I started drawing a teacup for this episode and I had to leave for my art group meeting. Would you believe that when I walked into my friend’s house for the meeting, there lying on her dining table was a pile of teacup-themed paper napkins? Before I could pull the chair and sit, I asked her if I could take one of her napkins home with me.
So although I’d sketched the outlines and cut out some collage pieces for this work, I haven’t yet shaded my sketch. So guess what, the paper napkin, became my inspiration for how to shade the drawing. Looking at multiple reference photos for a piece of drawing is always useful. I find that art inspires art and more importantly, everyday things inspire art. Inspiration is all around us. All we’ve got to do is “see”.
For Inspiration, See Differently
Whenever you find yourself needing a creativity boost, just look differently at the stuff around you. They’re all potential sources of inspiration. What could you create with them? Another question to ask is “what are other people using the same things for?”Or, ” What story can you tell about that thing?” The ideas are bound to start flowing when you ask these questions. And before you know it, you’ve got something you’re excited about working on.
Sometimes, I start with an idea and soon discover that it doesn’t hold my interest for long. When I’ve tried a couple of times to get it to work without any avail, I just dump it and move on to another idea. Often, it takes several iterations of this process to find what excites you. One thing is for sure, though, when you find that interesting subject, you wouldn’t need anyone to tell you. You’ll know it. Just latch on to it and run with it. Even if you don’t know how to make it work to start with, you’ll find a way because you’re inspired
Where Inspiration Resides
Working on something that inspires you, something that you find exciting, I think is more important than working on something that you think others may like/accept. Because you need to be able to work past the roadblocks when they arrive (for they certainly will). Your inspiration will help keep you going, even when it gets tough but the opinions of others will not be around to help get you over the hump.
Starting to work on even a slither of inspiration can take your workplaces that you couldn’t have imagined.
Here’s my paper-napkin inspiration for this week.
Front of Stitched Drawing
Collage, Stitch & Dye
Reverse Side of Stitched Drawing
VIDEO
Questions: Where do you find your inspiration? Do you find it difficult to get inspired? Share your thoughts below.
Warmest Regards,
Watch and read about the entire Stitch The Sketch series.
Hello Clara,
Thanks for sharing your art and methods. I have just recently found you and enjoying everything! Can I ask you what kind of sewing machine you use for your thread stitching?
Thanks Peggy
Hi Peggy,
You are so welcome. I love that you chose to join me on my blog. I use a Juki 2010Q. You can find the rest of the tools I use in the tips and tools section of this post. I hope that helps.
Hope to see more of you in the comments section.
Warmest,
Clara
Thanks so much for your prompt reply! I will check it out!
You’re most welcome Peggy. BTW you’ve got the same name as one of
my best friends from high school.
:). I look forward to watching your sketching series and give it a go when I gather my courage!
Fear and resistance are part of creativity. You’ll always have them with you. But you can gather courage by staring down fear when you focus your mind on success. Check this post out for more info on overcoming fear in creativity.