““If we go for the deeper, and the darker, and the less known we will touch the bones.””
The monster might be Psyche’s first honest sketch. As the formless starts to take shape, we catch a glimpse of something raw, deformed, wild, and existing in an in-between world.
The word"monster" derives from the Latin mōnstrum, meaning "divine omen” or "sign," and from monēre, which means "to remind," "to advise," or "to warn.” This course explores the concept of the “monstrous” as a language of the psyche, using creativity as a form of sacred contemplation.
Imagine how we might approach the mythological monsters and what insights they could offer. Consider Medusa and her power to petrify, Raktabija and his rage replicated with each drop of blood, and the archetypal witch who has a unique connection to the liminal spaces between life and death. Instead of running, hiding, or fighting against these often frightening and grotesque figures—many of which remain largely unexplored—could we approach the monstrous with cautious curiosity and respect?
In Opening to Darkness, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel says, “Can we discern if the monsters on our backs are growling because we have yet o give them attention? Who or what are we ignoring in the rise of hatred? What is it that we are still unaware of?”
Rather than viewing the monstrous as something to eliminate, could we explore it as a symbolic expression of the disempowered, misunderstood, or marginalized? Might monsters hold, embody, or depict that which we abandon—rage, grief, hunger, need, desire, passion, and power?
Through drawing, painting, and intuitive mark-making, participants will:
Give form to what is difficult to name
Externalize inner tension into image and symbol
Develop a personal visual language for their inner world
Shift from avoidance → relationship
This creative exploration is not about making something beautiful; it’s about making something true. Our objective is not to mask, resolve, fix, or problem-solve but to engage with the complexity of expression. Through various art-making practices and embodied expressions, we will create a temenos for the monstrous.
This workshop is for anyone who has ever felt that part of themselves was too much, too strange, too emotional, too angry, too sensitive, or too wild.
Feel drawn to mythology, symbolism, and the language of images
Want to explore your inner world using a medium other than words and sentences.
Want to loosen “getting it” and make art from instinct.
Believe creativity can be a way of listening to yourself, and the parts of you that want to be listened to.
Have a desire to express without a goal or a destination.
Are curious about the sacredness of the monstrous.
Are curious about art and artistry
Are interested in the medicinal qualities of creativity and art as knowledge-making
Want to connect with play, creativity, curiosity, and be in community.
Dates: Saturdays
October 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21
Times: 2-4pm MST / 1-3 pm/ PST / 3-5pm Central / 4-6pm EST
Week 1:
GREET: Meeting the Monstrous
Week 2:
SHAPE: Forming Monster
Week 3:
STORY: Symbols, not Signs
Week 4:
LISTEN: Relating to the Monstrous
Week 5:
REWEAVE: The Integration, The Retablo, The Therianthrope
What you get:
Five (2 hour gatherings) with replay availability.
Weekly inspirational emails.
Access to a virtual classroom and virtual support.
Audio/ video supportive recordings and tutorials, availible for 3 months after the last class)
$180 THE SUSTAINER (Pay-It Forward) for those who have financial stability and want to support the other payment tiers.
$135 THE NURTURER the price of this course
$108 The NOURISHER for those who need a little extra financial support and students.
Set your own price: No one will be turned away if you need or want to pay a different price, please set the price point that best works for you.
*Tiered Pricing makes this 5-week course more accessible to all.
Once you enroll you will receive access to our Mighty Networks online classroom, suggested supply list, course readings and Zoom links.
Whether you participate live on Zoom or via recordings, we will dedicate 2 hours each week to creating together as a community, observing forms, welcoming our imaginations, and honoring creativity as a sacred practice.
“Can we discern if the monsters on our backs are growling because we have yet o give them attention? Who or what are we ignoring in the rise of hatred? What is it that we are still unaware of?”