“Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.”
— Katherine May – Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
I don’t know about you, but this year more than ever, I have leaned into the rhythms of the seasons. My winter began with forced rest, mostly bedridden. I hosted no parties and declined most invitations, prioritizing health and restoration.
While the ongoing chaos of the world weighs heavy, I feel our community growing stronger. Awareness is shaping us in ways where the Commedia dell’arte loses its influence, slowly winning the battle against propaganda and control. Echoing the season’s wisdom of introspection, gestation, and dreams, I am focusing this winter on the writing projects I wish to complete. I had set much of my writing aside recently, finding inspiration instead through images: photography and collage.
« Un instant de rêve contient une âme entière »
“A moment of dream contains an entire soul”
— Gaston Bachelard, L’Eau et les Rêves (1942)
I am particularly excited about my Online Monthly Creative Workshop Series. These sessions invite you to explore the season and yourself from the comfort of your home, live from my studio in Portland. I am proud to support not only those navigating health issues or isolation, helping them connect gently with themselves through the healing power of neuroarts, but also artists and mental health professionals looking to recharge and connect with a community of creative souls.
FALL HIGHLIGHTS
I spent most of my autumn outdoors, exploring the magnificent landscapes of the Southwest and documenting them through analog photography. I am deeply moved by the stories held by rivers, vessels of time and memory. I think of those that once ran wild, like the Colorado River, before being rerouted, amputated, and asphyxiated by human engineering.
The stunning documentary What the River knows reveals the profound consequences of dam construction, such as Lake Powell, on ecology, Native American history, and cultural inheritance.
THIS WINTER…
🌲 Art & Nature Workshop Series at Hoyt Arboretum
February 8 — Inner Warmth & the Exploration of the Senses: A cozy experience among the holly and evergreens.
March 15 — Spring Equinox: Balance, Symbolism & Renewal: Pressed flowers, symbolism, and the first signs of awakening.
April 19 — Earth Month Eco-Art: A study in gratitude and reciprocity.
🇫🇷 En plein Air ! French Conversation Group in Portland
Spots are limited – Contactez-moi !
19 janvier — Café littéraire at l’École Buissonnière ☕️
7 février — Chandeleur celebration ! 🥞
🎨 Online Monthly Creative & Healing Workshops
January 19 — Inner Resilience, Candlelight & the Exploration of Dreams
February 9 — Looking Inward: Creative Self-portrait Collage
March 16 — Spring Vision Board: Manifest your higher-self
April 13 — Earth Month Eco-Art: Gratitude & Reciprocity
et enfin…
Take time to dream…
Winter frees the imagination, allowing us to envision the lives we want to manifest, cradled by all we have accomplished, failed, or postponed.
Create space where there is chaos; gently tend to what and who brings you joy and peace. If you need extra support, please consult the resource list I share here. I am holding you in my heart throughout this season.
Light a candle and warm your soul with kindness and hope.
With love & gratitude,
Sincèrement,
Clara-Julia
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Clara-Julia Peru 