Finding Creative Inspiration For Jewelry Artists And Creatives: 7 Ways

 

Following is an excerpt from an online class I'll be offering in 2016:

It's that time of year, again. It seems like I'm almost always caught off guard. It's time to dream up some new classes and send in proposals for the various venues that I hope to teach for, next year. Yes...these things happen almost a full year out! That's part of the frustration (and excitement!) of the process: keeping it genuine and fresh, a year later.

So, I've managed to squeak out some interesting class proposals (most of them, I'm super excited about! Check it: Art Retreat in the Desert. More to come!) but it was a rough road, this time. I'm not sure exactly why that is, except to say that I've had an extremely busy year and a half...make that three quarters...and here we are, in September. Finally, finally, I can breathe again and maybe do something that doesn't involve a deadline! Not that deadlines are necessarily bad; deadlines are a good sign of work and purpose. But, there is much to be said for free studio time. It seems I haven't had much of that in this past season and I'm thinking that's where my struggle to be inspired has come from.

There we go. I said it. I've struggled to be inspired. Why, oh why, is it so hard to admit that? I surely am not the only one who feels, at times, like there's not one original idea in her head? But, I'm taking a look at my blog and my work, in search of authenticity. I am rarely struck with artist's block or apathy toward my work and I think that's why it's difficult to admit the times when I do. After all, I'm am an artist...an exciting, intriguing, creative thinking creature. Right? Which means I'm a bit thrown by the times when I feel like a dull-witted, uninteresting non-creative...the times when it just doesn't flow.

So, why even talk about it? Why throw it out there, into the void...when it makes me feel exposed?

Keeping it real, peeps.

I know some of you are feeling the same way...

For more info on my online classes, please click here!

Comments

[Deryn Mentock]

Ah...thank you, Angi! I'll have to come visit you in Hana, sometime. Bet there's loads of inspiration there! xxoo

[Angi eharis]

I have always admired what seemed to be your endless inspiration, and tx for always being so generous with all of us, here in blogland! I go to your blog and book on a regular basis to get inspired, it works! Good to know you are just like the rest of us though, I guess part of the art is always looking and being aware of inspiration, I bet some people don't ever think about it, I am soo glad we do, how boring life would be with out it! Aloha deryn and tx for always sharing and inspiring, angi in Hana

[Jeri Aaron]

Deryn, I would like to chat with you about an upcoming project of mine but no longer have your email address. Do you mind emailing me when you have time. TIA Jeri

[Deryn Mentock]

Thanks so much, Diana...I appreciate your kind comments! So happy to have hit home with you!
deryn xxoo

[femmedebijoux]

Deryn,

An Amazing post. Thank you! I struggle with "feeling Creative" on weekends, because I have a
"day job", right now which drains my physically and emotionally. Years ago, raising my daughter I was blessed with more time, but life has it's ways of challenging us, and I am, again, self-supporting. So your post is so inspiring to me. Even if I have only weekends, your suggestions are right on point!!!! I thank you for not only this post, but also your amazing book which is brilliant and inspiring. I always read each of your FB posts since they always have some inspiring about them. Be proud of how your creativity and caring ripples out in waves of blessings to all those who have the privilege to have found you.

[Deryn Mentock]

Great idea...both of those! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Taskeylaura]

I keep a small pad of paper and pencil next to my bed in case I wake up or think of an idea. I was once told by a fellow artist (whom I admire) to put some beads in a bowl and use only those beads to create something.