One of the things I like about this book is that the chapters are short. I am looking at my next book to review and one is great, but the chapters are super long. Perhaps I can do a page a week?
This is another physical chapter. In this one, Carrie Bloomston starts out by saying that she is not the kind of person to tell you to go sit in your studio at the same time every day and for the same length of time until inspiration strikes. She continues by saying that it is a theory that when inspiration strikes you will be readying for it and in your workspace ready to go. She recommends taking the day off and going fishing or hanging out in nature so you can actively fill your senses with inspiration (pg.109). I actually agree.
I don’t have enough time in my studio, but when I go out to get inspiration I come back itching for more, because I am filled with ideas. I know that going to a museum or even out to dinner with a friend will show me something new that will inspire me or give me a problem solving idea.
The reality is that you can’t force creativity and looking at the same walls isn’t going to help. I get a daily dose of inspiration when I go out walking. I try to take a different path and I have made the most interesting discoveries – a lake! a building completely covered in 4×4 inch tiles! trees touching each other! All of these things are within a 10 or 15 minute walk from my office. There is a brake shop building of which I am particularly fond. I have to take a picture, but it seems silly.
“Don’t get me wrong. I also believe in working. I believe in worth through the boredom, the obstacles, the writer’s block. But there is a time and a place for everything. Sometimes you just have to run away” (pg.110).
So, take yourself on a date and take a bunch of photos and make some sketches or doodles or whatever you do.
You can see the last post on this topic from a few weeks ago.
Nota bene: we are working through Carrie Bloomston’s book, The Little Spark. Buy it. Support the artist. Play along. There is much more to each spark than what I am writing. The original chapters will help you. Go buy Carrie Bloomston’s book, so you get the full benefit of her fabulousness! You can see my book review, which is what started this flight of fancy.