If you know me, or have talked to me in person recently, then you would probably know these two things:
1) I’m having a “Summer of Hobbies”
2) For the past year I haven’t been able to shut up about The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
I’d like to think these two points are related, because The Artist’s Way is a book about un-blocking whatever is keeping you from being your fullest, creative self. (For my friends who wouldn’t call themselves artists- I dare you to read it anyway…. because I’m so convinced there is deeply buried creativity in everyone). Amongst many other helpful exercises, there’s one chapter that makes you write a list of activities you enjoy doing. Here’s what I wrote in 2021:
The activity goes on to ask “When was the last time you let yourself do these things?”, which was supposed to be a big wake up call that I didn’t make time to do what I truly enjoy. (Yes, I enjoy my profession of painting pretty pictures, but that’s my job… and also I usually put my boring business tasks above my creative tasks anyway…)
There was probably a mix of reasons for my lack of jumping on these interests… including the fact that I’m very social (and go with the flow) and I find it hard to prioritize things that simply give me joy (I’m naturally very practical). The point made in this particular Artist’s Way chapter shows that these extra interests are important in our formations as full, balanced artists (and full, balanced humans).
Renaissance /ˈrenəˌsäns/ noun
The revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models in the 14th–16th centuries.
a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages
a revival of or renewed interest in something
a French word meaning rebirth
From Instagram Girl, to Newsletter Woman, to Renaissance Woman
Here’s a list of activities I’m into this summer:
I’m in an intramural softball league where I get to frolic in the outfield and catch pop flies like it’s 2011 (joke’s on you, subscribers! Little did you know you subscribed to a newsletter written by a prior high school fast-pitch varsity team captain).
I’m back on my improv train and am loving every second of my Monday night improv class. I am now on this accidental conquest to convince everyone to try this creative outlet to improve their life skills and mental health. It’s simply the best. If you’re in Savannah you must check out Front Porch Improv!
I am on the Planet Fitness grind and am learning how to lift cute little weights. I’m so strong!
I love books! I always have some sort of light fiction book in tandem with some sort of self help/spiritual book. Currently staying up too late reading Midnight Sun (that silly Twilight book that dropped in 2020) and I’m also in an Anglican book club on Esther De Waal’s Lost in Wonder, Rediscovering the Spiritual Art of Attentiveness. Balance, baby!
I love to write! I’ve been journaling 3 pages every morning (this is another Artist’s Way thing).
I love to write! I have this newsletter.
I’ve been picking up a shift here and there working in the stadium bookstore at Savannah Bananas games…. because who wouldn’t want to take part in the world's most chaotically wonderful baseball program?
I lead a non-committal book club once a month based on The Artist’s Way at my studio. I love creative organized discussion. Our next meeting is on Tuesday the 26th at 5:30 PM in Savannah, if you’d like to join!
That might be all of it right now? Besides the fact that I want to grill more, but it keeps raining???
My little renaissance of renewed interests is a result of the fact that I’m in Savannah for most of the summer, and I also would like for my little Savannah world to expand some. This September will mark 10 years (ah!) for me in this city, and it feels nice to nudge out of my comfort zone and throw pop flies to strangers. Also why not? I’m just able to.… I’m a single girly with no children and mounds of flexibility (I’m so aware of this privilege) (shout out to those mommies and daddies that fight for their hobbies).
Yes, The Artist’s Way is on to something with that list…. I feel like da Vinci and Michelangelo were hobby guys, and all their playful activities and discoveries certainly helped their paintings. Embracing life and all it has to offer fosters creativity. Tending to the whole human and playing improv games (or grilling hot dogs, or rollerblading) will make me a better artist, because I’m nurturing my joy. I’d love to look back on my life and think.. “Wow, I lived as a real renaissance woman!”… or at least have my grandkids say that about me in admiration.
Please reach out and share what activities you’re into these days! Always down to gab about hobbies.
What’s on My Desk Today?
Thanks for asking! Today’s raw desk footage includes (another) little fish painting from my cookbook of bad food photography. I love the weird little lemons framing the garnish. Those little plant prints scattered to the right are going out to my Patreon patrons this week. Theres a membership where for $12 a month you receive little prints or cards in your mailbox! Yes, I will always plug my Patreon :)
What’s for Sale Today?
Thanks for asking! Here’s some art you can buy!
Fine Art of the Week
These little tiny original cowboy paintings are ~framed~ and for sale in my Etsy shop! There’s many of them, and I’ll even make it so they’re 20% if you use the code NEWSBABY at checkout. Look at you, getting rewarded for being a subscriber!
Society6 Item of the Week
Did you know it’s the summer of Lambrusco? Probably should’ve added that to my hobby list… Society6 now has the perfect companion to all those bottles of chilled red sparkly wine you pick up for summer dinner parties. My cutie prints are now on wine chillers and they’d make a great gift for the chardonnay mommies in your life!
Etsy Print of the Week
I always forget these prints are on my Etsy shop, which is weird because they’re some of my most recent (and favorite) additions. They were originally half drawn coloring sheet designs that I digitally colored to create as prints. I think they get lost in the state prints and gouache works but they’re still lovely and different.
What’s Inspiring Me Right Now?
Thanks for asking! I’m attempting to be inspired in real-time by painting at different small businesses in Savannah. I bought a little TV tray from Target for $11 and painted at STUMP, a local plant shop, for a few hours last week. It’s a nice way to connect with other small businesses in-person, chat with customers, and be inspired by nicely curated spaces. Tomorrow I’ll be setting up at Starland Strange, which is the ice cream shop/funky fun gift shop below my studio. They are wonderful neighbors and truly are a treat to collaborate with on the reg.
Thanks for reading, subscribers! I’m very thankful to have this little outlet now. Until next time, I’ll see y’all in center field, on the improv stage, or maybe even at Planet Fitness.
Your local renaissance woman,
Allison