The Painting Experience Podcast

A talk given at Omega Institute on June 15, 2023. In this talk, stewart Cubley explores:The qualities of listening required in process paintingThe various barriers of thinking that attempt to prevent our deepest expressionHow to be with oneself in the act of paintingThe meaning of darker moments when difficulties ariseThe purpose of restriction and discouragementThe role of the facilitator in process painting

Kasia Krzoska, the founder of Nourish Podcast, interviews Stewart and explores the rich territory of process painting.Defining & cultivating creativityHow what we “resist” may be the door to spiritual awakeningWhat “painting for process” vs. the product looks likeThe process of navigating “unknowns” and creation - the parallels between painting and lifeTapping into and flowing with “energy” as your guideProcess painting as a tool for personal self discoveryBreaking patterns of perfectionismReframing “blocks” (writers blocks, creative blocks, etc.)How the process of creativity can be beneficial to honing our nervous system and getting in touch with your inner child, your authentic selfHow to balance the flow of intuition with the practicalities of building a businessTapping into essentialism; how less might really be more

Episode 38 - In this podcast, founder Stewart Cubley explains the Seven Principles of Process Painting as outlined in the online course, Introduction to Facilitating Process Arts, and asks the question: Why paint for process at all?

Episode 37 - In this podcast, Stewart gives the opening talk at the Omega 2019 retreat. You'll hear his description of the work to first-time painters who are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and internal exploration.

Episode 36 - Why is it that when we finally embrace the uncertainty of process painting, we feel suddenly more connected to our intuitive creative flow? We usually view uncertainty as a weakness and an obstacle. But when we have the courage to embrace uncertainty by not having a plan, we find it easier to trust the revelation inherent in each moment.

Episode 35 - In this podcast episode, Stewart explores the possibility for awakening that resides in the common experience of shame.

Episode 34 - In this podcast, Stewart gives an opening talk at the Omega Institute Retreat in June 2018.

Episode 33 - In this podcast, Stewart explores the reluctance the psyche feels when challenged to become visible through the act of creation, and the existential challenge of 'coming into form'.

Episode 32 In this episode, Stewart Cubley explores what happens when our practice goes stale, and how process can help us to find our way.

Episode 31- You Are Not Your Painting! - We tend to identify with our paintings and impede the creative process. Stewart discusses the invitation and the challenge of 'going beyond yourself' that process painting offers.

Episode 30 Making an about-face -- from relying on external affirmation to trusting yourself -- is all it takes to find the creative source inside you.

Episode 29 This episode returns to the persistent topic of critical voices. We know them so well, but what are they really trying to tell us?

Episode 28 This episode takes you into the jaws of the crocodile, those places in your painting--and yourself-- where you'd rather not go, but hold the key to your transformation.

Episode 27           In this episode Stewart Cubley explores how process painting challenges us to say Yes! to whatever arises in our painting and in our life.

Episode 26           In this episode Stewart Cubley shares recent workshop experiences that illustrate the powerful shift that occurs when we let go of our planning mind and allow a deeper creative force to guide our hand.

Episode 25           This conversation between Stewart Cubley and Zen priest and teacher Rinzan Pechovnik investigates the powerful similarities between process painting and Zen meditation practice.

Episode 24           In this episode, Stewart explores the role of vulnerability in process painting. Opening to the intuitive voice within ourselves requires us to feel vulnerable. Instead of resisting those feelings, we can learn how to encourage and invite them, becoming more creative and more alive.

Episode 23             In this episode, Stewart Cubley describes the phenomena of rejecting the creative muse and it's implications in process painting.

Episode 22           In painting, and in life, we all have those moments when the harsh inner critic appears. In this episode, Stewart considers the source of this all too familiar voice and prescribes a surprising course of action.

Episode 21         In this episode, you hear Stewart leading a live discussion at a recent retreat. He explores the potential for awakening using the tool of process painting.

Episode 20         In this episode, we see how when viewed in the light of process, something we first thought of as a mistake turns out to be anything but.

Episode 19     In this episode Stewart Cubley explores why we so often experience resistance when undertaking a creative project, and how we can work with that resistance so that instead of remaining stuck we're free to move deeper.

Episode 18       In this episode, Stewart takes a humorous look at why painting for process is important, even when you're not sure what the point is.

Episode 17     In this episode, Stewart tells Part II of his own story, how he left his path as a scientist to follow a call that led him first into the Alaskan woods and then to the discovery of The Painting Experience.

Episode 16       In this episode, Stewart tells Part I of his own story, how he left his path as a scientist to follow a call that led him first into the Alaskan woods and then to the discovery of The Painting Experience.

Episode 15     In this episode Stewart Cubley explores why he encourages people not to cover things up in process painting in order to find the satisfaction of accepting what shows up and following it through to the end.

Episode 14     In this episode, Stewart discusses one of the basic ground rules of a Painting Experience workshop - "Why are we asked not to comment on each other's painting?"

Episode 13     In this episode, Stewart talks about how process painting can develop a momentum that affects all aspects of our daily life.

Episode 12     In this episode, Stewart talks about how we can open to the process of powerful transformation during a painting session.

Episode 11   In this episode, Stewart explores the question of abstract or figurative, and is there a difference in process art?

Episode 10     In this episode, Stewart Cubley explores what happens when something new appears in your painting, and your life.

Episode 9     In this episode, Stewart discusses creative blocks -- how to approach them rather than push them away -- and how they can become doorways to deeper levels of freedom. 

Episode 8     In this episode, Stewart Cubley explores the essence of process painting and describes how we can see art as a living experience rather than as a commodity.

Episode 7       In this episode Stewart Cubley explores the process of completion: what it means to carry the painting through to the end without abandoning or overdoing.

Episode 6     In this episode, Stewart investigates what it means to 'follow the energy' in painting and in life.

Episode 5     In this episode, Stewart Cubley asks the question: why should someone do process painting at all? What happens when you paint without a goal or purpose, and how can it help you to find ease and creative connection?

Episode 4     In this episode, Stewart takes you on a journey where the conscious mind surrenders and the creative source itself does the work of painting.

Episode 3     In this episode, Stewart explores the power of not-knowing. How surrendering expectations can lead you to your own voice, your own images and your own colors.

Episode 2     In this episode, Stewart explores the presence of the creative force in our lives, and how to partner with it.

Episode 1     On the Painting Experience podcast, founder Stewart Cubley explores the potential of the emerging field of process arts and shares inspiration and insights from his ongoing workshops and retreats. In this first episode, Stewart introduces the first principle of process arts, painting for process, not product.