Every morning, I come to this point, with a blank slate. An empty page, devoid of image or words. Ready to write, ready to receive some inspiration for the day. Sometimes, I have an idea of what I want to write, what photo I will select, before I sit down. Sometimes I don't. And sometimes, even when I have an idea, I throw that idea out the window and just write whatever comes into my head at that moment. Post whatever picture calls to me. It's become an interesting process, and I learn unexpected things from my photographs and my writing this way. A blank page becomes the window to my soul.It's one of the reasons I don't write scheduled posts much while I'm on vacation. This is part of my daily practice of creativity, and I can't seem to pre-schedule my future creativity. Sure, I could share pictures while I'm gone, but the magic of the daily choice, the daily contemplation that goes along with them is missing.
Do you have a daily creativity practice, that has become essential to your art? What is it, how did you find it? I'm curious how you practice your creativity, how you open that window to your soul.
I seem to draw and write whatever comes to mind that day and strikes me as either relevant or inspirational for whatever is going on in my life at the time. I like it that way, especially when I look back through my illustrations and text that went with it and I always seem to remember what I was thinking or feeling at the time I put it all together.
ReplyDeleteI start each day with Morning Pages, which really keep me on track and get me excited for the day. But beyond that I am bad at creating habits - sometimes I wish I had a more ritualistic studio practice, but mostly I enjoy the room for spontaneity.
ReplyDeleteFound you via Creative Every Day. I used to live in Milan!
On my best day ... I start with some reading and then some music ... this always sets the tone of my day.
ReplyDeleteI usually do most of my creating at night. I've tried to do it in the morning - but that seems to be more time to soak up inspiration. Visit blogs, read, practice.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - made me think!
(Thanks for stopping by as well!)
I sure suffer from the blank page syndrome many days.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I haven't figured out how to open the window to my soul yet. But it must be open a crack as eventually something does exit the window and come to rest on my page every day.
Looking at your great photos must really help!
if i didn't go on runs in the morning, i think i'd chose to do some creating in the early morning hours... i love the idea of that.
ReplyDeletebut i'll take it when i can get it. if i can just sit with my guitar in my lap for at least an hour or two each day- i am happy.
i have been getting up early to do a "morning page" in my art journal. sometimes i go back to it later in the day, other times i don't. but it is a lovely way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteComing in from Flying Lessons... :)
For blogging, I sometimes have an idea, a quote or a photo to use for inspiration, but if I'm not "feeling it" I don't force it. I write what comes naturally or don't write at all if nothing rings true that day. It can be a bit of a challenge though because I try to post consistently even when words are scarce - when that happens I turn to images.
When it comes to painting, I try to shut off my brain and let my instincts take over. That's usually when my favourite pieces happen.
Warm wishes to you,
Stephanie
Hey Kat, First, I want to say that I love that window and can see so many collages starting from that photo! Next, I so understand the feeling of not knowing where to start. Having this yearly challenge to be creative everyday is certainly a help to me. But I have to remind myself that being creative doesn't start and end with an artistic project. Putting together a cute outfit for the day, making a beautiful salad, daydreaming etc are all being creative. I try to just go with the flow and enjoy each day as it comes with what ever I get to do!
ReplyDeleteI am an early morning person with lots of energy in the am. So I try to get out for a walk or workout, which is when I get inspiration and ideas. I wish I had more of a ritual, but the creative urges seem to come and go and I just ride the wave. I'm finding doing a photo a day a challenge, but it's forcing me to think more about photography, which is good. I am so enjoying your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the different ways we get into creative mode! Morning, evening, working out, writing... I think the lesson learned with this topic is that we all have to experiment and figure out what works for ourselves. Thanks so much for all of the comments!
ReplyDeletei do morning pages before i start anything too. it's the perfect way to get all of my thoughts and worries out there and clear the way for creativity and imagination :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kat, I like your posting. Yes, instead of morning pages, I draw. I try to spend at least 20 minutes drawing during or right after breakfast. I find this habit has helped both my drawing and creativity. And, like morning pages, I've been "creative" first thing...the rest of the day is good! I like your photos, by the way!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great post - not only are your photos gorgeous, but you really have something to say that speaks to me every time. - I wish I had a daily creative practice. Everything is quite messy at the moment, but I hope that this will be better when school starts again and I can return to some kind of routine. I'm definitely a morning person, and there are two things I really need every day: some kind of workout and a sudoku. Plus, coffee (so make that three).
ReplyDeleteI too do my morning pages before i start working away! It keeps my inspiration flowing and get me excited for the day! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you!
ReplyDeleteAlot like you, I am. I wanted to learn to live in the Moment and started blogging many years ago. At first, I would set in front of the keyboard, waiting fro lightning to strike my creative process, then realized that is was me, who was to look and find it. Sometimes I know early in the day, what a post will be and sometimes, I set down and it comes. Today's didn't come until I started typing and then it just spilled out. Love, love the photo. Seeing words on it as we speak. Thanks Miss Kat!
ReplyDeleteI find that when I get home from work I just start drawing... sometimes when I am in a meeting I doodle and get an idea of what I want to do. Other times I see something that inspires me. On the weekends I do get up, make some java and start drawing... Love your picture. I like the texture and colors...
ReplyDeleteHi Kat....Beautiful Photo! You got me thinking about creativity...and what makes it flow and not flow.
ReplyDeleteFor me I need to be around all my supplies. Whatever the medium of choice. Then I sit and breath deeply for a few minutes. The stilleness helps me to "get in the calm space" It seems to open up the gates and then I just let it come. I work intuitively and try not to edit and critique. Works for me!
That's a lovely description of the art of blogging and it's how I feel about the process, as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, so many comments about daily routine. Hm... I usually just go with a flow. I have periods of very creative time (doing art etc.), periods of reading, learning art therapy things for my studies, etc. Taking pictures is something I do almost every day, but it's all about the feeling. If I feel like it, I'll do a lot, if not, I just enjoy what's on my path.
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