The Artist Time
I’ve been enclosing myself in my cocoon lately. I usually go through phases like that, specially when my birthday is near.
I feel like a little thought and balance on things that happened in the current year brings good energy for the next one.
My thoughts revolve around life purposes, meanings, friendships, art, family…the important things.
Lately, I’ve been incorporating a few interesting techniques learnt from Julia Cameron’s book – The Artist Way, to my everyday life.
She introduced to me a very pleasant way to start my day, writing my morning pages (as she calls the morning journals), which I’ve been religiously practicing, early in the morning, sometimes under a candle light, while sipping my coffee.
It is a big morning catharsis and sets the tone for the entire day, my energy seems to flow better and even if my artist side doesn’t flare up intensely that day, I feel that at least, I had accomplish something.
Another interesting exercise encouraged by Julia is the artist date.
I don’t have enough words to describe how productive is a weekly date with your own self, but in a more conscious way. It is not just getting out the house to have a break, it is a seeking for something more expressive during the date that can be brought back to your art!
I pack my “artist bag” (I actually bought a new one just for that), put my comfortable hiking shoes, grap my sketchbook, camera and off I go, very proud of myself and full of confidence.
I open my eyes to any little details on my way, either can be a crack on the concrete side walk or a beautiful bird song. The important is the active observation, no filters here, just take it all in…
During my artist walks, my imagination goes wild and stories start bubbling in my head.
There are little girls and boys, inventive toys, magical figures and special powers.
There is poetry, color, smells and life.
Words arrive in my mind like crazy spells and I hear the wind whispering little secrets. The flowers dance its tango and little beetles buzz around guiding me through the winding path. Where to go now?!
Maybe back home, life still out there and I have to bring all these treasures with me! Would they fit in my artist bag?! They always do!
Have a good weekend you all!