Originally Posted by StitchinJoy
Yes, I've done the Artist's Way and the workbook. In the winter of 2009, my friend and I met every week for breakfast and discussion of a chapter. We shared our workbook entries and our challenges, troubles, and successes. i really enjoyed the process.
I found the book interesting and somewhat provocative, but it didn't change my life or my work. My work has always been intuitive and organic.
I see designs everywhere I go, in architecture, tilework, furniture, flowers, tree bark, grasses. I often dream design ideas or color combinations. I wake up and sketch or jot notes of the dream. I've always felt that art is a natural part of living, like breathing, and it's still that way for me. The book reaffirmed that feeling.
But my friend felt a huge change-- a release-- after we worked through the Artist's Way. She's more open to possibilities now. she takes chances, she feels free to try and to make mistakes and do over, and that freedom has informed her work.
I would recommend the book and workbook. It's worth the time, and it may be really helpful.
Thank you for sharing! Yes I agree, art is as natural (and as vital for life) as breathing... and I never felt I could breathe quite freely until I did the Artist's Way. Good for you that you had that already!!! It really feels good to hear that. :)
For me, since the AW I'm much freer to play creatively, to enjoy the process and my results, and to know what I'm ready to display and share, and with whom. I've learnt to intuitively distinguish between people who are truly supportive and inspiring, and those who impart snide comments dressed up as "well-meant advice" - and how to step gingerly around the latter when I encounter them.
The AW isn't about quilting as such, and it reaches WAAAYY beyond quilts. We are all different, as you say your experience was really different from your friend's. That's part of the beauty of the AW for me - we are each unique and as our artists come out, we become more ourselves. I wasn't even quilting when I first did the AW (had made one quilt 20 years ago), and was considering myself a "writer only", not a visual or tactile artist.
One of my AW experiences I really treasure is that I have recovered my natural creative playfulness. I can dare to design, dare to show my creative soul... whether I work, write, draw, dress, decorate my house, dance, sing, make love, have fun with friends or what.
The first time I went through the AW, I did it on my own. This summer I met up with a friend, supporting each other from week to week in a way similar to what you describe. We'd both done the AW before. She went through AW a second time, I chose to do the sequel "Walking in this World" instead. (I highly recommend it if you've done the AW and are looking for more.) My friend and I are both awed by the transformation that has been happening for each of us. It was my first time witnessing someone else's AW process, and phew, what an honour! I'd say if you have a friend to do the AW with, or can find a local AW group, it's really worth it.