The Artist’s Way: Art by you for you

You know that book that is collecting dust on your bedside table? Well, replace it with The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and instead of dust, it will be collecting creases. This is not your average self-help book that just tells you things to remember (which you probably already forgot 20 pages ago), it leaves you having to hold yourself accountable. 

Over the span of 12 weeks, you will not simply find your creativity as if it was waiting or hiding. You’ll have created your own creativity through four important concepts. And these core concepts are designed to, with consistency of course, combine discipline, community, and self-exploration. 

You are essentially re-introducing your creative side to yourself. And the first component is the perfect way to do that. ‘Morning pages’ is a core concept in the book that you complete every morning. Your new and improved morning routine simply includes the process of writing down three pages of free-thought. This could be anything, from writing down the random dream you had that night before, to writing about a phrase people keep saying. There is no right or wrong way to do the morning pages, this is a personal and intimate exploration of your thoughts. 

And while you think this may be tedious and lacking purpose, think again. This is an intentional de-clutter of the mind. And the more and more you de-clutter your mind and empty it onto the pages, the more you can expand on one thought. This thought can then lead to accessing your creativity, as one thought leads you to another deeper thought. This is the most natural and effective way to channel your creative mindset. 

The second core concept is artist dates. This is done weekly, so you can pick whatever day of the week works best for your schedule. The artist date is intended to be somewhat of a non-stressful appointment or a relaxing date. Unlike most dates, you won’t have to worry about splitting the bill because the artist date can be done without having to spend any money. 

You can look up local museums that are usually free or cost a few euros (no 14 euro cocktails in sight), where you can browse the various art displayed. From paintings to archeology to anything under the umbrella term museum, you are sure to find inspiration in an art form of your liking. However, if you are wanting to take advantage of a sunny day, then take a nature walk around the park, your neighbourhood, anywhere that you usually breeze past. The artist date is about taking the time and being present with yourself, so enjoy the scenery around you. So often we are rushing and miss the most special inspiration hiding in plain sight. This is your moment to treat yourself to a date that centres around your creativity and brings a little bit of colour to the world, inside or outside. One of my personal favourites is even visiting a thrift store, and browsing the clothes. Exploring creativity around your body by looking at an item of clothing and choosing how to express your own personal style. 

The artist's dates are an essential tool in rediscovering your creativity, in conjunction with the flow of the morning pages. It is a key part of the give and take. And who says single people can’t go on these solo dates? This solo-time is a great way to build comfort in your independence in a fulfilling way. These dates have nothing to do with your love life, but everything to do with bringing out your ‘inner-child’, the child that would be unapologetically curious and messy during art class in primary school. 

Thirdly, we have the basic principles, also known as the ten spiritual tenets. These are the philosophical foundations of the book. Julia Cameron makes it clear that this book should not be looked at through a ‘hobby’ lens. It is something you ‘pick up’ and go through the motions. Cameron looks at creativity through a spiritual lens, an infinite ‘gift’ from a higher source, be that whatever fits your beliefs. 

The purpose is transforming fear into trust, your natural ‘gift’. The idea is to not let external expectations stop you from channelling your creativity. We are all artists in our own ways, and there is no such thing as someone possessing something you do not already have within. And there is also no expectation of how perfect or good you have to be at the specific art form you’re doing. So let go of the comparison of who is better or the belief that ‘you’re not good enough’. Cameron believes there is always more room for art and creation, and so should you.

You may be asking yourself, “well how do I execute my creativity?” It is actually something you do every day, such as the good old cure to most things - a walk. Taking a simple walk around your neighbourhood or walking to work or class instead of public transport is the perfect way to organise your creative ideas into ‘integrated’ art. If you’re having problems with your art or a certain block after letting your creativity out and in through the tasks above, just walk it out and mentally go through it. The key is not listening to music and staying off your phone; it is a distraction-free walk where you are present in the moment. 

Julia Cameron has given us a way to channel our creativity that is ironically both individual and collective. Where no two readers come out with the same product, but it works for everyone. And so many people stick with these tasks long after reading the book. So start your creative journey, and create art by you and for you!

Written By: Sophia Arceo @sophiearceo

Edited By Alex Kelleher @alex_kelleher_