Inspiration and action

I think creating takes both inspiration and action.

abstract birch trees

It is important to give yourself time for each. This might take a little patience.

I sometimes have an internal conflict when I am in inspiration mode and really want to be in action mode. Or the other way around. This is when I try to pause and remind myself to give me time and space.

leaves on the ground

On the inspiration end, I

  • Take walks in the woods
  • Browse Pinterest and
  • Go to Museums or galleries

To get into action mode, I

  • Set up my studio space ahead of time
  • Use a 20 minute timer
  • Do daily mark making

In between inspiration and action, I think there is an incubation period. This is the magical time when ideas develop into expression. You may not know how the evolution happens, but at some point marks, images and ideas seem to fall into place.

mixed media print

I encourage you to notice your cycle of making. This noticing helps me go with the flow in those quiet times of incubation.

Coming soon, the Torn Trees Workshop. It is an online mixed media class. We will use gelatin printmaking, collage and mark making to build abstract forests. Get all the details on the workshop page.