Touch Art Experience

The Gad Circle [2.0] The Gad Circle starts with introductions, and the goal of creating belonging, participation, and a safe place for people to express themselves.  As we listen to others express their viewpoints there is a natural enrichment that happens.  The "Ground Rules" for a Gad Circle [1.0] seek to create a context conducive for this to take place. It is hoped that the discussion group grows to a place where others in the group can be invited to challenge our views and understandings.  Challenging and being challenged in the things we believe can be a very stressful process.  It is not something that I see happening very often around me - especially in a crowd of strangers.  Canadians don't like to disagree.  Disagreement can easily be taken personally - "You don't like me because you don't agree with my opinions."  or "I'm less of a person because I was wrong." For this reason, a Gad Circle [2.0] needs to be approached with a de...

 What is a   Gad Circle © ? A Gad Circle   starts out as a safe place where we learn to listen and learn to speak.  We wander together in conversation, look at different subjects, and share our perspective in a respectful, equal, diverse setting.  We share our horizon with others.  A horizon is a term that assumes our point of view has limits (we can only see up to the horizon around us).  This first start to the discussion group we call a Gad Circle [1.0] .  It's a "new" idea so I'm putting a copyright on the term for the fun of it: "Gad Circle©; Gad Circle [1.0] ©"     Merriam-Webster's dictionary says: to Gad about is to be on the go without a specific aim or purpose. It is hoped that the Gad Circle will grow and develop (from 1.0 to 2.0) to a place where we can be open to the possibility that the other may be right... or have a better perspective... or contribute something to our own perspective.  A Gad Circle [2.0] ©...

My work place here in Thunder Bay has invited us to share a piece of art that represents our family. This unfinished work shows a tree growing in a harsh winter wind.  The bitter cold kills a number of the branches - all facing the wind.  The branches flowing with the wind continue, shaping the bent nature of the tree. The work is on a rock of Calcite - with visible crystals.  The roots of the tree hug the rock, anchored and stable.  The tree also seems to cherish this foundation. The Bonsai style for this type of tree is called Fukinagashi - or winswept.  Submitting to the windy blast (accepting one's reality an situation) enables a prospering and healthy growth.  

 

 New pics! Neil Fox, a professional photographer here in Orillia, helped me with getting these shots.   Here are a bunch of new pictures of new trees.

 Hi all, I'm looking forward to offering a Tree Story workshop with TAE trees.  Space is limited, dates for the workshop are to be announced. Contact me for more details. Sincerely, David.