Training to become a Coach

I took the CTI (Coaches Training Institute) Fundamentals here in Atlanta this past weekend, including three full days of coaching practicums. What a blast. My vision when leaving hospital chaplaincy was about continuing to connect with people on a broader and more positive spectrum of events. And, so I’m thrilled to find that this is what coaching is about.

My reflection today is about this period being filled with discovery and rediscovery about my professional identity. . . It’s been so hard at times, yet I’m feeling more and more centered about re-embracing some of my insights and skills in the area of spirituality and inter-personal influence. (Coaching isn’t necessarily about spirituality, yet it can be.)

It’s helpful to be back in the Atlanta area with such diversity of professional options, opportunities and time to find myself again - in a place that’s an outgrowth of where I’ve been and who I really am, a woman who’s gifted at connecting with people and finding hope.

Renee
Phone: 251-223-3099
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/reneestapleton
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com

 

Hi, my name is Renee Stapleton, and I . . .

I’m sitting in my career networking group at First UMC Lawrenceville. We had had a fantastic presentation by Tom Herrington on How to Influence the Interview, including super cool interpersonal communication skills. (Tom is Senior Partner with the PAR Group, Atlanta, http://www.thepargroup.com/about_execTeam_tom.html.)

Before leaving for the evening, we are taking turns introducing ourselves with modified versions of an elevator speech: ”Hi, my name is Renee Stapleton, and I want an internship or position within an HR consulting firm or executive search firm. My uniqueness comes through my background in hospital chaplaincy that includes education, training, and experience connecting with people, gaining access and trust, and helping others invision where they want to be. I’m also looking into the possibility of becoming a coach.”

There are lots of job search ministries through churches in the Atlanta area. I’ve included links below to the employment assistance program (LEAP) where I’m active at First UMC Lawrenceville.

Renee, 251-223-3099
emailreneestapleton@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/reneestapleton

Here are some links to our career group at First UMC Lawrenceville.
Website: http://www.crossroadscareer.org/members/first-united-lawrenceville-ga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131650690338
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=2261710&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

 

Who do you know at non-profits in Atlanta?

I’m ready to volunteer, to meet people and prove my skills. The goal is actually employment, though I’m also serious about volunteering – in any capacity relating to Human Resources.

I’m finding an automated message on phone lines for volunteers, saying that info will be mailed, while I want to talk with someone. Please help by letting me know of friends or associates in any position at the larger non-profits in Atlanta (such as American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and Shepherd Center Foundation). They may help my getting in touch with the person in charge of Volunteers or a Human Resources professional.

Please feel free to contact me, and please forward my note along.

Thank you,
Renee
251-223-3099
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/reneestapleton
emailreneestapleton@gmail.com

* Additional info: My background is in hospital chaplaincy, including work in behavioral health. I’ve produced works of art in the past few years, and I’ve lead ZUMBA fitness classes, including marketing. I’m a member of SHRM-Atlanta and a volunteer at First UMC Lawrenceville.

 

In Retrospect – at USA Library, March/April

Two Witnesses, by Renee Stapleton

I’m excited to let you know about “In Retrospect,” showing at the University of South Alabama Library Art Gallery through March and April. It is a body of works revealing an exploration of style and content at select periods of my life as an artist. It includes pieces produced when I was an art student at Auburn and when I studied theology at Emory. Recent works include the series “Dialectics,” comprising six pieces that make edgy statements of color, design, and texture, featured at the Mobile Arts Council in 2010.

Mark your calendar for the reception: March 4, Friday, 5:30 – 7:30, USA Library 3rd floor. I will co-host it with Karoru Oka and Susan Wertelecki, with their show “The Book as Art.”

Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com
Blog: www.reneestapletonblog.com
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Sunshine, Friends, and Art

The Fairhope Artwalk was fun last Friday! My pieces at the Eastern Shore Art Center had been moved, with the lighting making a positive difference on my experience with “Inspired.”

"Harmony," by Renee Stapleton (mixed media, 30"x20")

I’ve just hung 16 pieces at Homestead Village, in Fairhope (including “Harmony,” pictured). It’s an eclectic collection, with works dating from 1983. They will hang throughout Oct, Nov, and Dec. Feel free to visit. For more info about hrs, directions and the Village’s Pub & Grill, call: 251-929-0250. 

The other news is that I’ve started looking for a full-time job, and it’s getting exciting – even though my creative time has become intermittent. I am looking for an opportunity to practice recruiting in the for-profit world, with the interpersonal skills that I’ve honed through hospital chaplaincy. Please, feel free to pass my name. And, thanks for your feedback about my art!
 
Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com
Blog: www.reneestapletonblog.com
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“Spring,” in August

 

“Spring” by Renee Stapleton, acrylic, 34×25

We just had the Members’ Gallery Change Out at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, AL. So, we have new works showing throughout August and September. Mine include “Spring” that I named because the work reminded me of newness, fresh flower blossoms, rain and life. It reminded me of azaleas blossoming down Springhill Ave., in Mobile.

A special time for viewing is during First Friday Art Walk, a community event in Fairhope, with most of the galleries open to the public. The next one is August 6, 6p-8p. Regular hours for the Eastern Shore Art Center (251-928-2228) are: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm.  

Also in Fairhope, I now have 8 works hanging in the Medical Office Building of Thomas Hospital (Urology & Oncology Specialists, Suite 301) and a selection at Patina Gallery, 251-928-2718 (North Church St., at Magnolia Avenue).  

I always appreciate these opportunities to share with you about my work. For more information about those hanging at local venues, feel free to contact me.   

Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com
Blog: www.reneestapletonblog.com
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What is your experience with the art?

I read a post today, Understanding Abstract Art, including tips about abstract expressionism. It explained the role of abstract art as not necessarily about illustrating a story, idea, or image, but about connecting with our unconscious feelings. It suggested no need to be intimidated or to try to get at the artist’s intent, but to experience the art freely and personally.

"Comforted," Renee Stapleton (acrylic 30x20)

I like abstract art. I like producing it with intuition, and I like limiting references to recognizable objects to focus more on colors and textures and shapes – to achieve a more direct emotional appeal. I explored similar interests when I was a chaplain in the sense that my work was about connecting with patients at a level of inner feelings and beliefs.   

I have two works showing at the Eastern Shore Art Center throughout June and July, including “Comforted” (pictured). It reminded me of having found understanding and hope, with a movement of brighter pinks and blues, amidst in a purple blanket of difficulty. A special time for viewing is during First Friday Art Walk, a community event in Fairhope, with most of the galleries open to the public. The next one is July 2, 6p-8p. Regular hours for the Eastern Shore Art Center (251-928-2228) are: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm.

Also in Fairhope, I now have 8 works hanging in the Medical Office Building of Thomas Hospital (Urology & Oncology Specialists, Suite 301) and a selection at Patina Gallery, 251-928-2718 (North Church St., at Magnolia Avenue).

I always appreciate your learning about the status of my work.  

Renee
Phone: 251-223-3099
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com
Blog: www.reneestapletonblog.com
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New works on display, in acrylic

Successful artists have a recognizable style. An emerging artist’s task is to find her own. My latest works are in acrylic, and a sampling is on display in Fairhope — May 25 until the end of July, at the Eastern Shore Art Center’s Members Gallery. The First Friday Art Walks are a special time to visit. It’s a community event in Fairhope, with most of the galleries open to the public. The next one is scheduled for June 4, 6p-8p. Regular hours for the Eastern Shore Art Center (251-928-2228) are: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm.     

"Imbued," by Renee Stapleton (30" x 20", acrylic)

 
About the work: Color and texture are at the heart of my love for visual art. My goal with recent works has been to achieve non-objective statements with organic patterns. I’ve also been exploring with the use of Liquitex mediums and gels. If you have questions about what I mean by non-objective, read my post What does non-objective mean?    

I feel successful when relationships have been created within the work, and something dynamic happens – something that we connected with at a visceral level, which might be different for everyone. You might think of these pieces as statements of emotion, spoken in a language that bypasses objective reference.    

Here’s wishing you creativity and inspiration,
Renee
Phone: 251-223-3099
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Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com  

 

Reception for “Dialectics,” an awesome experience

Renee, at “Dialectics” reception

This evening was just a blast! It was my first exhibition, entitled “Dialectics,” and it was neat to share with everyone who came out, especially those of you who are demonstrating support, encouragement, and interest. I’ve been so much into listening, as a chaplain, that talking about myself and my art seemed kind of indulgent. But, I’m getting beyond that quickly and learning to enjoy the sharing about how I produced particular works and how I have been inspired, etc.

“Dialectics” reception, Mobile Arts Council

Mobile Arts Council has three galleries, and my works are hanging in the Blue Room, throughout March. The reception was a collective effort, during downtown Mobile’s LODA Artwalk.

I had not yet seen the pieces hanging before the reception and was amazed when I got there. MAC had done a great job of positioning the works on the wall, with labels beside each, my artist statement displayed, a table for refreshments, and volunteers who served.

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” — George Bernard Shaw

Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
Click to join the e-list
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com

 

Dialectics

Showing at the Mobile Arts Council in March (until March 26), Monday-Friday, 9a-5p.  251-432-9796, www.mobilearts.org 

Moving, by Renee Stapleton

Reception during LODA Artwalk: March 12 (2nd Friday), Mobile Arts Council, 6-9 pm. Second Fridays in downtown Mobile have become quite a popular time and place to be! Art galleries, studios and unique shops open their doors and welcome you inside to enjoy beautiful works and delicious foods. I will be there in March, excited about sharing my work. Sponsor: City of Mobile Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Cathedral Square Arts District. 251-208-7443, www.ncsmobile.org 

Why have I named this series Dialectics and what does it mean? Dialectic reasoning might well be included in those late-night discussions over a glass of wine, when the point becomes not so much about proving one of us right or wrong, but discovering a synthesized or new horizon of thought. 

Generally speaking, dialectics are rooted in the ordinary practice of a dialogue between two or more people who hold different ideas and wish to persuade each other—with propositions and counter-propositions. (Philosophers usually refer to the Socratic method of cross-examination or to Hegel‘s model of history, but there are several major forms of dialectic reason.) 

I produced the six pieces within the series just recently, with a strong tug to make more expressive statements, with more spontaneous techniques, beyond the order and deliberateness of my work as a graphic designer. Inspiration came through the materials themselves, with designer and handmade papers touching a sense of the organic when torn, applied, and saturated with finish. On the other hand, my analytic sensibilities prevailed. Just notice the grid-like gutter mesh and tile. Like so, each piece unfolded dialectically, with negotiation, to provide a place for beginning conversations of your own. 

Renee
Renee Stapleton Studios: 251-223-3099
Click to join the e-list
Email: emailreneestapleton@gmail.com