Inspiration

One of the more challenging aspects of art is the genesis of the creation. What inspires us to make a line or image? What am I trying to say? How am I going to convey my idea? What media will I choose? What color pallet best suits my image? Sometimes the execution seems to take over, threatening to hijack the original idea. Other times the concept is the main thing and the execution almost an afterthought.

Sometimes my supplies; a freshly-cut woodblock, new batch of handmade paper or blank canvas helps with the decision process. I find if I stare at a blank block of wood long enough an image often comes to me - from some dusty corner of my mind - and forces it's way into my work. Sometimes I am influenced by the grain of the wood and can visualize the completed image from there.

Even though I don't really try to force it, I usually welcome the "help". But with this inspiration usually comes a bit of caution, knowing full well I could return to work on it later and wonder "What was I thinking"?