For Julie Powell, it was Julia Child. For me, it’s Julia Cameron, the author of THE ARTIST’S WAY, who has helped me sharpen a few pencils in my writer’s tool box.
Sure, I've attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to do her prescribed MORNING PAGES every day. But, I have found one of her other creative "prescriptions" even more delicious than Julia Child’s Bruschetta (page 223) in Mastering the Art of French Cooking--it is her "artist date."
As you may or may not know, Cameron insists on weekly dates to "fill the artist" by committing to “a two-hour block of time set aside to nurture your creative consciousness or your inner artist." I call it two hours of pure bliss. Well, if/when I have gotten around to going on them religiously as she suggests. But, I haven’t always had (or made) the time to schedule dates (literally and figuratively) with anyone in my life lately. This year, however, is going to be different, on oh so many levels.
While the word “date” may suggest that you may bring someone along, sorry, the answer is "NO!" You are to bring only your inner artist or “creative child” and that’s it. No lovers, friends, mothers, sisters, cousins, clients, or kids—nobody but YOU and your creative child. And, there's no need to dress up or plan a fancy to-do or engagement either. It just has to be TIME that you set aside each week “to receive insight, inspiration, and guidance,” whatever that is for you--per Cameron. It doesn’t sound so hard, right? Well, it shouldn't be, if you are truly committed.
I admit it. In the past, I’ve only casually scheduled an “artist date” here and there. (e.g. a symphony, a musical, a lecture, etc.) However, it has been neither a weekly event or a truly reflective one until now.
Recently, after re-discovering my tattered and highlighted copy of AN ARTIST’S WAY last week, and an open slot on my list of NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, I rallied me, myself, and my creative child to start dating this year, take notes, and write about it. (e.g. What did I do? Where do I go? How did it affect me in the moment, and how will it/did it affect my creative process for the day, the week, month, or the year ahead?)
Being still January, (hooo-ray!) I scheduled my first “artist date” of 2010 this past week to see Caravaggio’s Painting, The Supper at Emmaus (1601)—on loan from the National Gallery in London, at the Art Institute of Chicago for a limited engagement.
As I made my way to Gallery 211, I spotted the mammoth painting in the airy gallery dedicated to this painting and to a handful of other artists inspired by his work. I took my time to drink in every pigment, stroke, object, symbol, and character in this glorious painting of Christ with two devoted followers and an Inns Keeper who does not know who He is. I read about Caravaggio’s use of live models, his masterful use of light and shadow, explored his attention to detail, facial expressions, and emotional gestures, and then, I did what I always do when I am in front of a masterpiece of art.
I envisioned its creator standing in the same spot I was, but hundreds of years ago (409 years ago to be exact) creating his painting, adding details, making changes, thinking about the countless people who will see it, wondering if they will love it or hate it—and I reflected on the many parallels in our creative processes. (i.e. fear, excitement, uncertainty, passion, self-loathing, doggedness, stick-to-it-ness, and triumph!)
I also did something that I don’t normally tell anyone, but since it’s just you and me, I will. I took a long and deep breath letting in the air surrounding his painting so I could inhale all of the marvelous molecules of DNA, of Caravaggio, and his creative energy that I believe most certainly remains. And, for a moment, we were one. Well, me, Caravaggio, and my creative child that is. And, I was changed forever.
Then, when I exhaled, I gave thanks for this remarkable artist and masterpiece, and I asked my source (in my case, God) to bless me so that I might use my creativity to create pieces that touch someone as Caravaggio touched me.
And, for the rest of the day, and for days that followed, I did feel different, and I do feel different--and I think Cameron has something here.
While I don’t think all of my “artist dates” can or will be like this one, I do believe that if I make a concentrated and consistent effort to entertain my creative child, and fill my creative vessel to the tippy top as often as I can that some of this has to spill over into my own my creative process and my work. And, it can do the same for you,too. So, fill and spill away this week, this month, and this year. And, soon enough your innner "artist/creative child" will thank you in more tasty ways than you can cook up. Thanks to another Julia.
Artist Date #2: Stay tuned. (PS If you have any suggestions, or want to share one of your artist dates, leave a comment:)
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