The Sky Was Made Of Leaves

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.

 

Tiny Birds

From my writing desk I see only trees and sky.

When I don't know what to write, sometimes I look out into the trees. 

I marvel when many birds are flying from branch to branch. The branches flutter when they leap off. If it has been raining, drops of water spring off. I watch a little bird land on papaya tree branch then quickly jump to an outstretched guava branch. It flies away and I wonder if I'll ever see the same bird again.

The attempt to make meaningful art is often feels like trying to accurately convey to someone how wonderful something is, like watching tiny birds.

The Beauty Of A Flawed Human

If the most interesting and fascinating story characters are flawed in some way, then why can it sometimes be so hard to reveal our fears, anxieties and struggles?

This is why we need books, songs, comedy, illustration, theatre, and poetry. What would we as humans do without that form of catharsis?

When looking for picture books to read to my young daughter, I am struck most by the stories that combine some kind of struggle with hope. The books that  she and I read where everything is lovely and wonderful and characters are saccharinely sweet are not compelling in the least. Most of us, especially young children, have experienced or will experience big, complicated emotions. Why should picture book characters show them an unrealistic world?

It is inspiring to see a character who is struggling to overcome something. Who is both lonely and magical. Who lives with anxiety but can find joy. Who has suffered but still is able to experience gratitude.