Artist's Way Testimonials
Dayna says...
"The Artist's Way experience was life-changing for me. I was able to let go, experiment, BE BOLD, and yet always felt supported, cradled & nurtured. Gretchin is an amazing woman! She is talented, generous, and nurturing. She sets safe boundaries and encourages self-exploration in a non-threatening and supportive way."
"It's like I came to exactly the right place. You are a splendid mix of honesty and art, a mix I especially like. I'm one of your biggest fans."
"[You offered] imaginative, interactive exercises that forced me to step outside my safety circle into a sacred circle where I felt confident to share myself -- not only my dreams, but my doubts and fears, too."
"I really enjoy each time I go! I feel uplifted and blessed when I am there and all the way home, and into the following weeks."
"Thanks so much for your sweet and sincere support. You are really meant to do what you do. I love hearing your encouraging words in person and in email. For some reason when you are the one saying these things I actually believe you and FEEL supported! That is a very special and unique skill and talent!"
"Lots of revelations and developments. The first is that I've realized how unique gl.'s pedagogy probably is, in terms of facilitating an Artist's Way group. A lot more DOing, apparently, than is usual. A lot less 12-stepping about How Authority Figures Crushed My Creativity At An Early Age, etc.gl. describes herself as an "artistic opportunist," which means that she's willing to venture into any nest of spiders with any medium that ends up in her willowy fist.
This conscious lack of specialization is great for us, not only because it allows us to try things we've never done (or haven't dared do for a long, long time), but because it drives home what Brian Eno isolated as THE irreducible attribute of a great artist, namely "confidence."
Instead of wandering into galleries toe-tappingly bitching that we "could have done that," she just marches us right in there with flags unfurled and hearts ablaze with glory. And THAT, my friends, is some mighty teachin.'"
"You have a gift. I've been to a lot of different groups and this was by far the best."
"I loved the exercises, especially the clay, storytelling, blind drawing, painting, dancing, masks... not having the time to plan, just do. I loved the changing art gallery on the walls. I loved having uninterrupted time to check-in & reflect.""Oh Gretchin, this was such a glorious course! It was exactly what I needed. Thank you. Thank you for showing up, as yourself, every week, and devoting yourself to our growth, recovery, and awakening. Your love for the work and for each of us really shone through, and I am so grateful and glad to know you.""I knew you were magic the moment I met you!""I have to say I'm your biggest fan. You're my hero. I love what you're doing!"
"Thanks so much for creating and holding such a wonderful space and being such a gentle, potent and overflowing-with-sparks-of-wonder guide.""Gretchin softly directs without being intrusive or influential. It is a soft and kind environment. She gives so freely of herself.""What I liked: your patience & quiet leadership through the 'process,' the ritual of each session, the opportunity to experience art in different explorations, the time we were given to express ourselves [and] the weekly emails that were thoughtful reminders. You are such a good leader, and the atmosphere of acceptance and openess really helped me get over hurdles I'd put between me and my creative side.""She doesn't make the class be about her. The class is about *you* and about art. Gretchin's exercises are well-thought out. They're absorbing -- and you leave the class feeling more energized than when you arrived. That's a result of good planning on her part. A good facilitator is almost invisible -- she sets the space, and then you get to have an experience. It feels organic, rather than heavy-handed.She's really your ally. You can tell that between classes, she doesn't forget you exist. Gretchin is down-to-earth. She's intelligent, and kind, and has a playful sense of humor. If you have a stereotype about art/creativity teachers being woo-woo, ditzes, or flakes -- that's not her!"
"Consistently supportive... generously offering encouragement even when we find ourselves out on limbs."
"You never stop amazing me with your challenges and your creativity. You are the artist who inspires other artists!! You are the artist who keeps us on track, makes us care about how we look at the world surrounding us. You are the artist who has so many talents she does many at one time. You are the artist who makes me smile on a weekly basis and try to find a few minutes within my world to think of myself as an artist. Thank you!"We came looking for a place to try
To share, to laugh, to play, to cryHolding back and letting go
We learn, we flourish, we support, we growWe come together every week
Comfort for our souls we seekOur camaraderie and understanding
Helps our creativity to keep expandingTo paint and dance, to sing and write
To act and dream with pure delightWe practice faith and learn to trust
To value whims and wanderlust
"Gretchin Lair is magic! She radiates a calm certainty that we are entitled and able to make lovely art, as often as we want, and as much as we want. She offers an abundant array of workshops and events designed to bring out the creative artist in us all. Scarlet Star Studios is like an enchanted cottage filled with good vibes and an amazing collection of art supplies. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced art maker, Gretchin will be your creative advocate and guide in discovering within you many layers of artful bliss!""You are a real asset to the Portland Creative Community.""I could not have asked for a better evening, and truly felt the creative part of me wake up and soar!""You have been incredibly flexible... you have given me the strength to make positive changes in my life, changes that will allow me to make my art a priority and to live life to its fullest. I couldn't have [done this] without your support.""Insightful format. Very creative twists & turns!! Blossoming, easygoing group. Superlative fun!!!"
"Gretchin is a caring, compassionate person who wants everyone to be creative and have a positive experience.""You have a very warm, supportive manner and great supplies."
"I'm almost afraid to think about life after Artist's Way. You've been saviors!""I haven't felt this kind of nonjudgemental FUN in making 'art' since I was quite young.""The exercises that created our individual writings warmed our hearts and made us individually realize who we each are and what we desire. The group was a great mixture of minds and creativity. I left this evening feeling fulfilled. You are a wonderful instructor/guide keeping us focused on the event along with a beautiful smile and calmness. Truthfully, I never write much about my thoughts and you have created this desire within me to continue this practice.""[Artist's Way Open Studio] was WonDERFUL! Gretchin does such a great job encouraging everyone and the environment is so warm and inspirational. Gretchin, you have the gift of exhortation-- you are wonderful."