A 12-week course following 'The Artist’s Way' in a supportive and facilitated group. 

 

About the course

Julia Cameron’s 'The Artist’s Way' is a powerful 12-week framework for nurturing your creativity and kickstarting (or returning to) a creative practice. However it can be hard to stick to without support. 

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The Creative Sparks course will guide you with facilitated exercises and group discussion to grow through your struggles and successes. Get to know others as we all make this journey together to cultivate our creativity.

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We will meet weekly on Zoom for 1 hour

Open to all, no experience required. 
You will need a copy of the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

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There will also be a WhatsApp group available to connect, share progress and offer mutual support between sessions (participation optional).  

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Dates and times:

The current course is now fully booked but I am planning to start a new group in September 2024.

If you are interested in joining I'd love to hear what days and times work for you.

Please use this timing preference form to let me know. There may also be an option for an in-person group. Please complete the form to be notified about future course dates, times and early-bird booking offers.​

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Course leader:

Miki Shaw is an award-winning artist, designer and creative facilitator. She has years of experience of running creative workshops, and in recent years has been facilitating several online creative groups. She has delivered a variety of large and small-scale events and teaching through Zoom and other platforms.

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Testimonials:

"Creative Sparks has been brilliant! I have loved the weekly sessions, and being accountable in a group has been so helpful. The energy and support from the group has grown throughout, and I hope that we will be able to stay in touch. On a personal level, this has helped me reconnect with who I am as an artist, and work out ways to help myself, and allow myself time and care. Miki has facilitated the group in a warm, calm and totally non-judgemental way, and I would recommend doing this course if you need to reset and bring more joy and exploration into your creative life."

Camille Maalawy, Singer and animateur

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"Thanks so much Miki, for running this course. I definitely would not have been able to complete the book without the help of the group. It was so supportive, encouraging and safe. I started the book quite sceptical and ended with a profound sense of possibility. I learned a lot about myself and met some amazing people who were open, honest and kind."

Leyla, artist

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"The Artists Way is a life-changing course that I would never have discovered or followed without you. You curated and led the most wonderful group of incredible (as it happens) women who I feel privileged to have met and who I hope will be life-long friends and creative partners. Thank you for the most revealing, creatively inspiring and beautifully facilitated 12 weeks. I don’t want it to end!"

Sasha Zik, Filmmaker and writer

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"Brilliant! I tried and failed to do The Artists Way on my own. By joining the course, it has given me the routine and accountability to keep going. My journey has been very much my own, but The Artists Way is strengthened by not being alone. Miki guided us through the book, gave us space, and gently nudged us to build connection with ourselves and each other. I feel hugely fortunate to have been a part of the group, and see where this journey takes me. Without The Artists Way and Miki's Creative Sparks group, I doubt I would have started painting freely again."

Louisa, Mixed media artist, mother & peer supporter

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"Attempting the Artist way for the third time, but first time in a guided practice has been a remarkable journey to be a part of. Holding my artist accountable, creating a space to be inspired and challenged by fellow creative souls. Truly life affirming."
Hilda Cronje, artist, writer and director 

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" I've tried to complete the Artist's Way before, as a solo exercise, but I've never made it all the way. Miki was a superb guide, helping us all explore our own creativity (and resistance to it) over the 12 weeks, with insight and humour, and a light touch on the wheel, yet never letting us drag things too far off course, and always making sure everyone got enough air time to benefit equally.

What I really didn't expect though was the terrific experience of doing the course in a group setting. Miki's ground rules were clear and sensible, and allowed something utterly unexpected to flourish in the space she held for us. The sense of a shared journey was incredibly moving and stimulating. By the end of the course I had a new group of creative friends, had started watercolouring, and had really leaned in to the writing course I was also taking, with startling results.

Highly recommended."

Dena Grabinar, writer

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"Miki creates a space that is structured, supportive, inspiring and empowering. I have tried to do the Artist’s Way so many times but had never managed to get to the end before. With the support of this course and this group I finally did. The change I have seen in myself is enormous, it has enabled me to see opportunities when they come up and finally given me the confidence to persue them. So many new and exciting things are happening in my career now. I feel creatively inspired, liberated and so much more empowered and I put that down entirely to doing the Artist’s Way, and to this course for making me stick to it!"

Marie Hamilton, Writer and Actor

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Accessibility:

Note for parents/carers: This is an adult-centred course, but we welcome you to have anyone under your care in the room with you during the sessions. 

We want to ensure that the course is accessible to everyone. If you have any specific needs or requirements, please reach out to us in advance so that we can make appropriate accommodations and support you in your creative journey.

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Supported by Mothers Who Make

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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What is 'The Artists Way' and where can I get hold of it?

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'The Artist's Way' is a self-development book by Julia Cameron, first published in 1992. It comprises a 12-week course of readings, tools and exercises to help you unlock or recover your creative gifts. It is a stand-alone book which you can complete without the input of others. In reality, many people (including myself) have had failed attempts at following it through without the accountability of a group.

One of the key tools is "morning pages" - 3 pages of stream-of-consciousness writing which should be done first thing in the morning. It's a challenging habit to establish but pays off in surprising ways... all of which we will discuss during the course!

This article is a lovely account of one person's experience of following the book.

Buy the book (or the ebook)

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I'm not an artist - is this course for me?

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If you'd like to tap into your creativity, whatever your interests, then this course will help you. 'The Artist's Way' is not just for visual artists, nor is it just for people who have a specific end-goal in mind. If you are curious to try it, you will find it rewarding. No experience is required.

It is useful for practitioners (or budding practitioners) of any creative practice (music, acting, painting, baking, crafting, design, poetry, comics, writing, film-making, animation, fashion, advertising, dance ... etc.)  

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What's the advantage in doing it with a group rather than by myself or as a pre-recorded video course?

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Many people find that it's hard to stick with the full 12 weeks without some degree of accountability to a group. Also, working with a group is more fun! Sharing all the highs and lows of creative adventuring makes the journey more interesting and less lonely. Sometimes if we experience challenges along the way, talking them through with a small group of trusted and empathetic others is a great way to feel heard, brainstorm solutions and see things differently. The course sessions will be structured with lots of hands-on exercises and "breakouts" in pairs or small groups so there will be plenty of time to talk and get to know everyone else.    

If you are one of the many people who have had this book languishing on a shelf, this course is for you.

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What if I can't make it to some of the sessions?

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No problem! All zoom sessions will be recorded and shared with the group afterwards, together with slides, exercises, and any other relevant resources. There’s also an optional WhatsApp group which is great for sharing & support between sessions.

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Sounds great! How do I join?

Please use this timing preference form to let me know what days and times work for you.  I hope to offer a new group starting in September 2024. There may also be an option for an in-person group. I'll keep you updated about future course dates and early-bird booking offers.

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Alternatively if you already have a group of people you'd like to do this with, I'm happy to create a bespoke course for your group.

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Any other questions?

Please email Miki: heymiki [at] gmail.com

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