I’ve been exploring creativity and what it means to people. How it requires us to get deep inside of ourselves where things are calm and make sense. I’ve learned that there are pathways to this state of intense focus and joyful discovery.

The creative state is part of being alive, available to everyone. Most of us forget that accessing this essential part of ourselves will help us clear through the muck and feel more at ease and feel more in control of our own lives.

The watercolor workshops I've developed are designed to help people access their creative selves in an environment free of judgement and expectation.

I was honored when the program directors of the USC Norris Cancer Center Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program invited me to conduct watercolor workshops for their patients and City of Hope's, at the Ronald McDonald Camp for Good Times in Idyllwild in September, 2024.

The workshops were joyful, calm, genial. Painting, talking, laughing, being silent, creating together with no pressure or pretense; connecting deeply with themselves and each other.

Thank you, courageous AYAs, for opening your souls and sharing of yourselves.

Thank you, Aura and Shu, for one of the most inspirational experiences of my life.

Thank you USC Norris for purchasing watercolor kits for all participants.

With gratitude,
Tamara

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