Where does inspiration come from?
As an artist, the question I’m often asked is, "Where does your inspiration come from?" The truth is, inspiration can comes from everywhere. It's less about where you find it and more about being open to its presence in the everyday and the extraordinary. And it is often elusive. I am not always feeling inspired to paint. Sometimes it is about starting a painting and waiting for the inspo to appear. But at other times I will see, hear or remember something and that will make me go to the studio and see what I can create from that feeling.
For me, inspiration is like a dance, one that involves engaging with the world around me. These experiences embed themselves in my mind, sometimes consciously, sometimes not, and they resurface when I'm in front of the painting surface.
The process is intuitive. I don't sit down with a clear vision of what the final piece will look like. Instead, I let my emotions guide my brushstrokes, the colors I choose, and the forms that emerge. It's a bit like navigating uncharted waters; you never quite know where you'll end up, but the journey itself is what's important.
Life, in all its complexity, is my biggest muse. Every painting is a culmination of feelings, experiences, and observations that have stirred something within me. When you view my work, you're not just seeing a piece of art; you're glimpsing a fragment of my world, my thoughts, and my story. Sharing the story of each art work is very important to me. The story of inspiration or meaning or feeling I feel for each piece is part of the gift I can give to collectors. It is the thread that connects us.
Engaging with the world, being curious, and allowing myself to feel deeply are my keys to finding inspiration. And I believe that’s something everyone can do, whether you’re an artist or not. Inspiration is all around us; it’s just a matter of opening our eyes and hearts to it.
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working” is a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso (I won’t be taking life lessons from him). Sometimes that is true but definitely not always. Getting away from the place of work, in my case, the studio is just as valuable. Taking long breaks, doing other things, and having a well rounded life, I think in the long run, is the best most healthy way to live and paint.