The purpose of inspiration
Plinth, 12" X 14", mixed media on panel.
Hey artists.
I'm back from a much needed vacay (sans children ). I read, I wrote, I smothered myself in sunscreen and avoided the sun. It was glorious. I left the trip feeling inspired.
I brought up the topic of inspiration with my group coaching cohorts this week.
What exactly is inspiration and what is it supposed to do?
Here's what I said:
Inspiration is the creative source that connects you back to your bigger vision -- the things you want to create in your life. It gets you out of the weeds of your day-to-day life and reminds you what you're trying to build.
For me, a change of environment is vital inspiration. It gets me out of the daily grind of running a business, having an art practice, raising a child, doing the laundry, etc. It reminds me what all this work is FOR, and what my daily efforts are building toward.
Checking out some Rennaisance art is also vital inspiration for me. It reminds me that I'm part of a long tradition of image-making. It reminds me I want to live in Italy again. It also reminds me that sometimes I need to look outside of myself for answers.
So when it comes to inspiration, here's the secret: if you don't have a bigger vision for your life and creative practice, then inspiration can get lost on you.
Without a big vision, inspiration ends up being surface level. It's something you consume but it doesn't fuel you. It gives you a momentary spark but it doesn't sustain you long term.
Basically, knowing how to find and sustain inspiration is a skill you have to learn. And you need to start with the vision you have for your creative life.