Posts Tagged ‘creativity blocks’

my show + solstice + get your holiday groove on

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

 

Greetings Creative Ones!

 

It is with great anticipation that I am preparing for my show & Solstice celebration in the studio this Thursday.  Aside from a couple of paintings here and there this is the first time I have really opened up my process to anyone, including the public.  The paintings are raw, provocative and incredibly authentic and journal a span of self-discovery and transformation for over the past 12 years. It is very exciting and also terrifying on some level.  It is like inviting others to view the inner corridors of my psyche—excruciatingly vulnerable.

 

 

When I made the decision to do it I felt guided that this was the time, and then the excitement and commitment grew with momentum.  Things and people started to show up and support me. I took all my paintings–over a hundred– out with a friend (another visionary artist) to see which ones spoke to me. Which ones wanted to be seen, shared– experienced.  This unleashed a tremendous amount of energy in the room and I trembled with excitement.  The energy was palpable. I knew it was time.

 

 

When I had a chance to slow down, and allow myself to experience this full circle of expression - being fully seen – the vulnerability began to sink in.  I began to feel the fear of what people my think, that my paintings could be misinterpreted, and I immediately began to want to control the situation–I wanted to control how people saw me, my art and my expression.

 

 

Funny how when we make a big decision,  we are empowered with energy to take action and make it happen.  Then fear always creeps in–challenging our vision…inviting us to unearth our doubts and demons that keep us small and from thriving in life.

 

Once I surrendered to my show, trusted its Divine timing and the inner guidance that I had received. I let go. I feel my vulnerability, I feel and face my fears and with the power that I had been giving to all the mind chatter, I step forward and open myself up in trust to the great mystery of life and my own evolution.

 

 

My painting process has been incredibly intimate for me. It has been a place of my connection and communion with life and spirit and it has taken me on a journey far beyond what my imagination could have dreamed initially. I am eternally grateful.  Thank you for all of your support and for witnessing my truth.

 

 

Where do your fears creep up when you make a decision that invites you to step into your next level of growth? I would love to hear from you.  Email me or respond on the blog.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

with love, passion and unabashed self-expression,

 

Melissa
winter solstice celebration + holiday get your groove on
thursday, december 22nd, 2011
7pm – 10pm
at fire tree studios

 

 

 

 

 

Please join Melissa D’Antoni, creative catalyst & founder of Fire Tree Studios,  in a Solstice Holiday celebration of the creative life force and the return of the light.

 

 

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

7-10pm

at Fire Tree Studios

 

 

 


Join us for an Art Show of Selected paintings from 1999-2011 by Melissa D’Antoni . ” A Creative Path Toward Self-Realization”

Melissa’s visionary selections from her personal painting process over the past 12 years will be on display and Melissa will be available to share about her powerful awakening experience through painting.  (note: some paintings may not be appropriate for some children).

 

Come celebrate your participation in The Fire Tree Method® as well as introduce Fire Tree Studios to your family and friends.  This event is to express gratitude to our supporters as well as an opportunity for those curious to the works in The Fire Tree Method® to come experience the studio space in festive expression.

 

  • Get your holiday groove on with Music by DJ  Baby Bok Choy & DJ Equinox
  • Fabulous Cheese pairings and small bites provided by Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
  • Wine & beer will be available
  • Feel free to BYOB!  Enjoy the exhibit and then stay with us dancing into the night in the studio!
  • For address and directions please visit www.firetreestudios.com

 

 

 

“taking your business into 2012”

an introduction to the 2012 art of entrepreneurship™ mastermind

(full-day saturday visioning intensive)

 

january 14, 2012

11am-5pm

guided by Melissa D’Antoni

 

 

Gina and Claire describe their business vision without using words in the 2011 Art of Entrepreneurship Mastermind

 

Spend a Saturday in the studio for coaching, clarity and tailored inspiration to take your business to the next level in 2012!  Get a taste of the wildly unique and innovative  Art of Entrepreneurship™ Business & Creative Mastermind Program that is beginning 2012!  This Visioning session is for deepening work surrounding your current business goals.  Vision and create your goals for the start of the New Year and learn new tools to continue manifesting powerful business breakthroughs throughout 2012.

 

 

  • investment:  $250.00
  • includes all materials  +  Hill Country water
  • catered, gourmet lunch provided

 

 

3 Ways to register:


  1. Call the studio at 512 524 0687
  2. Email melissa@firetreestudios.com
  3. Sign up on our website via pay pal by clicking the button below (cash, checks & credit cards also accepted).

 

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living and loving the here & now…

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

 

On the trail to Memensha

 

 

This moment…this magical moment…can you love it?  Can you surrender to it, get lost in it, and then love it some more?  Love it exactly as it is?  And then, love it even more?

 

 

I am here at Flat Bottom Pond soaking in all of the creativity, expansion and blindingly bold truth that transpired during the 2nd annual Intuitive Painting Retreat on Martha’s Vineyard.

 

 

Creative women sharing their process in painting

 

 

 

I remain here, after the others have gone, replenishing my well.  I am immersing myself in visioning for next year…visioning for myself and for the growth of Fire Tree Studios.  How fulfilling it is to integrate the powerful insights that continue to deepen from my experience from facilitating this powerful, courageous and wildly authentic group of women that shared their week with me at the retreat.

 

 

Making Milagros!

 

 

 

 

I want to share these experiences with you…I want to share it all with you!  But where do I begin?  There is almost too much to share that my mind goes wild with excitement!  How do I share it and fit it all in AND communicate effectively?  My inner critic flares up and shouts, “I won’t do it justice!”  “No one will believe me!” Or even worse, “They won’t understand!”

 

 

 

 

 

I turn to my own process with the one theme that keeps resurfacing…as if to make sure it deepens into mastery…detaching from the outcome. Being a highly creative person with the desire to live more and more authentically in my art, writing, business and relationships…I have had to learn how to express myself truthfully.  I’ve had to learn how to let go of how I think things should manifest, or more importantly, how others respond to my expression.

 

My detachment can transpire in two ways.  One example of this detachment occurs in my relationships.  Speaking my truth with heart and sometimes firmness will always give the other person an option to engage or withdraw in creating deeper intimacy in the relationship.  All action is information. Our journey together may be different than I envisioned, however I have learned that a deeper truth is at work as long as I stay connected to my heart and trust that all I need to do is show up in love of myself. I do this by speaking my truth, and love of other, honoring their experience of choice.

 

Sara at the Field Gallery in Chilmark

 

Another example is through visioning business programs.  I had a vision of the retreat last week, before I created it, loaded with my expectations.  I created this image based on my previous experience facilitating the first Martha’s Vineyard Retreat. This year’s retreat blew away my expectations of what I thought was possible.  And the cool thing about my visioning…it keeps blowing my mind.  Every time I think I “know” how something is supposed to be, the Universe challenges my attachment to my vision showing up in a particular form.  Then I am again, just like in process painting, invited to let go of my expectations based on past experiences and allow myself to be delighted and surprised beyond my original vision.

 

Bridge to a magical, endless view

 

So where can you surrender your attachment to form?  How can you love what is happening right now? Then love it more?  And then love it even more? Where can you detach from passion and trust that all is evolving exactly as it should be?

 

How do you detach?   How do you love all that is happening around and within you right now…and then love it even more?  I’d love to hear your experiences of passionately detaching from the outcome.

 

 

 

 

with love…and even more love,

melissa

 

 

 

 

find your flow this fall at fire tree studios…

 

 

The Art of Entrepreneurship Creative & Business Mastermind,  A Introduction

Saturday, October 15th, 2011

10am – 5pm

 


With so much uncertainty in so many parts of our culture right now, many people are experiencing a down economy.  BUT, there are also those of us that are taking the experience of the economy into our own hands and really creating our own economy. See your business evolve as a creative process…defy the norm…live your passion and create your own economy at The Art of Entrepreneurship!

 


  • Are you feeling burned out with your business?
  • Have you plateaued on your current road to prosperity and looking to reach new levels of financial success?
  • Are you attracted to outcomes that are blocking you from receiving grace and ease in your business?
  • Do you fear expressing yourself authentically and how that will affect your bottom line?
  • Are you stuck in lack and scarcity without the energy and money to continue growing your business?

OR…

  • Are you starting a new business and feel overwhelmed, scared or confused by all of the information available?  Do you find yourself doubting your vision?

 

 

Photo by Chris from the current Art of Entrepreneurship Mastermind

 

 

If this sounds like you, then join me and other fellow entrepreneurs in a Introductory Session to The Art of Entrepreneurship Creative & Business Mastermind! The 6-Month Art of Entrepreneurship Creative & Business Mastermind has been a huge success!

 

Now YOU can have a taste of this experience in our full-day introductory intensive! Part visionary journey with paint, part mastermind experience…you will create, envision, share, gain inspiration and find support.




How Will You Benefit?

You will…

  • Learn to discern around fear and illusion to stay in a constant state of flow in your business!
  • Start to feel the creative life force within you and be guided by it!
  • Learn how to market your gift with confidence and sincerity!
  • Share accountability for actualizing your vision into reality!
  • Strategize with other like-minded entrepreneurs…get insight and feedback on your ideas!
  • Tap into your creative genius and power!

 

 

 

Early Registration Opportunity!

Sign up by October 1st and receive $20 off of your investment (after October 1st investment is $200)

All materials included as well as a catered, gourmet lunch!

 

 

 

How to Register?

 

  • Visit www.TheArtofEntrepreneurship.com OR click the register button below to sign up via Pay Pal
  • Call the studio at 512 524 0687 to register using a credit card
  • Email melissa@firetreestudios.com
  • RSVP required to hold your space!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Women’s Fall Weekend Retreat in Pontotoc, TX

walk on the wild side november 11-13, 2011

friday 6pm – sunday 5pm

 

  • Are you ready to awaken, express and reclaim……your inner wildness?!
  • Do you wish to strengthen your authentic, intuitive voice?
  • Want to nurture your creativity and explore the realms of your imagination?
  • Then come join us in supportive community and get into the flow!  In fact…get wild at the Wild Women’s Fall Painting Retreat!

 

Farmhouse in the Texas Hill Country

 

 

 

Come spend a weekend immersed in your painting process at a lovely private vineyard set on a old farm in the Texas Hill Country.  Paint outside in a open-air milk-barn that is transformed into a painting studio…get inspired with your view of the plentiful vineyard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open-air milk barn that transforms into our art studio!

 

 

 

 

Begin each day with morning movement to awaken the creative juices.

 

Get into your flow with over 20 hours of painting process, guidance and creative teachings!

 

 

 

 

 

Telling our Wild stories around the campfire!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let your hair down!  Wind down each evening with wild stories around the campfire.

 

Enjoy local, organic country cooking and vineyard dinners.

 


 


 

 

 

 

Praise for the Wild Women’s Painting Retreat:

 

 

“The Fall Painting Retreat in Pontotoc, TX filled me with inspiration, strength, and happiness.  I left with an overflowing feeling of abundance. Thank you all.  I will definitely go again.  If you go bring your boots, bright red sparkling boots.  With that said………what happens in Pontotoc stays in Pontotoc”.

-Cathy, artist & graphic designer

 

 

Investment:

 

Investment depends on level of accommodations in the farmhouse.

  • Bunk beds ($600) or doubles in a shared room ($700).
  • Camping on the property is also available for $550.
  • Hook-ups are available for trailers ($575).
  • Full payment is required to secure your space.
  • All materials included.
  • 5 delicious, organic meals included to nourish the mind & spirit!

 

How to Register?

 

  • Call the studio at 512 524 0687
  • Email melissa@firetreestudios.com
  • Visit our website at www.firetreestudios.com to sign up on our Schedule page
  • Click the Register button below

 

 

Pay Pal, Credit Card and/or Check Accepted

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the tide is nigh

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Just because the tide is out, does not mean there is any less water in the ocean.

 

-Anonymous

A mentor of mine, Dorothy Divack has consistently been a lighthouse of truth for me by sharing this quote at times when I was feeling fearful, doubtful or disappointed in what was I was witnessing in my life.   It is such a beautiful reminder of life and the creative cycle —a cyclical process like the tides and waves of the ocean….the universe ebbs and flows and we also ebb and flow.

As a creative entrepreneur wanting to see results, looking for signs that would acknowledge the great risk I have taken (and continue to take) to listen, follow my intuition and manifest my vision—I have come to rely on the practice of this wisdom.  It is the foundation of trust and faith in any creation process and what holds us apart from realizing our full potential.

During these economic times of great transition (albeit ripe with opportunity) it is easy to think that our current perception is reality.  When viewing our external reality from a place of fear–the mind tends to only see, and therefore create, doom and gloom circumstances.  What we think about and focus our attention on usually manifests, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So the next time you look out your window of your mind’s eye and see scarcity in your bank account or lack of love in any area of your life–remember life’s natural creative cycle and chose to focus on the positive, what you do have that you are grateful for and then focus your attention on that which you chose to create.

And just because the tide is out, the money ran out, the love is gone, the creativity blocked… does not mean that there is any less of this energy surrounding you, it is just changing in physical form in the natural, non-linear creative life cycle of creation and destruction.  Yet we believe that what we see is reality, rather than an active & alive creative process at work within and around us— fueled by a force much larger than our small little minds.   When we forget this universal truth we tend to get scared when we do not see immediate results, we contract and then want some control sabotaging our experience.

If we are able to remember that life is moving, evolving, flowing and expanding without the help of our small little minds, we might be able to surrender in the moment and open up to the infinite possibilities that are unfolding right before our very eyes, just waiting for us to say YES!— to stay open and be delighted in its creation.

Remember, the tide is nigh…the ocean is still full of water…only our limited viewpoint in a particular moment may be unable to see it in its entirety, as we are constantly evolving in a natural process of the creative life cycle.

The intuitive painting process supports us in connecting to that ebb & flow of the creative life cycle. This experiential class invites awareness and trust in the natural rhythm of the creative process so we are more empowered to see things from a place of abundance and clarity.

Where is your tide?  Are you willing to trust the ebb and flow of the creative process in your life?

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