You’re in the Inspiration

What am I inspired by? I guess it depends on my mood. Most often I’m inspired by nature. I love all that nature has to offer-the colors, the patterns, the drama that the changing light of sunrise and sunset has on Earth’s natural formations, the pieces of Earth’s history, the aspects that are being altered right before my eyes, the living organisms, and the overall beauty and serenity that nature has to offer while I’m there (wherever there is).

I’m inspired by skylines and I am constantly in awe by the fact that humans are able to construct all the beautiful buildings and  bridges that we do.

Many times, I’m inspired by people I know-my friends, my family and the experiences that we’ve shared together, both here and far. From these experiences, my interpretations take shape and form.

Sometimes, I’m inspired by the people from relationships that didn’t last, whatever the duration. I have come to realize that these relationships weren’t meant to be, or at least not in the capacity that I originally hoped for. To those who may think you have been my inspiration: Realize that the art I have created is for me, not for you, and the creative process is cathartic and helped me heal. It is my story to tell, though I do thank you for the inspiration…I, like many artists, visual or other, create works that are inspired by heart-wrenching moments in time…

Occasionally, I am inspired by strangers I've crossed paths with. I’m inspired by their stories, though I hesitate to create works based on these strangers. I cannot say I’ve never done this, however. Years later, I ask myself why I created them. Did the pieces help them in any way?  Maybe I'll never know. Do they even know? Maybe they do know, and maybe I told the right stories, or at least inspired them. Maybe, just maybe, the encounters were truly NOT random. Perhaps we really all are connected by an invisible red thread, and that we are meant to cross paths in order to inspire and help each other see.

To Blog or not to Blog……that is the question…

The name of my blog is “Reflections of an Austin Artist,” yet I haven’t relayed these reflections much, nor have I written any blog posts, since August 2011.  I’m not sure why I haven’t. Perhaps it’s because I think I’ve been too busy. Perhaps it’s because it’s difficult for me sit down, think about a topic and then write about it. Perhaps it’s because I have a difficult time writing exactly how I feel and/or letting people into my world and head. Perhaps it’s because I fear that my reflections, stories and adventures aren’t all that enlightening or important or entertaining to others. Perhaps whether or not others find my writing or experiences interesting just shouldn’t matter anyway, as I should be writing for myself.  As an artist, we all say, “I create work (whether it is visual art, music, writing, etc.) because I love to create.” This is an absolute truth, and we are driven (though sometimes we all need pushes) but no artist can deny the fact that it feels good when others appreciate what we are doing.

Just yesterday I checked a blog I read periodically (http://theredbirdhouse.blogspot.com/) and saw that the blogger hadn’t posted anything since last September. I messaged the blogger to let her know that I enjoyed reading her posts, and the story she had started a few years ago. I had really liked the story and wanted to know how it ended. It was during the conversation back and forth with her that I said to myself, “Okay pot….”  So here I am, writing.

I do have tons to write about. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had some completely awesome experiences during my travels and during my art shows and just during life. I’ve taken the road less traveled (http://www.skepticink.com/smilodonsretreat/2016/03/20/road-less-traveled/) often, both driving and walking, and have some really interesting and great adventures. That being said, that’s all for today…

To answer the question: Yes, to blogging, though how often I cannot say…but more than before…and I may need a kick every now and then….

Yay Art!

Next blog post: You’re the Inspiration (giving myself a pre-planned topic)