Be a curator

When talking about the creative process the term ‘inspiration’ inevitably comes up. The general definition of the word is that of an impulsive urge that can be triggered quite suddenly out of the blue. An unconscious burst of creativity in ones artistic endeavors.

That is all well and good but anyone who does creative work knows that those moments, as wonderful as they are, are often far and few between. Rare and romanticized moments of magic where an idea seems to just arrive out of no where, illuminated with the excitement of wonder and possibility. If one had to rely only on these rare moments to fall ‘gift wrapped’ and fully formed into our laps – there would be long stretches in which no work would be produced at all.

That is why it is important as a creative to be a ‘curator’. The definition of the word curate is to collect and preserve. Expose yourself to the things that speak to your spirit and move you. Collect as much of these treasures as you can. Whether they be images, shimmering words, quotes, ideas, other artists work – one has to go looking for them. Keep them in a collection – a journal perhaps. Or, if like me you are scatterbrained and time is a rare commodity, ones phone can be a useful tool, not only for taking photographs but also for storing all ones creative inspirational treasures.

When you want to do some creative work again you will have built up a collection of ideas and inspiration so sieve through – much like a prospector sieves for gold.

This past weekend I had the privilege of walking every day on my beloved mountain with my man. We started out early each morning to catch the sunrise which was so worth the effort and the chilly start. The Aloes are ablaze and begging to be painted! Below are some photographs which have been safely stored on my phone for future inspiration.