#ijustcalledtosayiloveyou 12.8.18

Whenever I hear Stevie Wonder sing these words, I stop what I am doing, call Doug and sing it to him. In fact, I just called him and sang it. And seriously, just like that, I’m in a better mood. (I woke up with a headache, lack of inspiration for today’s collage, and overwhelm about the remaining unpacking tasks.) I am super close to have my studio ready for action. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of this unpacking and moving thing. All I want to do is charge forward with that. And I will.

But let’s examine this idea of inspiration. My favorite quote about artists (or writers) and inspiration is by Chuck Close: Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us show up and get to work. I try to be sympathetic when my students complain about lack of inspiration. It certainly does exist, those moments do come when you get a brilliant idea and you go forward with it. (For example, my 50 Card Project.) But a more common complaint is I don’t know what to do, I don’t have any ideas.

This was my mindset this morning.

I know that’s an excuse, but the feeling is real. I’m sure you’ve had it. I’m getting bored of the papers in my travel art pack. We aren’t getting any catalogs or magazines or junk mail, because those things don’t get forwarded. But I have to make something. What to do when you don’t know? I have tons of tricks, but today we will go with this one. Pick something, any kind of paper that sparks a little joy. I love this telephone gesso transfer. I tried to use it yesterday, but it didn’t work into the collage. That became my starting point. Then I spotted the love stamped paper, thought of Stevie Wonder and here I am. Not only do I now have a collage completed, but my mood changed and my headache is gone. 

Today’s Prompt:
Choose a paper you love and let that lead you into your collage today.

Bonus: Call someone and sing I just called to say I love you.

Everyday through December 25th, I’ll be making a 5×5 inch collage, writing a short entry on this blog and sharing a prompt for those who might want to participate along with me. You can follow my progress by subscribing to this blog through the sidebar on the blog homepage, or by following me on Instagram.