An old looking door I spotted on Miami Beach...I appreciated the fact that it seemed rather out of place.I've always been drawn to and inspired by closed doors (perhaps metaphorically), weathered wood, layered paint and such. Time's passage, or the appearance of it. I've been thinking about inspiration, as I gather images in my mental bank (and of course in the other virtual bank- on my laptop) for future reference, for when I can set up a studio again.
I read recently- cannot recall where- a debate on whether artistic inspiration was relevant. And then yesterday, I came across this interview with Agnes Martin posted by Kate Beck. During the clip, Martin talks about inspiration versus ideas. She states that inspiration is vital; ideas are not. She even goes as far as saying that ideas can cause the inspiration to disappear. It's given me a few things to ponder. Personally, I've always needed inspiration, felt it was vital to the success of my work. I mean, how could inspiration not matter? Does it matter to you? I realize sometimes we just need to go paint, and we go into the studio feeling creatively empty; but there comes a point in the process in which the work itself provides the inspiration. That, I understand.
When I'm influenced by things in the world, it's abstract inspiration- not literal. It's the effect of visual elements on the emotions and spirit that interests me personally, and offer to inspire and inform my work.
