This companion to The Artist's Way offers more practical exercises and information on developing creativity as a habit. It encourages artists to open their eyes to see the world through different lenses and explore their subconscious deeply. ( )

Weird religious references that are off-putting, but kinda cool and inspiring otherwise.
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Weird religious references that are off-putting, but kinda cool and inspiring otherwise.
( )

After reading "Magic Writing", I wanted to find a book written for older audiences that explored a similar topic: writing, art and creativity. I stumbled upon "The Artists Way" in my search and was recommended it by one of my yoga students. This book is designed to be a twelve week program to unleash the true creative within. Each chapter is a new week, offering specific advise, exercises, tasks, and homework by the author. The author's tone is conversational and encouraging, reminding the artist/reader what to expect in the process of their own self discovery. In this way, the reader is able to relate to the author, feeling comfortable making mistakes, and understands that being artist is so much more than "doing", it is a way of life, a way of looking at the world, experiencing yourself in relation to that world, and allowing your own worldview to motivate, inspire and transform your artistic expression.

What I found most helpful and encouraging about this book is the assignments and the daily journaling required of the artist. I think for high schoolers, many of them believe that doing something once or twice is enough practice. Many high schoolers become discouraged if they aren't "good" at something immediately, or don't show an immediate inherent talent toward something. This how-to guide's greatest lesson is valuing PRACTICE and PATIENCE, two words that many high schoolers with high expectations, wanting instant gratification, may not understand immediately. This step-by-step book may offer an outlet to those students struggling with their own identity and self-concept, teaching them to trust their own intuition and creative spirit. A great extra curricular assignment for students or summer activity. Requires self-discipline! ( )

This could very easily suffice for someone who wanted to learn "The Artist's Way." The workbook, nicely bound and easy to use, offers complete descriptions and discussions of both morning pages and the artist date as well as twelve weeks' worth of exercises. It would correspond to an actual class given by Julia Cameron, except it's not a class with other people and Julia Cameron in the flesh. The ideas are not all new or original, but it is a great way to dedicate yourself to true submersion in the practices and to check-in with yourself throughout. I would imagine it's terrific when done with a group. ( )