About Linda Zahavi.
My experience as an artist and art therapist has demonstrated to me that art making and immersion into creative process is for everyone and supports spiritual, emotional and psychological well being. I am passionate about the journey into a painting that expands the mind and fosters authentic original expression.
I have been heartily engaged in creative process since early childhood. Painting/art-making emerges from a state of inner excitement that reflects the dance with uncertainty, not just my own individuality but invites that from the viewer. This is experienced uniquely by each person who sees it. The process itself that elicits more process is extremely compelling and occurring all around us all the time, whether with art media, in nature and at the molecular level.
This is my interest regardless of whether I am creating pastel landscapes, large abstracts, spiritual art or combinations. The finished piece has nothing to hold onto, but reveals the ability of the mind to expand. This is an invitation to dive deeply into the unknowing, uncertainty and possibility that is the center of our experience before we put a face and a name on it or try to pin it down.
My inspiration has come from my early studies of artists from the 60s and 70s. In addition, Buddhist mindfulness practice and Jewish mysticism have had a profound influence. I am a synthete (which means that other senses transfer to images) and these moving colors and shapes appear in my mind in response to every sound, emotion, word, or experience. They cannot be locked in and what arrives on the canvas changes in relationship to itself and even that cannot be held onto or repeated.
I was born into an Ashkenazie Jewish family. My upbringing included a basic Jewish education.
My adult spiritual life includes many years of meditation practice and teachings in the Vipassana tradition of Buddhism, then in Jewish Renewal. I am a long term member and prayer leader in P’nai Or of Portland and in ongoing studies and mentorship with Rabbi Shefa Gold. I offer a monthly Jewish chant group since 2004.
I am retired from 35 years as a professional counselor. I am a Reiki Master, Licensed Art Therapist and Spiritual Director (Mashpi’ah). I am an ordained Merkavet Ahavah in the lineage of Rabbi Shefa Gold.
Education:
Love at the Center 2020-2023
Lev Shomea: 2011-2013
Kol Zimra: 2004-2006, ongoing…….
Massachusetts College of Art, Painting major, BFA 1979
Marylhurst University. MA Art Therapy 1986