Dream Party Hotel - Michaela's Journey into the World of Dreams and Creativity
introducing Dream Party Hotel
Dream Party Hotel is the brainchild of Michaela, a creative visionary who has built a unique space where dreams are explored, celebrated, and shared. The name combines three key elements: "dream" for the experiences we have during sleep, "party" for the celebration of those experiences, and "hotel" for a welcoming space of hospitality. Together, this forms a sanctuary where people can gather to delve into the mysteries of their dreams. As Michaela puts it, "You can’t sleep when you’re dead, so why not dream while you’re alive?"
a multifaceted creative endeavour
For Michaela, Dream Party Hotel is a versatile and multi-layered project. She uses dreams as a medium to craft a variety of artistic expressions, from writing and visual art to personal rituals and even real-world reenactments. Dreams are seen as intricate puzzles, each unique and calling for its own creative interpretation. With no two dreams being the same, her creative process involves piecing together messages and translating them into art—whether through drawing, writing, or staging day-long adventures based on dream experiences.
Michaela’s approach to creation is spontaneous and ever-changing, reflecting the unpredictable nature of dreams. "I never know what I’m going to get out of each day or dream," she shares, "so I adapt my endeavors quite frequently."
A flash of inspiration to a life long journey
Michaela’s journey began in 2011 with a spontaneous dream that sparked a passion. With no prior knowledge or interest in the subject, she had a dream so vivid that it simply had to be remembered. From that day on, dreams became a daily practice—recording, interpreting, and eventually sharing them with others. A gift from a friend, a book about dreams, led her to a decade-long mentorship with the author, deepening her fascination.
Over the past 13 years, dreams have guided Michaela through life-changing decisions, from personal to professional paths. They have served as a source of grounding, inspiration, and purpose, proving to be a lifeline through dark times. The act of dreaming and creating has become the central pillar of her life, "keeping my soul in my body," as she beautifully puts it. "Dreams have been my lifeline through years of darkness and continue to serve me in many ways."
The creative process
Creativity, especially when working with dreams, requires both structure and flexibility. Michaela emphasizes the importance of prioritizing creativity, setting a routine, and knowing when to bend the rules. "Structure takes me to the doorway, and creative improvisation will get me through to the other side," she explains. A basic structure is used to remember, record, and work with dreams, while improvisation allows for the spontaneous creation that dreams inspire.
Inspiration, she notes, is never in short supply; it’s the energy to harness and materialize it that proves challenging. "Inspiration comes in multitudes every night, if we can catch it. But delegating time and having the energy to transmute it and share it with the world is more challenging."
Influences: From Hip-Hop to Jungian Theory
Michaela’s creative journey has been shaped by a wide range of influences, beginning with hip-hop artists from the Rhymesayers tribe, who provided motivation and guidance during difficult years. These days, inspiration comes from a mix of writers, researchers, and cultural icons like Mercia Eliade, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell. Robert Moss, who became a mentor, has been a central figure in her exploration of dreams.
Visually, Michaela’s aesthetic is inspired by the television show "Mad Men," which introduced the use of light boards, creating a juxtaposition that is both humorous and charming. Over time, this visual style has evolved into a deeper commentary on the connection between dreams and Western propaganda. Other visual influences include directors like Wes Anderson and Alejandro Jodorowsky, as well as old-world architecture.
Advice for Emerging Artists
"My work has been a labor of love and necessity. I don’t know anything about industry," Michaela humbly admits. For emerging artists, her message is to find what fuels their passion and commit to it fully. Whether it’s a creative medium, a relationship, or a spiritual practice, connecting with something eternal can help navigate the temporary pains of life.
Overcoming Creative Blocks: Riding the Waves of Energy
Michaela likens inspiration to a wave: it rises and falls. While inspiration is always present, the energy to act on it may not be. "If it’s there, it won’t last forever. And if it’s not there, it will come back," she reassures. During periods of creative blocks, it’s important to maintain a basic structure—like recording dreams each morning—and trust that new energy will emerge. Often, a lack of inspiration is just a precursor to something new and better.
The process of creativity is non-linear, and Michaela encourages embracing the unknown. "You may not know what you're doing or what it means until years later. Go with what makes you laugh or gives you a sense of satisfaction, even if it doesn’t make sense. The meaning may surface later and be much deeper than you could have ever anticipated."
A Journey of Transformation and Connection
Michaela’s creative journey with Dream Party Hotel has been filled with challenges, but each has served to lift her from "the pits of demoralization" and into a more worthy life. Dreams and creativity are seen as a transcendent love, pushing away obstacles and guiding the way forward. "If you can find this in your life—whether it’s a creative medium, your children, or God—find something bigger than yourself to focus on," Michaela advises. For her, dreams are an eternal space, providing a sense of sanity and purpose.
Dream Party Hotel continues to be a testament to the power of dreams and the creative spirit. It’s an invitation to explore the depths of the unconscious and celebrate the mystery, beauty, and humor found within. Through dreams, we are offered glimpses into a world that transcends the everyday, a world where creativity flourishes and connections deepen.