Recently, Linda Dean spoke about the Creative Essence Studio located at 1445 W. Jarvis over a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. During the interview I forgot about the rain out side and felt the sunshine in her studio.

What brought you to create this Creative Essence Studio?
I have had a business in Evanston making braces and artificial limbs for amputees. I got burnt out I went bumming around Europe for a while and spent some time in France. This was back in 1999. I came back from France and was buzzing for color and design in my life. I took a painting class and was struggling. We had to take a photograph and duplicate it. How boring was this. I wanted to bust out and put color all over the page. A friend told me about Light Paint and Passion- a Painting Experience. One of those synchronicity events. The first day I wept because this is what I wanted to do. It was so free. There was the paint, the page on the wall and being free. I took many of these expressive arts classes and personal coaching classes. I opened my own studio 2 and a half years ago.

What goes on in your beautiful studio?
I am a personal coach first. I coach through painting, through Feng Shui. We open up those stuck place. We hold other creative workshops and classes. I like to present a very special Spirit Doll workshop in which participants create a doll with objects that are meaningful to them. Pictures, fabrics objects from nature, any object that helps the participant connect with their spirit are used.

You say that you are a personal coach, what is personal coaching?
It is all about clarifying your goals, obstacles and blocks. Coaching dealing with the here and now and moving forward. I honor the unquenchable spirit.

What is your mission for the Creative Essence Studio?
I strive to honor the individual's journey and process. We work to a nonjudgmental place. I also honor the individual in community, in relationship. I feel being in community is one of the most important things you can do.

What does community look like to you?
It changes from time to time. It might be everyone coming here and painting with me. They can work on their own project. We share space and ideas. Maybe people would ask a random question now and then. Collaborative efforts like Mandalas, bright colors of circles on the floor are also very satisfying. (As shown in picture)

Your logo is unique tell me about it?
The double spiral represents life challenges and joy for the individual, for intimate partnerships and for community relationships. It honors the individual's hero's /heroine's journey thru life and the flow of energy that comes from being in communication. (from website description)

Why this space in Rogers Park?
I love Rogers Park. It is a cool community. The space was available and reasonable and close to home. I live in Evanston. I loved the space. I love the people here. They have been a blessing.