Oh Wahhhhhh! I haven’t created any new work, in months, because I haven’t been inspired.  My excuse … so many life events getting in the way – in the way of what makes my life, a life. I’d forgotten what I’d learned about inspiration, perspiration, creativity and passion (or lack thereof). My friend, Monet, plucked me out of my pathetic pity pot, lit a fire under my ass and helped me back up on the horse again. Damn, way too many metaphors, but then again, it’s my blog – I can mess it up however I want.

Friends often ask, “Where do you find your creative inspiration?” or… “I wish I could be creative but the mood, the inspiration never comes.” I tell them about the ‘cart before the ass’ technique that I’d learned (and forgotten) a while back. Quite simply, as Thomas A. Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” I also refer to this technique as ‘the 5 minute rule.’ This rule, which has served me well, for many years and many creative accomplishments (including walking across the country) says; no matter how I feel, get out there and try, for five minutes – that’s all, five minutes. This was non negotiable – 5 minutes regardless of my mind’s negative dribble. The result – 99% of the time – slowly, but surely, the inspiration would creep in and next thing I knew, I’d been out there for hours, actually creating something. The cart, before the ass!

So, this latest attempt started on a cold, cloudy Seattle day. My love Sandy, and I decided to head out (in a not so motivated mood) to drive around and see if we could get inspired. Like I said, I’ve rarely found inspiration on the living room couch. So, we wound up in a beautiful park in Seattle. We wandered around with our cameras – each in our own world, discovering new worlds. We came across some large pools with late fall colors still present. Instantly I was drawn in, truly excited with the intense vibrancy that I was immersed in. I would picture Monet, with his easel, capturing this magical spot. We were there at least an hour – each capturing the scene in very different ways.

A few days later, while editing the shoot, once again I was drawn into Monet’s world – as if he were speaking to me. I was lost in his world. I’d always wanted to paint, my whole life, yet was constantly frustrated because, well, I sucked! With my camera, I can paint and with Monet hanging out over my shoulder, I can paint well. I’ve included a few photographs from this shoot. I love them. I hope you do too, and if so please share this post/website with your friends and family

Museum quality, fine art prints (canvas and cards) are available at Rochon Print Gallery. – under ‘NEW WORK.’  There are many affordable, fully customizable print/frame options available.

Thanks for dropping by.

LOUIE

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