Inspiration

/ɪnspɪˈreɪʃ(ə)n/

1. The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to to do something creative.

2. A sudden brilliant or timely idea.

3. The drawing in of breath; inhalation.

origin: Middle English (in the sense of divine guidance): via Old French from late Latin inspiration(n-), from the verb inspirare

Just got back yesterday from the yearly "Ojai Studio Artists Tour" and as always I got my creative shot in the arm! It's wonderful to see so many different kinds of artists expressing themselves in ways that are unique to their own creative spirits. (And of course seeing where they live and work!) I will be posting about them later in the week but until then I thought I'd share something Martha Graham wrote and a piece I worked on in my last pastel workshop.

I worked from a photo I had taken on a nature walk last Christmas Day with my family. The sun was going down and the light was amazing.

Ojai Christmas Pastel on LaCarte paper 2010

From a Letter to Agnes DeMille

from Martha Graham

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening

that is translated through you into action,

and because there is only one of you in all time,

this expression is unique.

If you block it,

it will never exist through any other medium

and be lost. The world will not have it.

It is not your business to determine how good it is;

nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly,

to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.

You have to keep open and aware directly of the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.