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Writer + Visual Artist

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Yesterday, I got caught in a downpour. Not a drizzle. I’m talking flash flood warnings, limited visibility, squishy sneakers. The shops were closed, and I had no umbrella. Lately, I’ve been making it a practice to ask myself in moments of discomfort, when things are beyond my control, “Is there is pleasure I can find in this experience?” I can’t change it. Is there a way I can enjoy it? I relaxed my muscles. I took some full breaths. I unclenched my jaw. I allowed myself to breathe in the water-soaked city. Rain has always been my favorite scent. I felt the drops in my hair and on my face. Cool after a week of heatwaves. I walked slowly, allowing myself the gift of presence. Allowing myself to feel. At the crosswalk, a kind, handsome stranger held his umbrella over my head. He and his twin brother (literally bc my life is magical) walked me the rest of the way to the train. I don’t know if that would’ve happened either way, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that in a moment when my resistance was down, when my heart was open, I so tangibly received the support I needed. When I got to the train station, I saw a woman looking for someone to swipe her, so I paid the kindness I received forward and paid her fare. Some days, this is all we can do. Relax into the challenge, and be a hand of ease on the back of another. This could be about creativity, but to be honest, it’s kinda about everything.
I'm going to be in Philly for the Blackstar Film Fest the first weekend of August and am wondering if I should stay longer and offer a workshop. If there are 20 people who would like this offering, or 10 people who know 1 person who would be down, I will do it. Send me a message. Would also be interested in finding a beautiful community space (bipoc owned bookstore, woman owned shop, youth org, magical garden back yard) that would be open to having me. Also, if you run a philly open mic and would like a feature, message me for that too! If you know folx who would be interested, @ them here and check #workshopwithGiselle for past offerings.
Photos from the micro version of my workshop COLOR THERAPY at Let's Swap this past weekend. This was one of the most beautiful and dynamic spaces I've had the opportunity to facilitate in. So thankful for everyone who answered the call to show up for themselves and explore. To show up to me with an open heart. Special thanks to @activewitness for all the work done to center creating a safe container and @gravesmeredith for the dog therapy and support😌🌿💕 #workshopwithGiselle If you'd like to know when I'm holding space in your city, pls click the link in my bio to sign up for my newsletter and put your city as your last name!
A thing I find when holding space in schools and with community is that people don’t allow themselves to go deeper in the creative process. Its so easy to sift past a color, a feeling, an image. The real work is sitting with it for a little while, stretching it open, examining with a magnifying glass, discovering over and over a new way to see the object of your attention until the object changes (or even better, you do). It’s so easy to believe you know all there is to know about a moment, a person, a phase in your life. The truth is that there are worlds upon worlds every place you stand. Fractals constantly shifting. There is an infinity to discover everywhere you look. Find new ways to approach the seeing of an old thing every day. Your world will expand with that effort.
Grand rising beautiful humans(or good afternoon/good night depending on where you are on the globe) ~ If you purchased anything from my shop, today I'm shipping! I have 6 tees left~ 3Ms and 3Ls; also have 5 #incantationszine left🎨 if you'd like your order shipped today, you have until noon EST to purchase🌟🌍🍄🌷
Finally got around to scanning all the art from my @spiritweavers workshop participants. It took me an hour to finish all of it😭💜 As you can see, what a beautiful way to spend my time. Here's a small but colorful glimpse of their work. ✨ The next time you can join me is this weekend, July 13th at the Kickstarter HQ for Let's Swap in NYC. Check the post on my page for more info. 🎨 I am looking forward to holding more creative space this Summer/Fall, and I travel frequently to do so throughout the country. If you'd like to bring me to your college, classroom, festival, non profit, sister circle, community center, etc, please contact me via my website. I'd especially like to work more with young children and elders! I have accessible rates for community orgs/groups with low funding that cater to black indigenous people of color. 🎨✨💐 #workshopwithGiselle
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried at a concert. Or read the paragraph of a loved book over and over because I’d never heard anyone express what I felt so precisely. I’ve created myself by looking at a painting. Decided yes, this is a bit of my soul given back to me. This is something I will now embody forever. Art does that to people. Your voice helps so many others find theirs. You trusting your voice helps so many others trust theirs. That’s the most important tool we have to overcome any oppressive regime. Last night, I was listening to a live performance by @tashsultanaofficial (Live at The Paradise- if you need some Tuesday night inspiration, go watch that). It was absolutely transcendent. It’s a wonderful thing to witness an artist who is a devotee. Someone who explores their inner landscape through the creative process. It’s the closest thing we have that’s an embodiment of *god* ~ whatever the energy of that word means to you. Something greater than just human. Something larger than the temporary nature of this life. A thing that big takes time to discover. Be gentle in your search for the expression of the divine within you.
 
 
 
 
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