O inspiration, the coveted sustenance of creatives galaxy-wide. I’ve had writer’s block so I’ve been thinking about it a lot! From whence does it come? Despite advanced googling, there are not a ton of sure-fire creativity hacks available from the internet hive-mind. And I’m not too inclined to go the drug-induced psychedelic experience route. So, I have meditated on it (yes, literally). And some interesting hits have surfaced that I’d like to share!
Clients: Working with clients on custom pieces is incredible. I love making something FOR someone. Especially for them, and packed with juicy meaning. I love hearing their stories, what they like and don’t like, I love overwhelming them with options and just seeing how they sort and choose and winnow down their choices. By listening and watching, I learn. Not just about them, but about what colors and textures appeal to people and why. About what motivates someone to buy a piece of jewelry. And what motivates them to keep wearing it day after day. I have several clients I’ve made multiple pieces for, and it’s been the kernel of a true friendship with them -- jewelry leads to the heart, jewelry is a personal talisman, and making that for someone is indeed truly special.
Texture: This one took me a while to key on, but often when I’m designing a piece I am seeking a certain texture. Varied, lithe, layered, many small elements that together create another impression. When I’m out in nature, it’s more often the textures that catches my attention, rather than any vista or the novelty of wildlife. When I’m walking around cities, the play of light and shadow on surfaces, or cobblestones, or a nice wall or fence - these are the things that make me want to pull out my camera. Texture feels somehow more intimate, richer, more relatable. I’m even attracted to music that is textural! Check out a few of my latest and all-time faves… the watery soulfulness of Morphine, cool electro-vibes Cero39, operatic sludge of Queens of the Stone Age, expansive airiness of Susanne Sundfør, and adorable darkness of Shana Cleveland.
Movies: Film is perhaps the best medium for vibe-setting, spell-casting, world-creation. A few of my current favorites…
Sex Education! Here are a couple lovely interviews with Rosa Dias, costume designer for the first 3 seasons (here and here), and Daniella Pearman who designed season 4 (here and here). God I want a velour onesie that looks that chic on me… That timeless technicolor lovechild aesthetic that culls favorite moments from the past six decades… makes my heart go pitty-pat with admiration and my mind spiral with ideas!
Shantaram! Beautiful people, beautiful architecture, that kaleidoscopic French-Riviera-on-acid look mixed with intrigue and unrequited love? It’s almost too much.
Poker Face! The shambolic glory of it makes me swoon. Boho chic? So passe. Give me Natasha Lyonne’s gravelly voice, her shabbed-out muscle car, the glambo-rambo non-sequitur nerd-action funk of it all. Must watch.
Commitment (or tapas, in yoga-speak): Probably the least exciting element here. But also probably the most important. I know I’ve been remiss the past 3 weeks but I’m getting back on the horse here and re-committing! Creativity is a practice, it’s not some divine juice that just flows like manna from heaven directly into the minds of all free-spirited creatives. And I truly believe in the practice of creativity - engaging in the muscle-memory of the creative actions and trusting that will facilitate good ideas when they are ready.