“Drawing on the Dreamtime- A Transformative Experience” Workshop/Residency at the Southern Dreaming Regional Conference of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, Greenville, SC

As a visual artist, images, gifted to me in dreams, have helped me recover cultural information that has been forgotten or seemingly lost. In this workshop, dreams are used as a springboard for the release of creative self-expression. We explore drawing in full color through the free association of ideas in much the same way I use dreams in my studio practice. Basic concepts relating to dreams and to “perceived reality” are discussed from a cross-cultural perspective. *No art or drawing experience necessary (offered for C.E.U. credit).

Dreams, Prophecy & Native American Cultural Reawakening-My Journey as a Dream Guided Artist

A major theme in my artwork has been the reawakening of southeastern Native American culture, and dreams have always been an integral part of this journey and narrative. In fact dreams and visions have played a major role in the development of this theme over the past 20 years.

This workshop started with a presentation, where I shared examples of my dream-conceived art and discussed how the work progressed thematically over time. We also discussed basic concepts relating to dreams and to “perceived reality”, comparing events in our dream world to experiences in our waking hours.

My intention was to demonstrate how symbolic images, gifted to me in dreams and waking visions, and illustrated in my art, have literally brought me face to face with the lost history and culture of my Native American ancestors.

The 7th Generation Philosophy

I managed to come up with quite the bundle of information all connected to my dream inspired work: historical, spiritual, political, personal and transformational. I also discussed the traditional concept of artist as shaman and the role of dreams and dreamers in Native American culture in general.

Near the end of the presentation I zeroed in on the 7th Generation philosophy, which has greatly influenced my art. The 7th Generation philosophy is like a strategic plan founded upon earth consciousness. It says we should always project 7 generations forward in decision making when it comes to things like water, air and earth. We should ask ourselves what will be available 7 generations from now?

Black Elk (holy man) and Crazy Horse (warrior), both Oglala Lakota, had similar visions, along with many other indigenous leaders across North America. The visions showed a period of great darkness and suffering (Crazy Horse even saw cars, planes and both world wars before these things came into existence).

These visions led to the Prophecy of the 7th Generation, which foretells of a cleansing time 7 generations after contact, where Indians and people of all races would dance together under the Sacred Tree.

Standing Rock

In fact, people of all colors have recently come together at Standing Rock to protect the water from the Dakota Access Pipeline. The young leaders of this movement, in their role as Water Protectors, consider themselves to be the “7th Generation” and are stepping up to fulfill this prophecy.

All 10 Workshop Participants Hard at Work

With full inspiration, these very creative and energetic participants pulled from the well of their own dreams to delve into the symbolism and metaphors through drawing. We illustrated our dream experiences with plenty of detail in full color, making use of the free association of ideas that dreams open up to us, in much the same way I use dreams in my studio practice.

Sharing and Critique Time

Posing with “Drawing on the Dreamtime” Participants

Group Shot with Completed Works!

Please Click Below For the IASD Conference Video: