From our Seekers

Such a beautiful & transformative therapeutic art session yesterday led by Claudia Palmira“

–S.

Thank you so much, Claudia. I love working with you and the space you create for us.”

–CC

In a world that is becoming saturated with life coaching of all varieties, Claudia’s Open City Creative Group stands well apart — a truly unique for makers of any kind, trying to find and hone their creative voice.

My decision to be a part of the creative group was born from both a sense of excitement and trepidation. Excitement at the prospect of becoming “unstuck” from the creative and logistical rut which I found myself in over the last several years within my own practice as an image-based studio artist and writer. And trepidation at how well any such group or coaching might actually help me to achieve these things that I so sorely desired.

I am pleased to say that this experience went well beyond my expectations. Through Claudia’s unique blend of practical artistic experience, boundless empathy, courageous agility and heart, I was able not only to connect some of the logistical dots, but also to go much deeper into some of the more fundamental roadblocks which have long been camped in the periphery of my being, holding me back from the joyful freedom of artistic expression and chronically dampening my shine.

The small group setting was also a perfect way to explore these things and Claudia is quite skillful at both leading the group and allowing it to act as an entity for its own healing and discovery. Having been a teacher in the arts for many years, I can tell you this is not an easy thing to do. Yet, when it is done correctly, working in an intimate group setting — filled with artists of all kinds, from writers, to designers, to photographers — added a layer of collaborative support that proved truly essential. Claudia’s guidance during these sessions helped me open up and rediscover my voice and agency as a maker…being a part of a group of like-minded creators made me feel less alone in my struggles and grateful to learn from and connect with my peers.

If you are an artist, writer, designer, singer, actor, maker or creator of ANY kind, I believe being a part of Open City Creative can help with whatever problems in your practice with which you are currently dealing. Claudia truly is an expert at what she does and her generosity of spirit and genuine care for Creatives absolutely helped me gain critical insight, direction and that oh-so-important “mojo” that had been hiding in the shadows for many years. If you find yourself struggling with the same thing, I promise you this will bring some of those things back out into the sunshine, where they were always meant to live and grow and thrive.

Thank you Claudia for all that you do and for being such a force of good in the universe!

– J.T.

Thank you for this incredible weekly experience and a supportive community.”

–T

I love working with you and seeing what comes out. You are very good at this.”

–S

Thank you for yesterday’s workshop session. I really really tuned into my feelings. I loved making art. It was truly what I was craving. Some space for me to feel, be held and create something new.”

J.

Thanks again! It was inspiring and energizing! Cleared up some of my mental/emotional ambivalence due to this pandemic.”

Si è bellissimo perché sento come se tutti i pezzi si stessero mettendo a posto”

– F.

Today’s workshop was wonderful- I had no idea what to expect but it was grounding and provoked some insights this afternoon.”

–KK

Its lovely working in a safe group setting with Claudia as our teacher & guide leading us through a creative therapautic session.”

–M

I cannot overstate the benefits I’ve received from being part of Claudia’s group. When I started I was an occasional writer of poetry. I didn’t really believe I belonged in a forum for artists. Over the last 8 months I have become a relatively prolific poet and, thanks to Claudia, I have a daily practice and a new, sustainable way of working which has given me the confidence to write creatively continuously. I have a fully functional framework for my art and I’m truly grateful to Claudia for showing me how to create and sustain it. Claudia has an intimate knowledge of all the barriers and challenges artists face and, more importantly, she knows how to conquer all of them. Claudia has a gift for communicating gently, sensitively, lovingly and supportively. Her courage and willingness in sharing your experience is inspiring, comforting, reassuring. It has also been a privilege, and a joy, to hear a wide range of artists share their experience of their journeys. I gained much confidence from them and much inspiration. I am also really grateful to them. I am not only more at ease in my poetic skin, I am also enjoying my art to the full. I hesitated to join Claudia’s group. I recommend to my friends that they jump at the chance. I’m confidant they’ll be as thrilled with the results as I am.

–A

Thank You again for another beautiful 2 hours journey…I am really sooo grateful it is fun healing and adventurous and you are simply Divine 💜”

–SP

 

Thank you for holding such an important space!!!”

–T

Thank You Thank You Thank You… for another 2 hours of Beautiful Creative Healing Escape…”

–BC

I enjoyed to be connected with many people who where very interesting. Because of your workshop, I’ve had insights that emerged clearly. You have lead the workshop brilliantly, and I didn’t think it was possible to have such depth working virtually!”

L.