What Inspires You?

It's hard working in a creative field and being forced to constantly be creative on demand. Sometimes it can be stifling and actually detrimental to my creative flow, causing a "writer's block" if you will.  A few weeks ago I was working on a pile of about 15 2-3 minute web videos that needed to be completed in one day, at feat I've conquered many a times, but this time I just found it hard to get through it.  I was disappointed at the lack of energy and time that I could allot for each piece, and it made me both frustrated and sad.  That ugly word, deadline, seemed to be mocking me and creating road blocks along my way to completion and satisfaction of this project.  I truly love what I do, but it's not always a cake walk of finger painting rainbows and unicorns, it's hard work being a working artist.  At other times, I find it amazingly easy to put a project together, not only quickly but with great finesse and ease.  As if the Muses were all smiling upon me as I completed my project. (Doesn't that image make you feel all warm and gooey inside?)  The reason for this is complicated, having to do with a combination of my mood, subject matter I'm working, timeline I have to complete it and in general, my inspiration for the project.

With that said, I've been thinking a lot about inspiration lately, where it comes from and how I can harness my creative energy. Most often, my creativity comes from an inexplicable urge to suddenly draw or paint, take a photograph or write a poem.  It seems to have arrived out of nowhere, and I just accept it and try to ride out the creative energy wave that has suddenly struck me for as long as it will last.  I also notice that at times I am being creative all the time and at others, I find it hard to find any inspiration at all.  I think in order to keep a more even flow going, I need to take a step back and check out what sparked that urge to create to begin with, rather than just accept it as fate. I'm sure it came from somewhere....hmmm.

So, where does inspiration come from?  I often find it comes from the people I choose to surround myself with, the media I fill my head and heart with, and the physical activities I take part in.  To be more clear, I find inspiration can come from a phone conversation with my boyfriend, a gchat with a good friend, a blog I'm reading, a song I'm listening to or a youtube video I happen upon or a really awesome yoga class.

So in no particular order I present to you a grade school-esque list, "Things that Inspire Sharon"

One of my very best friends and traveling buddy: Megan, check out her blog: http://everlastingpresent.com/

One of the most inspirational living artists/archetypes out there: David Bowie

 The amazing instructors at Om Yoga, NYC http://omyoga.com/

La Blogotheque's Take Away Shows cinematography and love of music, always inspires. Personally, my favorite is this one with Iron and Wine

Iron and Wine | Tree by the river | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.



A new blog I'm into and inspiring lady, Sarah Von  http://www.yesandyes.org/


So tell me, what inspires you?

Philly v. New York

I attended a really great show last night in Bushwick, NY. Long time friends from Temple, Philadelphia Slick tore it down on the tiny stage and intimate setting of the Bushwick Music Studios. (who served chili and beer to attendees)

Great show. It opened with Ellis Ashbrook, who've played with Philly Slick before, and represented in their home ground, reigning from just a few blocks away of the studio. Ellis Ashbrook was great, it was my first time hearing them and I immediately loved the sound of lead vocalist and keyboard player, Natalie Lowe. The band played many original songs to the local crowd and also a killer cover of Heart's "Baracuda".

Second act, Akilles + The Oddicy, who have also shared the stage with Philadelphis Slick, took the show to hip hop vibes. First time seeing them as well, and I must say, I hope to catch them again.

Philly Slick of course, rocked the house, and Noesis never disappointments with his clever poetic lyrics that are backed incredibly by the band with MKap's flowing keys, Mike P's glowing bass lines and El's hard rockin' drum beats. I love this band, and they make me miss the 215 lifestyle, hardcore. Check them out at www.philadelphiaslick.com or on facebook.

Videos of Philly Slick to come soon, so stay tuned!