In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends periodically going an entire week without reading—anything. If you choose to try this, you’ll discover just how much the written word permeates your life, whether you read many books or not.
It’s likely every writer needs an occasional journey without words, without the need to form words. When I take a break, I like to connect with other types of artwork, those that offer a place to rest my attention in nonverbal forms. Though they’re not always restful, even thought-provoking or emotional paintings and other visual art don’t require me to attempt to define or describe. I find the same is true of music. All I have to do is fall in and let the artist’s vision carry me until I feel ready to pick up my own trail again. I can feel empathy with the artist. We share the same desire to recreate our visions in a way that’s meaningful, useful, or even healing, for others—not only cathartic for ourselves. Watercolor artist Nita Engle discovered her direction as a painter when an editor described the feeling of being pulled inside one of Engle’s landscapes.
Today, while reading blogs, I came across an artist whose online gallery I hadn’t seen before, and right away I had that feeling of moving inside her images. Her name is Maria Arango. Most of her works are wood engravings. I have trouble choosing a favorite from what I’ve seen so far, but Flowering Yuccas, in her Garden Gallery, is among my top picks. I’m taken back to childhood family vacations by her engraved scenes from roads, and I feel a kinship with the artist when I witness her intimacy with trees.
Viewing artwork, listening to music, engaging in needlework, cooking, and sometimes drawing or painting, are ways of resting and renewing, letting the well refill before I continue my search for the right words. I can take a word and turn it into an image, reversing the process. Maybe I’ll take a walk. Sometimes it’s enough to sit on the porch, watch the sky, listen to the wind or birds, or touch the Earth. Sometimes I sit and watch, and listen.
This is a “beautiful” post, Barbara. I relate to it so well! As much as I am inspired by other artists that I admire, nature and everyday life give me inspiration beyond “words”. And, one of my most favorite songs is “When You Say Nothing At All”.
“The Artist’s Way”…is words and images that come from inspiration. Art immeasurably improves every person’s life.
I like your post and your approach, Barbara. Sometimes you need to recharge the creative batteries, and reflection and meditation always help. Maybe giving up reading for a period of time functions like a temporary “vow of silence,” albeit in reverse. There’s just so much noise in the air — static, messages, emails, commercials — that you can’t help but feel bombarded. A little “radio silence” could be a good thing.
This may be another symptom of summer for me. The slowing down that comes with warm weather makes me want to take everything in, soak it up.
Right now I have photos of blooming jacarandas on my computer screens. They ease my thoughts.
Thank you, Patty and Blogdog.