Workshops & Classes,
and Speaking
Eileen is an inspiring and empowering speaker, workshop leader and educator. She works with groups large and small, one-on-one, or in conjuction with other programming. Her main focus is to show the value of expressive art in all of our lives through photography, self-portraiture and writing.
As a cancer survivor and artist, Eileen developed a new way to view her art practice and how to incorporate the trauma of disease and treatment into her life a a creative person. Eileen speaks about her experience of the highs and lows of serious illness and how expressive art offered her an escape from uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear. She knows first-hand how art can heal and encourage emotional growth and stability.
Additionally, Eileen also leads writing workshops geared to visual artists. She offers instruction in writing artist statements, narratives/bios, academic writing, and free-writing to complement your visual practice.
Eileen has led workshops at Creighton University, Nantucket Atheneum, The Smith Center to name a few. Her self-portrait project Can you make hair for me? has been featured in the Boston Globe and on NBC.
Expressive Self-Portrait
What is a self-portrait and how can we redefine it a way that is specific to our experience as individuals? The self-portrait isn’t limited to a literal image of the artist, it can be a metaphor for a certain portion of our lives, or a symbol of our interior or exterior thoughts. In this workshop we recontexualize self-portraiture and learn how we can work it in ways that are specific to our experiences as individuals. Learn about the long tradition of self-portraiture in art and how to incorporate this genre into your practice. Through your choice of media: photography, collage, sculpture, painting, plus writing prompts we will the explore the art of the self visually and to work with personal trauma and transform it into artistic expression. This empowering workshop is a body positive safe space for all.
Art of Trauma
In life we are presented with all kinds of situations and obstacles that can then lead to trauma of one kind or another. Building a fruitful and healing art practice can seem daunting. In this workshop, learn how to incorporate your trauma into positive expressive art that can provide a rewarding basis for further art making. Using a camera or medium of your choice, we will explore how to engage with trauma through visualization, short writing assignments and making pictures. This empowering workshop is a safe space for all.
PhotographyInstruction
Would you like to improve you photography practice and seek productive instruction? Working in small groups or one-on--one, learn how to make stronger compositions, incorporate effective color, and create a project portfolio you can share with friends and family. We will discuss how to approach subjects and how to set an intention for your work. Bring your images for discussion, set creative goals and start new projects. Shoot on location on Cape Cod!
In addition to basic instruction, Eileen holds workshops on street photography and the role of the flaneur, strolling and observing.
Lectures
& Speaking
Eileen's speaks passionately when telling her story about cancer and expressive art. When she created the Can you make hair for me? collaborative art project during chemotherapy treatment she began to see art in a new and healing way. She focuses on the positive aspects of expressive activity and how these acts, no matter how small or large, can be integrated into your own life and practice. Eileen uses images from her own projects as well props. See project video below.
Can you make hair for me project video
