What is Mindful Artist Development? The phrase came from 3 workshops that I co-led with my friend Janine at the A-Mill Lofts, and it is a concept I would like to continue developing.

Who is an artist? We all are, really. And in my view, it is part of the healing process to reconnect with those creative parts of ourselves and give them room to express themselves with songs, stories, dances and miracles of life affirmation.

So what does it take to be an artist? Or what’s important to me, anyways? Well, I do seem to have an agenda, and it is self-knowledge, truth and growth. I am growth-oriented baby. And I am expanding and shaking off the limitations of old selves. I was trained in the medical system ya know. That is a pretty tight-fitting paradigm that I’m ready to leave behind.

So we meet and we talk about ourselves as artists. Our projects. What we’ve done, what we’re working on. What we need support with or where we’ve really been shining. And we support each other. We go see each other’s shows and make the community grow.

Where does money come in? It’s different for everybody. I’m still figuring that out for myself. But it’s good to imagine hosting workshops that are valued at about $50-$300. That might sound like a lot to many of my friends, but I want to encourage you to also consider what it might look like for you to offer your gifts and to be supported by your community for doing so. How many people would you need paying $300 to make this service you offer with your artistry into a career that pays your bills?

I think the number is about 10 per month. It wouldn’t be an extravagant living, it but it would create space to loosen other commitments, so your inner-artist can really thrive.

Let’s go!

-Leaf Waterbird