Intuitive Painting: A Path Into the Unknown
with Jean Werremeyer and Brita Rekve
November 11-15
There are times in life when the familiar ways of understanding ourselves no longer seem sufficient. We may find ourselves asking deeper questions: who am I beneath the roles I have taken on? What is asking to emerge in my life? How do I learn to trust what I cannot yet explain?
Intuitive Painting can become a spiritual practice for exploring those questions. Working intuitively asks us to become present to what is happening within us, to follow what emerges rather than deciding in advance what should happen. The painting becomes a place where we can encounter parts of ourselves that may not have words yet.
The blank page becomes a threshold.
We step across it without knowing exactly where we are going.
What unfolds may reveal something about our inner life. The deeper purpose is to cultivate a relationship with the source from which the Painting comes – the place within us that knows, senses, imagines, responds, and creates before the rational mind has figured everything out.
For those seeking a creative spiritual path, intuitive painting offers a way of practicing presence, surrender, discernment, courage, and trust. It asks us to become increasingly intimate with our own experience and to discover what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the journey.
This kind of work asks something of us. It is not easy. It can be exhausting, as is any endeavor that stretches us to new heights.
It asks for willingness, attention, and the capacity to stay present when the experience becomes unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Facilitators will encourage you with questions that may want to be explored in your process. This can feel intrusive at times, but is designed to assist you in moving out of your head. There may be moments of exhilaration, frustration, vulnerability, resistance, surprise, or profound stillness. We do not need to force any particular outcome.
By entering the unknown with openness, we begin to discover a way of being in the world that is more deeply our own.
The retreat is designed as a sustained immersion rather than a series of casual painting exercises. We will give ourselves enough time and space to move beyond the first layer of creativity and into deeper territory.
Come welcome the mystery. Discover what is waiting for you.
Your Guides for the Journey
Jean Werremeyer
Jean dove into the world of process painting under Gabe’s guidance, embracing curiosity, questions, and explorations. She then began reading Michele Cassou’s books and exploring daily intuitive painting practice. Cassou is considered the Mother of Intuitive Painting, and Jean was inspired by the freedom of the process. She traveled to Taos and Houston to paint with Michele and other Point Zero painters. Jean offered intuitive painting, drawing, and other creative classes to small groups in her home studio in the Twin Cities. She continues to enrich her life through pottery, painting, drawing, and creating. Jean recently moved to the Christine Center, where she serves as a board member and volunteer.
Brita Rekve
Painting under Gabe’s tutelage was a transformative and life-changing experience for Brita, opening doors and expanding her artistic horizons. She went on to study with Gabe’s initial teacher, Michele Cassou, receiving teaching training and painting in Taos, Esalen, and San Rafael with Michele and other instructors. Brita offered Intuitive Painting and other classes in her studio while living in the Ozarks. Now a resident of Ames, Iowa, she travels to the center to facilitate programs in shamanism and creativity. Brita believes spirituality and creativity are twin sisters, and she is passionate about sharing this joy with others.
