and rural water degradation in large landscapes."

She is currently using the Internet to perform residencies, "without the international travel that spews jet fuel over the earth's waters." Virtual Cities and Oceans of If, and the on-going Virtual Concerts address global warming and geo-political conflicts by demonstrating, analyzing and interpreting the local impact of global warming at international real world sites.

You can learn more about Rahmani's work at www.ghostnets.com.

In addition to her work as the Arts and Healing Network’s Web Site Coordinator, Reverend Tristy Taylor also works with individuals and groups using dreamwork, art-making, coaching, spiritual direction and meditation.  She holds a Masters degree from the Arts & Consciousness program at John F. Kennedy University, and was ordained in January 2005 after studying at The Chaplaincy Institute for Art and Interfaith Ministry. Reverend Taylor is also the co-Founder of the Church of Craft.

You can find out more about Reverend Taylor's work by going to trismegista.com and reading her blog, Create with Spirit. 

Since 1985, Rachel Bagby has pioneered vibralingual practices that help people form vocal communities for ecological and social healing.  A vocal artist, writer, composer, teacher and founder of Choral Earth, Rachel is internationally recognized for inspiring multiple generations to bring their voices to life.

The Arts & Healing Network is very pleased to announce that Rachel is  also the 2008 recipient of the AHN Award which is given annually to an  artist who is truly making a difference in the world. Rachel's most recent project, Choral Earth, is an outstanding example of the power of art to catalyze community and heal the earth.

This podcast features a conversation between Rachel and Mary Daniel Hobson, Director of the Arts and Healing Network.  To learn more about Rachel’s work, visit www.SingYourPart.com

Photo Credit: Irene Young
 

SARK is an author, artist and teacher on the subject of creativity who was featured on the PBS series Women of Wisdom and Power. She practices what she teaches and lives in a Magic Cottage in San Francisco. She has written many books including Make Your Creative Dreams REAL, Prosperity Pie, Change Your Life Without Getting Out of Bed and A Creative Companion. You can visit her website at www.planetsark.com.