In this post, I’ll be exploring different artist date activity ideas that you can do during the quarantine. In case you’ve never heard of an Artist Date is, it is a tool taught by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way. She describes an Artist Date as a way to nourish your inner artist. The Artist Date involves taking yourself on a solo date and playing with your inner artist. The activity can be simple and does not need to be “overly artistic”. You can see Julia Cameron’s description of what an Artist Date is here. The options are limitless, but I think the most important aspect of your date is that it will have to feel like play. No work allowed!
This is an opportunity for you to have fun with your inner artist. Times are uncertain right now. Working from home has turned home into an environment where it’s difficult to leave work at your desk mentally–and now physically. If you’re interested in ways to be more productive while working from home, check out my post on tips for being more productive when working from home. I put together this list because I was thinking about activity ideas for Artist dates that can still easily be done during the California shelter in place orders which makes it difficult to visit museums or places where there are a lot of people.
“The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly “artistic”– think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration.”
Source: https://juliacameronlive.com/category/artist-date/
Artist Date Quarantine Activity Ideas
- Tye Dye old pieces of clothing that you might have donated.
- Learn how to crochet – super cute kits here.
- Walk to your nearest park and try to list 10 things you’ve never noticed before. Be sure to practice social distancing!
- Make a vision board for what you want your life to look like in 5 years. Dream Big!
- Write a short story.
- Draw whatever comes to mind on a sketchbook.
- Start working on your garden.
- Make a single line drawing.
- Try a new recipe for something you’ve never made before.
- Craft a decoration for your house! Macrame is very in. See below for some ideas.
- Take photos around your house and at the local park.
- Go on a road trip. This can be a short one that only takes an hour or so. Take a trip by yourself without a destination in mind! See where you end up.
- Make a design for a T-shirt. If you don’t want to do this in real life, you can design clothing for your Animal Crossing character as well!
- Learn how to sew and make your own facemask. I did this one personally. I learned a useful skill, and I had fun! Here’s a link to a blog with a free mask pattern.
I hope you guys have a blast on your Artist Dates! Please share your ideas in the comments below. I’d love to hear more ideas.
