Arna Baartz is an artist, writer, educator and poet. She has been finger-painting from the beginning when her father, also creative, encouraged her by taping paper to the walls of their home and letting her loose with paint. As a result, she is an expressive artist with a belief in non-judgement, often purposely leaving her 'mistakes' in an attempt to allow the unfolding to participate in a finished piece. Arna influenced by her mother's creative story telling, also enjoys stringing words together to create a feeling. Poetry and writing fill many secret corners of her colourful life. Her arts practice ranges in extremes from the creation of small and playful to large and serious. Most of Arna's work is an extension of her philosophical nature, bringing her gifts of personal insight and joy. Arna has won and been selected for many art awards including those of prestige and has had both art and words published extensively around the globe. Her first and favourite claim to fame however, was being held upside down and used as a paintbrush by Australian Artist, John Olsen. This fun was had at a workshop in St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane, 1973. Her writing and poetry has also been published throughout the world in a plethora of magazines and online forums. Arna is delighted to have the opportunity to create in this lifetime. Her art, words and poetry are transcendental to a degree and offer the intention of unconditional love and hopefully a little dab of inspiration to anyone else on a similar journey. Arna's more recent publications include, New Love - a reprogramming toolbox for undoing the knots (co-authored with Trista Hendren), My Abundant Universe, The Creative Warrior, The Animals Know it and The Sun is in my Mouth.
