Anahata Katkin: Sabrina Ward Harrison Workshop

June 09, 2008

Sabrina Ward Harrison Workshop

Anyone who is in my life and knows me well knows that if I had to pick a personal hero, it would be Sabrina Ward Harrison. She is the author of several books. The most well known of them is Spilling Open. If you don't know her you must!

Meeting (the somewhat elusive) Sabrina was a desire I've had for probably ten years. Sabrina is a pioneer of mixed media and was the first journal artist that I know of in print in this groundbreaking format. For me roughly ten years ago I was doing artwork alone and pecking away at my own journals and artwork and until I saw her book I had never seen another journal artist. To make it even better she too was very young and I identified with her at that time and saw her as a living example that I was on the right track. In my life and in my artwork. It was an unexplainable feeling that I have kept close to my heart all these years later. And what I love about her is her rawness. Not just as a writer but as an artist. It's the unrefined goodness of it all. And I am thrilled to have heroes who are in every way real and human. A slam-dunk-hero to me means a life worth living and a vulnerability of emotion and expression.
So when I discovered she had some workshops happening in Los Angeles I hopped a plane and jumped in. This was one of my pages from the weekend at the workshop. What I most enjoyed was Sabrina's encouragement to write. I have been unable to write for many years now. I used to fill my journals with dreams and longings and records. But it has been ages since I have had a written voice. Taking time out to write was so supportive for me and I am excited to take the time for it again.
Pam Garrison & Amy Hanna met me there and we hid out in the very strange Universal City hotel (during the fire no less). It was great to spend time with them and indulge in my workshop buddies!
This was just one area of the sidewalk Sabrina had written on before we arrived at Carol Parks house. And it seems fitting. Thank you Sabrina for all whom you've inspired, encouraged and shined the light for all these years. You have opened the doors for so many artists and thinkers. xoxoxox...

Posted on June 09, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

I am pleased to let you know that you are my slam dunk hero! a living inspiration that our creative dreams are possible.

Posted by: Nic Hohn | June 09, 2008 at 04:09 PM

What a great post! Thanks so much for sharing your photos and thoughts from this wonderful workshop. Sabrina has also been a role model for me. She has brought so much to this community. Would love to hear and see more. Fabulous!!!!
Kari

Posted by: ArtsyMama | June 09, 2008 at 05:57 PM

I'm so happy that you got to meet her, Ana. I know how much she means to you. Isn't it great when our heroes turn out to be for real nice-ity, nice people!!!

Posted by: Kathie | June 09, 2008 at 06:20 PM

Wow, that must have been an amazing workshop and a dream come true for you. Your journal pages inspire me so much already, as do Sabrinas.
Jo in Australia

Posted by: Jo | June 10, 2008 at 04:44 AM

Isn't it soooooo wonderful to find that someone you admire from afar is also admirable up close and personal. What's so incredible about the little and magical world an artist lives in is that not only do we find inspiration from others, sometimes, we learn we are inspiring someone else. Your work is so beautiful and transparent. I am so happy to hear that you are also "writing"... just another art form, I think. But, like art, sometimes it seems to reveal something so startling about yourself when you go back and read it the next day. God bless on your journey! Thank you for sharing it with us! d.

Posted by: Donna Roberts | June 10, 2008 at 06:57 AM

oh oh!! i went a few months ago and it changed my life! i bet you are just bursting with newness and inspiration after such a beautiful weekend :)

Posted by: em | June 11, 2008 at 11:23 PM

That is so great! I really like that raw style of mixed media! Good for you for going and for meeting a new friend! ;)

Posted by: Blaze Danielle | June 12, 2008 at 07:23 AM

That is so great! I really like that raw style of mixed media! Good for you for going and for meeting a new friend! ;)

Posted by: Blaze Danielle | June 12, 2008 at 07:23 AM

That is so great! I really like that raw style of mixed media! Good for you for going and for meeting a new friend! ;)

Posted by: Blaze Danielle | June 12, 2008 at 07:23 AM

One - I just received the Papaya Catalogue on my desk (at the Home Office at B&N) and I am in love with your product!!! Two - I am also an artist that has just started dabbling in journal art and you are truley an inspiration to make me want to continue on that path. And three - you are so lucky and blessed to have met Sabrina Ward Harrison!! She has been a long time role model of mine! I can't wait to meet her myself one day!

Posted by: Karen Gilmour | June 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM

what a cool workshop to get to attend, looks fun & the artwork is beautiful. =)

Posted by: beshka | June 23, 2008 at 06:35 AM