Arty Dragonfly

03/16/2017

03/06/2017

Julia Cameron's (The Complete Artist's Way) regimen for creativity is to write three Morning Pages longhand off the top of the head. These pages should be filled with anything that is on your mind at the time. You might be going down memory lane, dealing with a troubling matter at home or work. It is simply moving your hand across the paper, writing down whatever comes out. Nothing is too small, mundane, negative, or strange... All that pettiness, anger, whiny, insignificant stuff that we write down in the morning stands between us and our creativity.

My take on what Cameron says about morning pages is that it releases internal clutter in the mind. Getting issues on paper so they are not forgotten, frees the mind and spirit to think creatively. I find as one thought leads to another the writings often open a solution. We can capture a fleeting idea, a song, a scripture verse, or line from a favorite poet, author, movie or friend. At times the pages will reveal something that helps our lives, but come much later in the day or even weeks. Writing clarifies our vague thoughts, it guides us, it shows our progression or regression. It helps identify who we are, and where we are, either real or imagined.

Morning pages is not art or finished writing. Don't worry about correct punctuation. It is not meant to be good or even coherent. It is to be done regardless of our mood at the time. Our mood may be rotten; it doesn't matter. Some of our best work gets done on the days when we feel that everything we're doing is awfull. The writing process eventually lets us write without judging ourselves. Morning pages feeds something creative inside us that is vital to our overall well-being.

Cameron cautions her students to be aware of their internal Censor, negative opinions of what they are doing. This enemy of creativity makes fun of everything we attempt to do. It is out to get us. Because there is no right or wrong to writing Morning Pages, or doing art, the Censor's opinion doesn't count.

So beware, but still go for it! Write Morning Pages and see what happens. Let me know what you discover and uncover.

02/27/2017

Look for things that inspire you. Julia Cameron, in her book, The Complete Artist's Way, outlines her regimen she to inspire herself or shatter artist's block. One thing - she walks. A 20 daily minute walk for observation of our world allows God to bring some of his precious creations into view in a way we do not expect. It gives us time to think on the things we observe, the little joys, or annoyances, as the case may be. Walking is also good for our lymph systems, which is our main line of defense against disease. Cameron is a playwright, book author, and poet. She conducts creativity workshops. Her book is excellent for all those who create anything.

Tomorrow I will share another part of her daily and weekly routine and things that inspire me.

02/27/2017

I especially enjoy teaching adults - people who don't think they can draw or do art. It's all about Discovery. It's not so much that I want to turn you into an artist per se. What I enjoy seeing as I teach you is the transfer of knowledge in your doing art and the realization that there is more inside you that is wonderful and amazing than you ever imagined. I create a safe fun environment in which all students feel free to experiment, try new things, and push their limits. You WILL learn to do very good, expressive art. It is a very personal, spiritual kind of experience of discovery. Sometimes you stumble. And I stumble. And we pick ourselves up and say, "It's only a piece of paper." Then we ask ourselves, "Is there something about what I just drew that I liked? We "frame" that. And then we ask, "What is it that I don't like about this piece of art? What would I change to make what I didn't like better on another piece of paper." And we go from there. I have yousave everything so you will be able to see the transformation that comes from practicing on a regular basis.

02/17/2017

Arty Dragonfly has burst forth and is on the fly! Welcome to a place where you can explore what you believe about yourself and develop endless positives! Consider the many possibilities open to you today and the rest of your life. Enter your own world of living art!

Be sure to check out my website: www.artydragonfly.com