An essential step toward a real relationship with our creativity.
Julia Cameron, in The Artist’s Way suggests the inner artist needs playful inflow and that a little fun can go a long way toward making your work feel more like play. She goes on to say it’s important to set aside a block of time weekly for what she calls an Artist Date.
I went on my 30th artist date this week. I began doing these, along with the Morning Pages, in January this year. With each date, I am receiving and opening myself to insight, inspiration, and guidance.
Yesterday’s date was like a treasure hunt at two estate sales. I went with an open mind and if something spoke to me, I would consider it. In a basement, I found four colorful marble eggs, $2 per. I pictured them in my yard’s landscape, near the ceramic chicken that stands guard, and the surprise reaction my granddaughter would have when she discovers them.
At the second sale, I stopped at the jewelry table as a brooch caught my eye. It was attached to a card touting it handmade in Oregon and titled “Suspended in Time.” Seven tiny clock faces, two set at 9:00 and the other five at 10:08.
I studied it and wondered how I might use it in some kind of art creation. Worse case, I could pin it to my cork board and enjoy its steampunk quirkiness. I bought it, $5.00.
Later I showed it to my friend who informed me how much she loved clocks and, “Wouldn’t that be beautiful on the lapel of a coat?” she gushed. Of course, I’m now going to give it to her for her birthday later, but its striking and fun the differences in our vision for the same item. Actually wearing it never occurred to me. 😊
“In order to have a real relationship with our creativity,” Julia writes, “we must take the time and care to cultivate it.”
Do what intrigues you, explore what interests you; think mystery, not mastery.
Until next week, all my love.
So you see, imagination needs moodling—long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering.”
—Brenda Ueland