Scheduling Inspiration

The countdown has seriously begun.

For the past eight months, I’ve been creating new work for a solo exhibit scheduled for September. While that might seem a long way off, believe me, it’s not.

I have 23 workdays left, excluding Sundays. There are 7 blank canvases in the studio, 5 pieces in the middle stage, 17 close to finished, and 9 hidden away for fear I might find something else to do with them.

I’m getting tired, but I’m not done yet.

Is it possible to schedule inspiration? Absolutely not. The measure of my success is that I keep showing up, regardless.

But here’s the deal. The source isn’t in the studio. It’s out in the world, on the street, in the forest. Riding to work this morning on my red scooter, I was reminded of that simple truth. I passed a cobalt blue house surrounded by green. Other places with facades resembling patchwork quilts, lined the road, layered with old and new materials. Vivid colors jumped out against neutral grays and browns. Vendors grilled meat on metal drums, smoke drifting out into the street and into the nostrils of school children hanging outside 7-11. A six foot golden chicken sat on the right, a wooden elephant on the opposite side.

Inspiration. Just when I needed it.

blue house

Save the dates:
September 3, 2016 “Kindred Spaces” Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery, Bainbridge Island, WA
September 8, 2016 “Kindred Spaces Lecture” at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art 

 

14 Responses

  1. Laura Maguire

    Would love to see your exhibition, Amy! I might be up in Shasta for Labor Day weekend. I wonder could I swing it to go to WA too.

    • artconsp

      Well wouldn’t that be cool beans! Let me know if there’s any possibility!

  2. Gayle

    and you, my dear, are an inspiration to all of us!!!!! Sending you Muse-filled best wishes!

  3. Rita Moffitt

    one more reason why it would be wonderful to live close to you, in whatever country you reside. you are inspiring. paint on.

  4. Sandra Wright

    Love the description of your ride to “work”. Don’t see that here in the states.

    • artconsp

      Sorry it took me so long to “approve” this Sandra. I didn’t realize it hadn’t been already! Thanks. And you got that right.

  5. simonetta

    can’t wait to see all the new work!!!! bravissima for showing up, until the end!!!!

  6. Tannis

    I’m so looking forward to seeing you and all this amazing work you have been showing up to make. Your perseverance is an inspiration to me to GET GOING drawing and painting! Time’s a wasting.

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