Quote of the Day: The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. – C. G. Jung
I found that quote in the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been blocked, frustrated, or suffered self-doubt in their creative lives. I first looked at this book in 2004 with my writer-mama-pal Roxane. We worked on it and checked in with each other regarding our progress. I am revisiting this book now with her and artist friend JeMA. This goes along nicely with the Business class for Artists that I’m taking.
Julia Cameron encourages us to share what we’ve learned in this book. Two basic tools for unblocking are journaling and the Artist Date. She has some specific ideas about the journaling. I believe any journaling is helpful. I love encouraging people to write out their stories, feelings, expectations, fears, etc. That is the purpose of my blog.
For the Artist Date this week, I bought myself a new camera. The above photo is the first image on this camera. JeMA took it while we were having our weekly check-in at the coffee shop. Here’s another one of me having fun…
So, I took a picture of JeMA laughing at me acting silly in a coffee shop.
Then, I went home and made good use of the rain. Look, free water to wash the deck! And, good little worker boys who don’t mind working if they can get wet! Plus, a neighbor boy who’d rather help us clean than go home. He doesn’t have any brothers, just one older sister who’s hardly ever home. I served them hotdog mummies and fruit for lunch. You gotta pay the help!
Would you like to join me on the deck for iced tea, creative conversation, or a good read?
Some Artist dates might be buying yourself tools for your creative work. Some might be taking a walk, looking at art, being inspired by nature or music. It’s taking time to nurture your creative child.
Journaling Prompt: What would you like to do on an Artist date?
The Artist’s Way sounds like my kind of book — and just what I need to read right now! Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Your new camera takes AWESOME pics. So crisp and clear! Mine are never that sharp — of course, that could be the photographer and not the equipment. I think it’s probably a blend of the two 😀
Nicole, a photographer friend of mine said something similar. Yes, it helps to have quality equipment, but the person clicking the shutter needs to learn to have a good eye. With any art form, you need to practice, experiment, and take a few risks…even with the investment.
I have this book and can never get past the moring pages section. I tried it for a week and it felt like pure torture to get up and start writing. I should go back and try again.
Yes, I would like to join you on your deck for some iced tea! Some day! The book sounds like a great one! I will definately be checking it out! I ditto on what awesome pics your camera takes…
Oh and I think lately, I have been taking lots of Artist dates (just didn’t know there was a special name for it 🙂 My favorite date is a cup of tea/coffee, my blanket, my stack of reading material and notebook on the deck in the early morning with the birds singing away.
Your posts are so much fun!
Lisa, don’t let the rules of the Artist’s Way be your block.
Kim, I can taste the tea, now, and hear the encouraging words. I like your cozy artist dates!
Oh an artist date would be so much fun. Mine would be my artist and writer friends and we would talk our art then eat and talk some more. Maybe brainstorm. Sounds great.
Nice photos
Teresa
Love the idea of an artist date, Mary! Also love your boys cleaning the rain. 🙂 Such sweeties to help out like that!
I’d gladly join you on the deck, to talk books AND music! I’ll bring the dessert if you brew the coffee.
I take artist dates often, on photo excursions, and the photos always end up on my blog with the posts they inspire!
Awesome pictures! I loved them! I also love the book as well it was really good and I have it on my shelf ready to read again!
Teresa, Food, art, and conversation. Sounds like an ideal date!
Gwen, Maybe they were “Singin’ in the rain..”
Joanne, would love to share dessert and coffee with you on the deck. You inspired me with your fabulous photos on your blog.
Jen, thanks, the book is one you can revisit again and again, each time you’re in a different mental/artistic place.
I have a copy of The Artist’s Way, but I haven’t read it yet. Lately my artist dates deal with my new house – painting, organizing, decorating… 🙂
Mary, I will never forget our first journey into the Artist’s Way, and I look forward to exploring it again this go-around. The other book I’ve just started is called “Page by Page.” So far, it’s very inspiring too. I look forward to sharing. And I LOVE your new camera’s shots! What a difference it does make. I know you’ve been heading in this direction for some time. Good for you. And by the way, wow, your hair is really getting long. Has it ever been that long? Not since I’ve known you it hasn’t, not even back in the MSUM days. Thanks for lighting a fire for us regarding creativity. Oh, one more thing, regarding getting blocked, remember how we had to talk ourselves out of feeling daunted with the Artist’s Way requirements the first time around? I agree with your statement to not let anything ever block you. If something doesn’t resonate, push forward and take what works, right? 🙂
Love the pictures, Mary!! How fun! And I probably don’t nurture my creative artist enough. I love listening to inspiring music and taking walks. But I know I need to do it more! Thank you for the nudge!
You are too funny!!! Your photos look great on there. You go girl!
Hello Mary – I love the Artists Way! Such a good reminder to me to dust it off and reimmerse myself in her wisdom. I hope you are having a grand beginning to the summer. Coffee?
great photos !
There is a group going through this book now, the High Calling Blogs,
I didn’t buy it , but it sounds very helpful
Shannon, fun, new creative endeavors!
Roxane, Yes, I’m a long-haired Mama, now, or is that long-harried? We have done well on our journey. It’s good to revisit The Artist’s Way, now that I’m at a different place in the journey.
Jody, enjoy your success, and remember to let your artist relax and play, too!
JeMA, We’re on our Artist’s Way!
Yes, Erika, dust off your book and meet me for coffee. You know where I am.
Oh, I need this. I haven’t had an artist date in months…and I didn’t know I’d had one when I did!
Recharging is so important, isn’t it?
Hmmm. An artist date.
Look at art, of course, then eat a great, slow-food, organic meal!!!
Fun post, as always!!
P
I’ve started and stopped this book several times in the past. Perhaps I should get it back out and run through it, full steam ahead, to the finish.
An artist’s date? I’d play hooky from work on a Friday, drive down to the beach and sit for eight solid hours in the sun.
Happy Weekend,
Jen
Write in a book shop that serves free coffee.