Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art
Polly Castor 
Bonding and Balance While I advocate being a noble gas with outer atomic shells initially complete, most elements do not exhibit those properties so molecules are formed by atoms sharing electrons not only to be numerically fulfilled but more importantly: to gain stability. It’s called bonding and it brings balance. At our most elemental, people … Read more
I have studied the story of the tower of Babel before. To me it is a lesson about getting so ahead of oneself with one’s own abilities that you forget about God. It’s about being so full of yourself that you work for your own gain instead of for God’s glory. It is about pride … Read more
Need a muffin recipe that is so delicious that you’ll want it over and over again, but one that is healthy as well? These muffins have enough staying power and nutrition to keep you satisfied all morning. They are totally yummy. Serve them warm, and not only for breakfast! Recipe for Morning Glory Muffins … Read more
I am so grateful to have been to Creative Arts Camp this year! It was just what I needed and I want to thank everyone there for facilitating for me an “oil change” of a spiritual proportion. Let me explain. Many years ago now, I was working on a major church project that was an … Read more
This is the last (and I think the best) painting I did at camp. There is a story to this painting; it was a learning process on many levels. I had been painting with high energy all week. The last day it occurred to me there were things my teacher could teach me … Read more
I had lots of friends in the printmaking class and visited their studio each day to view their progress. They collectively did some marvelous work!
Above is the second underpainting layer of the final tree which is shown down at the bottom below. I am happy enough with the final version, as it represents progress for me, but it took bravery to paint over that second layer of underpainting because the “fauve” in me loved it. Many people recommended to … Read more
As mentioned before, my painting teacher this year was Brooks Anderson. (The first photo below is of him.) He did a good job nurturing each of our “voices” and encouraging us “to look under our hood.” We had a lot of fun in this class and worked intensely too. Many times I laughed so hard … Read more
One of the great things about Creative Arts Camp is the morning meeting where we start our day hymn singing, doing collective Bible Study, and sharing inspirations. Just entering the incredible space on that peninsula overlooking the lake on both sides with incredible music by Phoebe (cello) and Linda (piano) is profoundly uplifting. The Bible … Read more
The painting above is the third painting I did at camp in a burst of inspiration. I felt very free doing this one. It is just a second layer. I am still considering whether to paint over it or not… The fourth painting at camp was a composition exercise. My teacher wanted me to do … Read more
This is the second painting I did at camp. Below you can see layer 1, 2, 3, and the final layer. I am still debating whether to take it further….
Too rarely do adults get to sit with friends next to a bonfire that’s right next to a lake under a full moon on a gorgeous evening and laugh, play drums and games, dance, sing, be silly, and eat gourmet s’mores! These photos do not do the scene justice, since light was low and I … Read more
Here is a photo of the first painting I did at camp. To give you an idea of the process, below you can see the first layer, then the second layer, and then the final layer.
My oil painting teacher was Brooks Anderson from northern California. Click here to see his photos of his amazing work! Among the things he most wanted to impart to us was the value of “underpainting.” He is always asked why his paintings are so luminous, and the answer is found in this underpainting process, as … Read more
The people at Creative Arts Camp are awesome: fun and loving, while deep and soulful. Michelle (above) is the Director and she did a fabulous job facilitating a great time for everyone. I did not get photos of everybody…
Creative Arts Camp is a September retreat for creative Christian Scientists held at Camp Newfound on the shores of Long Lake in Maine. This is a beautiful spot, as you can see from the pictures below, to have an inspired time of learning and growing!
