A notebook is a primary tool of creative people throughout time and across disciplines. Keeping a journal of some kind helps to develop observational skills and creative thinking, records ideas and research, and fosters inspiration for writing or making other art.
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) — the self-taught “Renaissance Man,” painter of the Mona Lisa, student of anatomy, inventor of flying machines, and on and on — whose notebooks overflow with drawings, codes, notes, and imaginings, we will work together to learn, develop, and share new techniques and practices for journaling and experiment with ways to use our journals as fodder for our more purposeful writing.
This series is a dive into serious play and is appropriate for writers of all genres and levels. There will be some work to complete between sessions, in order to establish and and explore the notebook process.
This class is appropriate for students who have already done a Da Vinci Notebook course, as well as students new to the concept.
Instructor: Toni K. Thayer is a two-time recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, once in playwriting and once in fiction. She holds an MFA in fiction from Goddard College and an MA in English with a focus on medieval women’s literature from Cleveland State University. Her professional life has spanned feminist theater and writing and editing for an alternative newspaper to fundraising for women’s health and teaching English and creative writing.
Details: Exploring the Da Vinci Notebook: Creative Play, Experiment & Inspiration takes place Tuesdays March 8 and 22, April 5 and 19 & May 3 and 17 from 6:30-8:30pm remotely through Zoom.
