A couple weeks ago I decided to restart The Artist’s Way. However, the last time, as life changing as it was, I struggled with one essential aspect — the artist’s date. I even bought The Miracle of the Artist’s Date for guidance on how to embrace the practice more fully. A common suggestion for the dates is antique/thrift stores — an opportunity to immerse oneself in the past and uncover hidden treasures that may resonate with the inner artist. However, this particular suggestion posed a challenge for me. Antique stores and thrift shops, though brimming with history and nostalgia, have always overwhelmed me. The stacks and clutter, navigating the tight spaces with other people, the smells and never enough light.

Nonetheless, during a recent drive that took me a couple of hours away, I passed by the quirky “Pink Elephant Antique Mall.” Recognizing the opportunity that fell into my lap, I decided to embrace the experience with an open mind. At least I could check it off my to-do list. Plus, there was a giant Pink Elephant outside.

As I stepped into this treasure trove of random stuff and odd things, I let my curiosity take over. Contrary to my initial reservations, I began to let my inner child feel wonder and joy at what caught my attention. Instead of being frustrated the layout and displays had no discernable order, I let myself delight in the possibility of “what’s next.”

As I wandered through the store’s labyrinthine aisles, I realized that an artist’s date need not be confined to what is traditionally deemed “artistic.” Rather, it is a personal journey of exploration and discovery—a chance to break free from everyday routines and immerse oneself in new experiences. With every corner I turned, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity rekindling within me.

Although, I’m known for developing deep and inexplicable affection for the ugliest inanimate objects so it was a risky venture. Case in point, a blurry picture of my favorite painting:

Luckily, I don’t have a studio to supply so I had to say farewell to the many spontaneous loves I developed in 45 minutes.

In the end, my time at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall turned out to be a delightful adventure—an unexpected source of inspiration and joy. It emphasized the intent of the lesson; we need not limit ourselves to conventional places of inspiration. Instead, we should embrace the notion that artistic nourishment can be found in the most unexpected and seemingly ordinary corners of life. It’s all about breaking free from routine and trying something new. It’s about opening yourself up to different experiences. As I explored, that creative spark in me started to reignite as my eyes lovingly took in the light reflecting through glass and traced intricate lines of old toys.

I left itching to fill stacks of sketchbooks. Although, I won’t be pressuring myself. I want to enjoy the process of refilling the artistic well before rushing to empty it again.

Moving forward in this personal renaissance, I am encouraged to approach each artist’s date with an open heart, ready to embrace new encounters and allow creativity to flow freely. While antique stores and thrift shops might not be my go-to sources of inspiration, I now understand that their charm lies in their ability to surprise us, to awaken dormant facets of our creativity, and to reveal beauty in the most unanticipated forms.

I’m ready to explore, learn, and relish in the delight of unexpected discoveries—the keys to unlocking the boundless potential of our inner artist.

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