The encyclopedia describes a muse as coming from Greek mythology and meaning a goddess or spirit who inspires creation. In contemporary times, though, a muse can be just about anything from another person to an object; we are all inspired by many things.
For me, inspiration for a new Ganutell blossom or French beaded flower comes from everywhere … I can be inspired by a new color combination, or a flower blooming, or simply shopping for beads. It can be anything, anywhere, that strikes my fancy and sends me to my workspace. Sometimes I have no idea what inspires me to create a beaded flower; suddenly I can see it in my head and am motivated to create. This happens a lot when I wake in the early morning hours — not my favorite inspirational moment, for sure.
Then there are times when nothing comes to mind …. my creativity dries up like the desert …. and I find myself frustrated and disappointed. I’ll start a project, only to decide I don’t like it. Putting it down, I’ll start another and give that up as well. Aaaaarrrrgghhhhhh!!!
I’ve found there is really no way to avoid these times, but to simply wait them out. Often I won’t work on beaded flowers for days, but stay out of my studio and find other things to distract me and fill the time. Creating Ganutell and French beaded flowers is my passion …. perhaps I need to take time to refresh and regroup. It’s always my experience that suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, I envision that new piece and become excited with the prospect of making it. Glorious moment, that.
I don’t think there’s anything unusual in this experience, and that everyone goes through similar frustration. Let me invite you to respond to this post …. leave a comment and tell us what you do when you lose your muse.
