About Me

Denise Doyle, M.A. ~ Transformative Artist ~ Mixed Media Artist ~ Teacher ~ Curator ~ Mask-making ~ Art Classes & Creative Process Exploration~~~ Welcome to my blog! I've created this page to share my journey of mask-making and body totem work, and my class offerings, as both a creator and teacher. I have the great privilege of facilitating, teaching and guiding women, men and children through the creative process of mask-making, mixed-media collage, and personal art curriculum. Every single participant is continually blown away by the results of their journeys and the personal discoveries they unearth along the way. The following blog is a continuous collection of photos, writings and inspiration. I am a teacher, mixed-media artist and photographer. I have a M.A. in Transformative Arts from John F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, CA.

Friday, August 14, 2015



AUGUST 14, 2015...Sun, Moon and Venus in Leo the Lion!

In the current chapter of this journey of my life, I've come to realize that personally and professionally, I really love to facilitate and simply bear witness to people stepping into their power, with particular emphasis on women and girls. It's miraculous and awe-inspiring for me to witness life transitions, rites of passage and phases of transformation in my students, fellow artists and clients, as well as my friends and in my family. I had the esteemed privilege of being part of the Three Girls Theater New Works Festival last week, as curator of the art show. It was a wonderful, well received art exhibition featuring my own artwork alongside three other amazing female artists. And the festival! The work of these incredible contemporary Bay Area women playwrights was really something to behold! I am so honored to be folded into the 3Girls Family!

Just this morning, I was walking down the street with my amazing son and my wonderful nieces, girls who are growing into smart, strong young women before my eyes. They have been at an amazing camp this week with my son, making their own bows and arrows and practicing archery as young Artemis' and Orions, standing tall and proud in their power. Lately I am in absolute awe as I bare witness to mothers who are making difficult choices in the face of a challenging marriage, a dying relative, a high-needs child...or simply coping the immensity of life and death in our crazy world. 

We are clearly in a time of enormous intensity and change, personally and politically and socially, and it's is often too huge to integrate. Time and time again, I witness the power of art and the creative process in people's lives and what a difference such work can make. All too often in our culture, we neglect the need to honor rites of passage, life changes, and times of transition. Which is why I am honored to once again offer the following:


Private Sacred Maskmaking for Individuals, Couples and Groups 

A one-day all-day workshop at my home studio, on location in your home or anywhere you feel drawn to (more info on request!).
We are all change-agents, facing the turning. We are the authors of our realities, creating the new chapter of our lives. Honor and commemorate this time with a guided-journey, gentle movement and mask-making session that is custom tailored for your needs. Perfect for mothers and daughters, for women reaching menopause, for those experiencing the death of a love one, and for anyone in life-transition who is seeking a way to work through and express that which cannot be said in words. 

Mask-making is a deeply nourishing and creative opportunity to explore your spiritual self and express your divinity through the creative process. Through the hands-on creation of a plaster mask, you may discover new wisdom and insight. Through sculpting and embellishing a plaster gauze mold of your original face, your own unique sacred mask emerges. I provide all materials, including a veritable candy store of art supplies and artifacts for your pleasure.

This experience is a perfect retreat for anyone who is interested in exploring further into the mysteries of his/her muses and his/her own creativity as a journey of self-discovery. Makes an incredible gift!
Sessions start at $250 per person, sliding scale for two or more based on need.

Want more information? Email me: deniseastar@gmail.com



Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Risky Women: Wreaking Havoc!

Art Show as part of Three Girls Theater New Works Festival
August 3-9, 2015
Thick House Theater
1695 18th St
San Francisco
Featuring:

Adrienne Bolsega, Chantelle Goldthwaite, Beth Benson, Denise Doyle


Risky Women: Wreaking Havoc!
A sassy, sexy, risky show of
female artists
who push the boundaries of being.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”  Hunter S. Thompson

So many of us are taught to play it safe, look and act a certain way, to maintain control, to strive to be something resembling “normal”. Life as a woman on this planet really isn’t that one-dimensional now, is it? And maybe for some of us, it never was. One of the definitions of Havoc is to destroy or devastate. Four female artists take a look at the inner and outer worlds of femininity, sexuality, spirituality...and create work that is, in some way, risky. We are walking the edge, acting impulsively or spontaneously, and sometimes flying entirely out of control. These four artists are wreaking havoc with our preconceived notions of normal, crossing over, confiding in our desires, inspiring confessions and creative outbursts, and showing us what it looks like to take risks & push the boundaries of being.

Denise Doyle
Curator