Artist Date

 Author Julia Cameron in her book The Artist's Way ​recommends that all artists regardless of genre need to get out and observe - take in - explore other arts and nature. She suggests that we make a regular habit of scheduling time for this. She calls it an artist's date. A date with yourself to a nature walk, a concert, a poetry reading, an art gallery or museum, your local symphony, someplace that you can experience creativity be it in God's natural world or that of humankind. I don't do enough of this. 

​About a week ago I put an event on my calendar as an artist date  and attended it last night 5-26-27.  I was a low key event at a coffee house in Liberty, MO in which performing artist Deanna Ray played music from Her CD Summerland as well as some new material.

I've heard Deana Ray before. She is an extraordinary young artist that writes the lyrics and music of most of the songs she performs. She exhibits painstaking control of her voice. Is adapt on several instruments. Her influences are many but significantly pop, jazz and folk. 

It was a relaxing and inspiring evening. The picture above was taken after the event. I came away feeling recharged. I think that  defines what an Artist Date should be about.