How does one “find” their inspiration? | Bay Area Photography & Mentor
How does one “find” their inspiration? Loaded question, right? Is it hiding somewhere? Yikes!
“Where the heck has it gone!?” you may ask yourself from time to time. This maybe in the creative realm, administrative realm, marketing, design etc. Wherever you are feeling a lack of enthusiasm + passion, is most likely the place that needs the most love <3 (in my opinion!)
Life is complex, and at times things are challenging and somewhat chaotic. As a business owner, artist, independent contractor or an amateur in your field, there are always going to be moments of feeling overwhelmed…questioning if it is all worth it. This is just NORMAL.
I am a firm believer in using artistic expression as a positive outlet. It is up to you to make it a safe + productive place to free your mind of constraining thoughts and be in the present moment – it works.
We are inundated with feelings and new circumstances every day (all day long….). Experts estimate that the mind thinks between 60,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day. That's an average of 2500 – 3,300 thoughts per hour. Umm, that is a lot! Imagine if 2500 of your thoughts per hour were focused on exactly what you were creating in that moment? If we approach our personal projects as a time and place that is untainted by life’s circumstances, we provide services and create art that is truly from that moment in time, rooted in love and intention. Forget about the parking ticket, what bills are due and that you couldn’t make time for the gym. Find yourself where you are, and stay there until you’re complete.
Some may think this is just crazy. I am simply speaking from experience in this process. But I do believe it is invaluable information. -->>
Have a beautiful and inspired weekend, Katie
When my Grandma Goldie passed away 2 summers ago, I had an incredibly important wedding to photograph the next morning (10 hours). I was horrified. I was doubtful and scared. “How the hell am I going to be in charge today? Smile and be creative? Ohh my gawd.” Sipping on my 3rd cup of coffee that morning, I decided that I needed to pour all of my love for my own family, into documenting theirs. After a rather sluggish start in the a.m….I felt the shift that day. It was not my day, it was theirs (and, it was my job to show up on an emotional and physical level to capture their story + happiness). Sure, I teared up during the ceremony seeing their grandparents in the front row. But, I felt the love and gratitude fully & completely. As a result, my images from that day are some of the best I have ever taken in my career. They are true, they are artistic and thoughtful, they are representational of my clients and their families.
One of my favorite things to do before a big work day, is to simply allow myself to breath and let go of whatever I am going through on a personal level. Nope, not always easy but it is only for a mere sliver of time in the grander scheme of things (the duration of your job 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8+ hours…it’s possible). We can and will always return to our own life. However, there is something liberating and inspiring about learning how to LET GO, when necessary. Over time it can be a relatable tool that you can use in all area’s of your life.
Reading “The Artists Way” changed me forever (thank you for the thoughtful gift, Aunt Susan!). The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. I found it to be a valuable guide to living ‘the artists life.’ Essentially, it is a spiritual path to higher creativity. What a wonderful tool books can be!
If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, sad, de-motivated, uninspired, unhealthy or anything else that affects your creativity…just remember that there are thousands of other people who understand and millions of tools at your fingertips. If you’ve felt inspired reading this, I would begin by reading the Artists Way, and taking 10 deep breaths.
