Has it ever happened to you? When you have this amazing idea you'd get crazy excited about but then when you start actually working on your piece, you realise you have no more passion or you feel lost in a much bigger universe. Let's get real here, loss of inspiration also implies going through somewhat of an existential crisis. So I want to speak about my experience when having to deal with such problems. I have my little techniques and I wish to share them on this blog, I do not, however, guarantee it will work for everyone. After all, each and every one of us are so different, complex, specific that it is impossible to explain for sure how we work.
So here we are, I would like to start by saying one thing: Our bodies are what people see of us, and for some reason they are supposed to represent us to the eyes of the world. What we tend to forget is that their primary use is to bring a material proof of your soul and your creativity, which is why some people get tattoos or piercings or dye their hair. So how is it that we do not keep in mind the fact that our bodies are a perpetual source of inspiration. Its movements, the way it works, its specificity, its unique beauty lying in every imperfection and the constant charming aura it has. This is what can and should inspire us constantly, because there is no end to the discoveries we make about our physical selves. In conclusion, when I feel lost or confused about my art, I start thinking about the representation of humankind throughout the years and its forms. It is truly fascinating, and I stop for a moment. So start gathering thoughts on our ways of communication, our survival, what beauty really is... so many unanswerable questions. Aren't they reinvigorating !?
Once I've taken a moment to reflect on the wide range of possibilities when it comes to humans, I try to think about the actual project I am working on. It is easy to say we have to think outside of the box, but when that box is invisible it is very common that we get lost or hit our heads against the sides instead of upwards and outwards. So here it is, what thinking outside of the box means for me, is taking your successes and fails into account, your best and your worst work, but also the ones of others then to do a massive mash up and try and understand why what turned out to be the best worked better. After that is done, you need to think about the added value you have as an individual. Because, believe it or not, you can bring something here no one else can.Your mind is a piece of artistry that is to be used in the purpose of bringing a new element to your project. Instead of limiting myself, I try to think about all the different ways I could portray something and I keep reminding myself that sticking to the "status quo" isn't always the answer. To simplify my messy thoughts, let's just say this: Thinking outside of the box means thinking inside of your box, up there, in your brain. Let's stop focusing on others and try and make what you have necessary to others.
Finally, sometimes, lack of inspiration comes from, losing interest for an art or not feeling the need to express yourself for a while. It happens when we are drained, either by current situations or the people surrounding us. What is very important to keep in mind is that the problem never comes from you alone, it comes from a combination of you and the place you are at right now. Since we all agree that you are a pretty awesome human being, try and change the place you are at ! It's an awfully easy thing to say if you contrast it with the arduous task it actually is, but it can be done with determination and a need for change, what it will trigger is amazing and challenging: new people, new situations but also new opportunities which will open themselves up for you. If something really is your passion (like sports, writing, teaching or even shopping) and you suddenly feel a break happening between you and "it" , don't stay and agree with what your head is saying because deep down inside your heart is still screaming from the pain of losing that one interest. Get back in the game. Don't give up because you have received countless critics and "no"s from people who pretend to know something about what you are doing. Go out there and try again. Try, and continue because inspiration will flow right back into you.
There are three main points to remember here: individuals are amazing and have always been, there is always inspiration lying somewhere. Thinking outside of the box doesn't mean anything else apart from add your own "thing" even if it might not be approved immediately, so brainstorm about a never ending field of forms for what you do, bring something new and exiting. Finally, if you do not feel encouraged to continue or if you are feeling down, then just keep in mind that you are not the main problem, you are also maybe not in a right place and change always creates New.
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