Book Club

Book Club: The Artist’s Way – Weeks 4 and 5

The Artist's Way journey continues!  The community that has gathered around this journey has been my favorite part.  So many thoughtful people. I love it!  Here are the replays of weeks 4 and 5 for you to watch.  Week 4: Recovering a Sense of Integrity and Week 5: Recovering a Sense of Possibility:

Here are links to the little bit of stationery porn I shared in the video:

Personally, I feel like I'm starting to find my way with this book.  It's still not a great fit, but I do feel very hopeful that I'm going to come away from the process with something useful. 

We all have dreams of a better life; of achieving our utmost potential and living our most meaningful lives. Yet, many of us find ourselves stuck – overwhelmed by our goals and lacking the resources to make real progress. That’s why self-help books, like The Artist's Way, are so popular. At their core, these books serve as a roadmap that provides readers with the tools needed to reach their desired destination. But if you’re going to make the most out of a self-help book, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most from them. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of any self-help book:

1. Set Goals. Before beginning any book, it’s important to determine why you’re reading the book and what you hope to gain from it. 

2. Make Notes. As you read, take notes and jot down key points, noteworthy quotes, and any other pertinent information that may stand out.  Notes are helpful both in clarifying your thoughts about the reading (i.e. what's important about it) and for reviewing later.  You don't need to re-read the book if you have notes.  Especially if they're Cornell Notes.

3. Talk About It. When you come across a particular section or idea that speaks to you, share it with others. Having discussions with friends, family, and colleagues can help you process and internalize the message more deeply.  They can also offer you new/different perspectives.  This is what we are doing with The Artist's Way during Book Club!

4. Put it Into Practice. Most self-help books provide actionable advice. If you simply read the book and don't try any of the exercises or implement any of the changes, nothing will happen.  Reading isn't enough.  You have to take action.

I hope to see you at the next Book Club!

Wk6-YouTube
Thanks for stopping by!

PS: On my last post about The Artist's Way, Tavit suggested to try The Confident Creative by Cat Bennett and No More Second Hand Art by Peter London instead.

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

21 thoughts on “Book Club: The Artist’s Way – Weeks 4 and 5

  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Hey Julie,
    I’m sorry if my last email to you recommending the books Confident Creative and No More Second Hand Art might have been seen as disrespectful to what you’re trying to do with your blogs. That wasn’t my intention, and, in fact, neither of these two books actually “teach” art techniques (which is what I now gather you are trying to provide your viewers), but discuss the process of getting in touch with one’s inner creativity. Maybe that’s not appropriate for your viewers yet. I don’t know.
    Anyway, I think you have a great thing going, and know that your viewer’s are loving your discussions and lessons. I’ll pay closer attention to what you’re providing for now on. I promise! And thank you for sharing your talents!
    Tavit

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply
  • Julie, I always enjoyed your art and you share so much, THANK YOU. What has happened to Your Book Club? #6
    The Artist Way” I can’t find the link anywhere to play the next chapter. I have been falling you, please let me know.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *