The Artist Date
‘In order to have a real relationship with our creativity, we must take the time to care and cultivate it. Our creativity will use this time to confront us, to confide in us to bond with us, and to plan’ - Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way.
Yesterday I took myself on my first ‘Artist Date’. This was not intentional more of a spontaneous trip to the museum for me. But I’d realised I was on an Artist Date!
“An artist date is a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and commited to nuturing yoru inner artist. In its most primary form, the artist date is a play date that you preplan and defend against all interlopers. You do not take anyone on this artist date but you and your inner artist, a.k.a your creative child. “ Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way.
I read through The Artist’s Way a couple of months ago and expanded upon my usual morning journalling to the recommended three pages consistently. I had been, however, reluctant to start the Artist Date. Julia explains reasons for this in the book and I ticked off most! My trip to the museum was a great time nurturing my inner artist and I left super inspired.
Julia explains the need of ‘filling the well, stocking the pond’. We must replenish the work drawn from our well with new imagery and creative resources.
'In filling the well, think magic. Think delight. Think fun. Do not think duty” - Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way.
I’m really excited to plan my next Artist Date. I was daunted to start the 12 week programme that is The Artist’s Way but also now excited to start - I even signed the contract to myself as outlined in the book.
For me, just like any date, it’s also a great excuse to dress up a bit! (If I actually needed one…!).
Whether you read The Artist’s Way (I think you should!) or not- I really recommend weekly Artist Dates- for fun!
(Photos taken by me at the permanent fashion exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London).
Look out for my post on Fashion History and I’ll include more about my findings and inspiration at the museum.
Take good care,
Kya