What is Inspiration?

For many people new to making art, the idea of ‘being inspired’ can be a confusing and elusive thing. To those who do not make a lot of art themselves, artists can be thought to be overly passionate, obsessive, highly strung people for who inspiration hits like a thunderbolt and cannot be ignored.

Whilst artists can indeed be these things, the idea that inspiration comes as an unavoidable lightening strike is less than accurate. Inspiration is more often a lot more subtle: a twinge of a thought, or a sense of ‘rightness’ about an idea. It cannot easily be chased, in that there are no sure-fire ways to become inspired. But it can, and should, be stimulated and encouraged regularly.

So, how might you evoke inspiration?

Stay Curious

Inspiration often arrives during or after a new experience, or challenge. So stay in the world, don’t retreat into your studio in the hopes of finding inspiration hidden away inside you. Inspiration is out there, in new places, discovering new things, looking at new sights. Inspiration is alongside an attempt at something hard, or something that challenges your ideas.

Make Friends

Inspiration is also found in time spent with other people. Find people who have interesting ideas, or enjoy a debate, or provide you with a new take on life. Talk to them about what interests you and listen to what interests them. Find people who will build you up, give honest feedback, and encourage you in your endeavours.

Get Outside

Inspiration can be revitalised by a trip to the beach, or a walk in the woods, or a hike up a mountain. That is not to say that this form of inspiration is for those artists who like to -ain’t flowers and fields, but that time spent in peace and quiet, with fresh air, and space for your mind to wander is perfect for solidifying an elusive idea.

Explore Deeply

Inspiration is within what ever you are passionate about, and whatever captures your wonder and admiration. Don’t be afraid of pushing deeper into your strongest interests, however weird they might seem. When something captures your attention, ask it questions, consider different angles, strike up a conversation about it. You don’t need all the answers, you just need to be fascinated.

Make Art

Inspiration, finally, is in the art you make and the art you love to look at. Spend a spare five minutes scrolling Instagram or Pinterest, visit galleries, notice beautiful window displays, and above all: make art. Even if it is bad art, or ugly art, or art like nothing you have done before, just keeping on making art.

Have I forgotten anything? What do you do to encourage inspiration?