Portraits of the Unseen
A day of readings with Ernest Maw
Portraits of the Unseen is an intuitive, collaborative practice for all ages that paints internal experiences & relationships into physical form.
Through conversation and creative ritual we engage spirit-body-mind to communicate the unseen into visual representation. Sometimes this can be a loved-one who has transitioned, an imaginary friend, a part of you that asks for attention, to let go of; and sometimes we work with a feeling and go from there. This practice acknowledges the energy that arises, and together we transform, uplift, or simply see it. The tangible outcome exists as a living metaphor of the energetic quality rather than a fixed representation.
The recipient leaves with both a painting and a practice for witnessing and engaging with our rich, unseen worlds. This practice asks for presence, for slowing down, and for honoring the wisdom already within us.
What to expect:
A session begins with grounding practices, creative ritual, and gentle conversation to enter into a creative and safe environment to access the unseen realm we will be working with. This practice invites people of all ages and backgrounds and looks different depending on the interest, ability, and comfort of the individual. There will be a variety of objects, herbs, and sound-makers that might be called upon to facilitate the energy we want to focus on.
Once the participant is comfortable, I begin painting and invite the participant to talk as much as they want to help guide the energy into form. Once the unseen arrives on paper, we take our time to reflect and close out the session. The portrait is theirs to take with them and use, with respective credit to the collaborators. You will be asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early to ground into the space, your body, and breath.
Sessions will be approximately 50 minutes.
Sliding Scale: $44 - $77 - $111 (Sign up to reserve your spot, then pay in-person with cash or Venmo)
ERNEST MAW is perpetually being raised by the catskill mountains and waters, nurtured through seasons of friendship and neighboring, and working towards mutual well-being.
They share from their own path of healing and self-discovery. Forever a student and a teacher, creating & becoming in service to imagination for liberation. Their practice alchemizes years of thinking on their feet in schooling & unschooling, animism, improvisational performance, conflict mediation, and a love for collaboration & ceremony.
Having taught throughout NYC & NY state with a Master’s Degree in Art Education, ernest weaves the art of facilitating all ages & neurodiversities while leaving the rigid flattening of the institution behind.
Leading with curiosity, dance, play, and experimentation; this is an art/life practice created & facilitated through a heart-centered & sensory-oriented approach.
LINEAGE
Informed and in-gratitude of the work of Paulo Freire, Joanna Macy, adrienne maree brown, Bayo Akomolafe, Linda Mary Montano, chosen & given family, and an overflowing cup of humans & more than humans that live in right relationship with our shared world.
Through this lineage, and a lifetime of expressing visually, the practice of Portraits of the Unseen was developed, and now offered as a modality towards knowing and honoring thyself.