About Imagine With Art

My inner life has always been compelling to me. Bored with any routine and wanting to understand the meaning behind life’s challenges, I’ve always sought ways to look behind the veil of “reality” by meditating, studying psychology, eastern philosophy and shamanism; by writing, making music, dancing and, by drawing and painting.

After many years of being a painter, studying and teaching countless techniques and approaches, my art making has ceased to be primarily a technical process to achieve a certain affect of beauty or realism that can be admired by others. It has become a vehicle for me to identify suppressed emotions and connect with inner wisdom. Now there is a thrill of showing up to paint with the knowledge that the spirit communicates directly with me using the language of imagery, of colors and forms.

Imagine with Art was created as a way to share these experiences with others through my workshops, vision paintings, contemplations and blog entries. It is an invitation to engage in art to enrich your artistic expression, unblock and free yourself from emotional baggage, and gain access to the restorative, healing energy of the spirit.

Susan Cornelis Biography

Teacher
2006-present Author/publisher of blog on art technique, creative process
1996 -present Workshops and ongoing classes in watercolor painting, sketchbooking, collage
1986-1992 Taught Learn to Meditate courses for adults, teens, children
1987-1989 Taught music courses in meditation centers
1987-1999 Mentored public speakers for meditation programs
1976-1980 Trained counselors at a community service center

Artist Exhibitions 1992-present
ARTrails and Art at the Source Open Studios, Sonoma Co.
East Bay Open Studios, Alameda Co.
Marin Art Festival
Graton Gallery, Graton, CA
Albany Arts Gallery, Albany, CA
Group exhibitions throughout California and New York
Private and corporate commissions including Commonwealth Financial Network
2003-2005 Sonoma County Harvest Fair poster artist
2001 Illustrator for The Great Hiss, a children's book

Healing Arts
1981-present Daily practice of meditation
2007 Rising Star Healing practitioner
1974-1988 Counselor/Therapist for individuals, families, groups

Education
2007 Initiation and training as a Rising Star Healing practitioner
2007 Vision Seeker workshop in shamanic healing practices
1982-1998 Coursework in eastern philosophy and scriptures
1992-2006 Painting workshops with internationally known instructors
1993-1994 Mills College, children's book writing and illustration
1975-1977 Catholic University, Washington, D.C., Master of Social Work
1968-1973 University of California, San Diego, B.A. Social Anthropology
1970-1971 University of Bergen, Norway