Ever feel like you're in a creative rut, waiting for that big burst of inspiration? I have some shocking news for you, inspiration comes from working.
When I was in the second year of my art degree I was taking a class that was an option for science and engineering students. One student came in every day and while the rest of us were painting and drawing and cutting and glueing he sat at his computer. One day I couldn’t help myself and I asked him why he wasn’t working during his studio time.
“I’m waiting for inspiration,” he said.
I kind of laughed. Being a fair bit older than this student I knew what he didn’t know. That inspiration isn't hiding in some grandiose moment; it's lurking in the everyday – like the last spoonful of cereal in your bowl or the crumpled post-it notes on your desk.
Stephen King talks about the creative muse in his book “On Writing”. He says that the muse isn’t sitting there waiting to get to work, you need to create a nice space, fill it with nice things, and then it will show up at the last minute to take credit for the work you do every day trying to convince it to arrive.
Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. - Stephen King
The truth is that magic happens in the mundane. The way the morning light sneaks through your window, creating a dance of shadows on the wall. The comforting clatter of dishes being washed. The daily showdown between your cat and the local magpie. These everyday scenes are brimming with artistic potential.
Imagine this: You're nursing your morning coffee (because let's face it, caffeine is a muse in its own right). The steam rising from your cup could be the ethereal spirit in your next painting or the delicate threads of a fantasy world. Inspiration is all around you!
Here's a challenge for you: This week, pick up your trusty creative tool (be it a pen, paintbrush, or even a spatula) and capture something from your daily life that sparks inspiration. Don't aim for perfection; the goal is to view the world through a new lens.
The best part? As you explore your everyday muse, you'll see your creativity flourish in unexpected ways. Ordinary moments transform into extraordinary art, and your creations become a unique reflection of your surroundings.
So, let go of the pressure and embrace the beauty of the everyday. Share your artistic discoveries in the comments below – let's fill this space with the wonders of the ordinary turned extraordinary!