Making Deposits in the Inspiration Bank
Where does inspiration come from? Who really knows, yet we’ve all experienced the sensation of feeling inspired. It’s different for everyone, and I usually can’t track down my specific inspirations other than knowing that some pieces relate to texture, seedpods, and nature’s oddities.
Rarely do I look directly at something and think I’m inspired by that. Let me go make something. Even my collection of found objects inspires me, but it’s not until I’m looking for a solution in a sculpture do I realize what piece will be included in it.
Last year as I warmed to the idea of doing graphic design and marketing for clients again, I stumbled across The Graphics Fairy. What a fun, royalty-free resource for vintage images and illustrations. It’s become one of my favorite go-to resources.
Earlier this year I made a new series of earrings, and as the designs unfolded I realized bingo! I know where that inspiration came from. I spend a lot of time looking at Steampunk imagery, and I remember seeing cool Victorian hot air balloon images.
My intention wasn’t to set out to make pieces inspired by these balloons, but that imagery was stored in my head somewhere and came out through my hands in such a way that I was reminded of the balloons (so I went back and looked them up on The Graphics Fairy to share here).
Most of the time I can’t track down specific inspirations. I just accept that something gets channeled through me and comes out looking like my jewelry and sculptures. I’m asked about my inspirations enough that I wanted to share this breadcrumb trail.
What do you do to get inspired?
Take the time to make deposits in your inspiration bank so you have more to draw on in the future. I love Pinterest, yet I’m the first to acknowledge that true inspiration and motivation come away from the screen.
My favorite deposits are spending time in nature, in big ways (like taking a hike or swim) as well as small ways (analyzing the details of pine needles and collecting specimens) and also clothes shopping — the fibers, textures, prints and necklines all spark ideas for new directions to explore.
Do you have any favorites to share? Leave ideas in the comments below or on my Facebook page.
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These new basket earrings are available at Poppy in Columbia, Missouri. My work is also available online, by custom order, and in several other galleries.