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Book Review - The Artist's Way
I'm not a touchy-feely sort of person and I don't own any books that could be remotely construed as 'self help' except for this book and one of its companion texts, The Vein of Gold. I've got the sequel, Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity on my Amazon wish list and I'll let you know what I think of it. I got involved with The Artist's Way as a social exercise. Paula Morgan at About Beadwork was hosting a version of the workshop tailored specifically for beaders (learn more here). My local library had a copy of the book and I liked the idea of interacting with other beady folk, so I joined the fray. I didn't have a creative block (or at least I didn't think I did when I started). I completed the workshop and found myself changed from a crafter to an artisan. It isn't a mere semantic distinction. Now I feel much more free to discover my own jewelry designs and techniques.
The author is a writer and many of her exercises involve writing, but The Artist's Way is intended for anyone looking to unlock their creativity. Many of the exercises can be adapted or expanded upon to suit a particular art form. You read one chapter each week (12 weeks total) and follow the instructions included in that chapter. It's easy reading, with lots of insightful quotes in the margins, with a set of assignments following the chapter. In addition to reading the book and doing the assignments, you make and keep Artist Dates, which are dates with your artistic self (fun!) and write every day in a sort of journal (called 'Morning Pages'... very hard for me). At the back of the book, there are ideas for forming workshop groups (Ms. Cameron calls these 'creative clusters') and a reading list for persons looking to learn more about creativity and creative blocks. The reading and exercises link creativity with spirituality, but you don't need to be religious to reap the benefits of the workshop. I felt silly and childish several times, which was the point of some of the exercises. I don't think you will read any earth-shattering truths that are new to you (the truths are there), but you will examine your own creative process and learn how to give your creative 'child' the security and encouragement needed to grow and fluorish. I highly recommend this book!
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