Our Story

The Founders

At Raven Heart Creative Space, our mission is to foster healing, connection, and growth through the transformative power of art

Amanda Brierley

Amanda Brierley

I’m Amanda, Kyans mother, I’d like to welcome you here to Raven Heart Creative Space.

My journey is a tapestry woven with love, loss, and the profound discovery of the healing power within art.

In the aftermath of losing my son, I didn’t know what to do to get through, I couldn’t work my usual job but my mind needed a pause from the relentless thinking and my body needed a break from the tears.

Painting, a realm I’d never explored before, beckoned to me after I realised I needed something to focus on. Art used to be a hobby for me, but I had never painted. Palette knives, paint, and the canvas quickly became my sanctuary—a meditative haven where thoughts took a back seat, and emotions found expression in colors.

What started with this newfound connection to art blossomed into an exploration of mixed media, diverse techniques, and, now I’ve started with oils and portrait painting. Each stroke, each learning, became a step on my journey of healing.

Now, I want to share my experience, knowledge, and this nurturing space with you. Raven Heart is not just about painting; it’s an invitation to pause, explore, and share your unique journey through creativity.

Ian Pennell

I’m Ian, Kyans father and fellow traveler on this journey through child loss grief and rediscovery.

After Kyan died I found solace in running up the majestic Mount Cooroora, running up its terrain released tension and brought me closer to Kyan’s spirit. During my runs, it became clearer that to get through this, I had to reinvent myself somehow.

For over two decades, I’ve worked in mental health, I’m also a qualified counsellor and nurse, but working as a nurse has become no longer viable.

Since Kyan’s death I’ve realised that we just don’t talk about death, as a society, and that there’s a huge gap in support and understanding for grievers, particularly men.

Seeking support, I came across various modalities, breathwork, sound therapies and other healing classes.

Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing with gold, found its place in my journey. Like the shattered pieces of pottery, life needed mending. This ancient art became a practical metaphor for me for healing—a way to find beauty in the broken pieces.

Join me at Raven Heart where I facilitate grief groups and artistic, supportive classes that you can feel welcome at.

Ian Pennell

Kintsugi repair your own ceramics

In this ongoing class, participants are asked to bring their own special pieces, embracing the profound metaphor of Kintsugi – the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with precious materials such as gold. We will be following Kintsugi Australia’s Jun Moorooka’s modern Kintsugi techniques.

This class centres on the therapeutic process of repair, prioritising the journey over the final outcome. By investing time and care into mending your unique project, you not only craft something new but also emphasise the inherent beauty in the cracks and fractures. This experience is particularly poignant for individuals navigating grief, offering a symbolic and tangible representation of finding new beauty in the mended.

Encouraging open discussion and camaraderie, our ongoing Kintsugi class provides a supportive space for personal reflection and growth. While dialogue is welcomed, it is not mandatory, allowing participants to engage with the transformative process at their own pace. Join us in embracing the art of repair and uncovering the profound beauty that arises from acknowledging and revitalizing what was once broken.

There is a pre-requisite to this class. We have partnered with Jun and Hitomi from Kintsugi Australia, who are kindly providing us with the knowledge, skills and techniques to be able to continue and share their legacy. 

In order to attend you must have completed the ‘modern kintsugi class’ with Kintsugi Australia. They have a full time Kintsugi Dojo in Sydney and classes in Melbourne and Brisbane. They will also be providing this modern Kintsugi Class at our Raven Heart Creative Space periodically.

Please call Ian for more details.

CLICK HERE TO  EXPRESS INTEREST IN THIS CLASS

This image is sourced from Kintsugi Australia.

Through our established partnership, Jun and Hitomi will intermittently conduct Kintsugi workshops based on demand.

Ian, Amanda, and Lauryn, students of Kintsugi Australia, will also host workshops in between.

CLICK HERE TO  EXPRESS INTEREST IN THIS CLASS

Portrait Commissions available

Soul Portraits

The process is unhurried, allowing time for healing through thoughtful observation and conversation about fine details of the subjects face.

Natural discussion about your loved one is welcome.

This class spans multiple sessions (as many as it takes and caters for all skill level. Each student will progress at their own pace, there is no pressure to ‘keep up’.

The aim is to ‘see’ your loved one and learn by observing your subject deeply, rather than focussing on the final portrait.

By the end, you will have a very special, loving portrait of your subject that captures the essence of your loved one.

Students will need some basic supplies: oil paints and brushes. A detailed list will be provided upon registration.

This class will be subsidised and offered at a low cost, $20 per class, embodying our commitment to supporting grievers on their journey.

We are actively seeking sponsorship or Patreons to ensure the accessibility of this healing class.If you are a potential sponsor please get in touch.

CLICK HERE TO  EXPRESS INTEREST IN THIS CLASS