MINING FOR INSPIRATION
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As artists, inspiration is the fuel for our creative work. It comes in the form of the next idea, the next impulse, a sensing or a knowing—even a weird random thought can be a potent jumping-off point for your art. Inspiration can arrive all on its own or be prompted by something we observe. We can see inspiring colour, shapes and designs—often in the ordinary and mundane.
Yet there are times when inspiration feels elusive—even to the most dedicated among us.
I'm reminded of a Picasso quote: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." This quote tells us that waiting for inspiration to arrive before beginning our art-making isn't productive. Making work brings more work. So we really just need to find ways to get started and the rest will follow.
One of the key things to understand about inspiration is that the very engagement with your art practice—in any form—will open up the channel to more ideas. Inspiration can be easily generated by simply making your art, rather than waiting for it to arrive first.
What helps us to be in the best place for inspiration to arrive?
Consistently showing up for our art practice and actively engaging with anything that generates creative energy.
Don't wait for inspiration before beginning your creative practice—make showing up a habit.
Stay committed to the daily, mundane studio tasks. It may feel unrelated, but inspiration often drops in at those moments.
Follow those sparks when they come—jot ideas into a sketchbook, make small studies. Just be sure to capture the inspired idea as soon as it arrives.
Here are some journal prompts for you to explore this further:
What do you know about your approach to your creative work and mining for inspiration?
What beliefs do you hold about how inspiration arrives for you? Are you creating a space for inspiration to show up? If not, why not—and how could you?
When have you felt most inspired in your creative practice, and what conditions or habits made that possible? How could you cultivate more of those moments?
This short version blog post is a part of my Mindset Moment series, an accompanying edition to my bi-monthly blog post. My intention for these Mindset Moments is to speak to some of the common challenges artists face with their creative work, and how a mindset shift can make a difference.
They are short reads, with a suggestion or writing prompt that you can work with…as well as an invitation to join in the conversation, sharing your experience and insights.
Join the conversation by leaving a comment under this blog post, or on my social media posts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, wherever you find me.
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