Enhance Your Knowledge, Find Your Muse
Real solutions for finding inspiration

By Sirena L Frazee

Staring at a blank project befalls even the most brilliant of artists, delaying the beautiful transformation of an ordinary medium into extraordinary art. In a world exuding with inspiration, why do some people fall short of it?

A simple answer to the above question could be the lack of knowledge and understanding that goes into the formation of art. Rather, Americans (and yes, even the eclectic artist) exist in a world floating on empty thoughts and instantaneous promises to complete that cumbersome obstacle in our lives. Yes, you can read the countless self-help articles for creative blocks, but is it really a permanent remedy? No. These books, while sometimes boasting promising advice and may even be well-written, leave out one crucial point when it comes to finding inspiration. You must enhance your knowledge of what you want to create; by doing so, you will find your muse and may discover yourself.

Ditch the self-help articles and immerse yourself in the history of our world’s cultures. To be great, you must learn from the greater. Scrutinize every brush stroke, movement and placement. Ask yourself what inspired the artist and how he or she could have improved. Write down notes of what you admired and what you did not. If you studied art in school, reference your old textbooks. While the interpretation may change, the passion does not; the same form, color and original determination continue to teach.

Read. One of our most extraordinary talents as humans is the ability to comprehend the written word. Immerse yourself in literature. Read what interests you and what you aspire to create. A Romanticist is not likely to pick up the latest chick lit novel; this person craves the torture of twisted souls and incubi. In other words, stick with a theme.

Visit museums, flea markets, or any other place that has interesting artifacts. If you have to travel 300 miles to your Great-Aunt Nancy’s efficiency to see a flea market treasure that has significant potential to unlocking your muse, then drag out your duffle bag (complete with an open mind, pen, and plenty of paper) and plan a holiday. You may just find the perfect solution to finishing that nettlesome project sitting at the back of your studio.

And, finally, read up on your history. As mentioned above, fictional literature is a great source for new ideas. Non-fiction, however, is priceless information. If, for example, you want to recreate a Harbor Master at sunset, then research the past of such boats. Check and re-check your citations. This ocean scene will be more believable if the watercraft is accurate. Details matter.

After you have your answers, reevaluate your own worth as an artist. If your ambition is to be the next Picasso or Andy Warhol, then by all means research their lives and compare it with your own. Take into consideration the deliberate chaos that gives Monet his fame. Compare your sculptures with that of the Egyptians. Whatever your medium or aspirations, there is always room for improvement. Learning from the past will help you in the future. Inspiration draws where inspiration grows.

Edited by Robyn Kelly, Web Publications Manager: rkelly@iac.in.gov.
The IAC, a public catalyst, partner, and investor in the arts, serves the citizens of Indiana by funding, promoting, and expanding the arts. Funding is provided by the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.