17. Kathryn Coneway: Creative Practice as a Gateway to Community Healing and Contemplation

Kathryn Coneway is a working artist in Alexandria, Virginia, whose deep passion is bringing everyday people together in creative space. The resounding cries of "I'm not an artist, nor am I creative!" are nothing new to her—and yet she would invite those who make these cries to give their creativity a chance to see what happens. For Kathryn, these experiences are less about the final outcome or product and more about what happens inside a person or in a group when they share a creative space together.

On this episode, we talk about:

* The difference between creative practice and what is produced when it comes to art making

* How creative spaces become fertile ground for contemplative stillness and silence

* How often creative practice has proven itself to be more healing and helpful than talking, by itself, can be, especially in a group that's processing a difficult experience

* Kathryn's experiences working with post-9/11 groups, with hematology and oncology patients and families, and with those processing the aftermath of the 2016 election

* How parents and their kids can grow together and in relationship through sharing creative space together

* How art created in community especially makes room for the unexpected and the unknown

Connect with Kathryn on her website and on Instagram at @kathrynconeway.

Connect with Christianne on Instagram at @christiannesquires or by subscribing to the Light Notes email list.

And consider applying to be a guest on the show! Fill out the guest application form here.