Thanks to eveyone who responded to my email! Your expressions of love
were truly felt!
In my reference to The Artist’s Way, I was indeed referring to the
book and “program” from Julia Cameron. Defined on the cover of the
book by the same title, it is “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.” Amazon.com… really reasonable… along with the companion workbook
(journal).
It’s a twelve week program… as opposed to a twelve step program…
to discover, nurture and grow one’s internal creative self. Of course,
this is my definition preparing to enter this journey, not exiting
it. It’s also not specific to visual, performing, or other forms of
arts!
I think I originally heard about this on Orchid, or ArtMetal, a
couple years ago. There were a few “Artist’s Way Rings” opening up,
but the founder has rejected support to franchise the concept in favor
of a “grass roots” movement of individially directed rings. It is a
program easily tailored to individual consumption, but group
discussion would probably enhance the development.
I’m currently trying to talk an electronic-techno-industrial-music
(which I can’t stand) friend into joining me in the quest.
Hi Dave, I went through the Artists Way about 3 years ago. It is a
wonderful process. I too left a vastly different career,
biotechnology, to pursue art. 6 yrs ago I began pottery with 2 basic
philosopies, 1. at do I know about pottery—nothing so I will be
patient & kind to myself as I learn about clay. This has also meant
moving away from that type A…product producing mentality to trying
to enjoy the process & tackling what moves me at a specific
time…not forcing myself to complete something because it is good
for me". 2, What I don’t know may not hurt me & actually be a
positive thing… This allows me to experiment & work out side the
confines of traditional pottery ideas. Don’t get me wrong books are
my favorite allies, & I take lots of classes & workshops to learn the
basic skills.
Pottery lead me to jewelry about 2 yrs ago. The artist way helped me
get rid of the “random, everyday clutter” in my head each morning. It
assisted in my belief that creativity is spiritual & needs to be
nourished. It gave me faith that if I did the work, learned the
skills, while enjoy the process the ideas would come & so they have.
I just recently became a certified instructor in precious metals clay
(www.pmclay.com), a “clay” that when fired becomes 99.9% silver. What
a joy for a potter & jeweler.
Best of luck in your journey…I did it by myself…felt it was a
personal thing. Debbie Kaplan www.debkaplandesigns.com
I’m sure you will never regret your recent full-time commitment to
jewelry for your business! Giving up a great job with benefits is a
major change . . . I applaud your courage! The benefits of working
for a company are not to be discredited. In this fast paced - money
making - corporate world of ours . . . the independent artist is
definitely an endangered species! I certainly am no expert and have
miles to go to create a successful business. I find it very difficult
to integrate all the aspects of doing this work - but it is also very
rewarding. You will probably sleep less and be much happier! We will
never know if we don’t try.
Although we are all different, I do recommend Julia Cameron’s
book(s). I owned “The Artist’s Way” book for two years before diving
in - and found the program very useful in facilitating change. The
program can be done very easily solo - it is a self-help tool.
However, when communicating about the book with another artist/mom
friend, we discovered that neither of us had managed to get through
the 12 weeks solo. So, for the fun and “regimented” dedication to
completing the full 12 weeks, she and I decided to find a couple of
others in a similar situation of juggling family and the commitment of
creating art (we are all from different disciplines) for one’s
livelihood. We set those limitations for the participants in our
small group. We met for lunch once a week. It was a nice diversion
just to have the company of friends once a week - however, it did
keep us on track for the duration of the program. Forming a group was
not meant to be for psychological/analytical support - but more for
friendship/support on the path. In fact, the author, Julia Cameron,
recommends not to be discussing our writings.
I do feel that following the guidelines of writing three morning
pages a day - rather than say, sketching, has its purpose. So, I do
recommend doing one’s best to follow the program as it is presented -
at least for one run. I now have another of her books, the “Vein of
Gold”, but guess that one will also have to “age” a little before I
could attempt such madness. There is another book in the series, “The
Artist’s Way at Work”, which is a collaborative effort (three
authors). The cover indicates it is geared towards the workplace
situation.
I’d like to once again thank Dr. Aspler/Hanuman for providing this
vehicle for communication. The Orchid forum has definitely made my
choice as an independent jeweler less isolating. Orchid itself is an
extremely creative undertaking - definitely a pilot project utilizing
this new technology. It is very helpful to have the diverse input and
problem solving from the knowledgeable and experienced contributors in
our field - in metal, stones, equipment, business or at a personal
level. I especially love the anecdotes (horror stories?) of getting
in and out of trouble! Even just knowing that the many different
issues discussed “come with the territory”, helps. However, with that
said, I would shy away from communicating online at a personal level
and would stay with the “nuts and bolts” communication. Time
permitting, I’d be happy to communicate behind the scenes a bit on
this book - if anyone wants to be in contact. btw - When does SNAG come
to the west coast again?
So, have a great journey, Dave . . . the main thing is that we keep
working!
