Sometimes ideas flow easily, just waiting to get out onto the canvas. At other times I want to paint but I don’t know what to paint. That’s when I start putting down colors and marks and allow the painting to dialogue with me. What emerges can be a surprise. For me, inspiration can come from anywhere; travel, interaction with friends (or, in the time of Covid wishing for these things), the state of the world, my hope for a better world. My imagery can be somewhat literal, from something I’ve experienced, or can be a manifestation of something I wish for. There are times when I don’t even realize that a variety of things in my life have become undercurrents that contributed to a painting until that painting is complete. I did this painting, Soar, when I was recovering from traumatic hip surgery and total hip replacement. I broke my hip 3000 miles from home. My husband and I felt alone and scared…until we didn’t. The caring of my doctor and the hospital staff was a lifeline as were the friends who kept us connected to them with messages, calls, cards and flowers. The friends of friends who lived in the area and came to visit even though they didn’t know us were the kindest people. We spent 5 days in the hospital and then a week recovering at a beautiful lodge before I could even fly home. The lodge staff rearranged their bookings to give us an ADA room when they were fully booked. People who worked there dropped by to visit with little treats or just to talk. I can think of so many acts of love and kindness that happened on that trip. It was the best of humanity and we felt so cared for. And so, this painting emerged. She is soaring through the sky, arms and heart open, strong, protected by love and compassion. Healing light shines on her hip. Every painting I do has a different story behind it. We all have stories. How we interpret them as artists is what make each of us unique
3 thoughts on “Where Does My Inspiration Come From?”
I know the story behind this lovely painting. But my favorite part is your red shoes. I have had a passion for red shoes since I was a little girl and was able to invade my neighbor’s house and stagger out in her beautiful red high heels. I was 2 years old. This is a joyful painting to me, in spite of the dire circumstances behind its birth. You bring joy in all you do… that is what you seek to leave behind in your work. Thank you, always for your joy.
Thank you, Beth. The shoes I wore for my recovery looked like that, but they were gold. I made them red as a tribute to Dorothy, in the Wizard of Oz. We’re all following our yellow brick roads.
As Beth said, your art always shines rays of joy and hope. I know you intentionally paint the positive you want in the world and you achieve that goal without fail.
The story behind this particular painting really touched me and gave me the feels. It’s so important to be reminded that there is still much good in the world.