I purchased this book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron awhile back. I glanced through it and read bits and pieces of it over the years but never really gave it much of a chance. After reading a blog post by another artist who was working on her morning pages and how insightful they were for her, I went to the bookcase and dusted off my copy. I decided to work through the 12 week program. However some of my weeks may stretch out to two or so but I want to enjoy the process not have another schedule to follow.
After completing my first week I have realized a few things. Some are deeply personal and others I can share.
First the (in my mind, dreaded) "Morning Pages". I thought that maybe I would skip this part of the program because I don't consider myself a writer. Could this possibly help me as an artist? However I didn't want to rush through the book this time and wanted to follow most of the program. I do them most mornings and I must say they are getting easier and some mornings I actually look forward to doing them. http://www.squidoo.com/morning-pages
Next the "Artist Date" at my stage in life I have no babies crawling around, I am office manager for my husbands business and I am lucky to have quite a bit of flexibility to my days. I didn't think that setting aside two hours a week just for my art would be a problem. But making that commitment and setting aside that time, not answering the phone or doing any paperwork, or scrolling around online (this problem is a whole other blog post). It did make me realize that I indeed need to focus more on creating and finding the joy in that again. So just taking that time and being selfish with it and not letting anything else intrude is a treat that I am certain to continue.
Sue from Digilio Designs
7 comments:
Wow. Morning pages sounds just like something I need in my day. I also need to find a time of no distractions. Great motivation... can't wait to see more of this.
I've also had this book for many years and a few years ago finally pulled it out and spent some time with applying some of her suggestions. I did the morning pages faithfully for a few months, then slacked off. But they did get me into a steadier habit of journaling that I keep up even now - usually a few times a week, though sometimes with a gap of a couple of weeks. And I love the artist's dates! My husband got me a membership at the Metropolitan Museum of Art a few years ago for Christmas and renews it every year - so that entices me to get down there every couple of months. I try to do smaller things in between - but not weekly. Just can't make it happen.
Wow. Morning pages sounds just like something I need in my day. I also need to find a time of no distractions. Great motivation... can't wait to see more of this.
Thank you Sue, I've been struggling with finding creative energy & time to express it for a few months now. I am going to try morning pages.
Thank you Sue, I've been struggling with finding creative energy & time to express it for a few months now. I am going to try morning pages.
Today is Day 3 of Morning Pages for me. I'm kinda shocked at the change in me already. Yesterday I made 3 new bracelets and today photographed them and I am in the process of listing them. Also accomplished a few other tasks I've been slacking on. Thanx again Sue. I feel a lot less tense - like freed up!
I think this is just what I need, too. When I was on vacation last week, I sat down for the first time in a long time and just sketched. I forgot how much just sitting and thinking can do for my imagination. I'm going to give Morning Pages a try.
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