I recently read an article by Brian Biggs at Random Orbit, where he explores the idea of inspiration in relation to making art, writing stories, and other creative pursuits. Brian boiled inspiration down to curiosity, and I think that's a great insight. Inspiration often feels like a mystery of the ages, but the condition of curiosity seems to be at its core. Inspired by Brian's thoughts, I want to delve deeper into what inspiration means.
The word "inspiration" has its roots in the Latin term inspirare, which means "to breathe into." This origin suggests something divine or transcendent being breathed into a person, providing sudden insight, creativity, or motivation. Historically, inspiration was often seen as a divine gift—a moment where something beyond the individual entered them, empowering them to create. This connection to something greater than oneself is why the term is frequently used in the context of creativity.
When applied to artistic endeavors, "inspiration" represents the moment when an idea, vision, or feeling compels someone to create something new, whether it's a work of art, a piece of music, or a story. Inspiration is more than just a thought—it's an emotional or even spiritual catalyst that drives the creative process.
In previous articles, I've touched on inspiration, though not always directly. I've discussed the practice of entering a state where inspiration can occur, describing what that state feels like and how to access it. I've typically referred to it simply as creativity, which inherently implies inspiration.
I see inspiration not as something breathed into the artist from an external source—divine or otherwise—but as something that arises from within one's own depths. This doesn't mean that we can't find inspiration outside of ourselves; of course, we do. However, the impulse and drive to take an external inspiration and express it through our own work still come from our internal creative process. We can only be inspired by something external because we are already inwardly prepared to recognize and resonate with it. We have tuned ourselves to it.
In this sense, the more immersed an artist is in their creative activity, the more inspiration can be found everywhere. It’s about developing one's ability to be inspired and being ready to act on it. This is why artists often say that inspiration needs to find you working, not waiting for it or philosophizing about it.
"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration" is a quote attributed to Thomas Edison that emphasizes the importance of disciplined work in the creative process. Edison believed that innovation requires more than just great ideas—it’s the work of trial, error, and exploration that brings inspiration to fruition.
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." — Maya Angelou
For many creatives, inspiration begins with the child-like recognition that the world is brimming with possibilities. Maya Angelou's words suggest that inspiration and creativity are inexhaustible, like a renewable energy source within us. Instead of being depleted, creativity grows through use, much like a muscle being strengthened through exercise. This mindset encourages artists to dive into the creative process without the fear of running out of ideas, pushing themselves to explore new avenues and experiences fueled by curiosity and the question, "What if?"
Viewing inspiration as a limitless well is empowering, freeing artists from the fear of lacking inspiration. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, they can take action, trusting that each step in their creative journey will lead to new discoveries and insights. This idea of expanding inspiration is a powerful reminder that creativity flourishes with practice, openness, and persistence, eventually becoming second nature.
You wrote: "We can only be inspired by something external because we are already inwardly prepared to recognize and resonate with it. We have tuned ourselves to it." SO TRUE! If I've closed myself off to being inspired due to whateverness...........tired, hungry, stress etc there's no way I can be inspired. But if I open myself up to the possibility of being inspired (even when/if I'm not seeking it), it can happen even at the most weirdest times....taking a walk and seeing the juxtaposition of something that catches my eye, something someone said in a stimulating conversation, looking for some quality junk while thrifting..........then there's the times when I'm actually looking for inspiration because nothing is coming to me as I sit and wait while in the studio......looking at art via a museum, book, or online and sometimes just walking into the gallery space in my home to sit among my finished work as I see the "proof" of my creations. Another excellent essay, Cecil! Thank you.