Finding Inspiration
Quote
“If we’re free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it.”
Quote from “Steal Like and Artist” by Austin Kleon
Discovering the Artists Who Have Shaped My Artistic Journey
Over the course of my artistic journey through intuitive art and photography, I've been fortunate enough to encounter many different inspirations, each of which has contributed in its own way to shaping my artistic style and approach. In this blog post, I want to reflect on some of the key inspirations that have influenced my work, and how they have helped me to grow and evolve as an artist.
In the world around us, there's so much to draw inspiration from. It could be the beauty of nature, the art created by others, or even our own experiences and feelings. These things have the power to ignite our creative spirits and bring forth something unique and meaningful. Photography has played a significant role in my artistic journey, having received a camera as a gift as a young adult. After years of practicing photography alongside of painting, I had an idea to merge my photography with painting to create unique works of art.
Artistry runs in my family, with several relatives who are also artists and creatives. My late grandfather, a skilled oil painter specializing in portraiture, played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. Even though he is no longer with us, his impact on my life and creative pursuits remains profound. I remember being in awe of his talent and feeling like painting portraits was a superpower. I keep him close to my heart in the art studio, and some of his paintings still hang in my house.
As an introverted and empathic person, I have always found inspiration and comfort in the creative art making process. It has been a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns that have led me to discover my true passion for intuitive painting. The first person who truly inspired me in this intuitive style was Flora Bowley. Her book "Brave Intuitive Painting" opened my eyes to a new way of approaching art that was all about letting go and trusting my own intuition. I had someone telling me it was ok to paint without fear and judgement and I was hooked. This approach has transformed my painting style and allowed me to tap into a deeper level of creativity that I never knew existed until I discovered her book.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was fortunate enough to participate in an online art retreat hosted by Flora Bowley. This retreat provided a much-needed sense of connection during a challenging time, and it opened up a world of possibilities and learning for me. Through this experience, I connected with a community of artists from all over the world who also shared my passion for creating art. As a result of the online art retreat, I had the pleasure of meeting a group of like-minded artists with whom I formed a small but tight-knit community. We call ourselves the Masterminds, and we have been an invaluable source of support and inspiration for one another ever since. Our group has become a safe space where we can share our latest creations, offer constructive feedback, and provide emotional support during times of creative block or personal struggles. The Masterminds continue to play a crucial role in helping me to stay motivated and inspired on my artistic journey, and I am grateful for the connections and friendships that have blossomed as a result of this retreat. Maybe one day we will all get to meet in person.
I've found that these connections and collaborations have opened my eyes to also work closer with local artists in and near Aurora, IL (Suburb of Chicago) which has also been incredibly inspiring. It's been wonderful to bounce ideas off of each other, share techniques and materials, and learn from one another. Overall, I feel like this increased connection to the local art community has been a major factor in fueling my creativity and helping me to grow as an artist.
Another artist who has had a profound impact on my art journey is Henry Li, a master painter in Chinese Brush Painting. I have always had a deep appreciation for this art form including the philosophies and techniques. Taking his online classes about 10 years ago was an incredible experience. I now use some of his hand-carved stamps in my own artwork as a tribute to his teaching and my love for Chinese Brush Painting.
Although I no longer primarily paint in this style, the principles of spontaneity, balance, and connection to nature continue to inspire me. In my current work, I strive to find a balance between empty space and areas filled with color and texture, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create pieces infused with tranquility and harmony. The meditative process of Chinese Brush Painting has taught me to approach art with mindfulness, resulting in works that carry a deeper emotional resonance. I view art as a soulful and spiritual practice, thanks to the techniques and principles learned from Chinese Brush Painting. Here’s an example of a CBP I created below.
Art is undoubtedly a significant influence on my work, but it is not the only one. My life experiences, both past and present, have also played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic journey. Whether it be traveling to new places, cultivating relationships, exploring my spirituality, or taking time for introspection, all of these experiences have added more layers to my life and my art.
Through my artistic journey, I have discovered more about myself, and I continue to grow as an artist. I am grateful for the support of family members who encouraged my creativity from a young age and the artists (past and present) who have influenced and empowered me along the way.
My hope is that through my art, I can inspire others to explore their own creativity and intuition. The act of artistic expression holds the power to bring immense happiness and a sense of fulfillment to one's life. I truly believe that every person possesses the potential to unleash their inner artist, breaking free from conventional ideas and creating something entirely new and unique. Let us embrace the beauty of our own creativity and explore the boundless possibilities that exist within us all.