Feeling Inspired & Intimidated
There is an auspicious energy in the air when I encounter spring or at least the near signs of spring.
In my school realm this is a second semester timeline of hustle and bustle, registrations, deadlines, and new beginnings before a sudden closing and summer chapter that brings new alumni and bitter sweet goodbyes. If you have a foot in that world, whether school age children, family or friends, or your own occupation this may resonate familiarly.
As an artist, this is my favorite season to strive for fresh beginnings. After having the dormancy and hibernative (let’s make that a word) reality of a crisp winter and holiday season, I have done my best to emerge rested and rejuvenated, however that has looked. Rest is only relative to the efforts you curate in time management, and can be seasonally implemented on the basis of oversaturation of commitments. Definitely a theme I have carried into the next few months of this new year. And would like to remedy.
Likewise, inspiration is a mistress that has her own timeline and does not discriminate against yours however inconveniently she strikes. This is the decade-long formula I have had to learn to adapt with. Inspiration is not the key ingredient to my creativity. It is, however, an important cornerstone to its growth. And this is what I do my best to honor when I choose to invest in what is inspiring me. Because yes, it is an investment and choice to follow. Not a romanticized notion that comes to visit exclusively when you encounter beautiful or idealized moments.
Inspiration is defined as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.; the drawing of breath; inhalation.”
A breath that can come as quickly as it may leave. Often where we feel this notion when inspired by something or someone, that we must hastefully act. It is like a magnetic pull for our creativity. And so important to document a fleeting moment of fuel for development.
I believe inspiration is the synthesis of intimidation. Whether it is an effect of the inspired [you] or those who are viewing the inspired [your audience/peers] it can bring forth two polarizing effects. [1.] Your audience will engage with you and or your work with the immediate response of self doubt. You may hear commentary like “I could never do that” or my favorite “I can’t even draw a stick figure”. [2.] Your audience will have a sparkfilled second of seeing something in your work/self that they innately want to grow in themselves. Thus cracking the door for you to invite them to try the thing they themselves have not yet had the opportunity or self permission to engage with.
Paraphrasing a definition of intimidation, “the cause and effect of the perception of qualities that make someone feel uncomfortable or inadequate - lack of demeanor that is confident, intelligent, successful, or assertive, potentially making them feel like they can't measure up or approach you easily; it's not necessarily a negative comment, but can reflect their own insecurity rather than a flaw in you.”
In our work, being intimidated can also bring forth a great strategy builder in new techniques of tackling a project. Truthfully I encounter intimidation much more than I feel inspired. Both of which I have made a choice to experience as incredible tools in my daily practices in and out of the studio.
Inspiration versus intimidation, I do not believe is inherently good or bad. It is the prescription for your creative evolution. How we each choose to interact with these momentary muses is keystone in our own development. Whether you view yourself as a creative being or not.
What is currently inspiring you? Where are you feeling intimidated? How are you going to encounter those elements next?
