One of the assignments that “The Artist’s Way” doles out each week is to go on an “artist’s date.”  This is time set aside each week – whether it be an hour or an entire day – to do something or go somewhere that invigorates, replenishes, or stokes your creative spirit. The book maintains that creativity is a source from within that needs to be replenished, and the idea that creative output without just as much input leads to a resource-less artist is something that I have come to know all too well. Initially, I had no idea how I would make time to essentially go on a date with myself each week, but if this was a practice that would lead to my feeling more inspired, creative, and at peace, I couldn’t afford not to.

I had set aside today (Thursday) for my artist’s date earlier this week because I knew it was the day that would afford me the most flexibility as far as time and other commitments. I am lucky enough to have a lot of control over my weekly schedule, so I was able to set aside as much of the day as I needed. I decided to visit the Delaware Bay in Fortescue, NJ. I had never been there before and I remembered being told that it was a fantastic place to hunt for sea glass. I have always loved the beach and the water, and I knew being in that space would be regenerative and healing for my in and of itself, and sea glass is something that I have always found beautiful and amazing.

In case you are unfamiliar, sea glass refers to pieces of glass that have been tumbled by the ocean – the salt water, sand, and waves smooth the pieces into edge-free, frosted gems in as many colors as one can imagine. I love the idea of something that would have ordinarily been considered trash – in this case glass – being made beautiful by a harsh and difficult process. I think it speaks to life and humanity and thriving despite difficult circumstances to become something beautiful.

There are many places throughout the United States that boast sea glass findings, but the glass is becoming more and more difficult to come by.  As littering is discouraged (a positive!) and more products shift to plastic, the amount of glass that makes its way into the water to be naturally tumbled by the ocean is less and less. The Delaware Bay was home to a 19th century glass manufacturing company – making it an especially rich resource for the gems. Certain colors are considered more rare than others – white, green, and brown being more common with blues, blacks, purples, and pinks being much more rare. I had never been to Fortescue before and I had no idea what I would find in the way of glass once I got there, but I was excited to go and I made sure to set the intention that the day would be inspiring, beautiful, and worthwhile no matter what I did or did not find. Continue reading →