July 23, 2009
I recently took a road trip during which “inspiration” seemed to be the theme. I thought on it much of the twelve hour drive out, much while I was there, and more while I was driving back. So what is inspiration? Where does it come from? These are some of my thoughts from my trip.
What is inspiration? A dictionary definition of “inspire” includes, “to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence; to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.; to influence or impel.” A dictionary definition of “inspiration” includes, “something inspired, as an idea; a thing or person that inspires.” So, inspiration is an idea or thought that is aroused or ignited by something or someone that is motivating in some way.
Where does inspiration come from? In my industry, some of the more common places to find inspiration are from books, patterns, sewing stores, and quilt shops. However, in any creative endeavor there are an infinite number of sources for inspiration. Something I’ve always enjoyed is hearing/reading the stories about the inspiration behind a creative work. One may be inspired by a person who encourages an idea or pushes creative thinking. One could be inspired by something they see, such as a beautiful landscape, or something they see only in their mind’s eye. One may also be inspired by an idea; something that is not tangible but exerts strong influence. Lastly, one may be inspired by a combination of these, or something that doesn’t quite fit into any of these categories. I personally have been inspired by everything from pictures I’ve seen, to the abstract concept of the coming of Spring after Winter.
As somewhat of a side note, I would greatly encourage the recording of inspiration. I have only recently begun doing this and I advocate it now for several reasons.
1) Sometimes something inspires us and yet we do not have the time to act on the inspiration right that second. If you capture that moment, record those thoughts, etc., you will be able to revisit those inspirations when the right time comes.
2) Often, what begins as our inspiration will change and evolve throughout the creative process. That’s okay. Let it. But, record those changes and document how a piece came to life. As I said, this has only recently become a habit I try (and fail sometimes) to practice and honestly we all have pieces that we just do with little to no inspiration driving us. But, I have not regretted a single one of my “Inspiration Journal” entries simply because they each document a creative journey.
3) This may cause a few of you to chuckle, but it is one of the more practical applications. Inevitably, artists are often asked questions like, “What was your inspiration for this piece?” and “How long did this piece take?” I personally have been asked questions like this so many times. While we, as the artists, can often remember most of the major points about a piece, I know that many times I’ve been asked a question that I simply can’t remember the answer to and it’s my own work for goodness sake! So, I have found that the act of documenting the journey really cements those details and I have an even greater appreciation for the finished product.
So, why do I bother to share these rather lengthy thoughts? In spite of the fact that we are all surrounded by sources of inspiration each and every day, I know from firsthand experience that we sometimes allow ourselves to get so caught up in our daily lives that we miss them. My goal is to take the time to notice that sources of inspiration are all around me and to encourage you to look for them as well. Make a point to notice the colors in a sunset or a single flower, to talk to those who can inspire you, and to allow a pattern printed on a piece of fabric to take you where it will. Inspiration starts as a spark and turns into a journey. Enjoy each and every minute of it.
