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Every artist has struggled, grappled and wrestled with inspiration. We have all tried to tame, master, understand and nurture it in various ways. With innocent fervor we have meticulously tried to organize, educate, discipline, groom and study it, as well as practice, indulge in, abstain from, stare down and meet inspiration’s challenge head on. Whew! It’s the allure of the synchronized samba between artist and inspiration that seems to keep the relationship flowing. Yet, in always flirting with the contrast between open expansion and conquered definition, we seem to also seek an ordinary comfort zone.

In the beginning moments of a painting, intentional time with a readied canvas, it is the deep knowing gained from experience that welcomes this solitary unrest. It is a necessary part of the process where the artist becomes still and hones wild curiosity. It's the stretch where the maker roles up her sleeves, takes a bottomless breath and lets go. A simple question is posed to the canvas and to the energy that will be visually transferred upon it. 

“May I?” a query seeps forth from the artist's silent heart.

Perhaps the unrest felt in the early seeking of another canvas’ purpose is natural excitement, the kind that builds before any brand new journey. Entering into the unknown is thrilling and edgy. Starting a painting feels internally like cocooned butterflies ready to burst forth. The sensation sends a reminder that as this work emerges, it allows something fresh to enter the world. Not every piece begins with a plan. Not every planned piece stays on track. And the pieces that wane become important, personalized lessons. They are the seeds that sprout into future endeavors. However, every piece does begin with an awareness and a respect for the sole interaction that will take place.

When the artist achieves a sustained balance amidst the fury of creative winds, the shakiness of the “May I” question starts to fade. The chaotic waves that once passionately whirled around the artist are harnessed into calm focus. The artist knows that Inspiration has indeed beckoned them. With ease, a series of unique intellectual, emotional, and spiritual responses starts to unfold. The artist enters their work and grows within its confines. They are one. The simple peace and well-being gained through this specified doing encourages a second, third and later dip into the paint or said medium. The first, timid asking slowly begins to pull forth a raw and marvelous YES! A work is revealed. The artist, decorated in color, eventually walks away content. The present piece will either be revisited with clear eyes and rested hands or a new canvas will appear. The answer that came from an open exchange is a visual example of patience, trust, and possibility. Every artist knows (especially in hindsight) that in those connected moments, the artist did the work that the artist needed to do. And so the process evolves – the giving of time, the receiving of inspiration and the releasing of the foremost humble answers.

The world will always need, accept and be grateful for more bold and luminous color! How do you share your glow?