The Art of Dreaming: Tools for Creative Dream Work

by Jill Mellick

Jill Mellick is ushering in a new era of dreamwork with her revolutionary approach to dream analysis through artistic expression. Dream books that guide readers to work with their dreams invariably ask those readers to write their dreams down, or perhaps record them. The Art of Dreaming stands apart from all other dream books in that it invites readers to work with their dreams in whatever medium is most natural and beneficial to them. For some readers that might in fact be writing or talking, but for others it might be drawing or painting or working in clay or dancing or dramatizing or recreating movement or maskmaking or working in multimedia or creating poetry. This book is a beautiful integration of dreaming and creativity, one that takes readers to a place where they can work with both the essential and deep messages from their dreams. The beautifully designed book makes use of illustrative icons to clearly indicate to readers the art medium for each activity, whether writing, drawing, painting, maskmaking, etc., giving readers the ability to go directly to the type of activity that most appeals to them.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Writing

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ali Circles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great wealth of ideas to further explore your dreams.

[Christy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally, I'll check a book out of the library and find myself renewing it or checking it out more than once over a period of time and then I know it is time to simply buy it; Jill Mellick's The Art of Dreaming: Tools for Creative Work is one such book. This is a book to own so you can refer back to it again and again, as the mood or dream arises that you want to explore more deeply as the questions and techniques for self-exploration encourage a rich and unique take on the standard dream books I've seen over the years.

In addition to the standard dream recording and analysis, symbol exploration and psychological application to one's life, the creative use of art, music, meditation, creative writing, dance/movement and ritual all bring a plethora of ways to go deeper. I appreciate that there are ideas for when one has five minutes and when you want to spend days or weeks really digging in over a period of time to go in depth with a dream. As someone who often doesn't remember dreams or only remembers fragments, there are some good tips on working with fragments or feelings vs. a full narrative. Finally, there is a fairly extensive bibliography, which I always appreciate to lead me to the sources that inspired the author and enrich aspects of my own exploring. Likewise, a good index helps to find a particular topic or technique. I own several dream books, but this is one that I would turn to first and definitely recommend in the collection of anyone interested in the topic.

[Zahraa El-Kabengi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Mellick is an artist herself and teaches ways in expressing your dream through art. I found this method to be really interesting and seems very effective especially with the tips she gives to make sure the unconscious/dream speaks rather than the conscious self. I also found the chapter on nightmares very interesting and powerful as we all in some way or another face nightmares and being able to deal with them and turn them into valuable and positive lessons is the crazy and great part, so thank you Mellick!

[Katie Rea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many people don’t even acknowledge their dreams, much less take the time to explore them. Mellick encourages the reader to enter into the world of dreams and explore them using several different artistic methods.

Her overall message is for us to respect our dreams and use both traditional and innovative ways to appreciate them.

[flavia cilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the comprehensive introduction, the respectful and “delicate” perspective towards dreams and the wide range of artistic options to unfold the possible meaning of dreams. I love this book! 🧡

[culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

200 pages of exercises and ideas for extracting metaphor and meaning from dreams. This book does not contain a lot of theory but it is clear that the author knows her theory. As I start the process of keeping a dream journal I can’t imagine not having this book. 5 minute exercises, 15 minute exercise, handling of nightmares, dream sequences, recurring dreams, care and feeding of dream figures and animals, and ideas for working with another or in groups. Invaluable resource and reference material.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is shows innovative ways to engage in active dream exploration. There are many methods from which to choose, whether you are adept in those skills or not. Not all modalities may appeal to everyone (some of them intrigued me and others I might not touch with a 39 1/2 foot pole), but the work that the author has done to provide variety and quality is outstanding. Sweet dreams...

[Joli Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a short book, it offers a lot of practical ideas. I particularly appreciate that Mellick warns of the potential difficulties working with dreams in groups, and points the way towards resources for exploration beyond this beginner's guide.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great dream work exercises in here - I hardly did any. But, it got me thinking about my dreams and catching a few, so that makes me happy.