Verbiage-Video

 Edited version... 

Laura Lein-Svencner

The importance of finding a way, to make sense of both the world around us and the world within us. I’ve understood this all my life, as have those who naturally gravitate toward creative expression. But the truth is, creativity isn’t exclusive—it’s within all of us. More than ever, we should invite a way to use creative expression into our lives. For me, working with collage and mixed media is a grounding practice, a place where I can meet myself again and again. Our hands are remarkable tools on their own, but when we extend them to new materials, we create, explore, and surprise ourselves. Simply allowing ourselves to try—without certainty, without expectation—is an act of courage. When I create my own collage papers and share ideas with my students, I see their eyes light up as they reconnect with the child within. I’ve witnessed firsthand the role of touch throughout life—how it begins, how it fades, how we take it for granted. This need for tactile connection cannot be satisfied by tapping on a keyboard or swiping a screen. Through collage, paper-making, and mixed media, we rekindle that connection between mind and body, between ourselves and the world. Creativity and wonder go hand in hand. I believe in keeping them connected. Growth in any creative pursuit means embracing mistakes, pushing boundaries, and sometimes making a mess. But through this process, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

This is the statement I needed to provide for Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat May 2025