Okay, so “artist dating” – it’s a thing I’ve been trying out, inspired by that book, “The Artist’s Way.” The whole idea is you take yourself out on a solo date, just you and your creative spirit. Sounds kinda cheesy, I know, but stick with me.
My First Attempt (It Was a Bit of a Flop)
My first try? I went to a local craft fair. I figured, “Hey, lots of art, inspiration, I’ll be surrounded by creative energy!” Wrong. I spent the whole time feeling awkward and self-conscious. I wandered around, looked at stuff, didn’t buy anything, and mostly just felt like I was in the way. I ended up leaving after like, 20 minutes, feeling more deflated than when I arrived.
Figuring Out What Actually Works
So, that didn’t work. I realized I needed to do something that I genuinely enjoyed, not just something that seemed “artsy.” I took some time, thinking about what makes me feel calm and inspires creativity. I like nature and the sound of water.
- I needed to be alone. No distractions, no people-watching.
- It had to be something that felt good, not forced.
- I needed to be able to just be, not do.
The “Aha!” Moment
Then it hit me: the botanical garden near my place. It’s quiet, beautiful, and has this amazing little creek running through it. That’s what I did. I went. I grabbed a coffee on the way (because, coffee), found a bench by the creek, and just… sat. I did bringing my sketch, but it felt like too much. I watched the water, listened to the birds, and let my mind wander. I didn’t force anything. I just let myself exist in that space.
The Afterglow
And you know what? It was amazing. I didn’t have any grand artistic revelations, but I felt… lighter. Calmer. More connected to myself. I stayed for almost two hours, just soaking it all in. When I left, I felt refreshed, like I’d actually done something for myself, something that mattered.
It’s an Ongoing Experiment
I’ve been doing these “artist dates” regularly now, trying different things. Sometimes it’s a museum, sometimes it’s just sitting in my backyard with a cup of tea. The key is to listen to what I need, not what I think I should be doing. It’s about nurturing that inner creative spark, and that looks different for everyone. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m definitely feeling the benefits.
