Artist's Dates

Andy Goldsworthy, Pebbles Around a Hole, 1987

The idea of an Artist's Date, came to me from Kimberly Wilson's podcast. The original term is from Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way. I have not read that book, to be honest, I have never felt the need to. I am sure it is a great book, but I have always been a bit overly creative, if anything. A strange thing happened when I became an Art student; something I had always seen as a hobby and purely recreational, became my work. My life's work now, is to be creative. It is wonderful,and lovely and absolutely what I am meant to do; however, sometimes I now need to work out my creative muscle. I liken it to going from someone who likes to go on an occasional hike, and just enjoys the walk at their own pace, to someone to leads groups on 4 hikes a day, and has to get up the trail in a set time. You have to start exercising those legs!

Original Photo

  All this is to say, that now, more than ever, Artist's Dates are something I need, and delight in. An Artist's Date can involve almost anything that either gets your creative juices flowing, or takes you out of your normal routine. For example, I could leave for class an hour early on a lovely autumn day, and take the most rural route possible, just to see the sights and do something different. On another Artists' Date, I could go to a yarn store and plan a new project, or really explore a new yarn manufacturer whose process and product I admire. A no-brainer Artist's Date would be a trip to a gallery or museum or concert or poetry slam. For me, Artist's dates have to be inexpensive and relatively short. I like to try new things or go somewhere I have never gone before. The most amazing times I have had on Artist's Dates have involved just driving and listening to a specially mixed C.D, or getting a coffee and Cake Pop in the middle of the day, instead of going straight to my next class.
 I just wanted to leave you some inspiration to incorporate something like an Artist's Date into you week. You can stay home, or go away for a weekend, or something in between. I promise you, you don't have to spend ANY money if you don't want to. (most museums have a free day and even some free weekend specials) On the other hand, one Artist's Date could be shopping for your Fall wardrobe. (no self-critique allowed, if you don't like a pair of pants, that's the pants damn problem, not yours!)