What inspires you to create?

[Griselda Tello]

For me, this is an easy question, because inspiration comes to me from many places. I feel it in nature, music, art and quiet places...I see visions of paintings already finished or in process...I build castles in the air, or caves for that matter, because in me there is a secret garden that leads to a cave when I enter, I know this is time for discovery, and so it is.

Please if you are here for a visit, share with me your muse, or that which inspires you to create.

[Maria Sanchez]

Griselda, inspiration comes as me from alot of things. Sometimes it's a memory, sometimes it's an emotion that I am feeling, sometimes I just sit and paint and see what happens. I don't go to a cave but when I do get into my "painting groove" I tend to become a hermit of sorts. So I guess in a way we go to our special place where it's just ourselves, the medium and a canvas. It's our escape ... at least for me it is. When things in my life get crazy... painting takes me away and gives me a sense of calm.

[Griselda Tello]

Ahhh yes, the sacredness of our inner cave is always present for those who want to transcend the busyness of modern times. My brother only paints outdoors, imagine that, I would be spending half of my time gathering and packing before I get to the canvas...I know exactly how you feel...time is gone, everything is secondary if you get deep into the creative process...that goes for painting or making any type of art.
Thanks for sharing with me.

[Theresa]

As an art educator by profession, I often feel my children and students are my creative inspiration and art. The moments when I am working with a young person to enhance his or her life through art appreciation and understanding of the creative process are my strongest sensations of being close to my own purpose.

My personal creations (sculptures, painting, drawing, etc.) are usually prompted by my need to think, reflect, meditate and even pray. For me, it is always about the process. Like my mother, I often feel I am not able to think clearly unless my hands are busy. Recently I have noticed my teenage daughter showing signs of this hereditary trait... she is happiest when knitting, sewing, cooking, drawing and gardening. We have our best conversations when working on projects together, making a meal or working a new garden.

Stories and dreams are inspirational to me. I grew up with very opposite sides to my family. (Father-Polish/Jew, Mother-Mexican/Catholic) These strong family traditions and cultures have made me who I am; the many influences are swirling dynamics of myth, religion and motivation to find peace.

I am most at peace when I create. :)

[Griselda Tello]

Beautifully said Theresa "are usually prompted by my need to think, reflect, meditate and even pray..." how true that is...I believe art is a moving meditation and an essential part of my spiritual practice.
How very interesting about your parents being from one end of the pendulum to the other...great combination! You are a wise soul...I can feel it in your sensitivity with your children...we need more teachers like you.
I want to share something very special with you, my 16 year old told me last night, that his History teacher has invited Renne Firestone (one of the Holocaust survivors) to talk to his class...I am so touched by this event, and hope to be able to attend. She is an amazing woman, and I am sure the children will learn compassion and gratitude along the way as she talks.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2341404953/

[Theresa]

Thank you for sharing Griselda. Please touch base with me if you are able to hear her speak. I am sure it will be a very spiritual day for all who attend.

Being of mixed heritage... by the way, thank you for the compliment on my great combination! :)... I have had the blessing, and at times, the overwhelming responsibility, of being raised with both religious influences. Not to mention I fell in love and married an Italian/Irishman!

I just added a few books to my discussion post about recommended reads and here is a great one that I found very helpful when talking about world faiths:

http://www.thefaithclub.com/

Thank you again for the comments and thinking to add the video clip.

[Alesia G.]

Dear Griselda,

A familiar theme is emerging for me in the responses to your post. I also feel the need to create to be centered and at peace with the world. Being creative for me is a form of meditation. It's a very spiritual experience. There's a healing rhythym that is good for the soul. Lately, I've returned to the inspiring works of Julia Cameron, the author of _The Artist's Way_ and _The Vein of Gold_ among others. I'm working through V of G right now and find comfort in the prescribed daily Morning Pages (three handwritten pages of freewriting), daily 20 minute walks, and the weekly Artist Date (1 hour of a museum, bookstore, bead store, etc.) that fills the well of creativity. There is a nice balance here between the alone time that is necessary to express ourselves and the need to be out in the world where life and learning take place. Thanks for starting this forum. Peace, Alesia

[Isabel Mandujano]

My creativity comes from mother nature, dreams, visions, artwork and from stress. Painting is a huge outlet for me. What I initially start may be entirely different from the finished piece.

[g.billie quijano]

What inspries me. There is much pain and sadness in our world. I dont need to remind you of that. I feel lucky that I can still see the beauty and undiscovered beauty in the universe. I feel like I can bring color and light to our mother earth, madre de tierra through my creatrive process.

Color is language and can reveal mood, inspriation, and intuitiveness.

Just stopping to look at a flower or a bird, to be in the presence of that gift of nature, allows me to be in constant awe.

I want the ability to look at the world through a child's eyes.

Just look at all the mujeres here , the talent , the grace and the beauty we all bring, what can be more inspirational than than that?

[Griselda Tello]

I like what you just wrote...we are still able to see beauty and express it through our art...I am glad you shared of yourself.

[Carmen Artiga-Birdsall]

Inspiration for me usually comes in the late night hours. Like you my inspiration comes from similar places...It could be anything from the way ice sits- a frozen droplet in time on branches in January, a crazy glowy sunset in October, a cherry blossom petal storm in the spring, spending time with my step granddaughter bringing out my nostalgia for soft pinks and baby blue birthday hats and fat pinatas filled with little trinkets from the five and dime, a word, a food, a scent, a memory, people, places,emotion...sometimes its ripe...sometimes it needs a little encouraging...it's always there, though we've (my creativity and I) been on a different path as of late...I'm glad to have found my original path...I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to share some old friend canvasses, some new "munecitas" and express!

[Victoria Delgadillo]

My mother was an illegitimate child that had to eat in the kitchen of her grandfather's house, while all the legitimate grand children ate with the family in the dining room. Her resistance to injustices (as an adult), her generosity and her kindness to all people that were marginalized, is the inspiration of my life and my art. I love looking at beautiful things, but even more, I love creating art/producing art events that represent some social defect. The genre of Chicano/a art began as a reaction to society and provided/provides a means of introspection, information and mobilization. I do not have the answers about social injustices-- I just see that art can fortify and reinterpret us for the better. There is never a lack of subjects that inspire that for me.

[Christy Ramirez]

What inspires me to create my artwork is old family photographs, putting few photographs together and making into one. taking photos and walking down a busy street and looking around and creating stories as I walk down the street. I started writing Poetry a few months ago and that is my biggest inspiration to creating. Will be fortunate to be reading very soon.
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