Her book, Painting From the Source with its new sequel, Source Art in the World, is a timely manifesto forart activism as a catalyst for cultural transformation. The sequel contains additional links to many current creative outpourigs sprouting around the world. Aviva sees artists as shamans who inspire and empower others to express. In essence, she believes we are all artists and at this point in our history with so much dysfunction in the world, healing can best be facilitated through awakening the artist in all of us. Many revolutions were catalyzed by inspired artists in conversations at cafes

And what about the dark side of repressing creativity?

In The Woman's Book of Creativity, C. Diane Ealy, Ph.D. explains that, " Repressed creativity can express itself in unhealthy relationships, overwhelming stress, severe neurotic or even psychotic behavior, and addictive behaviors such as alcoholism. But perhaps the most insidious and common manifestation of repressed creativity in women (and men) is depression." Depression is most commonly known as a quiet suffering, however perhaps it is a silently screaming of the soul to express it' s authentic and creative self. In addition to the sadness and hopelessness that is commonly experienced with depression, we feel disempowered, invaluable and non-existent.

" If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being,
you will have betrayed yourself." – Rollo May, The Courage to Create

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't
bring forth what is within you, what you don't bring forth will destroy you." – Jesus

There is also some evidence to support the theory that history's most destructive world leaders had a conflicted relationship with their creativity.

Aviva believes conscious evolution can be sparked by an outpouring of creativity and her book and work are an important piece of the trans-formative fabric of the human imagination. To expand her work in the world, she will soon launch a web site for her new non profit, Creative Passage: Arts to Re-enchant People and Planet.

Whether you are a practicing or a self-repressed artist in waiting, you are invited to play your part in Aviva Gold's art revolution by reading her book, visiting her website and watching her video.

Jeff Hutner, New Paradigm Press

"Painting from the Source is a wonderful invitation to free the artist within you. It offers excellent advice on how to get over your blocks and enter that dreamlike state of creative flow in which you can tap into an inner cosmos of imagery. Aviva teaches painting as everyday shamanism; paint like a child. and you call back your lost children and your vital soul energy. I highly recommend this spirited, generous book".
Robert Moss, author of Conscious Dreaming and Dreamgates

"If there is an artist buried in you who is struggling to get out, or a free spirit who needs to be set loose, this book will be like spending a week at a creativity spa. Read it, study it, live it, and you and your soul will emerge rejuvenated".
Suzi Gablik, author of The Reenchantment of Art and Conversations Before the End of Time

"Flamboyant, fearless, and freeing-just like Aviva herself."
Henriette Anne Klauser, Ph.D., author of Put your Heart on Paper and Writing on Both Sides of the Brain

"Aviva Gold significantly enlarges the artistic and spiritual landscapes and eloquently affirms how all creation springs from the great mystery that gives shape to everything. I love the emphasis on a truly accessible and intimate "source." Discover how art is made in partnership with the creative spirit--it is not you alone who paints the picture when you paint it".
Shaun McNiff, author of Art as Medicine, Earth Angels: Engaging the Sacred in Everyday Things, and Trust the Process: An Artistic Guide to Letting Go.

READER COMMENTS:

Allison J. Smith, from ArtBizBlog:
I had many blocks (and signs of depression) and created paintings very slowly, less than 10 paintings a year! I found and read the book, Painting from the Source by Aviva Gold, and then followed its method of creating imagery.

I am now block-free! I freely express myself through my art. I create unabashedly, fluidly, and in 2007 created 180 paintings. And I have to say, the paintings now are of a much higher quality. Not to mention, I am no longer stressed-out and I think more clearly than I have in my entire life!

Reader from Hollis Park Gardens, New York:
An Eye-Opener!
I thank Aviva Gold from the bottom of my heart! This book really helped me to reach in to my "inner artist," without worry of any needless techniques that often get in the way of expressing my full creativity. Viva Aviva! Write another book real soon!

Reader from California:
A journey that has no ending.
Aviva is one of those wonderful people who is bound to discover all that there is for her to know in this life. Even more, she is willing to share those discoveries and to use them to encourage those who come into her circle to leap from hers to their own. True learning comes from sitting at the feet of those who have something to share, getting up and allowing creation to happen from that experience, and sharing it with someone else. Circles on circles on circles. Endless. Boundless. Inevitible. It is what life, and being fully alive, is all about. To life! To Aviva!

A reader from Colorado:
Read this if you've ever picked up a paintbrush!
This book was so easy to read, and so very enlightening! It brings back the joy experienced as children, in "creating". Aviva Gold has tapped into the human psyche through limitless and delightful expression in "painting from the source".

Holly from Long Island, New York:
Wonderful!
I really liked this book and had a great time during my first afternoon painting session. I look forward to a lifetime of painting! I never would have had the courage to just start painting like this. Go ahead, buy it, read it, and start painting too!

Kay Cox, MA, ATR-BC from Texas:
A safe, stimulating guide to reaching one's creative soul.
Having attended Aviva's workshops, I am excited to find the same safe approach to reaching deep into my soul presented in her book. The directions are clear with wonderful illustrations. Aviva is able to convey a sense of working at one's own pace and comfort level while opening up to possibilities. I continue to paint and collage with abandon breaking through barriers of old shoulds and oughts. Thank you, thank you.