Inspiring the Creative Mind
What Inspires Us?
Staying aware of what's around me at all times comes naturally to me. It enriches my life and is a great way to find inspiration for my own creative work. To help others consider how they might spark their own creativity, here are a few of the things I have "found" that have provided me with creative inspiration. Not all are visual, as you will see, but they have all touched me in some way and become a part of my "tool box".
As you read this, consider where you might find your inspiration.
Nature: My Biggest Inspiration
Nature - This is definitely number one for me.
Nature is, for me, one of the greatest sources of joy and inspiration. I find that being out in the woods, walking on the beach or looking at a flower is calming, nurturing, sometimes surprising and ever-fascinating. There are seemingly endless things to see, smell, hear and touch and it's all constantly changing.
Here are some of the inspiring places in nature that I truly adore.
Some of the Most Beautiful Natural Wonders I've Seen
- Arches National Park, Utah
When I entered Arches National Park and glimpsed, for the first time, the start of the many incredible, colorful rock shapes to come within, I was stunned. I sat amongst all that nature-carved, towering stone each day of my visit and just looked. - The Painted Hills, Oregon
The Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds in Oregon, Are giant piles of layer upon layer of colored sediment nestled into a still and quiet valley. It is a haunting kind of beauty. - Kartchner Caverns, Arizona
Long kept a secret by those who discovered it in the 1970's, Kartchner Caverns is an active, living cave, now opened to the public with careful controls designed to preserve the beautiful formations. Because of such care, these caves are magical.
Some Writings That Have Helped Me to be my Creative Self
North American Cities With a Creative Spirit - Cities as inspiration
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Do you know that New Hampshire has a coastline? A small portion touches the Atlantic and my favorite town along that stretch is Portsmouth. Small, historic and artsy, it has a mysterious feel at night. - Montreal
This french-speaking part of Canada definitely helps you feel like you have traveled to Europe. You see many new and different ways of doing things and it helps me to think differently about what's possible. - San Francisco
A walkable, artistic, oceanside city with surprises around every hill, twist and turn. You all know about San Francisco. If you haven't visited yet, consider going. If you are worried about it being too touristy, just skip the fisherman's wharf area.
Other People's Stories
Getting a glimpse into someone else's life can open your eyes and heart to consider that there are many more ways to view and experience the world around you than you may have thought.
Contemporary Artists
Here are two contemporary artists whose work I very much enjoy and appreciate. They are both phenomenal! See for yourself.
- Renee Rickabaugh, painter
Renee creates whimsical, highly-detailed pieces. I love the color and texture he uses to define his subject matter. Back in the 1980's when I viewed his work for the first time, my eyes teared up with emotion at the beauty and his skill. - Gregory Colbert, Ashes & Snow
I encourage a visit to this site for a hauntingly beautiful display of the work of photographer Gregory Colbert. It is inspiring, gorgeous and full of wonder.
Other-wordly Glass Art
- Dale Chihuly, Glass Artist
Chihuly's glass pieces are ethereal and sometimes just "off-the-wall". I love the shapes, the movement, the color, and the attention to light and placement. See if you can visit one of his garden installations. It's unique work.
Other People's Stories
Cookbooks - Food as Art!
You may think it odd that I am including cookbooks, but it's another wonderful sensory experience of life and if you pay attention, in the moment, to what you are eating, smelling, even seeing in your food, it can be very inspirational.
My Wish List
- Artista ~ Creative Safari's for Women
Artista is based in Carmel, California. They offer "creative safaris" which are all-inclusive workshops in painting and/or clothing design for women. Though I haven't yet participated, ever since I first read about them I have wanted to attend. They
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