Friday 22 May 2015

Exercise your imagination

We've all heard of writers' block - but how about 'artists' block' or 'inspiration block'?

Inspiration is the force behind creativity. Inspiration can come in any form. The key to inspiration is to be in communication with it at all times. Inspiration, basically, is a way of life. It is important to realize that every day when you step out of your home and go about your day, you are surrounded with inspiration. The same holds true with anything that you encounter during the day. Be aware of your surroundings and receptive to what you see.

Ernest Hemingway said,

"The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck. Always stop while you are going good and don’t think about it or worry about it until you start to write (create) the next day. That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start."

What he means is that, while you are filled with inspiration, stop right there and hold it deep inside you - your sub-conscious will constantly be aware of it, lock onto it, nurture it and so the anticipation will grow until you start creating again. That way, there is an excitement in the air, something to look forward to. And don't be afraid that you will lose it, that it will go away - it won't. It can only grow and anticipation is the greatest inspiration of all.

"Cosmos in Vase" watercolour - Maree©

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