Inspiration

Where do you go for creative

Inspiration?

Sometimes I find creative inspiration by looking closely at ordinary life all around me. But other times I feel dull and empty and even ordinary miracles don’t inspire me. In times like that I seek out the creative work of other photographers, writers, and painters.

Recently I discovered the photography of Cig Harvey. And then I checked out her book, Blue Violet, from the library and later explored her website.

When I looked through her book, I felt as if I had found my muse. All I could think was, “Wow! Wow! Wow!”

An image from Blue Violet by Cig Harvey

Color, emotion, flowers, and poetic words! I was astonished and inspired.

A page from Cig Harvey’s Blue Violet

Her book is part art book, botanical guide, prose, and poetry, containing lush images, personal drawings, and poetry. It explores the five senses, emotions, and beauty fiercely and honestly.

Photograph from Blue Violet by Cig Harvey

I lived with this book for two weeks, enjoying its lush beauty. It inspired me but I also felt a sense of validation in my own photography that focuses so much on flowers and nature. One of the things that this book inspired me to try to do more of is to include people in my images along with nature.

Photograph of image in Blue Violet by Cig Harvey

Go outside and cram a fistful of flowers in your mouth.

   — Cig Harvey, Blue Violet

I first learned about Cig Harvey when I attended an online seminar of an interview with another photographer that I follow. Harvey introduced the seminar and asked wonderful questions of the other photographer during the seminar. When I went looking for her work I was astonished that I had never heard of her before.

And this brings me to another source of inspiration in my work — taking workshops and online classes led by other photographers. I feel so fortunate that the pandemic led to more online offerings of seminars and classes. One need not travel (unless you want to) to work with some amazing artists.

If you’re a photographer checkout Santa Fe Workshops and Maine Media Workshops + College. Both offer in person and online classes.

Two page spread in Blue Violet by Cig Harvey

Inspiration comes in many forms. So if you’re feeling stuck and without new ideas, maybe it’s time to look at the work of other artists and simply allow yourself time to hang around and fill up with beauty.

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
― Maya Angelou

Wishing you a beautiful inspiration filled week.

May you walk in beauty.

Here are 3 of my recent creations