06/10/2008 by James.

I’ve been reading and following the tasks set by a book called ‘The Artists Way’ over the last 7 weeks or so, and its been a v. interesting and somewhat emotional experience!

The book takes you back through to the origins of your interest in ‘art’ and through the different creative and emotional blocks which stop you from reaching your potential in life, stemming from your education, upbringing etc.

Although I have been practicing as an artist for around 10 or 11 years, I haven’t always found it easy to maintain the balance between building a career in the participatory arts, and finding the time, energy and inspiration to be playful and creative in my own work.

At the moment I am choosing to take time to walk, and take photos but also to draw and paint … ‘reclaiming’ parts of myself that I’ve ignored for a while, after focusing on sculpture and participatory work during and since college.

Its great to be playing, exploring and discovering where I want to be going next with my own artwork; fusing together the artist and naturalist, the ‘jobs’ that I felt I had to choose between when I left school.

Have a look if you fancy going on a bit of a journey… ‘The Artists Way’ by Julia Cameron.