14 bits of Inspiration - Answer to Experiements in Creativity #10

I love this experiment.

Here is my list of inspiration (gathered over the last two weeks):

#1.  The 2011 Egyptian Revolution.  A reminder to fight for your passion and your beliefs.

image courtesy of leaksource.wordpress.com

#2.  Make big plans by Seth Godin. CLICK HERE to read it. Best quote from the blog post, "Is there any doubt that we need your art and your contribution?"

#3 My niece 

and nephews.

When I think of children growing up and the future they might live in the possibilities become endless in my mind.

#4 The weather.  Having just moved into a new house last November I am learning new things about it on a daily basis as the rain hasn't stopped in 4 days (a very long time for the Bay Area).  I am always amazed at the power of water and it's ability to get almost anywhere.

#5 My husband.  He was nice enough to let me capture his portrait.

#6 Words of encouragement.  Lisa and I are working on a new project (that we will tell you about it March).  We are in the baby stage and the more people we tell the more excited I get.  Every person has a smile in their voice when they hear what we are attempting to accomplish this year.  That makes me feel really good and pushes me to keep moving forward.

#7 Dogs.  There is something about dogs and their unconditional love and excitement that reminds me to not concentrate on work all of the time, stick my head out the window and feel the wind on my ears.

#8 Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.  A humble genius and a classy man.  I have seen interview after interview and Nova show after Nova show and am never disappointed.  Here is an example of the reason Tyson makes me smile.



#9 Sunshine.  I love waking up in the morning to the warm sun.  It's been pretty rainy around here lately, so I am appreciating it even more.  The sun makes me feel taken care of.

#10 The MOCFA.  I started volunteering at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco in January.  Every time I leave I feel energized.  The staff is so great to work for, I get to talk to people about art all day and am constantly reminded that people want art, need art, and crave it too.


#11 Laughter.  There is just something so powerful in humor.  I am so many fond memories of times my friends and I could not stop laughing and laughed so long we forgot what got us laughing in the first place.  Its a release.  It reminds me not to be wound up so tight, to just go with it.  Lisa shared this video on her facebook page the other day and it had me laughing out loud.




#12  Music.  I was washing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen and listening to an old Bright Eyes album.  I am in awe with Conor Oberst and his ability to describe a scene and an emotion. I am relating to a particular song of his lately as I am suffering from art block. Check out Another Travelin' Song below.



#13 The Movies.  I am watching the Oscars while I finish up this post and I am reminded the power of moving visual art.  There is something magical about escaping into a fantasy world and living out a story for a few hours.  My brain always spins with new ideas after I catch a good film.


What was so great about this Experiment is that although it totally has to do with art making, it also has to do with appreciating life.  I can forget to do that when I get wrapped up in all that is bouncing around in my own mind.  What I also love about this experiment is that if I was asked to do it again in a month, it would be a brand new list.  It felt spontaneous to me and that was one of my favorite aspects.  Thanks for grounding me once again Lisa.

What inspires you?