Revisiting Flags

Set #2, 2008 by Asya Lesly

The current set of Bhavana Project flags are up in Northern California with my friends Phil and Ana.  While we wait, here is a flag by California fiber artist Asya Lesly, from the second set created in 2008.  Her graphic image on the flag makes a powerful addition to the group.

Asya cannot remember at time when she "did not sew or have a collection of fabric."  Visit her website to see more of Asya's work that includes quilts and dolls.

Thank you once again, Asya!

Bhavana Project prayer flags 2008

Comings and Goings

Bhavana Project Prayer Flags - 9/2008. Photo by Mary Roy.

 
I had a fabulous time talking about prayer flags and the Bhavana Project at the Westside Quilters' meeting last Saturday.  Interest was sparked which may bring some new participants, but mostly I just loved sharing the flags with a new audience.

Speaking...

Bhavana Project Prayer Flags - 5/2012. Photo by Judy Warner.

Workshop update:  I will be teaching a mini Creative Circle Workshop on January 17, 2016 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in Culver City.  Stay tuned!

Sharing the Flags at WQ

I have been invited by Westside Quilters to give a brief talk about the Bhavana Project and prayer flags at their meeting this Saturday, October 17th.  I am happy to have the opportunity to share the project.  Thank you, Westside Quilters!

Bhavana Project Set 1, 2006.  Photo by Mary Cochran.

As you may know, my journey with prayer flags began over 10 years ago.  Inspired by Tibetan tradition of inscribing prayers or mantras on flags, I created the Bhavana Project as an ongoing group work to acknowledge the goodness in our lives. These flags cross cultural and spiritual boundaries, and are accessible to anyone.  We are in currently process with the fourth set of flags.  For more: the site.

Bhavana Project Set 3, 2010.  Photo by Elizabeth Dailey.

Westside  Quilters is open to all quilters, and meets quarterly at St. John's Presbyterian Church at 11000 National Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90064.  I am looking forward to the meeting!

2016 Workshops in Oxnard

Do you like to plan ahead?  The dates are set for the 2016 Creative Circle Flag Workshops at Threads of Awakening Transformative Arts Studio in Oxnard, CA.  Are you curious about prayer flags??  Join us on March 6th or July 31st for a relaxing and fun afternoon of creative play.  Mark your calendars!

These will be wonderful gatherings!

Creativity for Peace, Part 2

As promised, here is a brief photo journey documenting Creativity for Peace's July 30th fundraiser, with the Bhavana Project prayer flags on exhibit.  Creativity for Peace prepares the next generation of female leaders in Israel and Palestine through art and dialogue.  Learn more about CFP here.

 

Attendees making their own flags...

Thank you to Creativity for Peace and Debby Everett for including our flags in your event!  Thanks to Don Nofte for the photographs.

Creativity for Peace

Bhavana Project Flags 2012.  Photo by Judy Warner

Creativity for Peace is an organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico that works with young Israeli and Palestinian women on collaborative leadership and peacemaking through art and dialogue camps. My friend Debby Everett volunteers for the non-profit, and has participated in the Bhavana Project numerous times.  Through her efforts, the third set of the Bhavana Project will be shown at Creativity for Peace's fundraising event this week.  There will be the opportunity for attendees to make their own prayer flags.  All very exciting!

As you may remember, the third set of flags was created around the theme "Reflections on Peace".  Most fitting for this event.  Stay tuned for more details and photos.

Bhavana Project 2010.  Photo by Elizabeth Dailey.

Flags in the Community

Some prayer flags that I came across here and there, either in person (Arlington Garden) or online-

Flags on Wish Trees at Arlington Garden

Flags made by Sacred Threads exhibit attendees.

Photo courtesy Lisa Ellis

More Flags by Sacred Threads exhibit attendees.

Photo courtesy Lisa Ellis

Flags Return from New Mexico

Debby Everett, from Santa Fe New Mexico, has finished her wonderful flag.  She drew inspiration from language ... choosing positive words arranged in colorful circular simplicity.  Thank you for your contribution, Debby!

 

There are 9 more flags to go in completing this set.  Interested in joining us?  We would love to have you be a part of the Bhavana Project.  Learn about participating here.

A Mini Prayer Flag Workshop

Mini Creative Circle Workshop

Ready for an art adventure?  Intrigued by prayer flags?  

Uncover your creative spirit!

Creative process allows us to make new discoveries about ourselves.  Would you like to learn more?  Join in this hands on exploration using simple and fun techniques to create your own prayer/aspiration flag.  This mini intro workshop is the perfect opportunity to try out the process. No experience needed.  Blank flag and materials provided. 

When:         Sunday, July 12, 2015, 1:30 - 3:00pm  

Where:       Culver City
Cost:           $25

 

Space is limited.  For details and to register please contact Linda. 

Cancellation policy: Cancellations up to 14 days prior to the workshop are eligible for a refund minus a 15% non-refundable administration fee.   There are no refunds or credits after 14 days prior to the workshop, however you may designate another to take your place.

Beatha

Excitement!  The flags have returned, after a slight detour, with Judy Warner's beautiful offering.  "Beatha" is Gaelic for 'life' or 'that which sustains'.  Read more about Judy's reflections on the process on her blog.

Beatha by Judy Warner

First Flags of 4th set.  Photo by Judy Warner

Thank you, Judy!  I love the elegant simplicity of your expression.

10 more flags will be added to this set.  The flags will head to Santa Fe next.  Who will follow?  Join us and share your aspiration.

Kindness

Asya Lesly  2008

Beauty and peace are always around us when we give our heart and mind to the present moment.

                           ~Russell Delman




A lovely post today on The Prayer Flag Project blog that speaks of not striving for perfection in creating prayer flags, but rather using them to share our hopes and compassion with the world. And to bring more kindness to the suffering within and without.

Share the kindness.... and I share several previous Bhavana Project prayer flags with you.

Lahar Goldberg's "Peace" 2009

A Great Afternoon...

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, 

and paints his own nature into his pictures.

~ Henry Ward Beecher

It was unseasonably hot over the weekend, so it was a treat to be leading another Creative Circle prayer flag workshop near the beach at Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo's Threads of Awakening studio.  

This group was particularly intent.  Quiet descended on the room as everyone got down to art making.  It is a joy for me to watch the process unfold as each unique individual voice begins to manifest on the fabric. 

Aimee adds finishing touches..

Nicola in process

Focused....

Cutting circles...

Thank you to the lovely ladies for bringing energy and willingness to our playful day!

We intend making the Creative Circle workshop a regular event at Threads of Awakening... the next workshop will be August 8, 2015.  Come dive in for yourself!

On the Move Again

This week the flags will be on their way to Eileen Bailey Frank.  The 12 flag set will grow gradually.  I add one blank flag to the set each time a new person begins, so they will see the flags of previous participants.

For this set, I have prepped all flags ahead of time. 

They are ready and waiting for you!

Would you like to make flags in a group environment?  Remember, there will be another Creative Circle workshop to make flags in Oxnard on March 15th... learn more here.