The Artist's Way: Getting Started

[kygirl]

If you just can't wait to get started and you've already received your copy of The Artist's Way, go ahead and read the introductory chapters (through page 24). I don't normally recommend writing in books, but this is the kind of book that it might be useful to have a highlighter and pen at hand to mark the quotes and passages that move you.

When you're reading, if you find that you're uncomfortable with Cameron's use of the term "God", substitute "higher power" or "the universe" or "Mother Earth," whatever term that feels right for you.

If you don't have your book yet, don't worry. This is a short read and can easily be incorporated into the first week of the program.

For Discussion

1) As you read through the basic principles, did any of them strike you as basic truths? Are there any principles of which you're skeptical?

2) How do you feel about the Morning Pages? Do you think it will be difficult to fill up three pages every day?

3) Cameron advises us to go on Artist's Dates each week. This is a chance for us to "explore something that excites or interests us." It's our chance to play. How are you planning on spending your first Artist's Date?

Creative Options

There are going to be plenty of opportunities for you to incorporate The Artist's Way into your scrapbooking, digital art, or arts and crafts. Here are a few ideas to consider for the introduction.

The Morning Pages: Pick up a cheap composition notebook and use some of your stash to create a beautiful cover.

Quotables: One of my favorite things about The Artist's Way is all of the wonderful quotes in the book. The first time I went through the program, I covered a notebook and kept a quote journal. This time, I'm going to design Artist Trading Cards featuring my favorite quotes.

The Contract: You can sign the contract in the book. You can design a layout or an art journal page featuring the contract. You can copy it into your Morning Pages journal, and let it be the first page you see whenever you open your book. But whatever you do, think about this seriously before you sign it. The most important promises you will ever make are the ones you make to yourself.

http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/data/2/medium/artist_s-way-contract.jpg

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And just a word about my role here: I am not here as a teacher. My role is just to facilitate the discussion. This is a peer-run process, so we'll be teaching and learning from each other. You won't be asked to do anything or share anything that makes you uncomfortable. Ultimately, this is your own journey. But isn't it nice to know that there are people to rely on along the way?

[Lumilyon]

Great post Donna! Going to think about all of this...

[FLCindy]

Woo-hoo! I'm starting my MP's tommorrow am! Now, where am I going on my AD? I will decide, take pics and do a layout. I love the idea of creating ATC's using the quotes. Can I use the same idea, Donna?

[kygirl]

Cindy, I'm so excited that you're excited. Create away.

[joannknnrd]

What perfect timing, I just got my copy in the mail this afternoon!

[FLCindy]

Completed my Morning Pages (Daily Journal) this morning. Not much to rant and rave about in the pages, which was a previous practice of mine when I started TAW 12 1/2 yrs ago. Today's pages contained positive and upbeat ramblings about life. I guess I rolled out of bed in a happy mood.

Not all MP's are positive and upbeat. Rant and rave, whine, cry, write one or two words across the lines (grr, grr, grr, grr,) You get the picture. Just fill up the pages!

Anyone else write their MP's today?

[kygirl]

No Morning Pages here. I promised myself I'd start on the first, and being the slightly anal-retentive person that I am, I probably won't start until then. Can't you just hear Cameron fussing at me and telling me not to be so rules-oriented? LOL

I've done Morning Pages in the past, and I marveled at what they revealed. I don't know why I stopped.

Well, maybe I do. As I read the introductory pages yesterday, the one basic principle that I thought about the most was this: The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature. Hmmm. That may be something I need to work on.

As for Artist's Dates, I already have my first one planned. I'm going to see "Julie and Julia" all by myself. Since it's about two creative women, perhaps it will spark some creative ideas in me, too.

[joannknnrd]

Lol, am I behind, before I've even started? That would be typical of my life right now...

[kygirl]

No, you're not behind. :-) We don't officially start until Oct. 1.

Cindy's been through this process quite a few times. She knows how well the morning pages work, so she's getting a head start on the rest of us.

[Lmccandless]

Morning pages should be interesting for me. I'm so NOT a morning person. You guys will see me in all my grumpy, yet-to-be-caffeinated glory...

[cfalbro]

I am so excited. My book came in the mail today. I'll do my reading tonight. I'm totally psyched about getting started : )))

[Robin]

I can't wait to participate with all of you! Thank you for the opportunity!

[kygirl]

Robin, I'm stoked that you're stoked. :D Welcome to DAQ.

[cfalbro]

I read the introduction lastnight. Didn't read the principals, had to force myself to stop so I'd have something to read tonight. So far I like what I'm reading. Very interesting.

[cfalbro]

By the way, Donna, I was wondering if you might like to swap ATCs at some point? I love your idea of using quotes from the book to make ATCs.

[kygirl]

What a great idea. I'll put it on my list of projects/ideas for the workshop, maybe for the latter part of October/early part of November.

[FLCindy]

What a great idea. I'll put it on my list of projects/ideas for the workshop, maybe for the latter part of October/early part of November.

Can I suggest an ATC swap be sent in a digital format, instead of snail mail? One reason why it's difficult for me to participate in the ATC swaps is the cost of postage. What do you think?

[kygirl]

That's a great idea, Cindy. My guess is that we could be talking about a lot of ATCs, so a digital swap would probably work best. You can send your high-resolution copies to me at admin@digitalartquirks.com. Don't forget to include a back with your name and info. I'll zip them all up and send them out at the end of the workshop.

P.S. This is not a requirement of the workshop (remember, the only requirements are your morning pages and Artist's Dates). Everything else is just for fun, and is purely optional.

[Lumilyon]

I wrote my first pages this morning. I really had to psyche up for it but I'm over that first hump. I've had a horrendous week and so just splurged out lots of bad feelings onto the page. Eventually, I'm hoping that the pages will stop me mithering about rubbish during the day.

Great idea about the ATCs and overcomes my lack of printer problem

[kaylaugh]

Well, being nocturnal, I translate 'morning' into 'first thing when I wake up'...meaning I'll have to develop a habit of journaling before opening email or browser windows (or photoshop or acdsee or suodku...lol!) Actually, I'll be journaling on my netbook with means ebooks and pogo games but I'll just park my journling folder on my desktop and try to remember to start my day there before hitting the office. Just don't expect my MP's to actually occur in the morning...lol!

Kristi

[kygirl]

LOL, Kristi. More than once, I've found myself doing my Morning Pages right before bedtime. Sometimes, life just gets in the way.

[kaylaugh]

Well, I was directed to Audible and downloaded an abridged audio version with my intro offer credits...I really prefer unabridged but well, free is free! I listened to the intro section and now that I've heard what she was saying about the pages, I think that kind of mental housekeeping fits really well after breakfast and it's OK to do my email and forums while I eat. As long as I pause to purge the mental clutter before I try to start doing any real work...kwim? I also like her descriptions of the artist dates...I was concerned because I'm stuck here most of the time. But I'm in a beautiful apartment with a creek and some great green space...in the spring we have wildflowers all along the creek just outside my front door! And I've already started having texture hunting sessions here with my camera. I'm excited about getting started with this study!

Kristi

[kygirl]

Kristi, one of Julia Cameron's favorite artist's dates is walking. In fact, she went on to write book that focuses almost entirely on the benefit of daily walks.
On one of my favorite dates, I don't even leave the house. I announce that I'm not to be interrupted, fix a bubble bath, put on some great music, and just soak for half an hour.

[Lumilyon]

Managed to keep up with my pages this weekend, despite being away from home to photograph a wedding. Total scrawl
I'm thinking of using TAW to kick start me back into doing more "real" stuff again but who knows, that might just be my Inner Critic saying that I shouldn't just be doing digital, because it's not as "valid".

[FLCindy]

Kristi, one of Julia Cameron's favorite artist's dates is walking. In fact, she went on to write book that focuses almost entirely on the benefit of daily walks.
On one of my favorite dates, I don't even leave the house. I announce that I'm not to be interrupted, fix a bubble bath, put on some great music, and just soak for half an hour.

Kristi,
If I remember correctly, you borrowed a scooter for mobility? If you have it, can you use it to travel around your neighborhood?

Can you take photos of things that interest you in your scooter travels? Photography is a great artist date. You get in tune with the rhythm of life as you feel it.

Or, can you go to a park and ride the scooter around the park? Spend some quiet moments in nature?

Can you make cards for a charity or for people you'd love to send them to? Even a few paper items can be placed on paper to create a card. I am not sure the extent of what you can and cannot see. The idea about making cards is tactile stimulation.

Are there any othe activities that can give you stimulation using the senses?

[FLCindy]

Managed to keep up with my pages this weekend, despite being away from home to photograph a wedding. Total scrawl
I'm thinking of using TAW to kick start me back into doing more "real" stuff again but who knows, that might just be my Inner Critic saying that I shouldn't just be doing digital, because it's not as "valid".

Your inner critic may say you shouldn't just be doing digital, however, do not discount it as a creative process that you enjoy.

Glad you were able to keep up with the Morning Pages.

[kaylaugh]

Yeah Cindy...real blessings living here! The maintenance guy's mom had a scooter to sell and I got a nice upgrade for a heck of a lot less than I would have paid for a new one. The complex is really nice and there's a creek...it's not accessible for the scooter but on my good days I can walk there and get on a little bridge. Spring had lots of wildflowers in the greenspace. I need to get pics and do a layout soon. I'm also trying to walk when I can but will scoot if I have to...lol! I push it to full speed to exercise the boxer puppy while the lazy couch potato pekingese rides with me...I call it 'run and ride'...or 'scoot and stroll' if we're going more slowly...lol!

Kristi

[cfalbro]

I read about the morning pages lastnight. I've been pacing myself so I won't finish too soon. Definitely looking forward to getting started. I think that the Morning Pages totally make sense- get all that junk that you *would* be carrying around out right in the beginning and leave it there. I like the concept. I just have to remember to do them. I'm going to plan to do mine before I even get out of bed.

[Lumilyon]

Yes, that's exactly what i do! I write them and then get up.

[kygirl]

I have to have at least one cup of coffee down before I can pick up the pen. Morning pages are such a powerful tool. I'm looking forward to getting started with them again.

Lumi, you're going to have to have a talk with that inner voice. :-) When my husband and I toured the Indianapolis Museum of Art last year, there was a whole display devoted to digital art. It may be a new art form, but I believe very strongly that it's a valid one.

Kristi, glad to hear that the Artist's Dates look doable for you.

[Lumilyon]

How was the DG presented Donna? I am exploring how I might exhibit my work.

[kygirl]

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, Lumi. I don't know how I missed this.

The display we saw was a combination of print pieces and pieces displayed on huge flat-screen monitors. I believe there may have even been audio. That's one advantage of digital over traditional art. It opens all sorts of avenues for presentation.

Our local coffee shop does a rotation of artists' works, and I've been toying with the idea of seeing if they'd be interested in an exhibit of some of mine. I haven't actually got up the courage yet. Yes, I fear rejection. Isn't there an Artist's Way chapter on that? :-)

[Lumilyon]

Well there should be! I'm having the same dilemma x

[Artist in Residence]

Lumi, and Donna, I had to chime in on what Donna said about digital art-- yes, it's new but it is a valid art form...

I heard something awhile back about critics of photography when it first came about. It was criticized as not being "real" art, compared to the great oil paintings of the time. Isn't it funny how things have changed and how photography has become such an incredible art form.

And how exciting it is to be living at a time when the next big thing is developing right before our eyes-- digital photography as an art form, in all it's glory. We are so lucky! History will one day look back on the early days of this art form and all of us will have made our mark, just as the early photographers did.

Never believe that this art form isn't real-- it is! When I see these beautiful images that all of us (and I do include myself in this) come up with-- it's like having a window into the mind of the artist. What fantastic imaginations we have, and thanks to all this wonderful technology, look at the way we can express ourselves.

Celebrate digital! The art form is definitely here to stay! :]

Juli

[FLCindy]

Never believe that this art form isn't real-- it is! When I see these beautiful images that all of us (and I do include myself in this) come up with-- it's like having a window into the mind of the artist. What fantastic imaginations we have, and thanks to all this wonderful technology, look at the way we can express ourselves.

Celebrate digital! The art form is definitely here to stay! :]

Juli

I love what you posted! Celebrate digital!