Day 9 - Ch. 11 & 12 - The Artist's Way

As an artist, Cameron urges her readers to find the best schedule that works for them with creating balance in the making of art as well as making an income.  Money does not lend credibility to an artist - that comes from within. She states that too much focus on the income becomes an abuse to the emerging creator.  Readers are encouraged to find supportive communities to nurture one’s growth. Her readers do not have to be rich, but “richly supported” by those that allow the artist’s work to grow.   Cameron sees creativity, not as a business, but more of a spiritual practice to allow what needs to be created - created. A spiritual practice is not something to complete, or used to compete with others, nor to put off.  It is to be embraced with the question of WHAT NOW. Along this path, the artist begins to practice self-care and respect for their own creative visions or dreams. Toward the end of the chapter, Cameron urges her readers to accept things as they are, “to allow the wrong piece in the room,” as long as they like it.  To not be something they are not - to be real, genuine, authentic. All artists have many ideas of what they want to do. Cameron encourages her readers to take action, to start something rather than talking themselves out of doing it because it would be too hard, too complicated, or not enough time. She suggests to her readers to practice looking for different or broader perspectives, as well as listening for inspiration no matter where it may come from.   She leaves the chapter with the suggestion of creating small rituals such as using the morning pages to ignite the fire of taking action, as these rituals support spiritual growth.


In Chapter Twelve, Cameron ends her book with a focus on building trust or faith within one’s self as her readers are encouraged to renew a commitment to use her tools she’s outlined such as the morning pages, the artist date, etc.  She reminds her readers to pay attention to the forms of resistance that may reoccur. In doing so, this builds trust within one to follow through on the ambivalence when it shows up. Her readers are also instructed to be aware of the mystery of creativity, as “insights may come to us as flashes.”  There will be a gestation period of ideas, to incubate, to grow.  It is through the development and repetitious use of these ideas, does one gains patience with the creative process. Not something to control, but a process to surrender to through cooperation and respect. The growth or maturity of an artist comes through repeated nurturance in the birthing the ideas, allowing creativity to expand through play - not through a forceful experience.  She ends the book with a suggestion to make a list of supportive friends who would be willing to continue the creative nurturance. In her final thought, she suggests to hold onto the intention of being open to what wants to be created and to stand out of its way.


​​I encourage you to buy a copy of The Artist's Way for a better understanding of your own creative process.  Whether you're a master artist or beginning artist, this is an excellent book.

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