No matter what it is that inspires you, we can all take a creative boost from what we’re exposed to. In the Internet age, it follows that creative types are busting out of the woodwork in waves — we are exposed to so much more art, writing and so many more ideas than people had access to prior to the Internet. And for those who do get out there with their art, I’m betting this generation of artists is more productive and prolific than past generations. I have NO way to back that up (and I’m not in a research mood, so there). But it makes sense, because when you’re surrounded by other artists, you’re more likely to produce.
I am inspired by the creative energy flowing around me. In the times we live in, it doesn’t just have to be in my neighborhood. I’m inspired by cover artists in the UK (thanks, Kellie!), and by painters in Brazil. It. Is. Amazing. And it is pushing me to write more than I ever believed I would write.
Tools like Facebook and Pinterest allow us to network with people inspired by the same sorts of things, and thus maximize our exposure to things we find interesting. These networks are an amazing resource for the creative!
We should appreciate what we have, and beware what energy we pass on along all the highways and byways of the Internet. Creativity breeds creativity. Negativity has the potential to breed negativity, if we let it. I’m disheartened when I see people making mean and rude comments online. It makes me want to wall myself off from
that stuff. However, by walling myself off, I would cut off the source of my inspiration and support. Instead, I focus on making my interactions online positive (doing that which I can control), and trying to be supportive and hopeful with writers and other online friends — bringing positive energy into the public space.
I’m excited when I hear of another “would be writer” in my circle actually embracing it and becoming a writer. My reaction is always the same: keep working on it! The learning curve is tough, but I CAN’T WAIT to read your stories — the ones only you can write! And then people just shock the hell out of me with what they have to share.
Creativity breeds creativity.
It’s a wonderful thing.
Very well said, J.R.! There are so many bad things in our world right now, but SO many good! Art is so much easier to share now.
I’m with you about the mean and hurtful things said online. I just don’t get WHY people do that. They must have snakes in their heads.