The Artist’s Date: Pursuing Creativity
“Artists of the world, may your many different paths all lead to that infinite ocean of beauty where wonder becomes awe, exhilaration, unspeakable joy… May your art help to affirm that true beauty which, as a glimmer of the Spirit of God, will transfigure matter, opening the human soul to the sense of the eternal” (Letter to Artists, Pope St. John Paul II).
When was the last time you took yourself out on a date that intentionally stretched your creative muscles?
Everyone has been called to create, and we have all been given the gift of creativity. This gift requires continuous attention and effort to develop, grow, and refine. As Catholic women who have embraced the vocation of business, part of our mission is owning the responsibility we have to nurture our creative talents and participate in God’s great masterpiece.
Last year, I journeyed through the 19th Annotations, also known as “Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life.” When I began these exercises, my spiritual director asked me to meditate on the image of God as the creator, the artist. I imagined God painting the fine details of the story of creation and architecting the scenes of my day. A few days later, I reflected on what role God was asking me to play in developing his work.
Am I being asked to sit back and observe the world around me? Or am I being asked by the master artist to serve as an engaged craftsman to help bring his vision to life?
God is painting the greatest masterpiece of all time, and he is extending an invitation to you and me to participate. He trusts us to add to his work. Our actions and thoughts serve as the unique brushstrokes we contribute to our shared canvas.
This month, along with cultivating a practice of intentional rest and engaging in development, I'd like to challenge you to keep your creativity ignited. What and how will you add to God’s masterpiece?
A practice I've found tremendously helpful in keeping my creative flame burning and enabling me to maintain a steady creative output is committing to an artist date once a week.
What Is an Artist's Date?
“Artist's date” is a term coined by Julia Cameron, best-selling author of “The Artist’s Way.” This strategy has become a transformational practice for artists, filmmakers, actors, writers, and business professionals. The idea is to disconnect from your routine and devote one to two hours each week to an activity that nurtures and stretches your creativity. Artist’s dates are intended to be done solo and serve as effortless and enchanting exploration.
Artist Date Ideas
Create a flower crown for our Blessed Mother with materials you find at home.
Watch a classic black and white movie, and pay special attention to the set design.
Visit a plant nursery. Bring home a plant that inspires you, and nurture and care for it.
Spend an afternoon at your local art museum.
Create and decorate a prayer corner in your home.
Visit a place with special meaning to you.
Engage in Holy Hour and write whatever comes to mind.
Bake a cake, and decorate it freehand.
Build a Nativity scene with Legos.
Take an in-person crafting class.
Pick flowers around your home, and press them into a journal.
Attend an event that is out of character for you.
Visit the botanical gardens, and sketch what you observe.
Go to a farmer's market, and create art with what you purchase.
Pursuing Creativity
The power beauty has to transform culture is undeniable. As Catholics, we acknowledge that true beauty is a visible form of the good. Whether you are a professional artist or an authority in the financial field, you are called to create. Creating and introducing beauty into the world is part of who you are as a daughter of Christ and is essential to your mission. Just as you intentionally cultivate a healthy habit of rest and development, aim to pursue your gift of creativity. The world needs it!
“Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God” (Julia Cameron).
Natasha Lovely is the CEO and Founder of Aspen & Oliva, a premier personal branding agency. Driven by an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, she purposefully integrates her expertise as a clinical therapist and storytelling marketer to guide women to architect, refine, and master an iconic personal brand that effortlessly transcends into all areas of their lives - professional and personal. Her work with individuals and Fortune 50 companies to develop talent has led to her positioning as an authority on personal branding, an expert in leadership development, and a champion of the multi-hyphenate woman. Through her passion for business, Natasha has propelled her mission to inspire women to design a life of beauty, champion all things good and true, and guide them to become thought-leaders in their fields. You can connect with Natasha through Instagram, LinkedIn, or natashalucia.com.