I am probably asked this question hundreds of times a year. For me, this is one of the toughest questions to answer. It is also one of the most challenging things to describe.
I believe that inspiration comes from two places. The first is from the physical, and what the eye can see. Nature is definitely the biggest physical influence. Sometimes it is the greens, orange and yellow tones from leaves on a tree or the vast openness of the light blue sky, or the tranquil deep ocean and all of the mysteries that it holds. When I look at our beautiful world, I am very deeply impacted by texture and patterns. I suppose this is the reason that I am so attracted to two dimensional mixed media. When I see an inspiring pattern in nature, I try to recreate that pattern and texture using mixed media. This physical inspiration comes in what I describe as “flashes” to me. These “flashes” are images that come to my mind along with what the inspiration was. It will happen, and within seconds it is gone. Since it happens so quickly, it is sometimes difficult to recall. I really have to sit to connect with it, and to write down what I have experienced at that moment & how I could transform this “flash” idea into a painting. These moments don’t happen all too often, but when they do, I get butterflies in my stomach & get very excited to begin creating. There is so much more to describe this, but I truly can’t put it in words. Ask any artist, and I believe they would tell you the same.
The second type of inspiration comes from the world that we cannot see. I have spoken before about my creative guides, and I believe that they flow through me when I paint. I call this inspiration, because I am putting to canvas, what I have no words to explain. I cannot describe why I put a certain color in a particular painting, in a particular place. I am only guided to do so. My guides work through me, and I am solely a conduit in this physical world in which they can work. Having this unknown force flowing through me is incredibly inspiring.
“Abstract” 36×36 Acrylic & Mixed Media #JulieHavelArt #ContemporaryArt #Decor
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