I am not sure about you, but do you find that life can sometimes take over? We are constantly bombarded with messages and social media is always there. Living in the digital world can be constant and sometimes it is easy to get carried away with everyday life and not stop to take a moment and look at what is around us. 

Just stop

When we are creating, it is important to take in what is around us. It can be so helpful to stop, make some space and gather inspiration that is constantly around us that we often take for granted. 

Sometimes you can feel stuck like you don’t know what to make next, sometimes you may be bursting with ideas and don’t know which one to make first. Life in general may be a little too much. This is when we need to stop, look and listen. 

A little exercise

I was with my good friend Sharon last week in her studio and I did this exercise. I actually did it the week before too and it’s so powerful and enlightening and only takes two minutes. So here is a little exercise that will really help you to stop, look and listen to what is around. 

  1. Make sure you have no distractions around you and set a timer for two minutes. 
  2. Find a location that takes your fancy. This could be any room in your house or outside. It could be anywhere. 
  3. Now once your timer is on, look around you. I mean really look and take note of what you see. 

So for example, in the room where I work all the time, I have double doors out onto some decking. I look out the window all the time into the distance but I did this exercise in this very spot. 

Usually when I look out at this view it is into the distance. This time I was really looking at things that I don’t normally pay attention to. When I began to really look I noticed the guttering and these patterns, a big beautiful spider web, things on the wall that have been there for years, old hooks that I’ve not noticed before. It was fascinating so I did a quick little sketch of the guttering. 

I then did this exercise with Sharon at her pottery and again, I began to notice things that I’d not seen before. 

See the inspiration 

This is a great place to start if you are feeling like you don’t know where to begin, as it forces you out of your head and allows you to see the inspiration that is sitting quite literally in front of you. It can then allow you to have some fun and explore, with new techniques, textures, subjects and mediums. 

So, just remember to stop, look and listen. You can do this for two minutes, five minutes, 10 minutes and simply clear your mind. It’s a great therapy tool when it comes to making decisions.

If you are struggling with finding inspiration, give this a go. 

Much love, 

Michelle x