Kristen Caven is devoted to writing well: in the sense of excellence of expression—and also for wellness, for healing, to make sense of and straighten out a broken world full of broken minds. Prolific and facile, Kristen writes books, blogs, short stories, articles, essays, cartoons and comics, plays, marketing copy, slogans, newsletters, manifestos, bad jokes, bylaws, musicals, neologisms and billboards. …
Whereas other writers and artists choose to hone a single medium, genre, style, or sentiment, Kristen’s outpouring is defined by variety as well as quality. She has a “Generous Muse” and considers herself a “Liberal Artist” in every sense: Liberal as in free-thinking, liberal as in bountiful, and liberal as in having to do with books. A degree in …
Kristen Caven’s imagination is driven by possibility and playfulness. “What if” and “why not” are two of her two favorite words. Kristen once told her father, “I want to grow up to be a thaumaturgist.” She believes in the power of ordinary humans to create miracles. A producer of art events and other creative happenings, Kristen …
Change is inevitable. When it is growthful, it is good. Kristen brings activation energy and a philosophy of possibility to every challenge, assignment, production and project. Trained in positive psychology, she teaches the science of happiness, and as a change agent she puts it into practice. Kristen spent decades helping parents and kids create better experiences together, …
To be a successful writer (or artist, or anything that involves money, relationship, or consistency), we are now supposed to think of ourselves as a brand. For years I have helped other artists and creatives to try to craft their image, but I can’t seem to do it for myself. And the poet and the … Continue reading
You know how cool things sometimes pile up to create a whole new bigger cool thing? By some strange fortune I am speaking at not one but TWO new member lecture series at the lovely Bellevue Club this week! Wellness Wednesdays: Imagine the EcoBellevue, Wednesday, April 18th, 1pm Members on the Mic: Socialites, Socialism, and … Continue reading
Re-posted from ACEs Connection & ACES Too High… “Don’t ask ‘what’s wrong with you.’ Ask, ‘what happened to you.’” I watched the Oprah segment with my mother, Dr. Louise Hart, who heard Dr. Vincent Felitti speak about the CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study ten years ago. At that time, she asked him, “What is being done … Continue reading
There is a goosebump moment I enjoy, in my life, on a regular basis: when I lead the song “Waka Waka” in my Zumba classes, and a room full of old folks of European and Asian descent raise their arms reverently at the end as Shakira says “We are all Africa.” The same thing happens … Continue reading
Year One of #45 was a year of whispered words being spoken, amplified, then shouted out loud. A year ago, I felt nervous calling the new Resident a BULLY. But on inauguration day (which was HUGE), we all came together and said PUSSY out loud on the streets. For months we watched this authoritarian authority … Continue reading
Kick off your 2018 with inspiration and energy…Come check out my KEYNOTE speech for Wellness Week at The Bellevue Club this Sunday! 525 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland CA 94610 KEYNOTE: Sunday, January 7th, 5:30p.m. $10 donation • No-Host Cocktails from 5:00 pm• Free Parking The Fountain of Youth is a myth that spans centuries, cultures and … Continue reading
Greek philosophers defined happiness as the joy you feel when moving towards your highest potential. The Flourishing Artist Creative Growth Activator combines seminars, creative retreats, speakers & workshops, coaching & consulting, convivia, and creative partnerships in a community of art and wellness in an inspiring Oakland retreat. I created The Flourishing Artist to unite my artistic career with my work teaching … Continue reading
I am so tired of talking about bullying. Aren’t you? I am so ready to start talking about the opposite! Friendship. Cooperation. Happiness. Positivity. So much, in fact, that I created a whole new word for it. I am so proud of this book we wrote, my mom and I. And the blog I created to expand … Continue reading
We have completed our giveaway of 3,000 copies of The Bullying Antidote! After two years connecting with dozens of Oakland organizations, we put the last 800 copies of the books directly into the hands of Oakland parents at a Back to School Rally. The word “Zorgos” was on everyone’s lips, thanks to a new acrostic that teaches positive parenting philosophy. … Continue reading
by Taylor Maurand for The Montclarion/East Bay Times Not every artist can say her career has had a truly revolting beginning and have that be a good thing. Dimond district resident Kristen Caven’s (rhymes with “cabin”) recently-released memoir, “Perfectly Revolting: My ‘Glamorous’ Cartooning Career” is a story that has its roots on the Mills College … Continue reading
