The Revolutionary:
Name: Julia Cameron
Born: 4 March 1948
Place of Birth: Libertyville, Illinois, United States
Best Known For: Writing the groundbreaking book “The Artist’s Way,” which has sold millions of copies and has helped countless people around the world to unlock their creativity and pursue their dreams; her work as a writer, artist, and teacher, which has inspired people from all walks of life to live more creative, fulfilling lives.
Core Beliefs:
Everyone is creative and has something valuable to contribute to the world; creativity is a spiritual practice that can connect us to our higher selves and help us to live more fulfilling lives; self-care is an essential part of the creative process; community and support are vital for artists and creatives.
Iconic Quotes:
Art is not about thinking something up. It is the opposite -- getting something down.
Serious art is born from serious play.
Growth is an erratic forward movement: two steps forward, one step back. Remember that and be gentle with yourself.
In limits, there is freedom. Creativity thrives within structure. Creating safe havens where our children are allowed to dream, play, make a mess and, yes, cleaning it up, we teach them respect for themselves and others.
We should write because writing brings clarity and passion to the act of living. Writing is sensual, experiential, grounding. We should write because writing is good for the soul."
I have learned, as a rule of thumb, never to ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow.
Biography:
Julia Cameron was born in Libertyville, Illinois in 1948. She began her career as a writer and artist, working for Rolling Stone magazine and writing several novels, including “The Dark Room” and “The Vein of Gold.”
Cameron married Martin Scorsese in 1976 and divorced him a year later after Scorsese began seeing Liza Minnelli while the three of them were working on New York, New York. They share one daughter. Following the divorce, Cameron reached a crisis point of alcoholism and drug addiction, which induced blackouts, paranoia and psychosis. In 1978, she realised that writing and drinking could no longer coexist and began her journey into sobriety. She also began teaching creative unblocking.
In 1992, Cameron wrote “The Artist’s Way.”At first she sold Xeroxed copies of the book in a local bookstore before it was published. It went on to become a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon. The book, which has sold millions of copies around the world, lays out a 12-week program to help readers unlock their creativity and live more fulfilling lives. Since then, Cameron has continued to write and teach, and has become a respected voice in the world of creativity and spirituality.
Impact:
Cameron’s work has had a profound impact on the world of creativity and personal growth. “The Artist’s Way” has helped millions of people to overcome creative blocks and live more fulfilling lives. Her work has also inspired countless artists, writers, and creatives to pursue their passions and live up to their full potential.
Three Tips from a Revolutionary:
Make creativity a daily practice
Cameron believes that creativity is a spiritual practice that can help us to connect with our higher selves and live more fulfilling lives.
She encourages people to make creativity a daily practice, whether through writing, painting, or some other form of expression.
Prioritize self-care
Cameron believes that self-care is an essential part of the creative process.
She encourages artists and creatives to take care of themselves and prioritize their own well-being in order to be able to do their best work.
Find a community of support
Cameron believes that community and support are essential for artists and creatives.
She encourages people to find a group of like-minded individuals who can provide support and feedback, and who can help them to stay motivated and inspired.
(Like The Creative Revolutionary!)
Essential Reading:
Essential Viewing:
Essential Listening:
This article is a part of our monthly “Portrait of a Revolutionary” series, in which we look at some of the influential figures who have created real change in the world. These revolutionaries span both time and geography, but what they have in common is that they took action. They are the individuals who sent electrical currents through our societies, who created paradigm shifts, and who sparked global movements.
