Listen Closely For The Soft Hum Of Inspiration

I used to go to this place and that place, not expecting to find any inspiration for my art. Yet, as if by magic, I always found it. This becomes a powerful thing: to be able to go anywhere or do anything and find a sliver of inspiration, gleaming in the sunlight.

Inspiration can hide in the most mundane of places. When you are doing the dishes or stacking sticks or gathering trash, listen closely. It is almost imperceptible.

Did anyone notice this inspiration lying on the ground? You notice it and it looks like a opaque stone. But when you pick it up and hold it close to your eye, it reflects so much light that no one else can see.

The Stars Are In You

There is something special about ambitious, creative people who can't stop working on their ideas. I am drawn to them, inspired by them, and grateful for them. It so happens that one of the most creative people I know is my younger brother Art Okoro.

I made this drawing and video for him, inspired by his newly released song. Wanting to find a way to share his song, naturally, I drew something.

As I watched the public reception of my brother's song, it affirmed my thought of how sharing quality work is more valuable than sharing a quantity of work. Yet, in order to get to quality, we have to actually produce a large volume of work. Often times, alone, behind the scenes, under the moon.

 

Sketching And Walking With Juniper

My biggest source of creative inspiration is this artist I know who lives with me, my daughter Juniper. Yesterday, we walked around outside in the slightly windy afternoon and made drawings in our sketchbooks. In the past I have taken many photos of her with my phone because she's my kid and makes the best drawing reference for my picture books. But lately on our walks, I have been taking my sketchbook (and leaving my phone behind).

While sitting on dirt or grass, under trees, I will start to draw Juniper while she is poking something with a stick, drawing, or hopping from rock to rock. Since she is four years old, she moves very fast. This forces me to do two things: pay attention and observe her body and posture, and draw quickly.

I am always amazed by how sketching and walking can be one of the simplest ways to excavate creative ideas.