So, why do we do it?

digital painting, 17 Comments
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[Small Detail from a current Work in Progress.]

Just what is it that motivates us to continue to endeavor in what inspires us?

Why do we do it?

I often think about the creative process and the force that moves through us to inspire us. Each new painting I create begins with an uncomfortable awkward phase. I see the glimpse of an idea in my mind, and I know I want to pursue it. I am not quite sure what I am doing, or where I am going with the work, or what it is going to look like when I get there. There is a powerful motivation of …..of what?

The act of creating anything seems to begin with inspiration, faith, and a belief in an illusive mystery of a promise. I used to see a completed painting in my mind and I would not begin to paint until I had worked out all of the values, balance and message. I was in control. Suddenly this pattern ceased. I began to follow a different plan that included presence, giving up control, and listening to each step as it arrived. It felt like venturing into the unknown. I was distracted by the worry of wasting time. There was a lot grumbling and doubt. Why?

And then…when I would almost give up, …it would happen. That moment when the unknown becomes melodic, when all of the pieces and random steps coalesce. I would feel that spark of recognition ignite, that magic of ah hah, I see the light! And this is when you know, you just know as you sail to the completion on a wave of awe and delight, that you have completed a journey of mystery with only inspiration, belief, and faith. And it is a great feeling between you…and creation itself. It’s like the giddy joy of a child.

Maybe this is why we continue to endeavor in what it is that inspires us. With each project we continue to reaffirm our connection to the power and promise of the source of creation by our belief and faith, step by step. Co-creating with every new story, sewing project, recipe, playtime, dance, poem, photo or song.

Maybe.

Thank you.

  1. reminds me of Goethe, ”

    Whatever you can do, or dream you can—begin it;
    Boldness has genius, power, magic in it;
    Only engage,—and then the mind grows heated;
    Begin!—and then the work will be completed.”

    🙂

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Fragglerocking. I took a few moments to explore Mr. Goethe and refresh my memory. And there it is, exploring the mysterious relationship to inspiration. I enjoyed his words and thoughts greatly, thank you fellow creative! 😁☮️😊

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Beautifully penned!! Anyone can appreciate the beauty of a lovely painting. But only a fellow artist will be able to look beyond the surface of the artwork and read the many endeavors, untiring effort, and finally the sheer satisfaction that the creator felt upon its completion.
    The reason why we do it is to discover how we would finish it. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Phil. This image is just a small WIP portion of the larger whole, so we shall see where this adventure arrives! Thank you again And you as well!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I was thinking about this recently too …you put it better than I did but for me, I realized that there is a powerful joy in bringing something from nothing but beyond that, following a winding path drawing the creation along until – yes! it clicks into a space in my heart and says “THIS”.

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    1. That’s exactly it! You’re description “a winding path drawing the creation along until – yes! it clicks into a space in my heart and says “THIS”. “ …is perfect for describing that moment I have been pondering! I love that! Thank you Hillary ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Catherine! This small detail of the larger WIP caught my attention as an illustration for this pondering journey. Hopefully the rest of the painting will show up! 😁 thanks again!

      Like

  6. I absolutely agree! I write because if I don’t, I feel I will be missing out on living. It’s my passion…and I could do it forever! Stay blessed. Beautiful painting, Liza❤️❤️🎨🙏👌💐

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    Reply

    1. Nick, and now YOU have said it even better! I thank you….create and ‘inspire on’ my friend! Thank you for reading and letting me know🙏⭐️☮️!

      Liked by 1 person

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