At this point over 80 amazing women have gone through my Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training Program. I love them ALL so dearly and , like the proud creative mama that I am, want to show off their incredible wisdom, power and creative genius to the world. So I’ve created this series where once a month I will be showcasing them so that you can see what they’re up to and be inspired by their unique creative journeys.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative journey?

When I was 5 years old I watched a television show called Fun at One. I created whales out of paper bags, newspaper and string. I was so happy. Not only did I create one whale, I had a passion to fill our living room with many, many whales. I can still feel the excitement I felt that day. This was the beginning of my creative self!

Throughout my life I have been drawn to uncover my creativity and self-expression to help build my self-esteem and confidence.  I have been committed to a path of personal growth using various modalities such as private and group therapy, breath work, dream interpretation, crystal grids and shamanic studies.

Working with energy practitioners has been an important part of my life.  I have been led to work with a variety of healing and artistic modalities to encourage and nurture myself and to get in touch with my inner life, shedding what I no longer need. I have delved into the shamanic healing arts including drum and rattle making.

Intuitive painting has assisted in the peeling of “my onion”, helping me to open the inner eyes of my heart.

Through Interior Design I have found my giggle and artistic way as well. I really enjoy making homes feel like a sanctuary of comfort and beauty for the eyes and heart to devour.

Repurposing and reusing discarded treasure is another way to allow my heart to sing!

Many years ago I was a Montessori teacher, the philosophy is much like the intuitive painting way, it is about the journey not the destination. I continue to work with kids. Heart filled creations flow through them so easily and children continue to teach me about letting go and being in the flow.

What initially drew you to the intuitive painting process?

When a friend sent me Creative Juices Website, I knew I wanted to paint. I had to paint! My gut told me this is what I had been searching for. After interviewing with Chris, I signed up. I had never painted before. Wild Heart Teachers Training is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. It was life changing for me, confidence building and assisted me in letting go.

How has intuitive painting been a transformative influence in your art and your life?

I found freedom in the brush, painting my feelings on paper unleashed me. The colors ignited my creativity. I reclaimed my power… again.  I did not have to figure everything out. My intuition knew. I learned to trust my inner voice and wisdom and the universe assisted me. The process unblocked and intensified my creativity and I gained confidence and let go of fear. It is all about the journey not the destination. All the magic is in the journey.

Wild Heart Teacher Training Program and Chris Zydel ROCK! I am forever grateful for this experience.

Traveling to California and studying with Chris was exhilarating. I looked forward to connecting with my fellow Intuitive Painting colleagues and growing in unexpected and powerful ways through laughter, tears, dance and sharing.

Growing bigger was scary at times. My passion for this process brought me through my fears.

Along with the support of Chris, my family and friends I opened an expressive arts studio. New people came into my life.  I embrace their differences and similarities and I learn from everyone who walks through the studio door.

Intuitive Painting is helping me soften the voice of the inner critic and is inspiring me to see the light that I am and accept my whole self.   Through trusting my intuition, it is becoming easier to be bold, take action, and realize mistakes are creative opportunities for learning and transforming heaviness to light, lead to gold…alchemy.

What inspired you to take the Wild Heart Expressive Arts teacher training program?
I knew I needed to attend the Wild Heart Expressive Arts Teacher Training program as soon as I found Creative Juices website. I was not a painter and I had not attended an Intuitive Painting Retreat. This process spoke to my soul. I signed up as quickly as I could with great excitement. Chris creates a sacred safe circle filled with love and acceptance. I was honored to be included.

Now that you’re out there doing this work tell us about your experience as an intuitive painting teacher and facilitator? What do you absolutely love about teaching? What are some of your biggest challenges?

The excitement for me is to observe folks when they arrive and see the transformation when they leave. Emotions get to be released with color, movement with paint through tears, laughter and hugs. It is simple but not always easy! I LOVE what I get to do.

My biggest challenge is getting people into the studio convincing them they do not need to have experience with painting. Marketing is ongoing and forever challenging.

Tell us what happens at one of your classes, workshops or retreats?

After setting up an altar with candles, crystals and sacred objects, I pour in my intention for the class with lots of love. I like to sit in my studio and visualize the people coming in and creating. I create a sacred space for each person to feel held with loving kindness, a safe place for self-expression.

I facilitate with kindness, lots of love encouraging folks to have fun, laugh, sparkle, play, paint their hearts out and ask for what they need or want. They are given the opportunity to uncover masks and reveal whom they really are.
We begin in a circle where everyone introduces himself or herself. I explain the process. I guide them through a meditation, then some movement, dance or partnering off. We laugh and act like giggling children.

Painting is done in silence. I move about the room and check on folks, asking questions and facilitating, listening and giving hugs when needed. Special gift bags with crystals, journals, and spiritual sayings are often given at retreats.

At the closing of the class we gather together and share our painting experiences with each other. Then we stand in circle holding hands and put whatever we want to bring into our world in the middle, love, kindness, peace, healing for our loved ones or the world etc. Each person takes a turn. We all leave after we say together SEA (SHAH), with great confidence and a hand motion, a word my Irish teacher taught me. SEA (SHAH) is a yes to life and a YES to you.

My hope and dream is that each participant dove a little deeper into himself or herself shedding light on darkness processing through the experience. Joy is found and hearts are opened.

What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating this expressive arts/intuitive painting path?

I encourage folks to do what they love. Sit in the arms of the Creative Goddess and absorb the energy of CREATIVITY. Walk through your fears, listen, believe in yourself and what you love to do and trust. ART heals and if we all can be a part of that healing how lucky we are!

I am so very grateful to Chris Zydel for the encouragement and love I always receive from the Creative Juices Goddess. Deep bow.

MORE ABOUT NADINE….

Nadine Hamil was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey. She moved with her family to Delray Beach, Florida in 1986. She opened Artful Dreamers Studio in 2009. Nadine is a Master Intuitive Painting and Expressive Arts Facilitator and a Certified Creatively Fit Coach.

In addition to creating art for the love of it, Nadine is also an instructor who can facilitate workshops and parties geared to you and your group. Intuitive Painting is her love.

After relocating to Tacoma, WA in 2013 and taking a year off she re opened her studio and continues to touch the lives of people through the creative process. Nadine shares, “I love what I get to do, share creativity with everyone. I create a safe, sacred space for folks to create.”

Montessori Teacher Training
Wild Heart Teachers Training
Creatively Fit Coach

You can contact Nadine @ Nadine@ArtfulDreamers.com.
Find out more about the studio @ www.ArtfulDreamers.com
Artful Dreamers Studio is located @ 2926 S Steele St. Tacoma, WA 98406