I've never really considered myself in search of inspiration but rather always being "open", giving myself permission to play, and receiving energy from my environment via supportive / positive family and friends and / or being in nature and in tune with it. I am a deep observer of the landscape, of people, and of ideas being shared. My sketchbook and a favorite pencil is always at hand, even jammed in my purse so that if I see anything or come up with an idea, I can record it immediately. I don't look back all the time but when I have a pause in my life or feel like I am stuck, I go back for energy and as a resource. I also use my sketchbook to journal about my art practice or maybe to record in words where I am physically or in my mind. I am fortunate to be an energetic person and to be able to use this energy as a fuel for my artmaking. I've had a practice of working in my studio one evening a week for over 10 years now which can take me into the wee hours of the night, but this time is rather sacred. Although I am tired in the morning, it reboots me like nothing else. You could also say that I am committed to a creative lifestyle. Thanks to my own Mother's efforts, I don't know any other way. We have always been ones to make art, share and see art together as a family. Our family had its own gallery in the basement where we'd put on little shows together and even have art nights where we'd look at old films and slide shows of trips. That's a whole story in itself....
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I get OUT of the studio! Travel, paint with someone else, read, spend time researching a new or favorite artist in the library, drink lots of coffee and the Beastie Boys. They always help in particular. I push myself through the long days when I just don't feel it in me. I make myself just start and like working out, once there I continue, and before I know it its time to meet my daughter at the school bus! Momentum is not easy to acheive but I try to keep my art wheel going...I put some projects on the back burner until I feel ready to get them going again or I'm not afraid to abandon projects that didn't feed me enough. There's a reason for the struggle, and I have to explore if the payoff is around the corner. I set goals and attempt to stick to them. I often hang up in my studio a timeline for getting works done. That is very helpful to have these visual reminders.... I also have a big commitment to creating community and a being a part of community. Thats why I have situated myself among students and those eager to learn and be on the art path. Its didactic.
How do you approach goal setting?
My methods have changed on this front. They have become more simple because a lot of basics I've done and I have systems in place for self-promotion.... Some suggestions I do have for artist's goal setting is for one to consider creating goals that reasonable with set start and end times, also that one's goals "match" where they are in their careers too, using monthly and yearly time periods can help, but also balancing your comfort zone but also giving yourself a good firm kick in the butt.
