“The object isn’t to make art, but to be in that wonderful state that makes art inevitable.”-Robert Henri (from Skinnyartist)
The search for inspiration can be a never- ending battle. Nothing is working. The feeling can range from confusion to panic. What if you never get your inspiration back? Where do you turn? Listening to what other artists say from their own experiences is frequently helpful.
Artist Issac Julien is quoted in The Guardian as saying “It is important for inspiration to go elsewhere.” He further goes on to suggest getting out of the city, going to places of tranquility. Being out in nature and away from the bombardment of the over stimulation of the city gives the brain a chance to think without the constant backdrop of the cacophony of traffic, people, hustle and bustle. In the peace and quiet of being out in nature, it is easier to hear what your brain is telling you.
For people who already live and work outside cities, the opposite action may be of benefit. Go into a city. Listen to the sights and sounds. Watch the people. Absorb the energy of the constantly moving atmosphere of city life. Artist, Susan Phillipsz from the same Guardian article, states “always have something to write with.” Taking notes or sketching what you see may bring on renewed energy.
And if these ideas don’t work, Artpromotivate has an article “20 Creative Ideas for Art Inspiration.” I have written quite a bit about this subject lately because it happens to me and I have a tendency to go off in too many directions at once to try to get that inspiration back. I go into an inspiration panic instead of following the wisdom of other artists who have also been there. At times I have followed both directions suggested by these two artists, going into the city and going into nature. Nature seems to work better for me but I have occasionally found the city helpful as well. The point is to stop the panic and seek a change in scenery.