PoppyRow

     One of the most common questions I get when I am either doing a free demo or teaching a class is “How do you stay inspired?”. This is a tough question, because first of all, different things inspire me at different times. It’s also hard because people are so unique, and each one of us is moved in an infinite manner of ways. But, when asked, I do my best to answer.

     First - I need good subject matter. As it is flowers that tend to move me, and I couldn’t grow a good one if my life depended upon it, I hang out where there are flowers in abundance. Public gardens, greenhouses, friend’s gardens. I live in upstate NY, though. So in the winter, I flip through the hundreds or even thousands of reference photos I collected from spring to fall.

     Studio space inspires me. I have a space all my own, that is very much my personality, filled with my stuff, and my work. It breathes my essence. I’m surrounded by work I have completed or is in progress, as well as the tools and supplies to make it happen.

      Being around art inspires me. Go to galleries, museums, art co-ops. Flip through some college texts you picked up at the library on artists, art history, and even archeology. Let the art of the past speak to you in the present and guide your future.

     Being around other artists is also very inspiring. Even if they work in a completely different medium, there is just something of the artist “vibe”, that we get each other and understand the struggle of creativity vs. self-discipline. It can provide a wonderful source of encouragement, feedback, and advice.

     Also, it helps to keep something in the works. I know- as creative people we are prone to having a hundred projects we never finish. But for myself, I’d rather have multiple projects I can return to and feel excitement about. If I am stuck on a particular piece, I will start something new instead of getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

     Teaching, doing demos, and exhibiting also helps, because it forces me to have a deadline to have work either completed, or in process of being worked on. It’s a great way to have a sort-of show-and-tell about what’s happening in your artistic corner. 

     Each of these suggestions (and there are more!) is a topic unto itself, so they’ll be further elaborated upon in subsequent posts. Hope you feel inspired to pick up your paintbrush, chisel, knitting needles or whatever it is that you do and get to work!