The Artist's Way :The Artist's Way :
A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
by Julia Cameron
Paperback, 219 pages
Published by J P Tarcher
Publication date: July 1992
ISBN: 0874776945
Synopsis:
Asserting that creative expression is the natural direction of life, noted
Hollywood screenwriter and director Julia Cameron presents an exciting method
for artists to recover their creativity from limiting beliefs, self-sabotage,
inattention, fear, jealousy, guilt, addictions, and other forces that inhibit
the creative process.
Reviews:
M. from Washington, 5/24/99
When I started this book in August of 1998, I had no idea how unhappy I had really become. After reading and doing the assignments, I have since quit a job that left me emotionally bankrupt and am on the road to finding my own creative voice. If you feel like something is missing in your life, you just might find it in this book.
A reader from Los Angeles , 05/10/98,
Real Results
I've gone through this book twice and both times I've experienced incredible
results. I would recommend it to any creative person, especially any writers
out there. If you are experiencing blocks this book is invaluable, but even
if you are a productive artist, you will be surprised at how much this book
will bring out of you. It takes a bit of commitment, but if you follow the
exercises and lessons I would go so far as guarantee that you will see some
positive benefits. I experienced some explosive increases in my creativity
and in my understanding of myself as an artist. It may be a bit too spiritual
for some, but give it a chance. It works.
A reader from Eastern USA , 03/12/98,
Read this and do it for you, you won't regret it.
This is truly an interactive text, you cannot just read it in order to really
benefit from it--you must do it! It is a commitment that must be your choice.
If you choose to do the activities prescribed, you will not regret investing
the time and effort into yourself.
A reader from Milwaukee, WI, USA , 02/12/98,
A realistic book to help you realize your creative dreams.
There are a lot of self-help books out there, but until this one, none of
them dealt with the needs of creative and artistic people. If you've ever
felt different or like you didn't belong, this book is for you. You can
now throw away your guilt about those artistic yearnings you've had and
take positive steps to be the person you really are. When your parents told
you to "get a real job," they were wrong! Being an artist is a
valuable and REAL job. It can even be a spiritual calling for some. Read
this book and live your dreams.
A reader from Little Cottage on the Lake, Michigan
, 02/07/98, The first book to confront writer's block head-on.
This book is a life saver. I received it as a gift two years ago and I've
been working with it ever since. As a professional writer, I can easily
write any asignment that travels my way. But, when it comes to facing the
blank page and writing from my own voice--Whoa...I am paralyzed. Julia's
book has been a constant companion as I continue to work with this freeze-frame
creative terror. Her insights, inspirations, and innovative ideas are profound.
For all those who struggle with freeing their creative spirit, I wholeheartedly
recommend every one of Julia's works.
Sammy from Montreal, Canada , 12/29/97,
This book is unleashing some very powerful creative forces.
I can't say enough about this book. Just the idea of writing what Julia
calls 'morning pages', 3 pages of uncensored writing which one does upon
waking in the morning, is easily worth the price of the book. The insights
that I have began having since I started working with this book have been
very powerful, and startling in their originality.
Danny, 07/10/97, The Most Important Book
I've Ever Read
If anything, Cameron's book has allowed me to revise the way I think, to
appreciate my own creativity - embrace it, harvest it, learn from what I
had previously taken for granted. Through a combination of some genuinely
imaginative exercises (reading deprivation, penning a letter from you at
80 to you today, imaginary lives you'd like to lead) and a daily commitment
to "venting", The Artist's Way will guide you deep inside yourself
and help you chisel away at and unleash a side you may never have seen before.
Cameron is firm: she makes pledges about what will happen to you. Despite
my reticence and doubt, I saw the delivery of what was promised. It shocked
me. At the outset, you may have a great deal of skepticism about the program.
There is a good deal of God talk, which personally freaked me out. Big time.
But in time you learn to appreciate the spirituality, and the auther herself
gives you ways around the religiosity (is that a word?) if you so choose.
The best advice I can give is to just splurge on yourself a bit: spend the
fifteen bucks and give it a shot. For anyone who is creative or would like
to be (which I guess is everyone), this should be required reading. GO FOR
IT!!
Renay , 05/17/97, gotta do it
I've been seeing this book on my local bookstore's shelves for years now,
and to be honest, have always scoffed at it (and feared it). A few weeks
ago I finally allowed myself to buy it without even looking inside.
The reason could be that I've been blocked from painting for at least eight months. It's been killing me. I had thought it was my housemate or my job and then my new lover. Now after reading this book, doing the work, and then going back to study what I've read every day, I realize that it's all entirely in me. (Of course!) I've been made free. Tears are welling up as I write this.
Do buy this book if you are an artist (of any sort, level, degree, composure, whatever). You will need it sometime(s). My lover, a writer, is using it too, with the same reaction and effectiveness.
The only reason I gave it a 9 instead of 10 is because the writing ironically is to me sometimes awkward and actually belies some prejudices. (Oh well, and they're not that bad.)
Mary , 05/07/97, I have read The Artist's
Way four times!
The Artist's Way has become my way of life. This book helped me to earn
the highest degree I could as an artist. Because of Julia Cameron's comforting
insight, I continued to paint, to be awarded a one-year artist-in-residency,
and to be hired as painting faculty. Julia Cameron describes specific tools
and means to become creative again. YAY, JULIA!!!
A reader, 03/01/97, This may be the most
valuable book you ever buy!
As an artist and teacher, I know that most people sell themselves short
when it comes to creativity. If they can't draw, write, paint, etc., they
think they aren't creative. "The Artist's Way" will help you to
discover that you really ARE creative - not matter what your skills or talents
or perceived lack of them - and probably in ways you never dreamed possible.
If you are already engaged in creative activities, "The Artist's Way"
will help you to identify what is keeping you from the fullest expression
of your creativity.This is not just some flavor-of-the-month New Age spirituality/self
help book but a practical, personal guide to creative discovery that anyone
can use immediately. Make no mistake - "The Artist's Way" WILL
change your life - it has certainly changed mine.
A reader , 11/01/96, "The Artist's
Way" is inspiring and energising.
"The Artist's Way" is a book that will help to free and activate
your creative energy. Author Julia Cameron outlines a twelve-week program
to clear away the self defeating "editor" that sits on your shoulder,
whispering in your ear, reinforcing all the doubts and fears that inhibit
your creativity. After reading this book you will feel energised to write,
paint, sew, sculpt, dance, sing or to follow whichever path your creative
spirit chooses. This is a very spiritual book in a non denominational way!
I personally like the way the author connects creativity to spirit. I have
always believed that ideas and inspiration and intuition are spirit and
that spirit propels us to create. The activities in this book will free
you from the self defeating thoughts that hold back the flow of your creativity.
The rewards are great. The act of creating connects you with your innermost
feelings. If this sounds too "fuzzy-warm" for you, consider that
allowing yourself time to be creative is very healthy. It's probably the
best thing you can do for yourself. It will relax you and transcend all
stress and worry. The author has written a valuable book. Consider reading
it. It will strengthen and enrich you.
Terry , 10/07/96, The book startled me
with a discovery that I'm an artist.
This book surprised me. As a 40 year-old beginning creative writer, I've
never thought of myself as an artist. This book brought me to the surprising
revelation that I am, and helped to explain what that meant. I discovered
that it meant that I have gifts and skills to offer far beyond my those
my middle management job in a Fortune 500 company required. My kids are
amazed at what I write. My wife can't believe it. But most of all, discovering
the artist's way has opened up a whole bunch of new avenues for me. The
book is pretty powerful, but it is gently written. I wouldn't touch it unless
you are ready to be changed.
tona , 08/08/96, This book helped me
to finish my novel!
I was stuck. Creatively in a bind. Cameron's book helped to unblock the
juices and let them flow. I felt such a surge when I sat down to write everyday
that I finished the first draft of my novel. I can't wait for the sequel.
A reader, 06/19/96, The book that can
change a person's life.
The most inspiring and practical book you can think of. Julia Cameron leads
you step by step in the labyrinth of yourself. Find out how to start recovering
the joy of creating and exploring your mind and heart. This book changed
my life. Read it honestly, do the exercises and be ready for the unexpected.
In short: the book of a lifetime.
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