inspiration

Today, I started cleaning some of the 22 windows in my studio.  Wow!  Did that change my perspective.  I did not notice how really dirty they were until I had a clean one to compare with.  Even with the browns and grays of early spring my city started to look a little friendlier.

The other day I took this picture while laying on the floor.  Sitting on the floor feels free.  I feel like a kid, like I could be playing with my buddies.  I have a painter friend, Debbie Shirley,  who captures the most unique perspectives in her painting.

What do you think a new perspective could do for you?

Consider a workshop.

Are you ever stopped?  Are you slowed down by procrastination?  Do you need a creative boost? I must confess this happens to me and it can be a challenge to get going again.
These are some tiny steps that have helped me get moving again.  Please try one out if you feel stuck or stopped.

• Break it down into a little doable task
• Give yourself the give of a few minutes – just for you
• Look for what you can do, rather than what you can’t do
• See what is possible and do that

Here are three “Just Do Somethings” that could be a gift to yourself to get you going.

1. Do a line drawing of something that is right I front of you, with whatever materials you have on hand.  No judgement just doing.
2. Get up and walk around the block. Look up, look down. See what you usually don’t see.
3. Lay on the ground and take 20 pictures with your camera/phone.

If you try this or have a “just do something” of your own, then please share your discoveries in the comments section of this post.

Or join me in the next session of Make Monotypes, an online printmaking course on the glycerin and gelatin plate.

Are you inspired by the Olympic athletes?  Did you dream of competing as a kid?  Or do you see them as an interruption of your regular TV programing?

I was struck by the differing reactions of two US athletes, who both had just won a bronze medal in their events.  One was in tears because, it was not the gold she was slated to win, and the other was jumping up and down with shouts of pure joy.  They both had won the same medal, and yet had nearly opposite experiences.

How do you respond to the events of your day with joy? or disappointment? How about in your art making?  Do you see less than perfect results as failure or opportunity?

If you would like to see”failure” as opportunity, and want to play with printmaking, then check out the next session of Make Monotypes.  Registration opens on February 21st.  (This class filled in less than 24 hours, so make sure you are on this list.)

Are you bundled up tight because it is cold outside?  Are you on a sunny beach soaking in the rays?  Or are you weaving through a crowded street clinging to your stuff?  Are you in a room full of friends or family but really alone?  What is your body saying?  Is that really what you want to say?

Enjoy!