Alone but not Lonely
I was thinking about how we artists are most often completely alone when we're making our art. I've taken part in groups where we've worked together but my best creative thoughts arrive when I'm completely on my own, immersed in my own thoughts. I know some people can bounce ideas off eachother and have amazing times at arty workshops but although I've enjoyed things like this, I tend to get distracted by other people and don't produce anything that I feel is my own, something that expresses just me.
While I was expecting my youngest child, I came across the book by Julia Cameron 'The Artist's Way.' I'd taken a couple of years out of my art degree to have the baby and I felt in desperate need of some creative input. One of the things she advises is to take yourself on an 'Artist Date'. This is a date with yourself, alone, visiting somewhere that makes your heart skip, that feasts your eyes. The idea is to feed your creative consciousness, your inner artist.
It's easy to forget how important it is to spend 'quality time' with ourselves. A lot is said about spending quality time with loved ones and of course this is true but when you're trying to get back in touch with what really makes you feel happy to be alive and inspired by the quirky things that are unique to you, then you need to spend some time nurturing your own inner artist.
I haven't done this for a very long time until today.
Comments
your
birdie
& hill
& gorgeous solitude.
yesyesyes
xox
i must visit Julia Cameron's book again. i have been lazy, lazy, lazy creatively.
the birdie on the patchwork hill, the colours in particular and his/her joyous little crown make my heart sing :)
i think that everyone needs aloness sometimes. to breath and to keep in touch with our authentic self.
warmest wishes to you x
Good for you going on an artist date!!
Hugs Giggles
Kyles :D
i love your bird by the way, and the “quilted" grass he is standing on.
xo sandra
I agree with your post, I find much more difficult to work with other people around.
That artist date sounds like a good idea.
I love being alone..and feel most powerful and nurtured in this space...I feel alive with creative magic...it is special! Enjoy your special time and creating with the magic of your artist's soul! Shine on friend!
Victoria
I've used that book like a bible for years and it's great for any kind of creativity, not just visual art.
I hadn't thought of the hill being like patchwork but of course it is isn't it?! I must be more influenced by my needlework than I realised!xx
Jessi xox
I love to work alone...except I like to have music playing or radio 4 on,or am constantly interrupted by small people demanding that I draw them...and I think I am up and running again.