Artist Date

Footbridge leading to the Museum of Glass

I just took an Artist Date to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma! Nothing like watching creativity to spark more creativity…

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way (and brilliant related works) coined the term “Artist Date.” She assigned an Artist Date at least once a week while working through the book. What it entails is going—alone—somewhere your inner artist desires to get inspired. My favorite Artist Date used to be going to Swanson’s Nursery in the Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle. So many colors, shapes, textures, scents—so much beauty!

This past weekend I topped off a Toastmasters Regional Conference in Tacoma, with my Artist Date to the Museum of Glass. OK—it wasn’t officially an Artist Date because I took my husband along, but I still think it counts, because we went at my insistence. My inner artist wanted to go!

Hot Shop Artists at Work

The exhibits were fun—and my absolute favorite was sitting in the stands of the ”Hot Shop” watching young artists at work. I have read about glass blowing, but had never seen it. I was impressed by the sheer physicality required, the necessary teamwork (it was like a well-choreographed dance), and of course, the tremendous heat. It seems miraculous that such things can be made. I really love watching creative people working their craft! Of course watching a writer at work would be incredibly dull unless you could read over their shoulder…

I also loved the “Bridge of Glass” footbridge leading over the highway to the Museum of Glass—it featured playful vases by Dale Chihuly. I kind of got the sense Chihuly and Dr. Seuss might have had the same muse! Love Chiluhy’s work—so big, vibrant, and imaginative—way outside the traditional glass “box.” (See Below)

I took a few pics of more traditional work in one of the galleries because they feature fabulous seahorses, which my friend Marjorie, of SeahorseGallery.com will love!