Inspiring Artist, Whitney Ferre (and a book giveaway!)

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.

 

Hi Whitney,
Please introduce yourself and your art a little bit.
My favorite part of my story is that I opened an art center in 1996 with NO formal art training and with no painting or drawing experience. This fact has always given my clients hope! Even with knowing nothing, my art center became the no. 1 arts center in Nashville, TN because people felt successful there. It was called The Creative Fitness Center because I wanted to communicate that it is just as important to “work out” our right brain/creative muscle as it is our physical muscle. 15 years later I have published two books, launched the online creativity training programs at whitneyfreya.com, presented internationally, and sold my own art worldwide. I am completely energized by both the joy my clients discover when they open up to the possibilities in our Creatively Fit Program and by how desperately our world needs our creative energy to fuel solutions and reconciliations.

 

 

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?

The person who started it all for me is Laurence G. Boldt, author of Zen and the Art of Making a Living. His brilliant book made me realize that people needed a vehicle to open them up to the ART that is their lives and their role as the ARTIST. Zainab Salbi of Women for Women inspires me with her life mission to empower women in war torn countries to rebuild their lives. I highly recommend her book, Between Two Worlds—amazing!

 

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“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?

Whitney, Thank you so much for sharing your story and your book with us today!  It is an honor to help spread the work that you are doing.

 

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!

 

Love & Blessings,
Jeniffer
 
**Whitney has created a lot of change since this interview! Check out her recent book at http://riseabovethebook.com and http://whitneyfreya.com

20 Comments

  1. judyt
    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 😉

    Reply
  2. Jeniffer
    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. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Cheryl
    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.

    Reply
  4. cjraines
    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?

    Reply
  5. Ann
    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

    Reply
  6. Kristine Dubuque Ortega
    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 …

    Reply
  7. Whitney Ferre'
    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

    Reply
  8. Sheri Ann Ponzi
    September 19, 2011

    Such a wonderful interview. I’m in Whitney’s Painting Marathon now and loving it. What a gift.

    Blessings,
    Sheri

    Reply
  9. Jeniffer
    September 19, 2011

    I’m glad you all have enjoyed the interview! Thank you so much for sharing your comments and thoughts 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jen Riley
    September 20, 2011

    I love this interview and now am going to look in to being Creatively Fit! Thanks for the inspiration.
    Jen

    Reply
  11. ChristineB
    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.

    Reply
  12. Theresa
    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!

    Reply
  13. Lee
    September 20, 2011

    great interview Jennifer. i am off to visit Whitneys site. thanks for the inspiration
    Lee:)

    Reply
  14. Maggie
    September 21, 2011

    Inspiring! I’m working through the book and highly recommend it. Check out her website!

    Reply
  15. Ana Silva
    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.

    Reply
  16. Trece
    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!!

    Reply
  17. Melissa
    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.

    Reply
  18. sharyn
    September 25, 2011

    Thanks for posting such a great article! I’m going to check out Whitney’s website right away – I’m inspired!

    Reply
  19. Bec Clarke
    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!!!

    Reply
  20. Laura
    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.

    Reply

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