Julia Cameron, who wrote The Artists Way, encourages artists to set a day of the week as an “artist date” where the artist purposes to go out and see new images for new inspiration. While we haven’t been able to keep to Ms. Cameron’s schedule, recently, Shauna Lee Lange Arts Advisory did take a day to explore this advice. We’ve attached some images to hopefully inspire and revitalize you.

Save your money for the 32nd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show scheduled for November 13 – 16 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This amazing venue is sponsored by The Women’s Committee and Craft Show Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

This year, 23 leading Israeli craft artists will showcase their work. The artists in conjunction with the Association of Israel’s Decorative Arts (AIDA) and museum coordinators have been working to select and promote guest artists from Israel. In keeping with the spirit of cooperation, the Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia has joined in the effort. The 23 Israeli craft artists will show and sell a wide variety of work, including: ceramics; fiber, jewelry, metal, and mixed media.

According to the museum’s press release, the Israeli guest artist participation in the show reflects the eighth international cultural group to be featured. Past guest artist groups have traveled from: Canada (2007), Finland (2006), Germany (2005), Ireland (2004), Great Britain (2003), First Nation (2002), and Japan (2001).

Crafts America Shows have been producing some of the finest craft shows in the nation and this year’s Washington DC Craft Show at the Convention Center (November 7 – 9) holds many continued promises. Over 185 contemporary American craft artists, juried exhibitions, and sales of fine craft are some of what’s in store for craft show attendees. Information from the site further explains:

“Celebrating its 21st year, this major fall event includes 40 new artists among the established and emerging talent selected by jury to present their signature collections for the home and to wear. Each piece is one-of-a-kind or limited-edition, made with vision and mastery in the artist’s studio. The 2008 theme, “Making It Personal,” will be the focus of informative talks and visitors’ consultations with interior designers and fashion professionals.”

An unknown author recently said, “Stay young by taking inspiration from the young in spirit who remained creatively active all their lives: Goethe completing Faust at 80; Titian painting masterpieces at 98; Toscanini conducting at 85; Justice Holmes writing Supreme Court decisions at 90; Edison busy in his laboratory at 84; and Benjamin Franklin helping to frame the American Constitution at 80.” In other words, it ain’t over till it’s over.

In 1996 when Hillary Rodham Clinton contributed to a monograph for the National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies, Americans for the Arts, she said, “Some of the most powerful works of art have been produced by older Americans by hands that have engaged in years of hard work, eyes that have witnessed decades of change, and hearts that have felt a lifetime of emotions. Our whole society benefits when older Americans use their talents and experiences to become involved in the arts as creators, teachers, mentors, volunteers and audiences.

Creativity studies have shown that for some, the approach of end of life and self-actualization actually stimulates creativity with increased urgency, intensity, and energy and that creativity may emerge during periods of intense loneliness and depression. Recall the lives of poet Carl Sandburg, violinist Pablo Casals, and folk painter Grandma Moses. Which stage of creativity are you in? (Ebersole & Hess, 1995)

Preparation – where time and experience foster opportunity
Frustration – expression and approach may be unclear
Incubation – ideas are taking shape
Illumination – an approach becomes clear
Elaboration – plans are developed and built upon