On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art. I am still going through them and putting posts together. I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier. Today's post is about inspiration.
What inspires you to create such beautiful artwork?
First let me say thank you for calling my work beautiful. I have always had this drive, this need to create. It started when i was really young with drawing, sewing, cake decorating, painting, etc. I have come to realize too that it helps me express my mood. I do not always acknowledge my feelings or what is bothering me but it comes out in my art. I have learned to use it to renew myself. When i am scared, hurt, or happy, i create. They are not all masterpieces but they bring me peace of mind to have it out of my head and onto paper, canvas, etc.
What kinds of days give you the best inspiration?
I do love a good rainy day to create. I love watching the weather in Colorado heading over the Rocky Mountains seeing what we are going to get in about an hour. I love quiet mornings, especially in the winter. There is something magical about the stillness of freshly fallen snow, a cup of tea, and a paint brush in my hand.
What inspires you the most? Is it the materials, techniques, books or something completely different?
As my friend Julie would say, the answer is yes. My creative brain rarely shuts off completely so even when i am grocery shopping i notice packaging or displays. I love reading home decor magazines and seeing colors, design elements, etc. I have been gravitating towards a lot of Stampinton Magazines: Somerset Memories, Somerset Studios, Sew Somerset, Art Journaling, etc. Another favorite of mine is Cloth, Paper, Scissors. I watch fashion shows not only because i love them but because i get to see the latest trends. i think what inspires the most is just playing around with my materials and seeing where they want to take me.
how do you start a page, a mini, or card? Do you start with a photo or an inspiration piece, or what?
Most of the time I start with the story i want to tell. If it is a scrapbook page, it's the story and photo. Same with a mini album. I have to be motivated by the story. I start searching through my photos and see what hits me. I recently just got back from my niece's wedding and i have all these stories to tell. I get excited and want to get it on paper. Here's a few post peeking into my process:
What seems to give you the most motivation when starting a project?
a story to tell, a product to play with, a technique to try, or even a deadline. Once i start a project i really want to finish it! I want to see the end results. But i am careful not to rush it too much for there is something to be said about the journey there.
I guess you have many projects in mind to work with, how do you decide which one to do first?
This is admittedly hard for me. I do have so many projects in mind. I now keep lists so i don't lose any. I prioritize my list by what is inspiring me the most at that moment, what deadline is next, and what product/technique i want to use. I am a firm believer though in doing the one that is screaming at you "pick me, pick me." Listen to intuition.
Where's your favorite place to go for inspiration? Do you cruise Pinterest or other online sources? Or turn to nature? Or something else perhaps?
The answer is yes. I am inspired by lots of things including but not limited to nature, fashion, magazines, pinterest,nature, color combinations, design elements, architecture, a story to tell, etc. I have trained myself to keep my eyes wide open. To see things in a whole new way. Take for instance the photo and layout above. I was at scrapfest last year with Maya Road. The wonderful sweet lady who was doing a make & take allowed me to photograph the beautiful flowers on her sweater. I knew i wanted to replicate them somehow. A lot of french knots later (and one sore finger...someone forgot she knew how to use a thimble) and i had exactly what i wanted all inspired by a sweater. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN & TAKE NOTES.
What inspires you the most when planning a project.In other words how do you keep your inspiration FRESH?
Keep moving! Keep trying out new techniques. Something that scares you. Fear is a great motivator. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Even if you don't like it, chances are you have learned something new. Don't give up. if at first you don't succeed, try try again. i sound like a bunch of cliches but it's true. you can be content to say in what's comfortable or use the fear to create something magnificent.
Do you have times when your heart feels like creating but your body does not? I have been in a funk :-/.
Find little ways to be creative. When your body is ready, then jump in full force. Sometimes it's helpful to take a little break. If you are in a funk with scrapbooking, try art journaling, sewing, or some other craft adventure. Don't let the funk destroy you. There was a great quote we (Julie, Emily, & Eileen) heard at the Denver Art Museum.
"I have had to train myself to turn my back on the fear that the stuck means anything. It means nothing. It just human nature. i'm tired. I'm afraid it might not turn out. I've learn to turn my back and sit down and start." Karen Kitchell.
