At just twelve years old, Joan Mitchell knew she wanted to be an artist. From her debut on the New York scene in the 1950s through to the 1990s, she painted her way into the annals of Abstract Expressionism with steely determination, creating a body of work of soaring lyrical beauty. Painting was her solace, a lifeline: ‘painting is what allows me to survive’. She espoused an unerring belief in the vital role of painting in nurturing the careers of younger, less established artists, fostering a legacy that straddles both artistic and philanthropic spheres.
Despite her inclusion in the landmark Ninth Street Show of 1951 and a string of solo exhibitions, Joan Mitchell’s struggle to make it as a painter was real, and she was often plagued by self-doubt, loneliness and depression.
During this fledgling period, the friendship and support of revered painter-idols Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning provided the young artist with vital reassurance. Mitchell was buoyed not only by their warmth and openness but, most importantly, by their belief in her as a painter. Kline, she recalled, was generous ‘about other painters, which is very unlike many painters … He was so honest and not snobby, not saying: “Why don’t you forget it—get a job or something?” Always generous. No, he really never forgot and always helped other people … Absolutely marvellous’.
De Kooning, too, was a valued mentor to Mitchell, who called him ‘my father’. Her struggle to make it as a painter was real, and she was often plagued by self-doubt, loneliness and depression.
Memories of Kline and de Kooning’s encouraging words stayed with Mitchell for years to come and, in turn, were reflected in her own relationships with younger artists. As an established painter in the 1970s and 1980s living in Vétheuil, France, Mitchell opened her home to countless emerging, struggling artists, adopting the role of mentor, teacher, friend and financial backer. She instilled in them the importance of feeling and her love of painting, poetry, light, landscape and colour.
Subconsciously I carried Joan’s philosophy into my children’s expressive art retreat yesterday. During three hours of fun, fab and fearless creative play, I encouraged the young artists to move their bodies, express their feelings and put all the joy they could hurl onto the canvas. Later I showed them (and their parents) some of Joan Mitchell’s work as evidence of how far abstract expressionism can take them should they decide to pursue art as a career.
‘How do you get those big canvases?” they asked wide-eyed. “How did you paint that one?” another child asked, about my giant canvas, “Field of love.”
Detail, with quote, Field of Love, Cassandra Gaisford, 2023
I then took a large black canvas that I had recently delivered and encouraged them to use up all the paint. What fun they had finger painting, pouring paint, creating drips and flinging paint at the canvas! I later found a Joan Mitchell painting called, “Mud” created in the 60’s and thought this would be a perfect name for their joyful creation. In one of my online classes I teach people how to create magic from mud (creating their own beautiful browns.) I think the kids did brilliantly, don’t you!
I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year than my children’s art retreat , on December 16. What fun to play like a child with seven children in my studio
Engaging in playful, hands-on experiences with paint during the retreat brings numerous benefits to children (and adults). Besides being fun, here are a few ways children can benefit:
1. Self-expression: Art provides a safe and non-judgmental space for children to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through painting, they are able to communicate and share their inner world in a creative and meaningful way.
2. Emotional healing: Art has a therapeutic effect, allowing children to process and release emotions. By engaging in art forms, kids have the opportunity to explore and express their feelings, which can promote emotional healing and well-being.
3. Confidence and self-esteem: Creating art can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. As children experiment with different art techniques and see their creations come to life, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities, fostering a positive self-image.
4. Imagination and creativity: Art encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to think outside the box and explore new ideas. By engaging in hands-on experiences, kids are able to tap into their imagination, develop their creative skills, and discover unique ways of expressing themselves.
Discover how to paint with a child’s fun, freedom and fearlessness! I hope you enjoy this video, where I share some of the wonderful memories of painting with seven children a week before Christmas. They reminded me how freeing it is to let go of worrying about the end outcome, the magic of experimenting and how cool it is to paint with friends.
We learned the magic of mixing our own colours, how you can make magic from mud (beautiful browns), creating texture, expressing feelings, dancing and singing to infuse the art with joy, painting from our hearts and going big…amongst other things 💖 🌈💕 😇🥰🥳 🎄🎅🤶
Workshops and art retreats
All art
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Consider getting a group of besties or work colleagues together for a fun and educational play date. Or, do as one super kind mother-in-law is doing, purchase a gift certificate.
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10 am – 4:00 pm
Art@rangitane (12 k from Kerikeri), New Zealand
All levels, newbies and artists of all experience levels welcome!
Join Cassandra Gaisford for an in-person art experience in her studio sanctuary to create some really joyful art.
– How to play up as you create
– How to truly feel joy during the creative process
– How to create your most joyful art
– The 7 stages of the creative process – including doubt!
– The glee and magic of mixing your own colours
– Valuing values (….this has been said to be worth the price of admission alone!)
– Composition tips that will easily take your art to the next level
– What to do when you’re blocked, stuck, or f*cked
– The 5 elements that all great paintings possess (you’re going to be surprised about #3), and how to incorporate them into your art
– How to discover your voice and harness the unique energy you bring to your art
– Cassandra’s personal painting techniques and process (this is gold!!)
– How to choose your colour combinations that sing in a more intuitive way
– How to use meditation and journaling to guide your art
– How to let go of fear, doubt and inhibitions as you create
– How to embrace our own intuition as an artist
– Cassandra’s secrets to expressing your feelings, inspiring yourself and taking your art higher
$360 per day, per person paid in full prior to retreat, Afterpay instalments available
INCLUDES:
– Yummy refreshments during the workshop
– Paints
– Paint magic
– Gather around 9:45am
– Learn something/fling some paint around / laugh a lot and have plenty of fun
– Break for lunch
– Come back and learn/laugh/play some more
– Finish up around 4 pm
– Enjoy some alone time OR spend time with your fellow art workshoppers
NOT INCLUDED:
– Transportation to/from retreat.
– Accommodation
– Meals
– Art Paper provided to paint on. Please bring your own canvas (we will provide the address to purchase from or ship them to in advance of the retreat)
Do I need experience?
No this is an all levels course—beginners are welcome as are experienced artists. You are totally in safe, non-judgemental and skilled hands. A willingness to experiment and play is the only pre-requisite
Is there an age limit?
Anyone over the age of fifteen is able to participate in the workshop.
Once I enrol can I change my workshop date?
This is a non-refundable payment and the workshop date selected cannot be changed or swapped for a future day.
Cassandra Gaisford is an award-winning Bay of Islands, Kerikeri-based abstract artist whose work is inspired by colour, infusing her paintings with happiness, love, and joy. Learn more about Cassandra here and follow her on Instagram, Facebook , YouTube and TikTok
“I’m still raving about the day. Thank you much Cassandra; you have the most beautiful spot, the perfect environment for my journey of discovery of realizing I can be “creative”. I learnt some very cool abstract painting techniques, got to paint my own originals, and I went on a spiritual journey for the day. Thanks for sharing yourself and for looking after me like a queen. I am so inspired to paint. I had a magical day.” Lyn
“This was exactly what I needed. Being a very small group was so rewarding. Cassandra has a unique way of explaining plus making you feel you can do this. A very talented lady. Thank you, Cassandra. I loved, loved, loved the whole day.” Bev
I’m planning a Three Day Food, Art and Wine Retreat in early 2024. Enjoy the best of local award-winning wining and dining and creative play. Please email me to register your interest: hello@thejoyfulartist.co.nz
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ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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E: hello@thejoyfulartist.co.nz
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