An Invitation to Dream
Do you still dream?
The version of myself getting lost in my mind is no longer valid, but the version of myself filled with dreams still is. I’m not lost, I’m not wandering, I’m laser focused. Earlier this year, and with the encouragement of Ashley, I completed the life-changing book, The Artists Way. While I rarely hold the praise of any one book as “life-changing” (looking at you, Holy Bible), I do feel that it is an accurate description of The Artist’s Way. Julia Cameron invites you to deal with yourself, not just as an artist but as a human. It’s this starting point, the exploration of our humanity, that she launches prompts, food for thought, and practical steps. I began to understand myself in a whole new light. I began to dream again, but this time the dreams became dangerous. The dreams had a plan of action.
Anyone can wish for a better tomorrow, though few are willing to do the work of making that reality come true. About six weeks into the book, Cameron pushed me to start laying practical steps toward my dreams. Not only was I painting, journaling, and dreaming daily, but now I was creating a track to make those dreams true. Long story short, I found COOP Gallery from various steps in The Artist’s Way. COOP is the start of something I would have never imagined.
I won’t write all my dreams here, as I still like to play my cards close to my chest, but let’s just say my new membership with COOP Gallery was a giant step in the right direction. I’m meeting artists, curators, and long-time Nashville residents, while also gaining experience with a working gallery. God knows. That brings us to today, with two of my paintings currently hanging in the gallery, being a part of the new member’s show (Further Hues) I assisted in curating. It’s only gratitude from me. It’s only pinch-me-how-is-this-real from me. It’s only the beginning for me. Whether you are an artist or not, this book can help you see through the fog of your life, giving you a new vision, purpose, and inspiration that will surely last for many days to come. However, reader beware, you will only be able to take what you put in. The Artist’s Way is hard work because working on ourselves is hard work, but I’ve never felt more vindicated in such hard work- the payoff has been astounding.
But don’t take my word for it. Instead, go buy this book, and start dreaming again.
-L
*If you’re in the Nashville area, my work will be up through August 28th. The Gallery is open Thursday-Saturday, noon to 5 PM. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
