We artists can often be a solitary group; many of us work alone in our studios, at kitchen tables, or in our garages, without much human contact while we create. Sometimes, conversation with another person is rare, especially for those who live and create alone. I'm thankful that my husband is also a creative soul, and we regularly discuss my work, our display, what show is next on the calendar, etc. I'm also thankful that I have a community of creative people with whom I can share my thoughts, plans, frustrations, failures and successes, both virtually (the Facebook group "Sh*t Overheard at Art Festivals" is a fantastic space to vent and commiserate about the absurdity of what we artists who do outdoor festival go through), and in person.
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of indulging in three days of conversations with fellow artists as we participated in the 9th annual African American Cultural Festival here in Raleigh. Although we create art in different media, we share the joys and trials of the creative process. It was so rewarding and eye-opening to hear about how another artist crawls out of a creative slump, or renews her resolve to present work which touches her soul ( knowing that whether it sells isn't the driving force behind the creation of it), or how another artist interacts with his collectors to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. I loved the give and take, the laughter, the "I go through that, too" moments, and the camaraderie. The weekend nourished my creative soul. And oh yes, there was wine!
Nourishing your creative soul is one of our goals for the Your Creative Connection retreat at Haw River NEXT MONTH (can you believe it's actually fewer than 40 days away?) We look forward to sharing our experiences with you, our Creative Explorers, as we spend 4 idyllic days in a most beautiful and inspiring wooded setting. If you've been thinking of joining us, now's the time to take that leap, and register--there are limited spaces still available. We promise you an experience like no other, and conversations with artists galore! If you have questions, pop over to our Retreat FAQ page, or drop me a note in the comment section below. We're looking forward to having you with us.
Until next time,
~MDP
