I'm sure we've all heard it before, but sometimes coming up with a creative idea is as difficult as any other test of skill. Maybe you've heard the stories about writers staring at blank pages, artists gazing over white canvas, or musicians droning through random noise. There are times that the pursuit of an idea can feel impossibly unsurmountable, but then there are times when the dam bursts, and the rush is beyond euphoric.
A lot of the time it can feel like struggling for creative inspiration takes up more time than executing an idea. Perhaps that's the way it's meant to be; without struggle, we might not identify success. I am envious of any artist that's always ready to go; always full of purpose and determination to manifest their thoughts into reality. Far too often I find myself wondering whether or not I have anything to offer.
Some of it comes from a lack of self-assurance when it comes to creativity, but I think a certain amount of self-doubt is healthy for any artist. It's easy to tell which artists are painting with arrogance, and who is exercising a little humility. I often find that egotistical artists end up repeating themselves and failing to reach their potential, simply because they're so sure of themselves already. To seek accomplishment that's initially beyond your reach, is a good way to push yourself and avoid resting on those laurels. This is important to remember.
Doodling helps, as it pays no attention to creating something worthwhile. I've mentioned it many times before, but the free expression of drawing without expectations is pretty liberating. In a way it removes all of the doubt and second-guessing that comes with a blank canvas.
It's as though the canvas will be ruined as soon as I make a mark. In another way, there's a commitment made when starting a piece, as it indicates an intention to reach the end point of a thought. Once a mark is made, the train starts pulling out of the station, whether you have your ticket or not.
The key is to recognise these difficulties and prevent them from crippling and paralysing creativity. It's one thing to be avant-garde and go with the flow, but sometimes that can only take you so far. Sure it's a question of taste, as there's no rules in the game and anything goes. The problem with choice is the risk of falling into its paradox by failing to choose. A mark is a choice to ride on the tracks and see what's happening at the next destination.
However, on the flip side there are those delectable moments when an idea implants itself in your head, and you know it's a good one. There's a feeling of a dull invasion, like a shot through the skull, as it literally invades your entire thought process. Whether you like it or not, you'll be thinking about that thought for a while longer, because it can't be ignored.
I had one of those moments this afternoon as I made a long drive. Aside from the frightening fact that I often tune out a bit on long drives, it's a space where I let my thoughts dance and play where they please. One such thought stuck around more than most, and by the time I had reached my destination, I knew I had to make something of it.
So I come to you this week with an edge of excitement and determination. The kind of impetus that only inspiration can provide, with a dash of satisfaction. It's the kind of idea that will take a lot of work to see it realised satisfactorily, but if I can pull it off, it will be worth it.
No, of course I'm not going to tell you what it was, other than to say it's a series of paintings that I'm keen to start working on. It has a point and a message, and even if it ends up being a heavy handed symbol, the message is important and true.
I hate forcing meaning into art when there wasn't any there to begin with, so when an actual message manifests into an artistic form, it's fun to explore. It's such an exhilarating feeling of clarity and focus to have such an epiphany, which is possibly what we all live for. I'm sure I'm not the only one in the world who really gets a kick out of the natural high gained from exercising creative muscles.
While many days can seem like a battle with a blank slate, these occasions of inspired thought are euphoric by comparison. I need to remember that the good days eventually arrive if I'm patient and open to inspiration. Maybe there are others out there that could do with remembering the same. It's a reassuring bit of self-care that artists (and probably everyone) would do well to consider from time to time.
I guess it's a lesson that there's a need to back yourself, even when you have an aversion to those that pat themselves on the back. It's something I can do with practicing in many areas of daily life, so it's nice to have a reminder come out of a creative space.
Keep an eye out in the near future for some social media updates. I've learned that I'm terrible at updating social media with any work I'm doing, but that's another thing I'm trying to get better at. I suppose I'm just not all that interested in self-promotion, which doesn't work well when nobody else is going to show others what you can do.
The learning experience continues, as we're yet to complete that particular journey. Although, I very much doubt we ever will.