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Excellent book- a bit too 'American' in style, which I do find irritating, but the message is clear and it's the second copy I have bought having lost the first by lending it out.A good self-help book which does work if you follow the advice.Definately aimed at USA readers but thats fairly obvious from description so you know what you're in for before you buy.Lots of case histories which are hard to relate to being European-and they are the irritating bits. I just skip over them so I don't alienate myself from the book.
But finding myself frustrated with my work, feeling too tightly wound and over analytical, it was just the anecdote I needed. For me this was uncomfortable at first, given that I was totally in my rational head, but this sort of leap of faith is just what I needed. I was reluctant to try this process, feeling a bit snobby as a mid-career artist with a BFA and MFA in painting. I'm certainly not suggesting that thought and analysis are not important integral parts of art making which is at its core problem solving. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this process for any creative person, no matter what "level" you have achieved thus far. In some ways this program is the counterbalance to my MFA program which I finished 15 yrs ago and left me firmly planted in my brain - thinking, thinking, thinking - over thinking. There is plenty of talk of "god" or "spirit" "source" or "universe" but it also clarifies that you may simply substitute in "creative intuition" or "muse" or some such term if you are not comfortable with the religious undertones.
Many are cathartic. I was leery of sappiness of this program. Some of the exercises did not apply as well to me, but I can almost always find some benefit, even if small. This book helped me to create again through my intuition and to trust my instincts. But I do agree with the premise that artistic "block" stems from living too much in your brain.The book gives you simple weekly and daily exercises that are reflective and thoughtful. The daily process of the morning pages is both a grueling task and a revelation. There is always room to grow and learn, and this is a provocative and enriching experience.
And yet, you wonder how some of the most important things it suggests (i.e. It is an at-home course, a sort of 12-step program. This is really more than just a book. the morning pages) could be anything more than a waste of time. And (no matter who you are or what you want out of this) it is a life-altering experience if you trust in the exercises enough to try them. At its core, it is about getting in touch with yourself, with a greater power, with everything. Still, if you believe in it enough to give it a try. things happen.
The Artist's WayThe Artist's Way WorkbookThis is an excellent guide for freeing your artist within. If you follow the suggested 12 week program it is astounding what will happen. It would be helpful for anyone, artist or not, who wanted to access their own potential.
Some of us are highly creative but tend to get stuck, while others, like myself, are looking for creativity, and her very practical but also highly creative ideas will help.This text has applications to personal, spiritual, business life etc - everything. For those already creative types who need a boost, or for those non-creative types (the group to which I belong), this is an excellent book. Cameron views creativity as a spiritual gift that we all possess - just in different degrees and different areas. Get out of the box, think in new ways, see life in new ways. Her guide is meant to be used over a 12 week period, but many groups use it for months or even years - whatever works is fine.Want to add creativity to your life - or renew your creativity - then read this book.
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