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.

 

Stars Falling From The Night Sky

 

Inspiration

Inspiration can arrive

1. from mistakes


2. by looking back though old artworks


3. when discovering artist's artwork


4. when reading 


5. when noticing


6. when writing


7. when dreaming

 

 

 

A Gift From The Universe

 

What am I supposed to do with this?

Art As A Gift

We all have something to give; something worthy of creating. Whether we use the label “artist” or not, everyone has the capacity to make artwork. I have found that the more often I make, the easier it is to make. Inspiration is most often found while working.

Also, I have discovered that if you don’t know exactly what artwork to create, think of someone you love very much. Make something just for them. Write a story, make a photograph, paint a painting, draw a drawing or build a thing
…and keep that person in mind. When we think of our art as a gift, it can become so much easier to find joy in what we’re making and sharing.

Flowers In The Shadow

Our shadow selves contain seeds that can bloom the most unusual and interesting flowers.