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Monday, July 22, 2013

Get Inspirarion : Stop, Revive, Survive

Hi, Friends, are you enjoying drawing or sick of it? OK, the topic is how to get inspirations. When my brushes do not dance on paper and ideas do not come up for projects, it's a time to stop, revive, survive.

BTW, good news! Thank you for many warm cheers. I've finished up the work with Australian Council. A human rights organisation and I will work on a publishing project onward! Wow, exciting, a great honour and very happy!! Also, I've been working on the trade picture book. Now, I can get on portraits for competitions (*The picture books have occupied me too much.)  Regarding the work for comps, drawing freely is very refreshing! Ah, what a joy!!

Well, back to the topic, "Stop, Revive, Survive." Friends, have you ever dried up a well of inspirations in busy days? I sometimes struggle to get it for work. That's torturing!

First of all, put aside a half way through work. Smile. Coffee. Get out of a studio. Enjoy sunshine. I even smile at myself in a mirror.

These are my tips. Although they seem to have nothing to do with art work directly, I often "grab" inspiration whilst doing these things. If some could assist you, it would be my great joy. Go for it, Friends.
Here we go! "Feel happy. Forget job for a while," is the point.

I seek...
1) Third party's candid advice
● Suggestions from Mentor/Editor/experienced artists
● Chuck perfectionism. 
We all know pains in work and very nice to share them with wise people above. No one brings me down. (all know I'm a hard worker.) They give me great comfort, cheers and more time to finish a project. 
2) Put life back to a healthy life style or life cycle
● Lots of and regular exercises
Think nothing about ongoing projects. Move body. 
At least, do it until a body gets slightly sweat. I swim lots.
● Sleep well
Good healthy fatigue is best to go to sleep at once on bed. So, exercises are nice. Counting sheep makes nerve down, when an artist is in a sluggish time.
● Eat well and favorite ones
Give indulgences, not a carrot before a horse. A stoic attitude is too tough.

3) Do something different from drawing
● Sing loud, play music, dance, listen to favorite music.
● Read comic strips, watch comedies etc. What else?
Don't worry about a work deadline or a comp closing date. With a dried well and a weary heart, an artist only makes a dull and junk.  
4) Use net work / socialisation
● Ring up friends, have chat, chat, chat! Do "catch up."
Be honest with myself eg) swearing, chest off, cry, laugh, whatever, let emotions out. But don't do it alone. Do it with friends and family.  Yes, laugh well with other people. It's nice!
● Join group activities
Choir, bush walking, book club, fun events, shopping, church etc.  
● Do good things for strangers at random
This makes me happy, too.  
● Do something for community
As above. 
Now, after getting through it and when I feel like going back to work, I tell myself, "Be kind to myself." I do warm up sketching. The first one, a drum player was my warm up. Sure, I was ok! and a good idea for a portrait came up. Lalala~! I happily went home. You may say, "Ah, nothing special! This post is boring." But I've found too many of us cannot cut off a vicious circle and stay in blue. So, I dare to say, "Do relax!" If you have great tips to get inspiration, let us share them.
Friends, Happy Painting!! 










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34 comments:

  1. Hola Sadami. Fantásticos consejos nos das en este post (tomaré nota)
    Se te ve muy bien en el último dibujo.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Hola, Onera, gracias! Ahahaha, sí, estoy bien en ese dibujo animado. Me encanta tu avater de dibujos animados que parece agradable y amable. Cuídate, Onera.
      Mis mejores deseos, Sadami

      Hi, Onera, thank you! Ahahaha, yeah, I'm ok in that cartoon. I love your cartoon avater that looks nice and kind. Take care, Onera.
      Best wishes, Sadami

      >>>Onera,
      Hello Sadami. Fantastic tips give us in this post (take note)
      You seen very well in the last drawing.
      A hug.

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  2. Good advice Sadami. I do these things but since I set a goal of 10,000 sketches I never fail to find inspiration. It is everywhere and now I am noticing it even more. I don't try for perfection but just the practice; some are good and some not so good.
    Hugs

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    1. Yes, Teri, in your work and posts, I always feel your very wise optins, flexibility and love towards yourself and others. You're so nice. Keep your blog for people in need, too.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  3. Wonderful and very inspiring. Sadami, you are a beautiful person. Many blessings!

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    1. Thank u, Carol! You,too, have a beautiful soul. Keep up your art activities.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  4. Great reminders, Sadami. I never get sick of painting, but sometimes I work so long and so hard that my body becomes stiff and my mind is exhausted. I will have to remember your advice. :)

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    1. Yes, what you wrote above is the problem among artists. Physically and mentally, work exhausts us. Before get pain, we do relax ourselves regularly. Cheers, Sadami

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  5. excellent advise, Sadami! I will make sure I revisit this post if I run up against problems in the future. I think I pretty much have an established habit of painting or drawing nearly every day now. All of your sketches/paintings are so fun to look at--so lively and so free!

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    1. Thank you, Celste. I sketched a drum player at a missionary band from church. I made other sketches at Indigenous people's event. I hope I can keep my soul and mind free like you!!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  6. I do have these frequent pangs of despair and find it difficult to get out of it. I just leave every thing till I get inspired again. Inspired by what... do not ask. It might take days. But you make it sound so simple! Keep us inspired!!

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    1. Hi, AK, you make very sensitive and beautiful work. Also, it requires hard work, time, energy and great techniques. I have a genuine empathy for your experiences burried in silence.
      Just relax yourself and let's have coffe together. Indeed, we're next door on net.
      Warm regards, Best wishes, Sadami

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  7. Good advice, Sadami! In my experience inspiration always comes back, not to worry. Where it comes from, no idea. I had to smile, looking at your last sketch!

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    1. Hi, Judy, Lovely to hear your "no problem" story. I assume when it comes back is the concern for me. Hahaha, happy to hear you like the last one.
      Cheers, Sadami

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  8. since doing sketch a day I always find something/anything to sketch! the sketches are not perfect and often times not elaborate but I do sketch! But I will keep this post in mind if I need to be inspired!

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    1. Hi, Meera, yes, the point is not to push ourselves too much. I come across some people try hard to make "masterpieces" even in sketches.
      Cheers, Sadami

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  9. I like all of these and the words are true - so often we wallow in doubt and sadness saying we aren't good enough. So boring!!! We need to snap out of it - using any technique you can. Live, laugh, love and share good thoughts. Thanks, Sadami!!!

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    1. Thank u, so caring Rhonda! Yes, there's no reason to stay in blue. Sunshine is waiting for us!!! Cheers, Sadami

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  10. Buenos consejos, y buenos dibujos. Lo importante es vivir.

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    1. Sí, en efecto, Tina! Lo importante es vivir felizmente!!! Salud & abrazos, Sadami
      Yes, indeed, Tina! The important thing is to live HAPPILY!!! Cheers & Hugs, Sadami

      >>>Tina said...
      Good advice, and good drawings. The important thing is to live.

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  11. I'm very glad to read your good news, Sadami, the new publishing project and painting portraits for competitions. I'm sure you'll enjoy these!
    Good advices on re-gaining inspiration! While I don't have to paint for a living, I find that when I'm stressed or depressed I stop painting. And when I don't paint I get more depressed. You're giving good advices how to prevent or break this vicious circle. Thank you, and have a great week!

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    1. Hi, Blaga, wonderful that you so much love painting. It's very important to keep heart heart and mind healthy. BTW, the human rights involved project is very interesting!!
      Cheers, Sadami

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  12. Excellent advice on breaking that cycle! Always step away from the board and go do something with movement! Pleased to read the good news. Go, Sadami! xx

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    1. Yes, you, too, go, go, Pat! Cheers, xx, Sadami

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  13. El titulo es muy inspirador!! estoy de acuerdo, lo importante es vivir y disfrutar! tus dibujos como siempre, son fantasticos!! un abrazo

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    1. Gracias, Mari! Muy feliz de saber que has disfrutado el post. Sí, el punto es disfrutar de nuestra vida. Vamos a divertirnos! Un abrazo, Sadami

      Thank you, Mari! Very happy to know you've enjoyed the post. Yes, the point is enjoy ourlives. Let's have fun!! A hug, Sadami
      >>>
      The title is very inspiring! I agree, the important thing is to live and enjoy! your pictures as always, are fantastic! a hug

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  14. Hi there Sedami,

    Great work as always. Congratulations on the completion of the Australian Council work! Sounds like it was such a great thing to be involved with. I really appreciate your continued support of my efforts. Your work just continues to inspire me. The painting of the young man playing the drum is so beautiful. Your blues are just wonderful. I finished my book and it will probably be published and available in a month or two. I will let you know.

    Wren

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    1. Congrats on your publishing, too, Wren! It excites me. I really look forward to your book. You have wonderful eyes! Yes, blue is the key in the drummer. I put a bit French Ultramarine and changed blues in wash. Regarding the finished project, it purely designed for educational research to examine children's literacy development = not for commercial purpose, thus, no deailed info should be disclosed. I will stay tuned to your good news.
      Best wishes, Sadami

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  15. drum player is cool ...great litlle sketch of you ...very happy and hard at work ... " be kind to yourself" definately ..sounds like you have a sound network and great mentor sadami ...glad your work is going well .

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    1. Thanks, Jane! YEAH, he was so cool!! As u commented, we need to have a good support system and a good mental health that enable us to be productive and creative!! Cheers, Sadami

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  16. Dear Sadami:) First: your sketches are great, it seems like you have inspiration enough. Second: I've been true the levels you discribed and I accept the fact the inspiration is gone sometimes. No big deal. I know it come back! Life is more than art although it is a big part of my life! Enjoy summer:)xx

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    1. Brilliant, I love your comment!! Yes, life is more important than art. Although a due date and comps closing dates sometimes become pressures. So, I tell myself like you said above. BTW, I'm enjoying WINTER! xx Sadamiʚ(ˆ◡ˆ)ɞ

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  17. First of all...You are such an inspiration to all of us, Sadami!! I LOVE the drum player.! I love his expression and the looseness of your watercolors. And Congratulations
    on your work with Australian Council...you certainly keep busy!! You are my hero!!
    Hilda

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    1. Thank u, Hilda. You, too, are an inspiration to us! Yes, I'm getting very busy and full steaming ahead. I just do my best. Puff, puff, chag, chag, I think I can!!
      Best wishes, Sadami

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