Where Do You Find Inspiration?

Where Do You Find Inspiration?

You never really know what to expect when you go on a TV or Radio Show. I’ve been on both in the last month to promote my newest book Playing With Paper. In my TV interview with Tricia Swenson from my local station, I was caught slightly off guard right off the bat when she opened our conversation with a statement rather than a question. Thankfully, I was prepared and, after a slight fumble for words, launched into a description of the book. I think the rest of the interview went okay… you are welcome to see for yourself!

And this past Sunday, I was a guest on Rebecca Parson’s Artistically Speaking radio show. She asked a question that she probably asks everyone she interviews: Where Do You Find Inspiration?

Dandelion seed head, from an amazing website called Inspiration Green!

Dandelion seed head, from an amazing website called Inspiration Green!


I can’t really express how I felt when I heard that question. I mean, there are so many answers! I replied with a curt answer referencing nature and my life, and then launched into an example, describing a the Mother Tree Project, which was inspired by my own journey through motherhood. In fact, the real inspiration for the project was almost random, sparked by a comment I overheard when a father told his children that me breastfeeding my newborn son was one of the most beautiful things in the world.
Milk, 2008, a piece inspired by my reflections on nursing my babies

Milk, 2008, a piece inspired by my reflections on nursing my babies


I guess I want another opportunity to answer that question: where do you find inspiration? But I think it is one of those questions that will be with me for life. But one thing I know. Not only am I inspired to make art, but I also get inspiration from my art, from coming up with the ideas through figuring out how to make them a reality. It is like solving a puzzle. And it is a process; it isn’t just about the finished piece.
I am so grateful to those of you who have contributed wishes to my current project in development: The Wish. We’re at 100 and counting, and I have wishes from 10 countries. I’m currently figuring out how to drill 300+ holes evenly around an 8″ diameter wooden sphere (almost have that problem solved); I’m reading through the wishes that have been contributed to see how they inspire me; and I am looking for ways to produce an audio component that will project the contributed wishes into a gallery space. It is challenging, it is invigorating, and it is a little scary.
Three Wishes, currently on view at the Berea Arts Council in Berea, Kentucky

Three Wishes, currently on view at the Berea Arts Council in Berea, Kentucky


The Wishing Wall, 21 wish-disks hanging on crocheted lines, Berea, Kentucky

The Wishing Wall, 21 wish-disks hanging on crocheted lines, Berea, Kentucky


I could go on about this topic, but I’ll stop there. But first, I looked up inspiration in the dictionary and found these definitions:
1. stimulation to do creative work; 2. somebody or something that inspires; 3. creativeness; 4. good idea; 5. divine influence; 6. breathing in
I’d love to hear about where you find inspiration. Please leave a comment below!

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