Extra! Extra! No single origin: One of the numerous consequences of ADHD is our exceptional ability to experiment with everything. Any category you can think of, I've probably already dabbled in. This has its advantages, but it also results in many unfinished projects. However, the art of woodcarving with a chainsaw is the only medium that truly motivates me to see a project through to the end. And, of course, there's the occasional pressure to showcase my completed carvings on social media.
The driving force of inspiration propels me to take immediate action with a steadfast resolve. This intensity has been the impetus for venturing into uncharted territories and gathering all necessary resources to make it a reality.
It is crucial to acknowledge the distinction between creativity and inspiration. While creativity involves hard work and honing one's skills, inspiration can strike suddenly and serve as a catalyst for action. These two elements often work in tandem, but it is important to note that one does not necessarily rely on the other. Many creators may give up on their craft if they lack inspiration, a trap I myself have fallen into.
“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso
Michelangelo was a master in various fields, yet his greatest expertise was in understanding the correlation between creativity and discipline. While anyone can tap into their creative abilities, sustaining them is a daunting task. Can we assume that every time he grasped a paintbrush or molded clay, he was fueled by inspiration? Absolutely not. Many of his sculptures were left unfinished and never seen.
Inspiration visits me every single day in the earliest hours. This morning is extra special. Today is my 60th birthday and I am doing what I love most, carving wood. If I am unable to access my woodshop or art studio, I jot down or sketch my ideas. Pursuing drawing as a new discipline has been a recent development for me. Typically, I mentally wrestle with the "in theory" aspect before taking the leap and trying it out. The outcome can be either highly successful or not as expected.
Allow me to share with you the primary resource that myself and many other artists rely on for creative stimulation. It's not traditional tools like pencils, paint, or brushes, but rather our phones. With the capability to do everything, our phones serve as a versatile tool for capturing images and videos, taking notes, and even drawing. Since inspiration can strike at any moment, my phone holds approximately 99% of my ideas saved in photos, and social media posts ready to be accessed at a later time. This ensures that no creative spark goes to waste.
While joy is often a source of inspiration, it is not the sole provider. Many artists, myself included, have found inspiration in the face of tragedy. The act of creating art can serve as a coping mechanism for feelings of anxiety, grief, and loneliness.
Sometimes, inspiration is gifted to us by nature itself. It presents us with "unfinished" pieces that we, as artists, cannot resist completing. For instance, when I come across two knotholes, I immediately see a face. The shape of driftwood or a live edge slab can also spark a vision, such as a bird or a whale's tail.
My Greek heritage has always been a strong source of inspiration for me especially since my birth name is also that of Goddess Athena.
Astrology. The alignment of the stars designated me as an Aries, while the Chinese culture has deemed me a Wood Dragon (no, I did not make that up). These labels undoubtedly play a role in stimulating my creativity. I can already envision a future carving of a dragon, especially if I continue to follow the work of Simon O'Rourke and other great carvers. Their art has a profound impact on my own.
The people I love will automatically stimulate a ticket to create. This inspiration is emotional and needs to be controlled. I must constantly remind myself, DustyGirl Carvings is a business.
In the relentless search for inspiration, one quickly realizes that it is not a commodity to be bought and sold. It cannot be harnessed or controlled. True inspiration comes from within, sparked by moments of profound mental stimulation.
It is a force that transcends monetary value, tapping into the deeper recesses of our minds and souls. The quest for inspiration is a tumultuous journey, fraught with frustration and uncertainty as we grasp at fleeting moments of brilliance. To attempt to capitalize on such a sacred force would be akin to trying to tame the untamable. We must instead surrender ourselves to its whims, allowing it to guide us on our creative pursuits with intensity and passion. Inspiration cannot be controlled, only embraced with an open heart and mind.
Thank you, for taking the time to read my thoughts.
DustyGirl
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