The Artist’s Way
Starts - Thursday September 12th 2024 and every Thursday after that for 13 weeks.
11am - 12.30pm Online.
Ends - 5th December 2024
The Artist's Way is a book by Julia Cameron which is structured as a 12-week program designed to help individuals rediscover and nurture their creative potential. The book combines spiritual principles with practical exercises to unblock creativity and overcome self-doubt, often referred to as "creative recovery." Key practices include "Morning Pages" (daily writing) and "Artist Dates" (solo excursions to inspire creativity). Cameron emphasizes the importance of play, self-care, and confronting internal obstacles to unlock artistic expression. The program is not only for artists but for anyone seeking to enhance their creative life.
This book has been around for a long time and it retains its relevance. I have been interested in Creativity and human beings as Creators for many many years. I will take this book as structure and add to it. I will guide you and help you to stay accountable. In my experience we can get caught up in mentally trying to ‘figure out’ our ‘blocks’ and lose sight of our creations in the process.
For this reason participants may choose a project which they are working on to focus on during these 13 weeks. This way any blocks or obstacles which arise will be able to be dealt with immediately. This is not necessary and we will discuss it in the introduction call.
There are three payment options:
FAQs
1. What is The Artist's Way?
The Artist's Way is a 12-week program designed by Julia Cameron to help individuals unblock their creativity and develop a consistent artistic practice. It combines spiritual, psychological, and practical exercises to overcome creative blocks.
2. Who is The Artist's Way for?
The book is intended for anyone looking to nurture their creativity, not just professional artists. Writers, musicians, visual artists, and anyone seeking to explore or expand their creative potential can benefit from the program.
3. What are "Morning Pages"?
Morning Pages are a key exercise in The Artist's Way. They consist of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness longhand every morning. This practice helps clear the mind, process emotions, and unlock creativity.
4. What is an "Artist Date"?
An Artist Date is a weekly solo outing where you explore something that interests or inspires you. The goal is to nurture your inner artist by doing something fun, engaging, and creatively stimulating.
5. Do I need to follow the program for the full 12 weeks?
While it's recommended to follow the program for the full 12 weeks to get the most benefit, you can go at your own pace. Some people repeat weeks or take longer to complete certain exercises. If you take on the program as a group, you are much more likely to finish it and get the most out of it. If you take individual coaching alongside it, it is even more powerful.
6. Is The Artist's Way religious?
The book has a spiritual foundation and refers to concepts like a higher power or divine guidance. However, the program is flexible and can be adapted to fit any belief system, including secular approaches. I personally can address Creativity from a very esoteric perspective to a very practical perspective. I also have my own point of view, which is slightly different from Julia Cameron’s. Each participant will have their own perspective, which is what makes it interesting.
7. How much time does the program require each week?
In addition to the daily Morning Pages (around 20 minutes), you should set aside time for your weekly Artist Date (2-3 hours). There are also weekly tasks and exercises, but the overall time commitment is manageable.
8. What kinds of exercises are included in the program?
Exercises in The Artist's Way range from journaling and affirmations to more specific tasks like identifying creative goals, addressing past artistic wounds, and engaging in creative play.
9. Can I do The Artist's Way with a group?
Yes, many people find it helpful to work through the program with a group for support and accountability. Cameron even encourages this, suggesting that group members meet weekly to discuss their experiences. I have guided many groups through the Artist’s Way since 2007.
10. What if I feel blocked or stuck during the program?
Feeling blocked is normal and the resistance you experience in relation to the program is usually the same resistance you encounter in your creative projects. This is why I like to work on a project alongside the program so that we can see where we have misunderstandings (blocks) which make us start procrastinating.
11. Do I need to be an artist to benefit from this book?
No, The Artist's Way is designed for anyone who wants to bring more creativity into their life, whether you're a seasoned artist or someone just beginning to explore your creative side.
12. What if I miss a day or week?
It's okay to miss a day or week, but it's important to return to the program when you can. Cameron encourages flexibility and self-compassion as you work through the material. You can always pick up where you left off. The calls will be recorded. The idea behind my approach is that you learn to flow more in your creative work, to carve out an easy path, so that it is easier to do your work than not to.
Any more questions?
