Initiation of Inspiration: Recall

When the itch isn’t accompanied by ignition, when we struggle to take initiative when hit with the urge to create, we must practice our information recall. Every interesting thought we’ve had since our last creative session has disappeared. Notes may jog our memory but lack the internal flow of a natural spark— we’re detached from …

Metaphilosophy

We haven’t solved any puzzles yet. Philosophy doesn’t offer solutions to living happier, fulfilled, balanced lives, or give true answers to the secret and meaning of life. Well, what’s the point of it then? The point is to explore. Philosophy feels the puzzles out, enjoys learning about experiences, wonders why we feel the need to …

Good to Be Bad: Making Art

Are you afraid to create ‘bad’ art? The answer for myself is invariably yes, as is the answer to the question of failing or underwhelming, but it’s an incomplete response. Yes, I’m afraid, and I understand why I am, and why ‘bad’ art is important. Being aware of the whats and whys brings about a …

Learning to Flow: Word Counts and Short Story Writing Goals

I’ve dedicated this month of November to finishing the first draft of my short story compilation during the annual novel writing contest NaNoWriMo. On November 24 I surpassed the 50k word count that signifies a winner and continued on as my compilation wasn’t complete. Yesterday, just a day or so shy of December 1st, I …

Learning to Flow

When doing anything, we tend to second guess ourselves or meet roadblocks built by our own unconscious hand. Getting things done means finding rhythm in our work, pushing forward. We can’t always be confident but we can do our best to be persistent. NaNoWriMo is a good example of learning flow, National Novel Writing Month …

Art Practice: Stream of Consciousness

Art practice is a tool belt. We collect exercises and processes to advance our creativity and ability to derive and hone in on inspiration. My fiancé’s professor recently advised the two of us to start every day with stream of consciousness writing.  Much like brainstorming (which I write about in Making Conceptual Connections in Art) …

Uninspired, Thinking is Rebellion

Wide and narrow, an unlimited net of influence and a refined sense of value— we absorb the world around us, but must have a clear understanding of what appeals or interests us. To look inward at what drives us and connects with our unique perceptions and struggles, this is crucial self reflection. I aspire to …