Welcome to my Invisible Sun blog.

Posted on by jgibbsjgibbs

When winter—figurative or literal—presses you to the ground, what fires you up to take your next helping of life? What’s your invisible sun?

For me, the answer is art—which I define very broadly, by the way. Writing is my trade as well as my main artistic squeeze, but sometimes words are both too much and not enough, so I paint or dance or (lately) knit odd-looking hats and mittens. I cook. Why you make a thing is sometimes more important than what you make or whether it’s useful afterward.

The why of art-making is on my mind today as I plan a writing workshop for cancer survivors and their families. Too many people miss out on the raw energy they gain when they engage in the labor of making a thing just for the satisfaction of making it, so in this case, my aim is a workshop that helps people recharge. To bask in the glow of their respective invisible suns.

G., my contact at the wellness center for which I’m running the workshop, tells me we have 12 registered. I look forward to hearing from each one of them their why for joining the class, and we’ll take the what from there… Over the coming weeks, I’ll be using this blog space to share posts that may be of interest to these participants. If you’re not in the class, you’re still invited to check in too; if you have any insights, suggestions or questions about how writing and other art-making can bank the creative fire that makes life worth living, drop me a line.

All my best,

JG

Published by jgibbsjgibbs

I work as a writer, editor, producer and teacher/coach and love it. But that's not the sum of who or what I am.

10 thoughts on “Welcome to my Invisible Sun blog.”

  1. Hi, my love! Good luck with your wonderful workshop! Make sure people know to click on the comment bubble icon at the top to comment.

  2. Jenn,
    I’m so delighted to know you’re doing this, and I wish you all the best. I hope to keep tabs on the project and will contact you separately about a few things related to this. Much love to you always. Such programs are so important, so worthwhile.
    Paula

  3. Hey Jenn! This sounds like a wonderful idea, and I like your focus for the workshop on “creativity for creativity’s sake” as opposed to simply “writing as therapy.” People like to remember that they are something other than their illness (and caregivers, too, need to recharge in a way that doesn’t automatically relate to that role – focusing on revising my novel really helped when my daily existence was engrossed with taking care of Mom last year). I find simple prompts without too many “rules” enable people to open up in unexpected ways. Exercises from books like The Artist’s Way can also be useful and fun. I look forward to hearing about your experiences with this! Jana

  4. Hi, Jenn! Thanks for including me on the list! I don’t have any special suggestions, but I love the combination of practical and spiritual in your initial post. And the thought of the workshop as a tribute to your grandmother is beautiful. Great luck with it!

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