The Joy of Getting Lost in Art: Exploring Creative Flow with Alison DeRiemer

The Joy of Getting Lost in Art: Exploring Creative Flow with Alison DeRiemer

Tuesday, December 8th, 6-7:30pm

FREE but you MUST RSVP in order to get the ZOOM link! (will be sent closer to the class date.)

Do you feel stuck and endlessly distracted in your artistic process, when all you
want to do is sit down and joyfully create? This class will provide a brief scientific background
behind “the flow state,” that magical experience when action seems effortless. When in this state,
you naturally silence your inner critic, or the idea of “self,” and allow the subconscious self to
emerge and create without judgment. Using oral histories, we will hear quotes from artists in the
Pacific Northwest and beyond about their artistic practices and how these rituals and mindsets
can maximize the likelihood of tapping into the “flow.” Ideas and exercises for adjusting your
artistic practice will be provided.

Alison DeRiemer (she/her) is an archivist and oral historian who is interested in the stories
and practices of artists. She has managed an oral history project pertaining to women artists for
the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, and she currently catalogs films for the Archives.
She has previously worked with oral history collections for the National Nordic Museum, the
Ballard Historical Society, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society. She is based in
Portland, Oregon, and has lived in the Pacific Northwest for 15 years. In her spare time, she
enjoys reading and writing, dabbling in fiber arts, cooking, and enjoying nature. She has a BA in
Psychology and Art History, and an MA in Museology.