2.18.2010

Let's Talk Inspiration for a Minute...

Inspiration is an interesting thing.

According to Dictionary.com it is the following:

in⋅spi⋅ra⋅tion
/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [in-spuh-rey-shuhn] Show IPA
–noun
1. an inspiring or animating action or influence: I cannot write poetry without inspiration.
2. something inspired, as an idea.
3. a result of inspired activity.
4. a thing or person that inspires.
5. Theology.
a. a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.
b. the divine quality of the writings or words of a person so influenced.
6. the drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.
7. the act of inspiring; quality or state of being inspired.

Is that what inspiration is to you?

It's kind of funny...the first few definitions in this list make perfect sense. They are exactly what you would expect to see in a definition of the word Inspiration. However, I was quite caught by definition #6.

Inspiration: The drawing of air into the lungs; inhalation.

Never before have I seen these words - inhalation and inspiration - used together in such a manner. It is as if they are synonymous in a way. And, while I've never been introduced to them as such prior to reading this definition, I feel as though I have viewed inspiration in this way for a very long time. You see, it makes perfect sense.

Inspiration = Inhalation. Taking it all in. Absorbing design, emotion, feeling, color, line, style, contrast, and hue just as the lungs absorb oxygen. Inspiration is the very life force of Art. It is what keeps each piece breathing. I can't think of a more beautiful correlation.

So, this, of course, begs the question...if oxygen is provided by the environment, what then, does this very same environment provide in the way of inspiration. What are you inhaling to bring life to your art?

Here are a few things that have been taking my breath away as of late...or, providing it, as it may be.


If you are not familiar with Somerset Studio Magazine or any of the Stampington Publications, I strongly urge you to RUN to your nearest book shop and pick up a copy. The artists that are showcased are amazing and I have read the current issue literally more times than I can count at this point, each time breathing in something new and exhilarating to carry with me to my next piece!



As you guys already know, I love Etsy! However, I don't just love it for all the super fabulous handmade goodness that I can purchase there, I also love it for the sheer creative energy that flows through the site. Every time I sit down to peruse through page after page of cuteness or vintage fabulousness, I leave with an urge to make something wonderful!

BLOGS                                        

Another place where I am constantly looking for that breath of fresh mountain air to fill my creative lungs is on various blogs.  Yes, I read a couple of big names, but I prefer those fabulous artists who just make stuff because they have a pure and unadulterated passion for their art.  I was so fortunate to come upon several of those during Whimsical Bohemian's One World One Heart event .  But, I have to be honest.  I want more.  I think I may be an oxygen hog.  I want to breathe deeply in the art of others in order to spur on my own creations.  So...before you leave today, let me know what it is that inspires you.  I would love links to wonderful places!  Particularly art doll and mixed media happy places...those are really doing wonders for me at the moment.  Even if it is your own!  Let me know!
I want to absorb!
I want to inhale.
I want to be inspired.

12 comments:

  1. I agree..the Stampington and Company magazines are the best :)
    Love the blog entry..inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oooh...you're deep today. :) You're not just a cute little crafter, are you? ;) Yes, I also really like Somerset's mag. They're very artsy-fartsy...which, granted, isn't my style (cuz I'm not that talented)...but I still love to admire.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful post. I love the part about inspiration and inhalation. I've really tried to take in what art and being an artist means to me. I could read this post over and over. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice post.
    You can be an oxygen (inspiration) hog. There is enough to go around. I am with you. I love the internet as you can see so many different artists in one place.
    I'm a hog too.
    Miss you comments on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  5. I get inspiration all over the internet for my cake and cupcake creations! I mostly get a kernel of an idea, check to see what is possible on the internet and then create:-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW J...ya made me put my thinking cap on today...LOL!!!! I really need to get out of this studio and house more...going to make a trip to the bookstore.

    Lisa really did bring so many of us together and OMGOSH really got the muse to singing too. I hope you remember to stop by my place, Southern Ooaks, when you need that whimsical ooaks fix...LOL!!!!

    http://Southernooaks.blogspot.com

    Hugs,
    Regi

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an AMAZING post!

    This is an idea that really came home for me during yoga teacher training and my creative growth after. We inhale what we need (inspiration, oxygen, energy) and exhale what we don't (old air, things that no longer serve us) to make room for the next inhale...and the cycle continues!

    So beautiful - and yeah, I could totally go broke buying all of the Stampington & Co. magazines!

    Yea for OWOH!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love #6 of the definition the best myself. Beautiful post girl and like you - I draw the most beautiful inspiration from mags, blogs and of course - the people who surround me.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for visitng my blog. Appreciate...
    After reading your latest blog, I am impressed with your inspirations.
    Well, there are so many nice blogs that can really make us happy after reading them and looking at their artwork. I am impressed!!
    ANd yours is one of them!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The Magic Carpet Ride made my heart sing! I would visit one site, then visit the sites that blogger liked, then off on another tangent, all the while, saying to myself-"I must try that" or "So pretty, that gives me an idea"... and every night I was up WAY past my bedtime, but Oh, so Happy!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love ETSY for the same reason!!

    Sadie @ nelliebugs-swaps.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting! I love to hear your thoughts!

ShareThis