Start Where You're At
Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8:59AM Is there a myth to the idea that inspiration must be with an artist for the artist to create?
I think this is something that most artists struggle with.
I know I do.
There really isn’t anything like being in the process of creating. Whether I’m sitting with pen and pad, charcoal and sketchpad, or behind the camera or computer, I’m at my best when I’m creating something.
You’re probably the same. You’re probably at your best when you’re creating something.
If, as artists, we don’t need inspiration to create then what do we need?
Perhaps it’s the idea of creation as a response?
Theoretically we respond to anything. You respond to emotions of rage, anger, love, lust, etc…aren’t those emotions enough to trigger something – anything – that can, in turn, work itself through creation?
Start where you’re at.
I’m doing that now. Just writing about creating is, in itself, an act of creation that can trigger responses to my lack of production in the past couple of weeks.
While it may feel forced at times I think it’s worth noting that forcing yourself to be creative from time to time can actually be an enormous gesture. Especially if you embark on this forced journey with no goals in mind. Perhaps it allows a subconscious idea to emerge that can transform into a new project or direction in your artwork.
Reader Comments (3)
Yup! Sometimes you just have to get down to work and stop trying to BE creative, being creative is the process of working through an idea and it doesn't just happen while we wait for it....nice journal...
you might want to check out this link http://skinnyartist.com/9-warning-signs-of-an-amateur-artist/ not that I^'m saying your an amateur artist (I was thinking more of myself) but I have this art creativity what is it who does it.....where does it come from rattling round in my head for tooo long
Excellent post, Damien, but I go back rather than start where I'm at. I have a set of raw images put aside for just this type of lull in my creativity. These images are usually personal that won't be put up on any website but may be emailed to the subject, if applicable. I try something completely different... a new technique, tool, theme, etc. and that often (bt not always) leads me back to being creative.