Gifts From the Sea

Gifts From the Sea	by Manya Fabiniak

An artist’s birth retreat on the Cape

On the beach at a therapeutic arts retreat on Cape Cod.

It’s so simple. We know it should be. Just surrender. Let go. Release all that does not serve you. Come into the absolute present. Embrace your truth. And create. Let it all just flow. That’s all there is to it.

Well. We might know this, but actualizing such wisdom in our lives is another thing, yes? Yet for one splendid week in July, I attended an artist’s retreat on Cape Cod where that process was so beautifully coached into being, I’m still in awe at the utter effortlessness of it all. Colleen Daly Perry was the expressive arts facilitator and creator of this retreat, or “midwife for the creative spirit,” as she likes to be known. The term is a rather accurate one, for the expressive arts therapy process does indeed urge a higher level of awareness to come forth using the medium of art, with the support of a “wise one” who urges us on.

The location was lovely: a rambling 1905 cottage built on stilts, nestled high in a wood on Shawme Hill near the town of Sandwich. Books both new and old were everywhere, with letters and photos from so many years ago tucked in here and there as if made only yesterday. That’s the timelessness that this land of the transcendentalists provides, and it fit well in this artist’s heart.

Each morning found us toting our supplies to a spot on the beach, not too far from the water’s edge. The week’s theme came from Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s book of wisdom, Gift From the Sea, and we all were given a copy. Colleen’s plan asked that we choose a life issue we wished to have released, and each day express some part of the process of that release and its transformation through the use of watercolors or clay.

The first shock came right off the bat after we had been asked to mold into clay what we felt about our release. After some thoughtful and reverent sharing on each other’s piece (and this was a priceless gift of the week), we were asked to walk into the water and toss it. The command evoked a good, hearty gasp.

I loved it. “Here’s how you let go!” Perry said, “here’s how you claim your freedom!” I made a bird, and for several seconds after I tossed it, it soared.

Bliss.

Each morning led to explorations of thoughts and feelings which were then put down in watercolor. But the beauty here was that there wasn’t really too much time to think, to analyze. That’s what affected me most: the freedom from analyses. When it was time to work the next morning, I just went at it, under that brilliant ocean sky. I’m analytical in my painting, and this process has had a phenomenal impact on the painting I’m presently working on. I’m still stunned by the shift.

We all were affected. One participant said she had been painting for years, but only now realized she had not once painted from her heart, and could now clearly see the difference.

The fruits of this experience will be on view at Daly-Perry’s studio/gallery, Isis Mary Sophia Enlivening & Therapeutic Arts, 72 Elm Street Suite 5, in East Aurora. The exhibit opens with an artist’s reception on Friday, August 29, 7-10pm, and continues through Saturday, August 31, 1-5pm. For information on next year’s retreat, please contact Daly-Perry at 652-0839.

—manya fabiniak

Reader Comments

Jack Galt
28 Aug 2008, 00:46

Manya Fabiniak makes two statements that I found intriguing:

>I attended an artist’s retreat on Cape Cod where that process was so beautifully coached into being, I’m still in awe at the utter _effortlessness_ of it all. [Emphasis mine]

>But the beauty here was that there wasn’t really too much time to think, to analyze. That’s what affected me most: the _freedom from analyses_. [Emphasis mine]

I'm of the mind that it takes great effort to be "effortless;" that is, it's far from automatic to get to the point where your thinking and actions are automatic. What explains this seeming dichotomy? I think that it's just as Ms. Fabiniak describes; one must put themselves in an environment where one is free to tap one's innermost resources as they go about the creative process. Unfortunately, such environs can be rare, so I certainly see the liberating value in an experience like Ms. Fabiniak described.

Colleen Daly Perry
28 Aug 2008, 11:04

I am very grateful to Ms. Fabiniak for her passionate article regarding her experience....as creator of the retreat, there are a few points that I feel I need to clarify for the reader: foremost, the process that I present is called - ArtistBirth, (one word) as opposed to Artist's birth; secondly, the initial clay process asked each woman to become aware of burdens or distractions from their lives, rather than a life issue, that they were perhaps carrying with them into the retreat. The energy of this inwardly held awareness then formed the clay....third; the women were then asked to release (not toss or throw)their clay pieces into the ocean in whatever manner they chose, and yes some did throw while others submerged or gently pushed their pieces into the water. The internal realization of the letting go was for each women to discover on her own and was never blatantly stated as I am quoted above...By retreat's end, life issues were indeed released or healed for many participants but the retreat process could not and would not be begun this way.....I do not in any way, discount Ms. Fabiniak's perceptions of her experience - it was indeed a very powerful new and moving experience for her...her article is a gift and my appreciation for her writing and desire to share my work with others is deeply felt... Thank you Manya... Sincerely, Colleen daly Perry

Andrea Todaro
31 Aug 2008, 12:29

I just love the unique rhythm and poetic expression of Manya Fabiniak's article in that her writing and thoughts remind me of the ebb and flow of the sea, mirroring her journey to Cape Cod and it's transcendental, cleansing experience. She succinctly puts a poignant, revelatory statement out there and then softly retreats, allowing the reader the opportunity to savor it...just like being lovingly carressed by the waves, her words, give the reader a wonderful lilting and gentle experience and above all, hope. One powerful, transformative and short sentence is followed by a long, lyrical flowing one and it is through this brilliant expression that Manya lovingly invites the reader into the picture/the experience...All of this appears effortless for Ms. Fabiniak as she writes with authority and ease.

The Renoir style picture, also, perfectly complements the article and is a great healing force in itself, transporting the writer into a pristine paradise and showing that women become truly beautiful when they join in the intimacy of healing and soulwork.

Whether through the medium of paint brush or pen, Manya always creates soft, delicate brush strokes of excellence in her work. The way that she writes is truly a gift and like the sea, it feels timeless, deep, puissant and always, ALWAYS...as only Manya can do, "in the flow!"

Thank you, Manya!

Laura Vendryes
06 Feb 2009, 05:29

I have been reading about the Gifts from the Sea. I am very interested but would like a bit more information. I so enjoy working with my hands however I do not have the specific talent of drawing--I am a nurse, yoga instructor (this is new) and reflexologist. I have read and am inspired by the book Gifts from the Sea. I yearn to be more aware of the process of my choosing in my life. I yearn always to create and want to make this more central in my daily living. I think this would be a good fit. Any thoughts or more info from you Manya?

Laura Vendryes
06 Feb 2009, 05:33

Colleen Daly Perry--I just realized I addressed my question to Manya and I would like to address it to you as well. Laura

Gifts From the Sea

by Manya Fabiniak

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