Today is the last official artist interview for the season. I’m sending the series off with a BANG! Not only do I have an “Inspiring Artist” interview with Whitney Ferre, but I am also giving away a copy of her book, The Artist Within: a Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit.
Could you use a little more creativity in your every day? If so then you will certainly want to get your hands on The Artist Within! This book serves as your own personal creativity trainer. Centered around the eight principals of design; emphasis, balance, proportion, unity, harmony, contrast, rhythm and repetition, Whitney shows us how learning these principals through art can help you achieve a balanced composition in your own life.
“I want to help you create a side of your life where there are no rules, no limitations, and no critics.” -Whitney Ferre.
You will learn to tap into your own “artist within” as you work through the numerous Creativity Exercises and Workouts provided. Allow yourself to ponder reflective questions such as; What is most important to you? What does your ideal job look like? and What are your own personal dreams. Then jump into the simple step by step creativity workouts that allow you to switch from left to right brain thinking. There is even room right in the book to scribble, draw, write and create!
I have had so much fun working through this book and I can’t wait to send it out to one of my lucky readers! To enter simply leave a comment below. A random winner will be drawn and announced next Monday, September 26th. Good luck!
Now let’s meet the “Inspiring Artist” behind this incredible book, Whitney Ferre.
For me art is…
LIFE! Every aspect, every level. When we learn more about art making we learn more a out how to “make” the life we are intended to live.
What are you currently working on?
I have just moved to a ranch in NE Oregon with my husband and 3 kids. So I am working on all kinds of new roles and responsibilities, ones that include horses, chickens and a puppy, along with my constant flow of new ideas that revolve around my growing, international family of Creatively Fit Coaches, and new products. I am motivated to reach out to more and more people to let them know that they CAN do it, and that their “artist within” is waiting to help! It is such a blast to connect with people on this level and help them so profoundly.
Who has inspired you?
“Art is the proper task of life.” -Nietzsche (because Boldt quoted this in his book and it started the ball rolling)
And
“The time came when the risk to remain tight like a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin
Are there any tips to living a creative life that you’d like to share?
Please realize that you have been programmed to believe that a “creative life” is only worthy if it is producing money. As human beings we created art before we created a monetary system or an alphabet. We are artists, creators, at our core. To deny that is futile. Art holds the key to your authentic self. Through creating you will discover who YOU were created to be. Just do it!
Where can people find you and your work?
And thanks also to you, my dear readers, for being a vital part of the “Inspiring Artist” series. May you all continue to be inspired by all of the art and artists in your lives. Don’t forget to leave your comments below for the opportunity to WIN a copy of The Artist Within!
Jeniffer
September 19, 2011
I’ve really enjoyed reading about all the creative people out there. So many ways to live a “creative life” Thank you Jen for introducing us to them all. I’m going to miss the interviews but somehow I know you’ll be coming up with something else to keep us coming back again and again to your website and blog.
love and hugs to you 😉
September 19, 2011
Thank you Judy. I am so glad you have enjoyed the artist interviews! Don’t worry, this is just a pause, not the end of the series.
And I have a feeling I’ll be coming up with something new too. To be honest, I don’t know what it is yet myself. Guess you’ll just have to come back and find out. 🙂
September 19, 2011
OOh I LOVE the owls and bird drawings!
Good luck on the Ranch. That sounds SOOOO cool! I so want to live where I can have chickens, cows and a sunny place for a lovely garden.
September 19, 2011
I love that Whitney points out that she jumped in head on without worrying about formal training. She knew what she wanted and went for it. I think that makes for a fabulous and inspiring final interview of the season, Jen. It’s nice to have a reminder that just because we aren’t “trained” that we can still love art in all of its forms.
When does the new season start?
September 19, 2011
Jeniffer & Whitney, I find you both inspiring!! I’m trying so hard to find my creativity! Thank you both for helping. Ann
September 19, 2011
Jennifer & Whitney ~ I love the inspiration in everything you do … Being creative was my goal this year and I have broken out more so than ever, and I want to continue down this same path for years to come …
September 19, 2011
Jeniffer, thank you for the opportunity to share Creatively Fit and my book with your followers. I challenge each of you to get to know your Artist Within–it is there! Cheers! Whitney
September 19, 2011
Such a wonderful interview. I’m in Whitney’s Painting Marathon now and loving it. What a gift.
Blessings,
Sheri
September 19, 2011
I’m glad you all have enjoyed the interview! Thank you so much for sharing your comments and thoughts 🙂
September 20, 2011
I love this interview and now am going to look in to being Creatively Fit! Thanks for the inspiration.
Jen
September 20, 2011
I’ve been a keen follower of your artist interviews Jeniffer – I’m going to miss them. They have been a weekly fix to fight off procrastination and propel me into my studio to create. Whitney, your interview is no exception. I admire your “go get it” attitude to life and this reflects in your bold and colourful artwork. You are a guiding light.. thank you.
September 20, 2011
What a wonderful feature! I was very interested in reading about Whitney – and promptly signed up for her newsletter. Thank you for featuring her and offering her book!
September 20, 2011
great interview Jennifer. i am off to visit Whitneys site. thanks for the inspiration
Lee:)
September 21, 2011
Inspiring! I’m working through the book and highly recommend it. Check out her website!
September 21, 2011
Oh my gosh!! I absolutely loved the interview, some of the pieces on the blog post are exquisite. I love the colors, the shapes, it passes a feeling of freedom.
September 21, 2011
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful interviews, they have been such an inspiration to me. I look forward to learning more about Whitney, and I sure hope I win her book!!
September 22, 2011
Jennifer, fabulous interview with a truly inspiring woman. I am off to look at her blog straight after this. Thankyou so much for sharing such an inspring interview.
September 25, 2011
Thanks for posting such a great article! I’m going to check out Whitney’s website right away – I’m inspired!
September 30, 2011
Oh wow, what a wonderful interview. I am so glad that I found your blog and your class on 21 Secrets. I am only just getting started but I am so inspired.
I am off to check our Whitney’s site!!!
March 12, 2013
I am so excited to read about Whitney. I just want to thank you for The Creative Fitness Center in Nashville. I moved there from IN and could not connect with anyone in the art world. I visited the Fitness Center several times, it kept me balanced. Because of a chronic illness I had to move back home to In but I’d give anything to be back in Nashville. I often think about the time I spent at the Creative Fitness Center with gratitude. I googled you because you are teaching 21 Secrets and just became so excited at the mention of the Creative Center. Thank you so much for your inspiration and talent.