Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?
Finding inspiration for creative work…For the purpose of this blog post, I define an artist as a person who ‘ practices any of the various creative arts.’ Painter, sculptor, dancer, sewist, photographer, chef, architect, designer writer…
Though the process may vary depending on the individual and their medium of expression, every creative work begins with an idea. But, where do ideas come from?
Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?
Well, actually…. that’s literally what happened to me as I sat down to write about inspiration this morning. I was looking out of the window in my writing/sewing studio and the sun broke through the clouds. Knowing that the moment was fleeting, I ran outside to snap a photo with my phone. That photo was the catalyst, the inspiration for this post. Of course, this doesn’t always happen and to me. I wanted to explore this topic more. Through my reading, I came across some thoughts about how other creatives find inspiration for their work.Read on to discover how some famously creative people find inspiration:
I like to create my own photos in my blog. What did this former teacher have on hand? Crayons of course! (and a potted plant)
Why blog?
Why should writers blog? Blog…blog..blog. It’s a funny word (short for web log). What does that mean anway? A blog is a regularly updated website or webpage usded by individulas or businesses to reach a broader audience, connect with people, enlighten, entertain or inform. Think James T. Kirk’s Captain’s log in Star Trek, but down to Earth.
So why do writers blog?
To answer this question I turned to my writing friend, fellow author, and colleague from the Oro Valley Writer’s Forum, Diana Kinared. Here’s what she has to say:
If you are a writer it is inevitable that at some point you will be asked “Why Do You Write?” I’ll bet you’ve even asked that of yourself when the writing stops flowing, your trash bin is littered with rough drafts, and you’d really rather be doing something, ANYTHING but sitting at your desk.
“Why am I doing this!” you scream in silent (or not so silent) agony.
Can you answer this question? If not, you need a list. Something you can post by your writing desk to keep you going or pull out when that celebrity podcaster wants to interview you. I promise you, it will make your life as a writer so much easier.
During a recent meeting with my critique group the why do we write question arose. We threw around some thoughts, all of us agreeing that it’s not for fame and money (though admitting that we harbor those secret thoughts). But I realized I didn’t have a good answer. After giving this some thought, I’ve come up with 5 REASONS WHY I WRITE
I was recently introduced to the word “hygge” by my daughter-in-law. “You’ve never heard of it?” she said, then she showed me the hygge Pinterest board she’ d created. I’ll admit, I was intrigued, I bought a book on the subject and did some research.
What is Hygge?
There’s a lot packed into this little word (pronounced HOO-GA), but simply put, it is a Danish word that describes a mood of coziness and togetherness that contribues to feelings of contentment and wellbeing. It is regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.
It’s a philosophy that, according to the author Meik Wiking, embraces rustic over new, simple over posh, board games over computer games, potluck dinner with friends over dining at a fancy restaurant. Think candlelight, warm beverages, cozy sweaters and socks, and families gathering around a fire.
But I live in Tucson
All of this warm and cozy stuff sounds good for the Danish who must endure cold, dark winters, but I live in Tucson, AZ. How would it work for me? Well, first of all, believe it or not, Tucson has a winter monsoon season. Here is what I woke up to today.
40 degees, raining here, but snowing on the mountains. Perfect motivation for me to channel my inner hoo-ga. I’m going to make a Hygge Corner.
Use What You Have
I’ll admit that I’m tempted to run out to Ikea or Target and fill my cart with fuzzy throws, candles, and sweaters, but that would add clutter which would not be very hygge-ly of me. To get hygge bonus points, the items you surround youself with should have a personal connection. (Plus when the temp gets to 110 this summer what would I do with Ugg boots and sweaters?) So for my hygge expirment, I’m determined to use what I have.
I already had a cozy chair in front of window in my bedroom. I tossed on a soft, handknit throw I’d made several years ago. Next I moved a small wooden table beside the chair. The space is limited so I was selective with my choices. A candle holder I bought in my home state of Indiana, my favorite planter my granddaughter and daugher-in-law helped me make, a small speaker for my favorite music, tea in the china cup my mom brought back from England years ago, my journal and current read.
Whoo hoo….hoo-ga!
I love it! Can’t wait to snuggle in with a good book and finish that cup of tea! As a sidenote, I was motivated to help my husband make a beef stew for dinner tonight. The all-day simmering smell was very hygge… hoo-ga-ly? hygglee? Oh well…you get the idea!
Threads of Thought
Hygge was a new term for me. As a former K teacher who spent most of my days teaching phonics, I struggle to pronounce it. Have you heard of hygge before?
It happens every year. I’ve just retruned from a three week trip to visit friends and family for the holidays. The wacky, wonderful flurry of food, fun, and fellowship has ended, and the quiet descends on me like a blanket of winter snow. Post holiday blues? Fatigue? Too much of the wrong kind of food (and beverage) and not enough exercise and sleep? All of the above.
Through the years, I’ve learned the signs, and I know myself well enough not to panic. This year, I am inspired by the trees surrounding our holiday home in Indiana. Here are 4 things I’ve learned from winter trees:
