Studio Stories: Illuminating Our Lives through Art

by Lauren Rader

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When artist Lauren Rader begins inviting women into her studio for classes in creativity, she has no idea what she is about to unleash. Drawn by a common yearning to express themselves through art, the women soon find that the path to creativity leads deep within—to hidden thoughts, buried memories, and dramatic life changes. Here, Rader relates their intensely personal journeys, along with insights from a lifetime of teaching and artistry, and from her daily walks along the river with her sweet dog Wiley.

ART / General
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Healing / General

ISBN: 978-1-941830-50-5 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-941830-89-5 (softcover)
ISBN: 978-1-941830-51-2 (digital)

LCCN:

Released 2016

146 pages; 19 color illustrations

Author / Artist Biography

Lauren Rader is a lifelong artist and art educator. Her works in stone, clay, oils, and pastels have been exhibited in California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Embassy in Fiji, and are in numerous private and corporate collections. Beginning as a teen arts-and-crafts counselor at her beloved Camp Cayuga, Lauren has introduced generations of children to the wonders of art. In 2005 she opened her art studio to adult students, offering classes for women called Releasing the Creative Powers Within. The women’s personal and collective journeys into creativity became the inspiration for this book. Lauren currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland.

Endorsements

"There is so much power in these stories. The power of art. The power of women. The beautiful power of women in the act of creating.  These are stories of courage and liberation."
— Tom Ashbrook, host, NPR’s On Point

"Studio Stories runs deep. It offers readers close encounters with art-making and its persistent power to help us see who we are and might yet become."
— Michael Roth, president, Wesleyan University; former president, California College of the Arts

"Lauren’s gentle coaching brought back to life the artist in me that I long ago extinguished.  This book can help do that for so many others too.  It is beautiful, poetic, and inspiring. "
— Cecilia Capuzzi Simon, contributing writer, The New York Times

"Studio Stories reminds us that creative expression is the birthright of every human being. It inspires and uplifts.  A must-read! "
— Flora Bowley, artist, author of Brave Intuitive Painting 

"Studio Stories will remind you to stop and notice the beauty all around and within you.  If you’re a teacher, you’ll get ideas about materials and themes to inspire creativity. If you’re an art therapist, you’ll marvel at Lauren’s natural gift of using the transformative properties inherent in the creative process."
— Karen Wise, former clinical director, Boston Institute for Arts Therapy

"Whether art is an important part of your life or not, this book – a piece of art in every right –will inspire you to face your fears and find and surrender to your true, best self. Every page is a powerful inspiration – every story a message to live by.  One of the most genuinely beautiful, elegant, and powerful reads I’ve come across.  I am in love with this book and implore you to get a copy for yourself and for all who matter in your life."
— Umaimah Mendhro, Founder and CEO, VIDA

"Studio Stories is eloquent, inviting, and beautifully designed. Rader’s narrative provides a real sense of the breakthroughs and ‘aha’ moments, as well as the struggles, inherent in the creative process.  A thought-provoking and delightful read."
— Nancy Collamer, author of Second-Act Careers; founder, MyLifestyleCareer.com

"Studio Stories is a deeply insightful book that conveys through powerful real-life stories the wise ancient philosophy that art has the ability to awaken a soul. A must-read book for every educator, therapist, counselor and art activist."
— Maye Torres, artist, Taos, NM

Articles and Reviews

The Big Secret to Discovering Your Life’s Purpose: How Creative Self-Expression Can Help You Figure Out What's Really Important, Nancy Collamer, nextavenue.org, October 31, 2016.