I’ve started reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
I’d heard of it before, lots of times, from lots of people, all of them speaking in glowing terms about the book’s transformational effect on their lives. Once, a couple of years ago, I even picked the book up at the library. I leafed through it but didn’t check it out. I don’t remember why.
This week, I stumbled upon writer/poet/story teller Jen Lee’s blog. Loving it, I clicked about gleefully gobbling up her words and losing myself in her amazing photographs. In her bio, she describes how, after giving up writing for years, she rediscovered it. “When I found Julia Cameron’s course, The Artist’s Way,” she writes, “my recovery kicked into high gear.” Something in that struck a chord with me.
I think it was the word “recovery.”
The next day I went out and bought The Artist’s Way. The book is written as a 12-week course, and I’m taking it seriously. Week one is about getting at what blocks you. As I chip away at that big ol’ gnarly stone, I wanted to share one of Julia Cameron’s ideas because I think it would be good for anyone who feels a need to recharge their creative soul.
Julia recommends (well, she actually insists upon) weekly artist’s dates: At least two hours you set aside each week to, essentially, take yourself out. The theory goes like this. As we expend creative energy, we need to replenish – see new things, experience the world, gather new inputs. On an artist’s date, the point is to woo the artist in you, encourage it to come out, have fun, make magic.
It’s kind of weird, but I have to say that I like it. On my to-do list, it will look like this: Have fun with me. I will go out by myself and do exactly what I want to do, for however long I want to do it. It doesn’t work like that normally. Whenever you go someplace with someone, there is compromise, consensus building. That is as it should be, but I like the idea of having a date with myself, a date that is totally, absolutely all about me – sanctioned selfishness.
When you’re picking your destination, Julia encourages you to think magic, delight, fun, mystery. How can you not love that?
My first artist’s date will be Wednesday. I’m a little nervous. I hope my artist likes me.
Wild
Sounds fabulous! This is the second time in the past few weeks that I’ve heard about The Artist’s Way… hmm. Maybe that’s a sign? ;-D Enjoy your date!
If your artist doesn’t like you then it’s out of it’s mind crazy. I think you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy and make sure we find out how your first date went.
Christina, I know! That’s kind of what I thought. I’d heard of it too many times to ignore (again). And… I’m in need of recovery.
Peggi, If my artist and I don’t hit it off, can I take you out instead?
On your date will you do voices? I think it would be fun to have conversations in different voices.
I see your inner artist having an exotic accent….
Like maybe one from Cincinnati….
I love this idea!
But remember, no hanky panky until at least the THIRD date.
You’re just not that kind of girl.
Karen, Giggling. My item on the to do list will say “Have fun with me… but not too much fun with me.”
This should be interesting. I could have sworn your inner artist was already out!
I (sadly) know that I sacrifice my creative time for family stuff. I know that my cup is being emptied, and by little bits, it gets refilled. But I do crave those days when I wish it were all about me, and the cup was full to the brim again. I look forward to the days when my “recovery” can start. :)
Linda, I may write about it someday, why I’m in need of creative recovery, but until then, I love your anticipatory tone!
Teresa, As you know, I SO understand that. I bought the book feeling myself at a crossroads. Time to leap and hope the net appears.
LOVED that book!! My brother had given it to me many, many years ago and it never really resonated with me up until a couple of years ago, when I picked it up, not necessarily in need of a re-covery but just a “covery” – needed a starting point.
I went all out, bought coloring books, paint by numbers, stickers for my notebooks, glitter pens and had a blast! My morning pages were a blessing – I wrote upside down, sideways, in a circle, just to get outside the box, outside my comfort zone. I found silliness to be a great companion. I gave myself happy faces and stars and opened up my box of dreams to see what was still in there, waiting patiently for me.
I was a little nervous about my artist’s dates but they ended up being absolutely perfect. Went to a park and swung on a swing (picked one where there weren’t any kids to wonder about the old lady on the swing – didn’t want to frighten the little children). I went to a museum, hiking, and other fun places with myself. I found that I am a pretty fun date, which is what I suspect you will find :^)
Just remember, you can’t get it wrong, no matter what. I think you will find the net is right there, only you won’t be so concerned about landing in it because you will be too busy flying :)
Love you!!
Christie, “I found silliness to be a great companion.” Best advice of all. Thank you (for everything)! Love you back!
The idea of someone insisting on how others go about their creative recovery/ creative process is sort of lost one me. Art comes from within. Whether a painting, a novel, a sculpture or a cool etch-a-sketch drawing.
Art, in any form, should always allow for inspiration but should only listen to the insistence of the artist!
Pretty sure I learned that when I was 5 as the kid next to me was insisting I use dark blue finger paint and not the aqua color I preferred!
Bobby, I knew the “insists” part would bother you, rebel boy! On the other hand, if you buy the book looking for a way out of your creative block (hypothetically speaking, of course), you’re asking for outside help and guidance. At least Julia is “insisting” I do something fun. Trust me, as soon as I know what color I want to draw with, I’ll go for it. I won’t ask for anyone’s permission.
Fabulous. I wish you great success with this “way” and program you are taking a part in. I have a feeling that this will be the subject of future blog posts. Yay!
Congrats! Excellent choice.
One word of advice…
I’ve started The Artist’s Way a few times.
Here’s what I’ve learned, and Julia says it herself several places in the text itself…
Later on in the program, there’s a tendency to rebel. (Yes, even if you love it now–maybe even *especially* if you love it now!)
I would very strongly advise making a list of your Artist’s Date ideas so you have it as a backup when your mind goes blank later.
Keep us posted… it’s such an amazing journey!
Terre, You’re probably right about there being more posts on this journey. I promise to be entertaining!
Tracy, Good idea. And since my morning pages made me want to rebel today, I’m guessing this will not be a walk in the park. (Unless, of course, I take my inner artist there, then it definitely will be a walk in the park.)
Heh – see, that’s why I commented that I’d STARTED the Artist’s Way three times.
I never claimed to have finished.
:)
This sounds like a great idea!
Most people usually don’t make time for themselves, for meeting up with family and friends, let alone for dates with the artist within…
Tracy, Shhhh. ;-)
Estrella, I know. I like the artist’s date. Of course, I still haven’t actually gone on one…
Good post thanks Judy. Yes that is a good book. I gave it to my mom a few years ago and she overcame this huge: “I can’t paint” thing to become this hugely prolific artist. It’s wierd how much was bottled up there. Lol! There’s no more wall space in her house so I think she’s going to have to go digital pretty soon. The concept of artist ‘dates’ is key. What it really does is makes alone time workable and thereby acceptable. The resistance lifts. You get to hear your thoughts as dialogue not mad rattlings. And from there you create, paint, dance, whatever…
Alex, I am hoping for a similar result! My first artist’s date was kind of unexpectedly wonderful – more for what went on in my head than out. Which is exactly your point, wise man! Thanks for coming by.