Artist Julie Cameron has brought the idea of the Artist Date to us and she is a wonderful champion for the movement. She writes:
The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the
imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the
play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well
of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask
yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.
-Julie Cameron
http://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/artists-dates/
Now I've read in a few places that the Artist Date is for you and your inner child. That adding another person distracts from that conversation. The idea intrigues and frightens me at the same time.
As a stay-at-home-mom and a writer, most of my time is spent with my kids or alone. More with my kids since only one of them is in school, but there is very little adult conversation going on. I get a lot of chances to bring out my inner child with my kids. Kids are good in bringing that out in a person. They love it most when you are in it with them. Really in there, not just playing along. Our best times are when I forget the responsibilities of adulthood for awhile and just play. No worrying about dishes or errands. No thinking about what needs to be done. Just playing. And I have as much fun as they do.
So if my inner child is around often what frightens me about an Artist Date? Part of it is giving up time I would spend with other adults. To be honest an artistic date with other people sounds like loads of fun to me. Now it wouldn't be a conversation with just me and my inner child, but it would still energize and inspire me. Perhaps a mix of solo and group dates are the way to go for me. Both offer opportunities and experiences. Both would enhance my creativity. I think I'll do both. :)
Now what to do. That is the question.
A google search for Artist Date will give you lists and lists of suggestions.
I like the idea of attempting something creative that isn't based on my craft. As a writer, I could try doodling for awhile. Or find something on Pintrest and actually do it. Try my hand a cake decorating again. (And eat any mistakes.) Be a tourist in my area. (There's the American Visionary Arts Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore that I have been planning on going to that would be FULL of inspiration and fun.) Cut up those old magazines and make a collage. OH! Or a ransom note. That sounds fun. I think I'll do that. Perhaps my sanity has been taken by my children... I'll post that when I finish it. :)
Have you take yourself on an Artist Date? Where did you go? What did you do?
