Taking the time to nurture what fuels you as a crafter, a sculptor, a painter or a cook – whatever your art may be – is vital to keeping your art fresh. In her book The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron defines the “artist date” as “a block of time…set aside and committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist.” She recommends going out on a date and setting aside time to play.
Last weekend I took the train to New York to see our daughter, Emily. I decided to browse the offerings at Lee’s Art Shop on 57th Street in Manhattan. Until now it was only a place I had heard about, a landmark building owned by the Steinburg family since 1951, chock full of art supplies galore.
Sorry – so excited I obviously couldn’t hold the camera straight!
I love the giant fountain pen hanging from the ceiling and cases jammed with Montblancs, Pentels, and every brand imaginable.
There were a few brushes to choose from, and
an entire wall of colored markers. I texted Emily to see if I could have just one more half hour….
because there were watercolor colors I had never heard of or tried.
This date with my inner artist filled my “well” (another Julia Cameron term) with delight in papers, colors, brushes, and pens. And with the play time spent, I couldn’t wait to work!
What do you want to do with your inner artist?
