A L T A R C R A F T
YOGA AS ARTISTIC MEDITATION
What is ALTARCRAFT?
ALTARCRAFT is my way of sharing a deep love for artmaking and devotional yoga — and their unity — with you. The epitome of a passion project, ALTARCRAFT encompasses a variety of workshop series that invite you to awaken your creative self, explore new art forms with a supportive small community, and embrace the therapeutic experience of yoga as artistic meditation. Along the way, you’ll gain insight and inspiration from the creative process as well as the practice and philosophies of yoga. And, through your labor of love, you’ll mindfully manifest unique artifacts to adorn your personal spiritual altar.
Each workshop series will involve creating a heartfelt handicraft that will forever contain the intentions and energy exchanged in the artmaking process. Infuse your altar with meaning and the essence of your unique mind, body, and spirit. Each time you glance upon your altar, you can reflect on the jewels of your artistic journey with gratitude.
UPCOMING WORKSHOP SERIES:
K I N T S U G I
SATURDAYS IN MAY, TEN TO ONE
K I N T S U G I
Healing through creation, destruction, and restoration — literally and metaphorically.
Kint {gold} Sugi {joinery} is the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold. Wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection — a way of living life with an authentic appreciation for the beauty to be found in what is, just as it is. Naturally intertwined, this art form and ideology have been orbiting my heart space for years, reinforced through Bhakti yoga.
As we continue to navigate this ever-changing new world, I offer this workshop series as a way to heal together through the art of kintsugi and the embrace of wabi-sabi. Slow healing is often the most sustainable, which is why this series spans five weeks and the process progresses along the way.
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In this workshop series, we will learn to sculpt simple pottery bowls, safely break them, and then mend them using the kintsugi technique. By the end, participants will have crafted a collection of 2-5 bowls, depending on each individual’s desired outcomes.
DETAILS
Dates: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Saturdays)
Time: 10AM - 1PM (PT)
Where: Virtual Zoom studio
Cost: $280 sustain, $320 support*
Includes: An art supply kit and optional 30-minute 1:1 call with Jen
*Contribute to a scholarship fund. To apply for a scholarship, email jen@jenloyoga.com
EXPERIENCE
What to expect:
Exploration of yogic wisdom and dedicated time to practice both yin and yang styles of yogasana*
Opening invocations, journaling, guided artmaking, discussions, Q&A, and closing meditations
*We are all artists and yogis in some shape or spirit. No prior yoga or art experience is necessary.
You may wonder…
Q: Will classes be recorded?
A: To preserve the privacy of all participants, live sessions will not be recorded. Thank you for understanding. Please note: this series is slated to be offered as a self-paced online course in the future.
Q: What materials will we be using?
A: The following items will be provided in your art kit: clay (non-toxic, non-staining), epoxy resin, mica (a fine metallic gold powder used in craft and cosmetic products), and gloss varnish.
Q: What happens if I miss a class?
A: While it’s encouraged to attend all classes in the workshop series, life happens. If you need to miss a class, consider using your included 30-minute 1:1 session to recap missed material.
Q: Are any materials toxic?
A: Certain items have a slight to moderate odor and can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Gloves and masks are highly recommended. Please plan to work outside or in an airy and well-ventilated indoor space.
If you have a question or concern not listed here, please send a note to: jen@jenloyoga.com
Q: Is everything included in the art kit?
A: 98% of the supplies are provided. You will also need a few common household items such as old cardboard boxes, a rolling pin or bottle, a hammer, a mask, and extra vinyl gloves.
Q: Can I eat from these bowls?
A: These bowls are meant to be decorative items for your altar. Please do not prepare, store, or serve food with them as they are not food-safe.