The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom

The book was shipped as stated and arrived in good condition.

I purchased this book as a 'textbook' for the online class 'Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist' as offered by [...] and conducted by the author.In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm deliberately working through the book at the pace of the class and have not completed it yet, so this is only as regards the first four chapters so far! I'll be happy to come back and either edit this review or create a new one at such time as I'm done the class.It comes out of a background of Benedictine and Celtic spirituality and the meditative traditions: as such, there is what I can only describe as a 'Christian-friendly' aroma or atmosphere to the writing. At the same time, it's evident that the author has made a sincere effort towards inclusivity, non-offensiveness, and non-denominationalism. This may distress some people who are looking for a very explicit Christ-focused examination of our artistic gifts and talents, but in my opinion it also makes the book far more accessible to 'seekers', theists of various flavours, and avoids an unpleasant religiousity or aggressive piousness. If you are open to that perspective, you will get a great deal out of The Artist's Rule, whether you are from a Catholic tradition, a conservative Protestant like myself (from a Reformed, Calvinistic heritage, now worshipping in a non-denominational cross-cultural setting!), or simply someone who believes that there is a higher power and a divine motivation in the world which is accessible by humanity. There are wisdom writings and poems from other traditions that strengthen and enrich the text, but the meditative techniques are based on the monastic 'lectio divinia' and on Biblical texts. Non-Christians/believers from other faiths are encouraged to use other wisdom literature from a tradition in which they are comfortable; mystics, authors, poets, and philosophers, such as Rumi, are quoted. The author's style is personal, affectionate, and supportive, exactly like a firm, kindly mother abbess sharing her thoughts and her collected sagacity. The art challenges that go along with the book are so appropriate and spiritually-based, with a variety of techniques ranging from collage to poetry to construction. I've been doing a lot of prayer, 'inner work' and self-examination as a result of the class - very empowering, and getting me closer to God's desires for my life - but the book itself will also encourage and inspire you as you read and interact with it. Read slowly, reread, ponder, allow yourself to come to understanding, and savour the concepts, counsel, and wisdom contained.

I don't even know where to start. This book combines two of my favorite things -- art and things of the Spirit. Although not a Christian, I have long been intrigued by, even enamored of, the monastic life. Not that I could live it. But the idea of creating a sacred space and trying to live in that place most of the time has always appealed to me as a way of life as an introvert. Painters (the author) is fantastic about melding these two spaces -- the sacred and the artistic -- and at facilitating ways of standing in both spaces at the same time so both are fed by the other. Her writing is evocative and empowering and her suggested exercises inspirational.Her particular religious framework is Christian, but as noted I am not a Christian and I found the Bible verses she chooses as starting points for Lectio Divina and for art making are not exclusionary of other modes of spiritual reflection. One of my favorite spreads in my art journal came from a combination of a verse Painters gave from Jeremiah 6:16 - "And God said stand alone at the crossroads and look and ask for ancient paths: where the good way lies; and walk in it and find rest for your souls." -- used in combination with her her instructions for "Wisdom Cards." The Wisdom Cards felt indeed like an ancient pagan path, in a Carl Jung sort of way. Anther verse from Isaiah 48:6-7 I read at a time of great shifts in my own life and I worked with it from that perspective: "Now I am revealing new things to you, things hidden and unknown to you. Created just now, this very moment. Of these things you have heard nothing until now so that you cannot say, Oh yes, I knew this."If you are both artistic and someone who looks for the Divine in all things (Christian or not), I highly recommend this book!

I am reading this book as part of an ecourse through the Story Sessions writing community, and let me just say, this book is all kinds of good, and grace, and redeeming, and reminding, and inspiring. There is so much of the call to live now and be wholly who we're meant to be. It's one of those books that reads you while you're reading it. You'll leave with a deeper awareness of what it means to be truly connected to faith, community, and your soul. Perhaps there are not as many references to christianity, but like all things, read with a discerning heart. You know the Shepherd's voice, and you'll know what "junk" to chunk, and what treasures to keep. We are each responsible for our own spiritual growth. This book is one way see one's art as a spiritual practice.

I purchased this book to explore creativity as an expression of my Christian spirituality. It’s a wonderful book that gives unique suggestions for creative and spiritual growth. I very much appreciate this author’s perspective!

Read this book with a group of women throughout the course of 12 weeks. What a wonderful experience! Don't be thrown off by the "monk" thing. It's about a living a mindful (that's the monk part) and creative (that's the artist part) life! This book is a treasure trove of ideas and suggestions and insight. We could have spent two hours on each chapter, and would still barely scratch the surface of everything in here.

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I used it as a supplemental tool during my Lenten reflection. I found it to be a powerful resource and tool to tap into the creative soul within me. Specifically, the divine reading and reflection exercises. I also found myself taking out my colored pencils and doodling for the first time in a while. Would definitely recommend to friends.

A treasure of a book. Christine writes in a way that brings rich references to life lived, quality texts, and creative ways to open ourselves. I transformed my own copy of this book with the activities suggested in it during a three month on line retreat with the abbey of the arts . I still use the rule of life that emerged through the weeks as a touch stone and guide.

A book to keep turning back to with a wide variety of themes and ideas for developing the creative spirit within.

Appreciated the depth of writing, well written. Haven't done the exercises yet but plan to set some time aside to do so. Whilst the book is written from a Christian perspective, other faiths are treated sensitively. Would recommend to people seeking a contemplative/spiritual approach to their creative work as well as people wanting more creativity in their spirituality.

A wise and supportive guide to welcoming in creativity and noticing its presence in every moment. The weaving together of creativity and spirituality is done incredibly skilfully and inclusively. Great for individuals or groups.

An inspirational book something beautiful here