In need of Inspiration?

Henri Matisse, Le Chat Aux Poissons Rouges 1914, (The Cat With Red Fishes)

​…August…vacation…back to school…seeking to escape heat….
For most, we are seriously seeking inspiration.
 
What moves, propels, encourages, excites, helps you develop and sharpen senses?  What awakens, kindles, invigorates, amuses and delights?  This can be a tall order, but sometimes, if you can find even ONE of the above in your art practice, you have found a treasure.

​WHERE I Go
I find wisdom when I turn to Scripture to start my day.  Inspiration is often like kind words spoken. “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 You may be familiar with Grace Noll Crowell’s lovely 1950 poem inspired by that verse:
Oh, to speak so fitly
That my words my be
Like bright golden apples
On a silver tree!
 
Oh, to write so wisely
That some hungering one
May reach and pluck that fruitage
Shining in the sun!
 
 
Beautiful craftsmanship, elegant carving, music and poetry are all praised in scripture. Inspiration is often like kind words spoken to your soul.

My mother's autographed copy - from poet best friend, Esther York Burkholder

​Lately, I like to read a bit of poetry—especially by some of my local friends.  Noreen Lawlor’ poetry is filled with wisdom and often humor.  Poet Cynthia Anderson, acclaimed for her perceptive reflections about nature, teamed up with watercolorist Susan Abbott in Now Voyager.  

​Even my Facebook and Instagram feeds are fill with artists, writers, dancers, musicians and more.
I know the visual artists whose work generally makes me want to get out my paintbrushes...Matisse, Picasso, Redon, and many contemporary artists. Hover to see artists and titles. You can see I draw inspiration from many sources.

​​To WHOM do you turn for inspiration to pursue the creative process?
I am grateful to meet regularly with a group of women painters to discuss art trends, review each other’s new work, encourage and occasionally exhibit together. I wish I had a photo of our last very animated gathering.

Finding your GENES
Were certain relatives in your family tree especially inspirational?   Did you have grandfather who danced?  A great aunt who recited poetry or inspired you in some way?  Find out more about their legacy.  Imagine how excited they might be to share their artform with you!

I could not resist: my grandfather, whom I never met, in a production of Firebird during high school I have always loved modern dance.

 
Setting the SCENE
Consider which time of day inspiration most often visits you. If it’s not your “creative” season, pretend it is—seek autumn colors and poetry, find winter glow in candles and cool colors…you get the idea!
Create a gathering to share —host a coffee or meet in an inspiring setting. Attend a concert or play. Visit an art gallery. Invite friends to play musical instruments, paint, write random poetry ~ so many options
 
Finding the WORDS
 
…from philosophy, painting and theater….
 
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Aristotle
 
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Pablo Picasso
 
“You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul”
George Bernard Shaw
 
 
You know who are your muses and encouragers? Seek them out!  Gather with them.  Drink in inspiration as you would a cool summer thirst-quencher.
And most important…encouragement and inspiration are generated when you give it back. Encourage other artists.  Even if it just means giving a child a crayon and paper!