Its storming here in Florida, which is no surprise considering it's hurricane season. A tropical depression is moving through and taking with it, all my creative energy. A small event occurred a few days ago and I am in a creative tailspin. This occaisionally happens.
Perhaps its happened to you? Some call it a "block" some call it lack of inspiration, I think of it as the moment compost turns from something horrid to something that will enrich life.
I got "lifed" on. We all get lifed on, ever so often. When life happens, I choose to find the spiritual growth lesson in it. Life is showing me this to make me stronger, more resilient, to deepen my understanding. Like kitchen scraps, these feelings get tossed in the fecund darkness of subconscious and moulder there for a little while. Over time, they become creative fuel for the fire. Soon, the very events that shook me, now feed my roots and add content to my work, soul, life, depth, emotion...
Why do you paint? I paint because I have to; not just to make a living because God knows I couldn't rely on painting sales for a living (yet). I paint because before I could talk, I could draw. I had a rich imaginary life, and drew pictures in the dirt with a stick when I didn't have any art supplies. Its how I communicate, pray, celebrate, worship, commune, touch, engage. I'm not much of a speaker, but at least I can paint!
When I can't paint, I am despondent, depressed, blocked, bereft. Do you feel me?
Creativity is a garden that we tend and it nurtures us. Pests will attack that garden, and we must be vigilant.
"We must compost the failures of today into tomorrow's successes."-Shawn Dell
"I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” Vincent van Gogh
“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse
“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” Edward Hopper
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso
“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” Francis Bacon
“To create one’s own world takes courage.” Georgia O’Keeffe
I can attest that you were an artist before you could talk because I was there. You have always seen life through an artist's eyes; it's why you are here. You and your art are gifts to us all, dear Shawn.