Writer-in-Residence Arleen Paré will be giving a workshop in Courtenay on Saturday, August 18th.
Arleen writes: "The phrase 'the habit of art' was coined by Jacques Maritain, an early twentieth century French philosopher and later borrowed by the American writer Flannery O’Connor. They each had their own ways of understanding the term, but for me, the habit of art indicates a way of being in the world, a way of seeing, of sensing, with curiosity, interest, awareness. It is a habit, a mantra, an orientation, a possibility, a practice. It is noticing details, patterns, colours, wonder, what is wow-ful, which is almost anything, everything, outside and inside, pleasant and unpleasant. It is a way of heightening experience as artists, poets or painters, writers or mosaisists, opening ourselves to what’s there. It is a point of view, a way of inclining our minds, a stillness. Just saying “the habit of art” can shift the view."
In this workshop we will employ “the habit of art” to expand our practice as writers, as artists, and as individuals interested in the world.
Paré, who lives and writes in Victoria, holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry from the University of Victoria. Arleen is offering individual consultations this month. Visit this link to find out how to sign up.
