So, did you start the Artists’ Way with me last week?
This first chapter contains what might be my favourite metaphor of all time – that of stocking your pond with new images and new ideas so that you have a new store to use in your creative work.
Are you doing your morning pages?
Did you go on your artist date to refill your pond?
I decided to play with fabric this week, and dug out my fabric stash. I have done a lot of sewing and quilting in the past, but not recently. My stash was a mess, everything at sixes and sevens, because I had jammed in things where there was space instead of where they belonged. So I spent an afternoon unpacking the whole lot, playing with colours and textures, rearranging the fabrics, ironing some that looked abused. I had the stereo on and the sun was shining and it was a wonderful relaxing afternoon. I felt restored – and organized – afterward.
What did you do for your artist?
Gina Black
February 1st, 2010
I’m on board, but just holding on by a string. In other words, I plan to do this but I’m a week behind. I started the reading and then spent most of the week being hosted and hostessing. No morning pages at all. No assignments. The week, though, was like a huge artists date in that my heart pumping stronger and truer after being with those I love.
I’m planning to catch up, which probably isn’t de rigueur, but *this* time I’m paying attention to the part where she says I can be creative with how I use the program.
Kristen
February 1st, 2010
I’m behind.
Just as I started, one kid and one dog fell ill. And then the well was set up, the water went down, the mud came in and…..
Yes, I need to do creative stuff for me to feed the writing and right now, I can’t see it for the mess that I’m juggling right now. Making changes today while I get this 4 pound puppy to feeling better.
If only I could train the dogs to dust mop the floor.
Alicia
February 2nd, 2010
I adore my fabric stash…. probably too much. Visions dance in my head of what I could do, but fear of what might end up sewn frighten me from starting. I have a lovely doggie quilt started for The Pam, but am nervous as to what to put up on the quilt next.
Quilting, like writing, requires one to start…. a little each day….but conversely, it’s much harder to start over using the same materials.
terri
February 6th, 2010
I don’t have the actual Artist’s Way book here, but it sounds like what I started on Monday, Feb 1st. Refilling the well has been my intent this week and I’ll check through the rest of your posts to see if I can catch what I am supposed to do with the next week…
Deb/Claire
February 8th, 2010
Hi Terri -
The Artist’s Way is a really effective tool. Although there are exercises for each week in the book – the program takes 12 weeks – there are two base exercises that you do throughout (and even afterward). These are morning pages – write three pages longhand each morning – and the artist’s date – do something different/interesting/fun by yourself for yourself once a week. Of course, I recommend you have a peek at the book to learn all the whys and wherefores, but even doing those two things will likely make a difference for you.
Good luck with stocking your well!
d