Signposts and Guides for the Creative Life

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."  Pablo Picasso

I really like this quote.  There exists a sterotypical model of the frustrated writer, painter, composer;  the artist is in a funk, pulling her hair out, drowning himself in drink, making her own and everyone else's lives miserable as she"waits" for inspiration.  There is a shutting down, closing off.  The atmosphere is no longer welcoming.  It's something of a paradox.  You can't force inspiration or the creative muse.  But you can keep going while you wait for it to come.  You can organize your materials, take yourself on artist's dates, practice your skills.  You can maintain a work schedule and create  something, even if it's not quite what you think might be "the" thing that is just beyond your vision.  Volunteer some time teaching, take a class in an area that might be a little different for you, but may create a spark that sets you on fire again.

And keep the faith.  Inspiration will come if you've kept the windows open, you've laid the wood.  Now it's just a matter of spark and breath.