She is a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, which is the largest Native American tribe in Oregon.
Healing through creativity and connection to Indigenous knowledge and culture.
“I want to share the traditional knowledge and wisdom of my people, and to help people find their own path to healing and wellness.”
Introduction
Sacred Flow: Creativity as Medicine is a unique and innovative approach to healing and wellness. This workbook and coloring book combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern creative practices to provide a holistic and inclusive space for self-discovery and growth. By embracing the healing power of creativity, individuals can tap into their inner wisdom, cultivate emotional resilience, and develop a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
The Power of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge
Traditional Indigenous knowledge has long been recognized for its wisdom and effectiveness in promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The author of Sacred Flow draws on this rich heritage to create a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to healing and wellness. By incorporating traditional practices and teachings, the workbook and coloring book provide a sense of connection and belonging to the Indigenous community, while also offering a unique and accessible path to healing and growth.
Creative Expression as Healing
The workbook and coloring book are designed to facilitate creative expression and exploration, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to tap into their inner world. Through a variety of exercises, prompts, and activities, individuals can develop their creative skills, build confidence, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Emerging Artist Explores Identity and Creativity Through Art and Storytelling.
She shared her vision for the book, which includes a collection of her artwork, a personal narrative, and a collection of poetry.
The Concept Behind Munk-yeʔlan sax̣ali
Munk-yeʔlan sax̣ali is an art book that represents the culmination of Laura Connelly’s experiences as an emerging artist. The book is a reflection of her journey, showcasing her artistic growth and development over the past year.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Expression
Kitana Connelly, an 18-year-old member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, has been on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries.
The Power of Art to Heal and Connect
Art has long been a source of comfort, healing, and connection for Kitana. Growing up in a predominantly white community, she often felt like an outsider. However, through her art, she found a sense of belonging and identity. Her paintings and drawings often reflect her Native American heritage and the struggles of her community. Her artwork is a reflection of her experiences as a Native American woman in a predominantly white society. She uses vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes to convey the emotions and struggles of her community.
Early Influences and Inspiration
Connelly’s early fascination with drawing was largely influenced by her love for video games. She spent countless hours playing games like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Final Fantasy,” which sparked her imagination and creativity. Her favorite characters were the female protagonists, who were often depicted as strong and powerful. Some of her earliest sketches featured characters like Princess Zelda and Tifa Lockhart, who were known for their bravery and determination. Connelly’s love for video games also extended to the art style of the games, which she admired for its vibrant colors and detailed environments. Her early sketches were often rough and simplistic, but she was determined to improve her skills and create more realistic characters.
The Rise of Connelly’s Career
Connelly’s passion for drawing eventually led her to pursue a career in the field. She began by creating concept art for video games, which allowed her to combine her love of drawing and gaming. Connelly’s big break came when she was hired by a prominent game development studio to create concept art for a new game. She worked tirelessly to create high-quality concept art, which caught the attention of the game’s developers and publishers.
She had to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her passion for art, but she didn’t let her circumstances dictate her creativity.
The Unconventional Path to Success
Connelly’s journey to becoming a successful artist is not a traditional one. She left art school to care for her younger brother, a decision that would ultimately shape her career and artistic style. This unconventional path is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Balancing Responsibilities and Creativity
Connelly’s decision to leave art school was not taken lightly. She had to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her passion for art, which often required her to work long hours and sacrifice her own needs. However, she didn’t let her circumstances dictate her creativity. Instead, she found ways to express herself through art, even in the midst of chaos.
It is a 24-inch by 36-inch oil painting that took 120 hours to complete.
The Birth of Twahna Creation
Connelly’s journey into full-time art selling began with a bold move. She decided to leave her corporate job to pursue her passion for art. This decision was not taken lightly, and Connelly had to overcome several challenges. However, she remained committed to her goal and worked tirelessly to build her brand. Key milestones in Connelly’s journey:
- • Quitting her corporate job to focus on art
- • Launching Twahna Creation in November 2021
- • Completing her first portrait in the series, Third, in 120 hours
- • Hand-painted portraits
- • Use of oil paints
- • Personalized and customized pieces
- • Connection to Connelly’s heritage
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The Art of Twahna Creation
Twahna Creation is Connelly’s artistic venture, which showcases her unique style and skill. The brand’s name, Twahna, is derived from the Swahili word for “my people.” This name reflects Connelly’s connection to her heritage and her desire to share her art with others. Unique features of Twahna Creation:
The Process of Creating Art
Connelly’s artistic process is meticulous and time-consuming.
Twahna is a name that reflects her personality and values. It is a name that represents her connection to her heritage and her commitment to spreading awareness about the importance of Indigenous peoples’ rights.
Twahna: A Name that Represents Her Values and Heritage
Origins of the Name
Twahna’s name is a unique blend of her personal name, Kitana, and the Chinuk Wawa word “T’wax,” which means light. This combination of names reflects her personality and values, as well as her connection to her heritage.
A New Chapter for Confluence
Confluence, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting arts and culture, has welcomed a new team member, artist and educator, Rachel Connelly.
Come and share your story, your struggles, and your triumphs. We are all in this together.”
The Power of Vulnerability
In a world where emotional expression is often stigmatized, Connelly’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability.
Connelly has been working with indigenous communities and has learned from their wisdom and knowledge. She has also been working with people who have experienced trauma and has seen firsthand the impact of nature on their healing. She has been inspired by the concept of “sacred flow” – a state of being where the individual is fully immersed in the present moment, and is able to access their full potential.
The Concept of Sacred Flow
Sacred flow is a concept that has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. It refers to a state of complete absorption in an activity, where the individual is fully engaged and immersed in the present moment. This state is characterized by heightened focus, concentration, and a sense of flow, which is often accompanied by feelings of joy, happiness, and fulfillment. Key characteristics of sacred flow include: + Complete absorption in the activity + Heightened focus and concentration + Sense of flow and immersion + Feelings of joy, happiness, and fulfillment + Time seems to stand still
The Connection to Nature
Connelly believes that nature plays a crucial role in facilitating sacred flow.
The Power of Amplifying Voices
Journalist Nika Bartoo-Smith is a force to be reckoned with in the world of media. Her dedication to amplifying the stories of underrepresented communities has made her a go-to source for those seeking to understand the complexities of marginalized voices.
A Complex Ancestry
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Nika’s ancestry is a rich tapestry of cultures. Her Osage and Oneida Nations heritage reflects the diversity of the region, where Native American, European, and Asian influences have blended together over centuries.
