An Artist’s Way

Anais Nin 1903-1977

What everyone forgets is that passion is not merely a heightened sensual fusion but a way of life which produces, as in mystics, an ecstatic awareness of the whole of life. – Anais Nin

This quote begins the journal I am keeping now, begun on Easter morning of this year, the 4th of April. I am a Moleskin devotee, and believer in ‘morning pages’, the brilliant concept of Julia Cameron in her amazing book, The Artist’s Way. Write three pages, by hand, first thing upon waking, every day, she suggests. It mines the creative space between waking and sleeping. If an artist does nothing else but this, I genuinely believe that the connection will be made to one’s creative spirit. It opened up my world. What surprised me was how close creative energy was to God energy – that creative energy was just that, from the great Creator. Living, surrounded by the lush natural island jungle of Edisto brings that home to me in a way that is vivid.

As Caroline Myss writes in the forward of All Will Be Well, (30 days with a Great Spiritual Teacher Series) a book of prayers by Julian of Norwich, 1342-1423, a medieval mystic and spiritual writer, “A mystical renaissance is at work in our world. Like a subtle field of grace that surrounds our world, individuals everywhere are exploring the seductive invitation to develop a joyful and intimate relationship with God.”

Who better to bridge that gap than Anais Nin?

I was called to be an artist. And as an old old midwife said to me "If the Lord wants you to do something, you won't have no good luck' til you do." So, here I am, sharing what I love, longing to illuminate the work of art, which is everywhere.

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Posted in art, beauty, creativity, Poetry, religion, spirituality, Writing
6 comments on “An Artist’s Way
  1. kk7002 says:

    What a lovely picture of Anais Nin.

  2. margaret says:

    Oh, my fellow Moleskin devotee, I am inspired by YOU!
    Great post and great quote – and lots to ponder and read!

  3. I have a “moleskin” that has been waiting for me to use it. You’ve inspired me to be inspired! Thank you Charlotte for the insight, and now I have two new books to explore as well!

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What’s this?

Welcome to my blog about the Lowcountry of South Carolina, a place proud with beauty, history and art. Sometimes we feel a call, to be, to go, to do. I was called to be an artist, and as an old midwife from Alabama said, “If the good Lord wants you to do something, you won’t have no good luck until you do it.”

So here I am writing about what I know, about the 'under glimmer' as the poet Basho, says, the way I have learned to see, to notice. I am inspired by, and talking about the history and art and culture of this place that has called me to herself. By the ancestors.

My background includes a degree in fine arts from a small private college in Florida, and before that, four years of all girls' boarding school in Asheville. I worked as a professional photographer, helped my children grow up, and now and I love seasoned things, good food, better conversation, beauty, my beloved and beautiful Italian Greyhound, Beau. Moved by the sacred places and stories of this beautiful historic land called the Lowcountry, I am here in spirit and I hope to infect you with my love of this place.

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