Thursday Thoughts...

“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice.” 

Octavia Butle

Oh the comfort of these words. The subtle, or less than subtle, reminder that we don't need to feel 'inspired' to be making art; more oftentimes we simply need to show up.

When we were particularly busy working, we tried to set aside Friday for art making and creating. It felt like we could carve out that day from a busy schedule and keep it safe. Make it a sanctuary for making art.

And so many people said to me - but what if you aren't inspired on that day?!?!?

It had never once struck me as a potential problem.  For me, I tend to have so many ideas flitting in and out, landing momentarily and then heading off again if I can't capture tham, that I knew I wouldn't lack for things to do on a Friday.  And if ideas hadn't been floating in and out, I knew that by sitting in the studio space, by picking things up, holding them, moving them around or wondering what if? then I would find the ways and means to make and create.

It really is the biggest of myths that artists and makers and creators are hit by inspiration and then begin a fever or frenzy of work. Creativity can just as readily be quiet, calm, and persistent.

Inspiration from a walk on Orkney...ladders....