Physcologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called it flow. That state of complete absorption in an activity to the point where not much else matters. You forget about ego and your physical self and use your hands or your mind to create. To think. To be.
Many of the activities that lead to that state of flow, which has untold mental and physical health benefits are creative, and people have been doing them for centuries. Weaving baskets, painting landscapes, fixing cars, writing poems, making furniture. The list is endless.
One of the benefits of living in a city like the Gold Coast is our world-class access to organised creative opportunities.
Don’t believe me? Here’s just a tiny taste of what’s on offer in the coming month.
LIFE DRAWING
On the first and third Thursday of every month, people gather at the Dust Temple to practice the art of life drawing. It’s a welcoming group and people of all skill-levels are welcome.
54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
The session costs $20 with nibbles provided and is BYO.
Life Drawing sessions at Dust Temple are coordinated by local artist Rebecca Cunningham who often combines live music with life drawing for a unique artistic experience.
Life Drawing | Thursday 18 February | $20 | Dust Temple
Life Drawing | Thursday 3 March | $20 | Dust Temple
Life Drawing by Gold Coast Artist, Dean Cogle
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MUSIC
If you want to delve into the art of songwriting, with an international award-winning super star, then Gold Coast is the place to be.
Sir John Overall Dr & Lindfield Rd, Helensvale
As part of Bleach* Festival, and presented by Griffith University, none other than Ben Lee will deliver a songwriting session in March.
Songwriting with Ben Lee | 20 March | Helensvale Community and Cultural Centre.
HAND CRAFTS
Hand crafts of all kinds have made a big comeback and on the Gold Coast, Craft Parlour, based at Palm Beach, is leading the charge for a new generation of hand-made heroes.
1059 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Classes at Craft Parlour include age-old skills such as crocheting and macramé as well as contemporary and more modern skills like using Instagram for creative businesses.
Here’s some February highlights:
Sew a Kimono | 25 February | $70 | Craft Parlour, Palm Beach
Beginner’s Crochet | 24 February | $40 | Craft Parlour, Palm Beach
Basket Weaving | 5 March | $150 | Craft Parlour, Palm Beach
SLAM POETRY
Led by award-winning slam poet, Josh Holmes, Bigger Than Poetry is an open-mic poetry night that takes place on the second Wednesday of every month at Studio 56 in Miami.
23 Hillcrest, Pde, Miami
Participants perform a three-minute poem that they’ve written themselves in front of a very friendly and warm audience of like-minded people.
In recent sessions, Bigger Than Poetry has seen musicians, hip-hop artists, creative directors, fashion designers, consultants, gardeners, café owners and all manner of people try their hand at performance poetry.
Bigger Than Poetry | Wednesday 10 February | Gold coin donation | Studio 56
Bigger Than Poetry | Wednesday 9 March | Gold coin donation | Studio 56
AERIAL ART
It’s such a unique way to combine gymnastics and dance, and with our roots firmly planted in tourism and entertainment, it’s no wonder aerial artistry is big on the Gold Coast. There are a bunch of aerial art and performance studios on the Gold Coast but Aerial Circus School at Biggera Waters has an open day this month which offers a fantastic introduction for people of all ages, starting at just 30 months.
239 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Aerial Artistry | Sunday 14 February | Biggera Waters | free
FILM
Thanks to Bleach*, Gold Coasters can learn the foundations of good film making practices at a special three-hour workshop.
55 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Taking place in Mudgeeraba on 12 March is the Super Shorts Film Workshop.
Super Shorts Film Workshop | 12 March | 12 noon – 3.00pm | Mudgeeraba
TECHNOLOGY
In a fun and interactive experience, discover an amazing world of gadgetry and new media, as Open Lab delivers a hands on approach to learning about emerging technologies and the intersection between art and science.
Sir John Overall Dr & Lindfield Rd, Helensvale
Whether you’re into art, technology or just want to see something really cool, Open Lab will reveal how you can help push the boundaries of our digital future and enhance the cultural footprint of the Gold Coast.
Open Lab | 5 and 6 March | Helensvale Community and Cultural Centre
RELATED ARTICLES
Along with other Gold Coast Events you may also be interested to read:
February gig guide (live music on the Gold Coast)
Renowned digital artist highlights our city’s heroes
Gold Coast restaurants: The new kids on the block (part II)
Design Purveyor: Brandon Els, 40/40 Creative
The post Get your creative on: 7 ways to get creative this February and March appeared first on More Gold Coast.