Rock Keyboardist Turns Up the Volume at Art Workshops
By SUZIE HARRISON

Staff photo by Faye Chapman Embodyment Art Spa owner Polina Hryn admires her latest recruit, Smashing Pumpkins' keyboardist and back-up vocalist Lisa Harriton. She will teach a workshop in piano and voice, among a menu of creative expression workshops offered by the unusual business.

Town Keyboardist and vocalist Lisa Harriton, who spent the last year touring extensively with the Smashing Pumpkins, recently relocated to Laguna Beach. Walking around her newly adopted home to check out the scene, she entered a shop that captured her attention.

Harriton discovered proprietor Polina Hryn's Embodyment Art Spa, not the prototypical kind designed to open pores, but rather to open minds and nurture creativity.

That chance meeting would give new momentum to Hryn's fledgling business teaching creative expression workshops with Harriton on board.

"We were on the same path and recognized that we are kindred spirits," Harriton said. "In terms of a healing path, my life is all about passion to heal and inspire people through music," she said.

Now, during her off time between Smashing Pumpkins tours, Harriton has shifted gears and is taking part in Embodyment Art Spa's expansion.

A native of Northern Californian, Hryn grew up among redwoods, black sand beaches and green foliage. An artist, published writer, poet, performance artist and musician, Hryn has lived in Laguna Beach for four years. "I see the likeness in all the arts, the same energy. It's just about doing it."

For the past year Hryn has fostered a creative outlet for individuals to become literal human "paint brushes," using the client's creative ideas and vision and executed by Hryn. Covered in acrylic paint Hryn presses the human forms against the canvas to render a body print, using the client or a spa model. Clients can purchase a life size original or prints depending on their budget.

Now, in addition, Hryn has lined up several artists to guide clients through a menu of ways to express themselves creatively, throwing open a creative door for anyone to walk through with no experience necessary, she explained.

"Creativity breeds more creativity," she said. "I don't want people to be afraid. I invite them to be creative and findthe talent everyone has within - without judgment."

Creating a piece of art or learning a dance strengthens an individual's self esteem, giving them a sense of mastery that can be applied to other facets of life such as problem solving, said art therapist Lisa Falls of San Diego.

Survivors of Hurricane Katrina and survivors of suicide or sudden loss, for example, use art therapy as a tool to help heal and give a sense of strength.

"I believe strongly that everyone is creative," Falls said. "It's just a matter of finding the form it takes and applying it."

Though not trained in art therapy, Hryn intuitively understands the healing power of creatively.

"I'm coming from a place where people are involved in the process, a more healing place. I'm not here to sell I'm try to involve a creative process, which breeds more positivity. There's no lack of creativity; it's infinite," Hryn said.

Additional classes include cello and violin lessons, workshops on drumming and improvisational music and interpretive dance. Dance instructors Carrie Pitt and Solara Vayanian teach healing through movement. Poetry, writing and acting workshops are taught by singer/songwriter Victoria Hazlett. Local artist Jessica de Stefano will provide free from style clay sculpture classes. Workshops are $20 to $25 plus cost of materials. Private lessons are 30 minutes and cost $35 to $40.

Harriton's time is limited. After a seven-year hiatus, the Pumpkins returned to touring in 2007, Harriton's first year with the band. Singer Billy Corgan and a drummer are the only two original members.

"Last year was an absolute blast. Billy and the band are such wonderful people to work with, truly genuine. Everyone jams backstage; it's really fun. Basically I felt totally out of my element at first.

"But playing with the Pumpkins before a crowd of 100,000 at the Rock Im Park Festival in Europe, there's nothing like it," she said. "It was one of my first festivals, and the roar of the crowd was phenomenal. I'll never forget it; it was wild."

A jazz, piano and performance musician and USC graduate, Harriton played classical and jazz music before joining the Grammy Award-wining alternative band.

"Really early on, when we prepared during rehearsals back stage", Bill said "you don't know anything about rock", she said. Her re-education began with Pink Floyd records. She spent the last year learning a new genre and utilizing new tools, such as a synthesizer.

"It totally opened my mind", Harriton said.

Thanks to Hryn, now itís her turn to do the same for others.

For information about workshops offered at Embodyment Art Spa, 1400 S. Coast Highway, Suite 101, call 795-0625.