blank page

Mwstart08

I am often asked where I turn for inspiration, or how I learned to do what I do.  I think the most important thing for any person wanting to create is to just get started.  You can read all the books and magazines on a subject and it won’t mean anything until you start experimenting on your own.  Pick up the brush, or the pencil, or the whatever, and begin.  Having the impulse to create is a gift.  The way in which you do it will work itself out once you get started.

Sethchwast

I saw this young man on the Today show.  I am still thinking about him.  We know art is a channel that lets us express something within ourselves.  His story proves that.  See a video clip HERE.  And visit Seth Chwast at his site HERE.  Thanks Seth, for reminding me how powerful creativity is.

Related news:  This weekend I saw the new Public Service Announcement by VH1’s Rock Autism.  I was really moved to see Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Robert Plant, Steven Tyler and other rockers supporting Autism.  See HERE, click on 2).  Then I found their True Life series following three young men with diverse manifestations of Autism.  It’s compelling and enlightening….and takes about an hour to get through the whole series.  See HERE

Mwjan208

It’s a new year, a blank page.  Put something on it TODAY.

Gppblurb_2 Congratulations to Monica Magness for being the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 15.   I’ll be posting the next Crusade later today.  Need a jumpstart for creativity?  Come play with us on the Street Team!

Comments

11 responses to “blank page”

  1. Chris Avatar

    Ready for the new slate! Not scared of it! Making it a priority!
    I look forward to watching these videos. Thanks for the links.
    In-spire: To breath in! Hard to be creative if we aren’t OPEN. Here’s to another great year of inspiration for all of us. Thanks, Michelle, for your inspiration.

  2. dori Avatar

    yes! thank you Michelle for letting me experience Seth. Keep on rockin’ in the new year!

  3. Marble Blue Avatar
    Marble Blue

    Happy New Year Michelle. I just did a journal page yesterday about what I want to accomplish for 2008. Part of that was related to art. I wrote about wanting to do art more often; about experimenting and playing. I also spoke about how I wanted to grow me – including being bold enough to try things and choosing laughter and play over fear (in all aspects of my life including art).
    Thank you for encouraging us to “START”. So often we put everything before ourselves (including housework etc) which means often we have no time or inspiration left for us and our art. I am sure others have also resolved to play more often this year.
    Thank you for continuing to encourage us to make time for art, for sharing your knowledge and your own art breakthroughs and for giving us the Crusades for inspiration. It is appreciated more than you know.
    Love – Marble Blue.

  4. Monica Magness Avatar

    Oh geez, great post! With all of the new years resolutions being made all around me, I just told myself START something, FINISH projects… that’s enuff! THANK YOU again for the wonderful surprise today, I’m diggin’ that I’m the WINNER. I hoped! I believed! And I won!!! 🙂 Good things come to those who wait. Happy 2008 Michelle & GPP team! ~Monica

  5. Andrew Borloz Avatar

    Happy New Year, Michelle! Thanks so much for putting in Seth’s link – his art is just fantastic! Loved the way he used the colors and lines in his work. Thank you again, Michelle. &rew

  6. dorit Avatar

    Seth Chwast’s story really touched my heart! It’s a known fact that many autistic children and adults are amazing artists!
    As for the blank page – I love the promise that it offers and I have lots of such promises in my studio! lol!
    Dorit

  7. ~jolenemarie Avatar

    The look of PURE JOY in Seth’s eyes when he is painting should be a REMINDER to each of us!!!!!
    Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

  8. plo Avatar

    Thanks for bringing Seth to our attention, what a colorful artist! My Mom took care of an autistic teenager who also communicated with art, it was amazing. I JUST started a “visual journal”, what a coincidence that you are encouraging me to use it! I have decided that I need to add more of my artwork on to my blog…not a resolution, just a promise to myself.

  9. Lisa Hoffman Avatar

    Funny how once somethings on your radar, it pops up everywhere in your life.
    Thanks for this inspiring post and the links as well.
    Your advice to get started feels right. I remember when Anne Bagby told me, that day in Montreal, to just DRAW. Don’t worry, don’t think about it. DO IT.
    Thanks to the wonderful women of inspiration!
    Lisa H.

  10. Megan Avatar

    You are a treasure – I really needed to see this.
    As always, thanks for the inspiration! Mx

  11. tina Avatar

    I just love that! UNBLANK the page……… great advice from a great person. Even though I haven’t been feeling it(what the heck is it?? whatever it is, i ain’t been feelin it lately.LOL) I think it is great advice. Advice that I am going to adhere to till it returns!!
    Seth is amazing and thanks for opening my eyes.

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