Art Lovers discussion
Talent of the Members
>
What Inspires you in YOUR creative process?
message 1:
by
Heather
(new)
Mar 03, 2010 06:11PM
Per a suggestion from Carol, this topic is where we can get and give feedback, discuss techniques, our inspirations, etc. for our own artistic talents.
reply
|
flag
Hi, I’m Carol! Is there anyone “out there” who is creative and likes to express themselves? If so, what do you find most inspires your creative process? I usually find things during my day that “hit” me –like an image; something sad I read; anything in my normal routine, I can sometimes “see” differently.
My list of the things that inspire me the most, in order of importance, would be:
1. Emotion
2. Color
3. Texture (just slightly behind color)
4. Contrast (prefer bold colors or contrasting black & white)
5. Shape/Form
6. Light/ Shadow
What inspires you?
What do you do like to do?
I've learned that waiting for "inspiration" is fraught with danger. The way to get things done is to show up for work every day. Do something, even if it's a journal entry or a drawing on a scrap of paper. Inspiration comes to those who open themselves to ithe opportunity, rather than waiting for it to be dropped at their feet.
I agree completely Ruth. How do you express yourself?
Carol wrote: "I agree completely Ruth. How do you express yourself?"I have an MFA in Painting, still do some, but mostly now I write poetry. You?
Carol, when I told you that I am not an artist, you explained some ways that really anyone can be an artist. I was thinking...I do some collages out of old magazine pictures. I put them together in a sort of surreal way. Kind of a cross between Salvador Dali and Magritte. They are rather eclectic but I have even framed some of them. Pretty fun!
Ruth wrote: "I have an MFA in Painting, still do some, but mostly now I write poetry. You?"I have a BFA in Graphic Design "B.C." (Before Computers) & AA in Communications, so in the beginning of my career I did my own artwork -- illustrations in gouache or pen & ink; photography until computers came along and eliminated the artist/ writer team. So then I had to brush up on my writing.
I love oil painting. I have Lupus that at times prevents me from painting so then I read a lot and write a little.
Heather wrote: "Carol, when I told you that I am not an artist, you explained some ways that really anyone can be an artist. I was thinking...I do some collages out of old magazine pictures. I put them together in..."You should post them!
I agree with Ruth that inspiration shows up when you are working. If you wait for inspiration, you produce very little work.In the last ten years I have used works of art to inspire my poetry and writing.
http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...
As to art itself, I am a doodler. And I doodle mostly masks. I have painted some masks with oil pastels. And I also draw masks in pen and ink.
Ruth, I agree with you. I recently started a blog and my plan is to post about once a week. I recently went to a classic car show and decided to write about it. The problem was that I had nothing to say. I'm not really a car collector and barely an enthusiast. I just like old cars. But once I sat down and actually started writing, all sorts of things came out and I think it is my longest post yet!By the way, if anyone wants to see the blog, it's at
www.beyondthepale-dvora.blogspot.com
Ruth wrote: "I've learned that waiting for "inspiration" is fraught with danger. The way to get things done is to show up for work every day. Do something, even if it's a journal entry or a drawing on a scrap o..."
Dvora, I loved your story of the auto show.
I feel inspired by nature, but not inspired to write. That is just plain hard work. Brain busting work. LOL I quit on average three times each month, but I'm always back the next day. Or next hour.
Harley, that's so nice of you. Thanks! (I was wondering who the new follower was -- must be you.And by the way, it seems that Blogger doesn't send out notices to followers when there is a new post. I keep a private mailing list. Does anyone know anything about that?
Harley wrote: "Dvora, I loved your story of the auto show."
I'm inspired all the time by just everyday things that have personal meaning for me. But like the others on this thread, I don't wait for inspiration to get to work. I think if you look for beauty every day you will find it.
Dvora said: "it seems that Blogger doesn't send out notices to followers when there is a new post."Yes, I am the new follower. I have just started following blogs. Google allows me to keep a Blog dashboard. So I go there regularly to check out the what is happening. I do follow a couple of blogs that notify me.
Kind of off the subject but, I love interior decorating. I just went to Barnes&Noble and found a few magazines that not only inspire me in regards to decorating, but they keep me up on art and architecture plus they make good collages!http://www.americanartcollector.com/
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/
http://www.homeanddesign.com/
I love interior decorating, too, Heather. Thanks so much for the links.
Gabrielle wrote: "I love interior decorating, too, Heather. Thanks so much for the links."No problem, Gabrielle!
Carol wrote: You should post them!ok, Carol. I started my own topic so I wouldn't take up room with my attempts at being artistic. But I posted one.
Harley, I just listened to your Haiku reading of Winter Silence. Very nice! You really have a voice for poetry, and the poem is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!Harley wrote: In the last ten years I have used works of art to inspire my poetry and writing.
Heather, Thanks for the kind words. I wish I had more time to record. Winter Silence is my first collection of haiku which I published in 1977 to celebrate the birth of our daughter. I passed out books of poetry instead of cigars. The other poem that I've recorded is Indecision inspired by Renoir's painting, Umbrellas.
On my website: http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...Winter Silence reading:
http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...
Indecision reading:
http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...
The recordings can load slowly. You will need Quicktime which can be downloaded free.
I'll bookmark your website for future reference. I'm afraid to download anything right now as my computer looks about to give up the ghost.Harley wrote: "On my website: http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...
Winter Silence reading:
http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/...
Indecision reading:
http://web.mac.com/hgking/HarleyKing/Rea..."
Harley, I love that you handed out books of your poetry to honor the birth of your daughter. Such a creative and loving thing to do. I bet you were a sweet, gentle and adoring father. (and your house was free of cigar smoke)
It seems that most of you are creative and artistic. Heather, you too. I am the one who is not. Use to be a potter but it's been years. I sell art so I do get to keep surrounded by the creativity that I lack. Some of the artists that I rep are local (New Orleans) and do wonderful things. Reading is the other way I nourish my creative desires.
I think that I am most motivated by the things no one thinks or talks about. The things nobody hears by living the same ordinary life everyone lives. You have to stop and listen when no one else is. Inpiration comes from the heart, a cheesy and cliche saying, but it is that way for a reason. The truth is often spoken but we don't see it because our natural mind thinks about how cliche it is first.
I think that keeping present with it, always doing some is what keeps it going. Creativity tends to feed on itself.
Ed wrote: "I think that keeping present with it, always doing some is what keeps it going. Creativity tends to feed on itself."Bingo. A lot of it is just showing up for work every day. Inspiration is vastly over-rated.
I create moments in time. In a sort of dream, I place myself in a situation and convince myself it is real. I can be the writer, director and the actor. I have a screening and editing room in my head and also a studio. I have free reign to do what ever I want.
My most creative times for writing (poetry) have been when I am on the depressed side. I've noticed a decide drop in inspiration (passion) since starting anti-depressants :)Painting, on the other hand, I'm inspired more on the happy continuim (sp?)when my heart feels open and giving. Fresh air, color and of course light and shade inspire me in this state. I'm much at peace when painting water and reflections!
Gianna wrote: "My most creative times for writing (poetry) have been when I am on the depressed side. I've noticed a decide drop in inspiration (passion) since starting anti-depressants :)Painting, on the ot..."
I find that very interesting. Hope this isn't too personal to discuss.
Have you read Kay Redfield Jamison (Author)? She is a renowned expert on strong moods and mood disorders and their effect on creativity. (I know Heather is also a fan.) She has a great sensitivity and understanding of their human significance, both positive and destructive, as she suffers from severe bipolar disorder (which she controls with medication). One book in particular you might find very interesting is Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament Paperback .
Ed wrote: "Gianna wrote: "My most creative times for writing (poetry) have been when I am on the depressed side. I've noticed a decide drop in inspiration (passion) since starting anti-depressants :)Painti..."
Thank you Ed! I love psychology and art :) I once was interested in persuing an (Applied) Art Therapy degree, but got sidetracked with Women's Studies. Well, I did have a manic-depressive grandmother, but I did not inherit that type of depression.
I will definately check out Jamison and the book you suggested, thank you!
I used to needlepoint, but don't have much time for that, I do journalize almost every day, that seems to make me feel purged once I finish. I used to do sketches, and some pastels, but as I said I don't have time. Mood definitely inspires me, if I am in a bad mood, I tend to write more. If I have a need to express myself I just grab the nearest tablet, and just go to it.
I used to go to a bookstore cafe, where they played piano music, and wrote in my journal...wonderful times! One hour, once a week, while three children were in school and daycare...ahhhh!
I also like to sing and play my ukulele. Not ready for anyone to hear me though, but I did bravely go to an open mike long ago. It was fun, I did not have my uke then. Music helps me unwind from a strenuous day.
Robin wrote: "I used to needlepoint, but don't have much time for that, I do journalize almost every day, that seems to make me feel purged once I finish. I used to do sketches, and some pastels, but as I said I..."I used to think that way. Have a full time job.
Keep the stuff ready so you can grab at a moment's notice. If you only add 15 minutes a day, you'll be able to have more than ninety hours more hours of extra creative time. If you are able to add an hour on weekends, that's over 100 more hours extra.
I do have it nearby, but other things get in the way of my picking up the work and of course, doing it. Thanks for the pointers, Ed.
“I learned... that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic striving, but it comes into us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness.” – Brenda Ueland (1891-1985)I just finished reading a very inspiring book on he truths about creativity by Ueland:
If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...
Thanks Carol, sometimes when I write I try to edit what I write, instead of it being free flowing. I will look into this book. sounds interesting.
I once head about a famous musical director who just came in on the first day of a new production. Everyone was standing around and arguing what to do, or expecting someone else to make up their mind for them."People!" he said. "I don't have all day! Just hurry up and do something WRONG so we can FIX it!"
I love that story.
I like that comment. Thanks for sharing, Ed. As for my writing I self-edit and it drives me mad. I should be less critical of my writing, and just let it flow.
Consider the Ueland book Robin, you might find it freeing.Currently I've been reading "writing" books. I used to be a writer/editor during my working years, but illness has a way of pulling the rug out from under you and changing your life. So now that I'm returning, I am trying to set up a writing work routine. Here are a few books I'm reading --
Stephen King -- On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-An...
E. M. Forster -- Aspects of the Novel
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26...
Julia Cameron -- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61...
Does anyone have other suggestions? Thanks.
Robin wrote: "I like that comment. Thanks for sharing, Ed. As for my writing I self-edit and it drives me mad. I should be less critical of my writing, and just let it flow."You need a scroll.
Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road that way. Just joined all the sheets together and then started typing. :)
Ed, that is not a bad idea. Don't know where I would find scroll paper here in Hawaii. I could always take barks off the trees, no I am just kidding.Carol as far as authors, I think Bill Pronzini has books on how to be a mystery writer, if that is your forte. I have reserved my copy of the Ueland book that you suggested, thanks for the heads up.
Carol wrote: "Hi, I’m Carol! Is there anyone “out there” who is creative and likes to express themselves? If so, what do you find most inspires your creative process? I usually find things during my day that “..."
Regarding Carol's listing I have to say emotions stands on the top of my list too. Other than that I like to play with colours and light/shadow. However since I'm not a professional painter/artist, I do paintings and gift them to friends at weddings or housewarmings. They always adore them but I change according to their tastes. Mostly I end up doing landscape paintings since everyone love to have one in their living-rooms. I betray my soul! Bad artist ;p
I mostly favour abstract landscape painting where i can do all sorts of things with colours.
Amalie, you should post some of your artwork on this site. I do some drawing but nothing like some of the others on this site.
Ok Robin. I'll consider that once I get familiar with the place :)
Sure, would love to see your artwork. I don't know how to upload pictures either. Once you figure it out, let me know, okay?
Here's an inspiring quote:Ayres no longer paints the massive canvases that were her hallmark, but still prefers to work ‘as big as I can manage. I can reach up to 6ft 6in, so that’s what I do. I’ve always done all the stretching and priming myself but now Sam or a local man help me. It’s quite sticky being nearly 80… I’m fussy about paints, and use good oils. But all that really matters is doing it. It’s as simple as that. The bloody stuff has to be done. I never know where I’m going to end up with a picture. By doing it you discover what you’re trying to do. Then you can work out what to call what you have done!’
--Gillian Ayres
Art Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
On the Road (other topics)Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament (other topics)
