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Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Paul tinkles the ivories with the Beatles 'Let it Be'
Artists Inspire Artists
 I was at my brother's piano recital yesterday and had a very interesting conversation with his 92 year old piano teacher and one of her students.  The student, who was an artist and had only started learning to play the piano, was talking about how she used sound to teach painting.  A long stroke was a 'shoosh' and making short, staccato brush movements went 'bup, bup, bup'.  I smiled and thought about how all creative types overlapped, embracing all elements of culture to enrich one's specific area of skill and passion.  A sculptor or painter often creates to music and, as a writer, I definitely pull from my cultural experiences, whether it's a symphony or an art gallery, to help formulate descriptions of feelings and senses to lay out on a printed page.

 Nature Inspires
Creative types see the world around them just a bit differently, which leads to the creation of books, paintings, music scores and movies and a litany of other sources of entertainment for all to enjoy. 

I was looking at this little creature as I sat peacefully drinking my coffee just the other day.  He was minding his own business, seemingly enjoying the ride on his leaf, that was gently bouncing in the breeze.  Now, this is a strange looking bug, I thought as I took another sip.  Then I chuckled out loud... this was the type of vision that would inspire the likes of an animator working for Pixar.  Add a little size and color to this little fella and, voila!  He could have proudly stood next to Sully in Monsters, Inc.  I certainly never know where my inspiration will come from but I know how to put myself in the places both physically and mentally where I'm most likely to release the creative juices I need to do my job.  And, no matter where I go or what I'm doing, I'm always absorbing life!

Thanks for inviting me to your recital, Paul.  It was inspiring.  I think I'll pick up my guitar when I get back to Thailand.   


 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Sooooo...... how do you know that bug wasn't an alien???
The thought had occurred to me so I was very nice to him!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I've often wondered where inspiration comes from... Do read a post I've written.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your post! Yes, the people around us are great fodder for characters too. Sometimes you don't even need to add much imagination... just write them as you see them :)

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