ARTISTS/CRAFTSPERSONS-What to do when.....you lack INSPIRATION

OK, so we all know about blogging ,Twitter, Facebook & Myspace…. but what about some of the internal issues we might share as artists or craftspersons?

INSPIRATION: Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level.
…and you feel like you are lacking it?

First of all, realize that you are sharing a common experience among many artists….
Really, you have a couple of choices here:
Wallow in the not so good feeling of lacking what you need to continue on your path as an artist OR
PAUSE….yes, pause. Give yourself permission to simply take a break. How long you might ask? Probably as long as it takes. Could be a short period of time, or maybe longer. During your pause, consider doing the following things:

Nurture yourself:

What inspires you?
How long has it been since you’ve allowed yourself time to look at, be around or consider those things which feed your artist’s/craftsperson’s soul?
I have posted four different things on my blog
from which I draw personal inspiration and I return to them time and again to
refuel myself (you’ll find them by scrolling down to the bottom of the blog)

Visit an Art Gallery or Your Favorite Gift Shop or Art & Design Mags:

How about a virtual walk through the Louvre?
Re-visit the works of a favorite artist.
Visit that fav Gift Shop just for the pleasure of looking
Go to your local Library & feast on the many magazines/books offered

Capture your Thoughts:

Could be on your blog? Write it out……many times, the simple act of getting in touch with your thoughts kindles a creative fire!
Take time to think about…..and reflect on…. your favorite things that you have created…..did those creations spark an idea for future works?

In Short….take a RETREAT:

Re-treat YOURSELF to the things you love, the things that awaken your very own visual & sensual delight…..INSPIRATION is sure to follow…….

How does an artist "re-charge"?

"If we knock on the door until it opens, not taking no for an answer, our lives will be transformed as we step up into a higher awareness." – James Redfield

I wasn't sure how a four day trail ride would be possible both time-wise and financially, but I set my HEART and MIND on it knowing it would be the experience of a lifetime. At first, it was going to be just me going, then hubby joined in on the positive mind-set and, yes, we both attended!

This was a trailride through Custer State Park prior to exhibiting my raku artwork at the International Bison Conference in Rapid City, S.D.....filled with a huge sense of awe and inspiration...indeed life transforming....it was one way this artist "re-charged" & gained inspiration for artworks yet to be.......

The Artist's Impulse.....

"He can only obey the apparently alien impulse within him and follow where it leads, sensing that his work is greater than himself, and wields a power which is not his and which he cannot command." Carl Jung

I've been asked many times "where do you get your ideas?"

Call it impulse, call it revelation, call it dreaming, call it the artist's "BREATH"......it is as NATURAL to me as breathing....and I've often purposely used a double negative to describe this....."an artist can't NOT make art"....for, indeed, it does seem a work greater than oneself, it's on the inside and must come out. Perhaps a form of communication, expression and, for me, a path of supreme adventure. The making of art, the ideas,.... the conceptions transforming into reality bring a satisfaction deep and enduring.