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WHAT WILD HEART PAINTERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT GHOST RANCH:
I attended Chris' Ghost Ranch fall 2006 retreat - by accident
really. I had been thinking about taking time to do more artwork and
needed a jumpstart. I googled "womens art retreat" thinking there
might be a weekend workshop or something that would get me away for a
couple of days to make some art, maybe learn a new technique, and get
myself ready to go home and make more art. The Painting from the Wild
Heart retreat was one of the Google results and sounded pretty cool.
I had a free plane ticket and a tax return so I thought, what the
heck, I'll go check it out. So I went and I made some art! But it
was so much more than that. This business of process painting is far
from being simply artmaking. I was in search of an artistic
jumpstart and got a complete soul overhaul instead! Chris has an
incredible gift of making a lot happen in a very short amount of
time. I still can't believe the changes in myself as a result of the
week long retreat. She also creates a loving and safe atmosphere for
self disclosure and trust building between all of the people who
attend, which allows for everyone to be truly known as the person
they really are. I have rarely felt so much like my true self as I
did during this retreat! I have returned home to make more art, do
more writing and am headed down a path that was only a dream a few
months ago. I only wish I could have brought her and all of the
participants home with me!
-- Cami Applequist, Nanny/Writer/Artist
We were 16 participants and painted every day for 5 to 6 hours. We
also hiked, walked the labyrinth, rode horses, and/or swam in the
astoundingly beautiful land. There were meltdowns, many tears, much fun;
As the week progressed we were propelled by the painting and group work
into a powerful raw and honest space. There was much wonderful painting
and inner work. I have returned full of ideas for paintings, writing
and connecting things--and with a new respect, even awe, for the way
the creative process can take us into ourselves. I cannot recommend
this type of work strongly enough.
-- Meridith Shamszad, author of
The Story of Little Feather: A Past Life Journey
My experience with Chris is alive for me each day. I heard about the
Ghost Ranch retreat from a friend- I had never painted and believed that I
was uncreative. I spoke to Chris prior to my registering and explained my
fears -- I said that I had no talent and no experience in painting.
She said "great", I was just the kind of person she likes.
I was thrilled, hopeful and scared.
What was I thinking? I didn't know any of the other 13 people
registered- and I was flying from Baltimore for a week at Ghost Ranch.
During the week, I created paintings every day , 16 in all. Chris was
there for me each step of the way. I'd say- help, I don't know what to do,
or how to paint my thoughts. Each time she patiently said- " what form do you
see, what color speaks to you, what are you feeling"? Then I would dip
my paintbrush into a color and put paint to paper and be exhilarated.
Today, 3 years later, I use Chris's questions in my day to day life.
When I feel blocked, tight or jammed up- personally or professionally, I ask
myself -- what color do I see, what form do I see, and what feelings do I
have -- and then my heart and mind are open to my life experiences.
My week with Chris and the other participants, continues to sustain and
nourish me each day.
-- Ellen Carr, psychotherapist
The Wild heart painting retreat at Ghost ranch offered me a rich
historical, physical , spiritual and emotional environment in which to
experience being alone, being creative and being in community. It is a
big, spacious place that called forth the big places inside of me.
-- Dawn Raymond, activist
After six days of painting at Ghost Ranch I was able to open up to a
greater surrendering of my life. The beauty and power of the land
seeped into me and I achieved a clarity that I had been needing for a
long time. I came home with a stronger sense of myself and with a solid
commitment to honor that newfound identity. The continuing support of
the group that formed there helped me stay with that resolve.
-- Julie Goerlitz, owner Herbal Allies
I attended the 2000 and the 2004 Ghost Ranch retreats; both times I
found them inspiring and deeply healing. The land is so beautiful and
so powerful. Somehow, it's almost like the Native Americans, Georgia
O'Keefe, and all the other artists who have painted there have opened
this incredible creative power channel which you can just
plug in to and whoosh, it starts pouring through you. Add to that the
safety and power of the circle which is created by Chris's great skill
as a leader, and it's a wonderful experience.
And then there's the hikes, the incredible stars, the canyons, the wildlife --
it's just a great experience. And the fall in New Mexico is a beautiful
time of year. Both times I went, the group consisted of some Painting from
the Wild Heart regulars and some first timers, and everyone has always had
a wonderful experience. I can't recommend the experience highly
enough, and I will definitely be back again.
-- Sandra Whisler, CFO
I have learned the magic of "trusting the brush"
and am looking at the world as an artist for the first time!
-- Terry Scobie, massage therapist
Ghost Ranch is a magical place that provides a majestic yet soothing
atmosphere that feeds my soul and renews my spirit. I find myself
centering again and again and finding comfort in the mirror of my
paintings as they reflect my changing moods and the changing landscape.
And I love not having any responsibilities and all my meals provided!
I have attended this retreat every year for the past 5 years and it is
an experience that I hope never to have to miss. My only complaint is
that I wish the workshop were longer!
-- June Maselbas, mother, environmental activist
Ghost Ranch was an amazing experience for me. Working on deep emotional issues in a powerful landscape with like minded people around me and Chris as a wonderful guide was incredibly healing and insightful. There's something about being removed from my everyday life and being surrounded by so much quiet that makes the experience so unique and fertile. The painting process brought me face to face with myself. It challenged me, tortured me, and in the end helped me to expand my concept of myself.
-- Kristen Satzman, Photographer
I had a great time! A fantastic time! I loved everything about the retreat! I am crying as I write this because I loved it so much. What a gift -- space to be wildly creative & powerful & joyful & playful in the company of beautiful kindred spirits!!!! You held the space well. I was impressed by your ability to maintain a certain amount of structure while allowing us all freedom within that structure. I was also impressed by your ability to meet each of us in the place where we are comfortable & then nudge us out of that. Watching you navigate the emotional landscape of the retreat was like watching a dancer -- you did it with such grace. I know I felt seen and heard and honored and it seemed that you were present for each of us in that way. Thank you.
-- Margo Lynn, teacher
Wow, How do I describe the Wild at Heart Painting experience at Ghost Ranch????!!!! I went to the class with the intention of opening myself to whatever needed to come through me at the time. I wanted to stay completely open to what this had to offer. I was a bit intimidated since I have not been called an "artist", did not even remember holding a brush and painting in the past!!! Everyone, including Chris kept saying trust the process to reveal to you what is important at this time. WWWOOOWWW!!! The magic found me!! I painted!! I chose the colors or the colors chose me!! Chris and the whole group were just so open, compassionate and accepting. It was like my soul knew instantly that this was a safe place to let my authentic self play, and imagine, and explore and create. Just let it flow and it did!!! It really was magical!!!! It’s so amazing to have this medium of painting to excavate into myself and open up to old experiences, and open to new knowings! The magic within me was given a wonderful playground to come out and be and have Fun!! I felt some fear about taking this self back to my professional life (people might think I had gone crazy!!??). Since returning home, I recognize these same magical beings wanting to be seen in my patients, family, friends and just people I come in contact with casually. I feel more myself, more energized, more in sync with others around me. The process painting will continue to be a fun adventure for me from now on. Chris is so professional and compassionate in teaching and allowing the process to work for each person. I know I found the right place to be to support my present and future growth as an authentic person.
-- Emilie Collins, Health Care Professional
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photo credit: Kristen Satzman
