Journaling has historically been essential for artists, providing a means to navigate their creative lives. Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way, popularized the practice of writing 'morning pages', encouraging stream-of-consciousness writing every day. Prominent artists like Sophie Calle, Tracey Emin, and David Wojnarowicz used their diaries as sources of inspiration and expression. Journaling fosters intimacy, control, and self-definition, as expressed by notable literary figures. Five modern creatives share how their journaling practices have shaped their work and offer advice to those interested in starting their own journeys in self-exploration.
"In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself."
The foundational practice of 'morning pages' - writing three handwritten pages of stream-of-consciousness text upon waking - is what the book is most famous for.
Journaling has informed the work and guided five creatives through important moments in life, along with their best advice for anyone wanting to start.
Diary-keeping has long served as a companion to the creative life, fortifying and informing the work of countless artists.
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