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Virtual Art Class:   Inspiration

Donald Francis MacDougall

There is an artist in each of us.

(The artist comes into being when we are compelled to create.)

Both our conscious, and the unconscious, play a role when we produce art. When we create, we work to form - to externally shape - that which is internal.  

Human beings have three chief functinons: movement, feeling and thought. 

Our art may be inspired by feeling, and conceived by thought, but it's executed through movement. Our bodies are the instruments through which the creative process occurs. 

The role that Fear plays

(Hint: It's part of the artistic process)

 

 Allowing your thoughts and feelings to inspire you, to help you shape something artistic, takes creativity.

It also takes a bit the courage to overcome a sense of being vulnerable, of being exposed; open to criticism.

It is worth reminding yourself that fear is, naturally, a part of the creative process.

To paraphrase author Elizabeth Gilbert: on any creative ‘ride’, fear always has to come along, but it has to ride shotgun...

You can’t let it take the wheel.

Overcoming fear:

thoughts and exercises

 

  • As mentioned, there is a 'natural tide' to the creative process and the artist alternates between the active state ('giving out') with the receptive state ('taking in').
  • The use of movement (specifically, of rhythm) can promote one’s ability to make art.
  • Before you get started, try at least one of the simple exercises shown on the Virtual Art Class homepage (link below) to help you get into the artistic flow.
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