Pondering

Wing Study #17 :: 8" x 8" on wood

I am pondering a few ways to branch out my work as an artist and writer, and one of the ideas is a new blog.  I'm not sure if it would need to be an entirely new blog or just a beefing up of this one, but I would love as much feedback as possible from anyone and everyone.  The concept is still a tad fuzzy, but the more I discuss it with people, the more solidified it becomes, so any comments, ideas or requests that you have would be greatly appreciated.

The idea is to create a blog that is about all things inspiring, a clearinghouse of links, information, discussions, musings and resources for anything and everything that might possibly feed one's creative soul.  A brainstorm of possible features includes:

* Daily inpsirational quotes
* Weekly top ten links of inspirational websites, stories and articles
* Interviews and guest blog entries with people from all walks of life who are living their dream
* Discussions of various topics as they relate to creativity and the creative process (i.e. fear, money, getting started, success, etc.)
* Information about various shows, events, workshops, etc. around the country
* Regularly updated book, magazine, music and film lists and links
* Creative project outlines & instructions

There would be multiple entries each day and regular features each week; my job would be to scour the world in order to bring anything I think might be inspiring to anyone visiting my blog.

That is about as concrete as I can get at this point, so I'll pass the baton to you now...

* Does this sound interesting and useful?
* What are some topics you would like to see discussed on this blog?
* Are there any other inspiration-related blogs or websites you currently visit regularly?
* Any thoughts on how to make this website as accesssible as possible? In other words, I want this to be a blog that provides inspiration to anyone, not just "artists".  This blog would be about creativity and ways to tap into that for whatever one's passions are, whether that is painting, gardening, creating a home or getting in shape.

Please pass this link along to anyone who might be interested in this and/or could provide some valuable feedback.  Many, many thanks, and I'll keep you posted on how this develops.

In the meantime, here are a few places that have been inspring me as of late:

* Frida and Frida's photographs
* Ink On My Fingers and Colors On My Mind
* I love this woman's recent posts on color.
* I am so excited I have tickets to this film in early November.
* ...and also looking forward to the opening of Takashi Murakami's exhibition at MOCA

 

Comments

[megg]

I think that this is a remarkable idea - really - you are more inspiring to people than you know & it would be a real gift to share this kind of project with the world!

I was lucky enough to HAVE one of the 1000 journals for awhile!! I also gave it to my class of students to use. amazing project to be a part of!! Last I heard my journal had been 'lost' so I would LOVE to see that movie to see if it ever made it home. Were you involved in the project??

[she]

I'd help you out.

[Chantal]

This is a great idea! We can all do with more inspiration in our lives. One thing I love to do is share resources that I've found helpful and nurturing to my creative soul. Wishing you the best with this new blog. Don't hesitate to let me know if I can be of any help. Blessings,

[Katrin]

I love the idea! I would love to read about creative people, how they live (about roads less traveled), about daily creativity, about inspiring ideas - I love pictures of peoples work-spaces and ideas about being creative in "the middle of things". I also like the idea that it is not only about "artists". I used to work with kids. And I consider working with kids highly creative too. I developed a few ideas in this field. So if you need help (or want to have things that people working in kindergartens, schools etc. might relate too), you could count on my help, if you want. the only problem could be that my English is not good enaugh, and I make a lot of mistakes... But really I love the idea so much, that I like to offer my help right away... Katrin

[Liara Covert]

Your positive intentions uplift your spirit and will do the same for souls of others. So long as you follow your instincts and inner passions, I sense you'll create an inspirational setting that makes a fantastic contribution to the world.

[Melba]

Christine,

Sometimes I feel like you are calling to me (I feel that way about other bloggers too) I devote way less time to reading blogs than I use to, but somehow I am drawn to reading the blog posts I am meant to.

This is a wonderful idea and a topic I am quite passionate about myself!

Holly's Decor8 (http://decor8.blogspot.com/)came to mind as I find her blog inspiring when ever I get the chance to look...for me it is great eye candy. I do wonder how she does it...posting so often does seem like a full-time job.

It would be great for there to be a blog focused on artist that had the posts well organized so that each topic could be accessed easily.

I like all the artist profiles at Another Girl at Play(http://another.girlatplay.com/)which I thought you were listed on, but I don't see you there now, maybe I am mistaken or looking in the wrong place.

This would be a BIG job for you to do alone. The good news is that TypePad makes it easy to have guest hosts post on your blog. I originally thought I would have a challenging time to get creative bloggers to guest host at Create a Connection, but for the most part people email me wanting to host.(http://www.bealivebelievebeyou.com/create/)I did have to give up trying to control every aspect of the blog as sometimes things happen and people don't post when they are suppose to.

You have alot of friends and supporters (me included!!!) who will help you in any way you need.

I will include a link to this post at Create a Connection on Sunday (that is when I post about happenings in the blogging community)

Personally I am very interested in the balance of creating and the everyday flow of life. I mean everything we do can be considered creative if we look at it...I find it inspiring reading about women living their creative dream. and seeing pictures! I love seeing pictures of where women create.

I got your postcard~thanks for the support. Although justBe...Connected didn't turn out as i had planned I learned so much and had a wonderful time meeting other creative bloggers at The Creative Bazaar (http://www.bealivebelievebeyou.com/creativebazaar/)

XO,
Melba

[Popeye]

Heck, I love this one. Anything you do would be beautiful, I'm sure.

[alex]

this is really a lovely idea. I think as creative folks we are always looking for these types of places that we can go and fine inspiration. Go for it, if you need some links I have a whole collection that I have been saving up to hopefully at some point do something just like you are saying, yet I still don't have the traffic to warrant such work I don't think.

[jen lemen]

this is an AWESOME idea. especially if you focus on the things that inspire or evoke a creative response--a kind of guaranteed pick-me-up or prompt for getting unstuck.

do it!!!!

i wonder if it would help to make this kind of effort collaborative. five contributors to share the scouring/investigating/interviewing load who can also bring their audiences to the conversation.

i think it's totally great.

[Marilyn]

I really love Wing Study #17. I think your idea for a new inspirational/creative blog sounds wonderful...AND...this: "There would be multiple entries each day and regular features each week; my job would be to scour the world..." sounds like a full-time job to me. But that's me. :) If you start it, I'll most definitely read it. I've been following along for 4 years...and always love what you have to say.

[Frida]

Well - I just landed in O'Hare after more than 24 hours flying so I'm not at my sharpest, but I have a huge smile on my face because in only four more hours I'll be with you.

I think this is a great idea and I wonder whether there is space in there to incorporate an idea I've been musing on and for which we may be perfect partners in crime for... more on that in person very soon.

[Lynne]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea! I would be especially interested in hearing/learning/reading about those people who have left one career to go off and start a creative business (or any business, for that matter!) of their own. Just adore the idea of being able to come to a "one-stop shop" for inspiration when I need it! Go for it!

[Silvia]

I'm in the process of starting a new blog too. And am still brainstorming about how to bring all my ideas in the world!

Good luck with yours!

[Cre8Tiva]

i have been rethinking a lot of things recently...another blog...not sure i could do two well...i think it is a great idea...and i support you...if i can help let me know...some of your ideas are my dreams also...blessings, rebecca

[colorsonmymind]

I am dancing and clapping in my chair at the thought of this and that our hearts have connected. You are such a rockin chick. I think I may have told you that before;)

These sites have inspired me:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/06/self-discipline-acceptance/ he writes articles I have found very helpful

www.tut.com their daily universe emails have done miracles for my soul

Lisa Coffey over at Wisdom news shares very inspiring quotes and reflections
http://www.coffeytalk.com

I got this one today from her news letter:

art
"Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self."

-Jean-Luc Godard (1930 - )

It seems that certain pieces of art "speak" to us. Somehow we can relate to them. Maybe we see something beyond even what the artist intended. It shows how we are all connected. Amazing, how something static can tug on our emotions, touch us somewhere we thought was unreachable. Maybe that's the whole purpose of art.

-Lissa Coffey
Carmen Harra has written a groundbreaking manual to help you with you goal to be healthier and happier, entitled The Trinity of Health: Align Body, Mind and Soul in Order to Achieve Health and Happiness for Your Whole Life.

Hugs and love to you beautiful one

[Liz]

Think it's an awesome idea... there are some people I see who are doing a slightly similar thing, but less on an inspirational level I think, and more on a look at this cool art/photography/etc and here's where you can buy it level...

Topics! - artists and their work, how it fits into their overall lives, how we can support each other as artists and as human beings (even if through the internet), stories about how artists/gardeners/bakers/etc have cut free of "day" jobs, techniques or ideas about how to "do" thing differently (painting, photography, jewelery, clay, print makng etc)

I will look through the blogs I read regularly and see if there are any that would be at all helpful to you...