An Artist in Residence: Creating Abstract Art, a Labyrinth, and Meditative Sound Baths

Note: Dorit was an Artist in Residence during September 2022, and we look forward to a future return. Please see the Artist in Residence page for the current schedule, or contact art.department@nemacolin.com to connect with our team.

From an idea to a masterpiece, the Artist in Residence Program at Nemacolin offers an opportunity for artists to live at the resort and share their works in gallery and retail spaces, in workshops and classes, and within the landscape of all Nemacolin offers. Resort guests, members, and associates are invited to engage with Nemacolin artists, observing their techniques and creative processes through a unique experience.

Dorit Brauer, a Pittsburgh-based abstract artist, is a part of the September program. Her work has been exhibited in Israel, Germany, and the U.S. Brauer considers the creation of art a sacred ritual: She meditates and reaches a higher state of consciousness prior to the artistic expression on a canvas. Her bold and colorful oil paintings are her love letter to life.

Through her art, Dorit welcomes viewers to look deeply and dive into the world of their inner self — to see each color individually — and to let it represent a memory, a thought, an emotion, a place, or a lover while embracing the colorful tapestry of life, therefore allowing the puzzle pieces of each experience to be combined into wholeness.

“We choose every moment through our thoughts,” says Brauer. “Every thought that enters our mind creates reality … there are no coincidences; everything is connected.”

Her artistic expression goes far beyond the canvas. She is a holistic educator, motorcycle adventurer, award-winning author, explorer of labyrinths (and a builder, too!), and a practitioner of meditative journeys.

Prior to her arrival at Nemacolin, Dorit built a labyrinth in the Meditation Garden at the resort. Labyrinths date back thousands of years, often used as sacred circles, walking paths, or places for ritual. Found in almost every culture around the globe, they are intentional for those who know them, and they are curious for those who come upon them.

Labyrinths should not be confused with mazes (we’re coming upon that time of year when corn mazes become a fall delight in this part of the region). In mazes, one makes a left, right, forward, or backward choice, sure to come upon dead ends before coming to the solution. In a labyrinth, there’s a one-way, winding, singular path that journeys to a center, and getting lost in a labyrinth is by means of mediation and transformation through a clearing state of mind.

“The labyrinth invites us to reconnect with the deeply intuitive and creative parts of ourselves … there is no place to hide. Our true and most vulnerable selves emerge,” Brauer says.

The Cretan-style labyrinth Dorit built at Nemacolin is a part of the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator, and it’s a natural fit in this beautiful garden. Stop by to experience bliss, one step at a time, on your walk from The Lodge to The Peak.

During her residency throughout September, she’s also offering guided sound bath meditations, workshops, and wellness sessions at the Holistic Healing Center. The relaxing sounds of quartz crystal singing bowls induce healing activity levels in the brain, bringing forth balance, harmony, and cleansing at the cellular and spiritual levels. Letting go, finding freedom, seeing the light, imagining strong roots, and experiencing joy and happiness are gifts to be experienced through a guided meditation and sound bath. If you’re not familiar with the sound bowls and sound bath meditation, you can see an example of the experience here.

Resort guests Susie and Reni, a mother and daughter from the Pittsburgh area, have been clients of Brauer’s for more than 20 years. Their Nemacolin getaway in early September included time in the sound bath sessions.

Reni said, “Dorit is a beacon of inspiration, and the sound bath is a dimensional experience,” while Susie added, “Dorit has helped me to find strength within myself. I used to look outward for answers, and through her teaching, I now know how to look at the power within me.”

Those looking for color, spiritual evolution, intentional steps, or a tapestry of transformation can connect with Dorit in the Artist in Residence Studio near PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor in The Lodge. Contact a resort reservations specialist to help plan your upcoming getaway at Nemacolin.

Note: Dorit was an Artist in Residence during September 2022, and we look forward to a future return. Please see the Artist in Residence page for the current schedule, or contact art.department@nemacolin.com to connect with our team.