I live in the San Francisco Bay area and have been involved in the personal growth and human potential field as a therapist, group leader, workshop facilitator and astrologer for the past 30 years. I have my own business which I call Creative Juices Arts where I teach classes and lead workshops using the expressive arts and in particular the intuitive painting process. The painting classes are titled Painting From The Wild Heart. My philosophy about the expressive arts and the creative process is as follows: "Our creativity was given to us by a very compassionate and benevolent force as a way to access and express the deepest parts of who we are. It is connected to our internal guidance system, also known as our intuition, that leads us with unfailing accuracy to make positive, optimal life choices. It is a powerful tool for healing on both spiritual and psychological levels. And it keeps us viscerally connected to what is passionate, vital, and meaningful in our lives. The basic philosophy of PAINTING FROM THE WILD HEART is the belief that a regular diet of creative self expression is an important and often underutilized tool for those of us on the path of spiritual and psychological development and personal growth. This approach to painting is not oriented towards learning artistic techniques or analyzing a completed project. Its unique focus is on working with the flow of the creative process itself, which allows you to connect more deeply with yourself in a powerful, nonverbal way that can lead to profound inner experiences of joyful transformation. Learning to trust and embrace your unique and natural creative style in an atmosphere free of comparison and judgment can bring an increased sense of self acceptance and compassionate attunement to your soul's purpose and your heart's desire. This process gives you the tools to work through creative blocks by learning how to deal directly and successfully with the inner critic. It also provides a creative community and a circle of challenge and encouragement that fosters the courage needed for creative risk taking both on the canvas and in your life." I have just begun to write inspirational articles about this approach to creativity and painting and am also currently working on a book.