motivation

Ok I don't know about any of you, but finding the motivation to create new work in the middle of winter is really hard sometimes. Here in the Pacific NW, it is grey, grey and more grey. Which for me can be very tiring when I want to think about color, and spring, and life that is not, grey.

How to get motivated. I would love suggestions, but for now this is my tactic. First I try to do a little digging online for some fun artists that are inspiring. Often it just takes a few searches to see something beautiful that jump starts my brain. Second, I go for a walk or run. Something to get the blood moving. Yes even when it is pouring rain a walk can really help. Third, the library. I love the library. If I start poking around the books on gardening, art, home decor it can really get me thinking about new imagery. Fourth, the book store or a cool shop full of fun stuff. Seeing what is out there can give me the spark I need to go down my own path. And finally, I peruse old sketchbooks to find doodles that need a chance to come to life.

Currently I am in the 'idea' phase and just need a hot cup of tea and a sharp pencil to get going. Of course one brisk walk wouldn't hurt to help me move this along. Perhaps that break in the rain is trying to tell me something.

rudy

If you have ever heard of the movie Rudy you know that it is a football movie. But if you have seen it, you know it is NOT about football. For the record I LOVE the movie Rudy. I have seen it enough times that I don't even need to see the whole thing, I really just need the last 4 minutes or so. 

As I said it isn't about football. It is based on the true story of Daniel Ruettiger, and is about determination. In a nutshell, Rudy wants to play for Notre Dame, and all the odds are against him. Through hard work he manages to play on the practice team for Notre Dame and gets beat up for years, never making the real team. Finally in the last 10 minutes of the movie, he gets to dress for the last game of his senior year (see here). And through the respect of his team, against the wishes of the coach, he ends up playing two plays in the last few minutes of the game. He manages to sack the quarter back and is carried off the field. 

Of course Rudy is an inspiring film. It is supposed to make you cry, make you feel good that his hard work paid off. You're supposed to get teary eyed (I do). And every time I watch it, I find it relatable. No I never wanted to play for Notre Dame, but really making a living as a professional artist, that is not what your average high school counselor advises you to do. It is a dog eat dog profession where talent is as important as timing and good luck. But beyond talent and timing, is sheer will. Because any artist can tell you, there are countless occasions to give up. Between the first 'Thanks but no thanks' letter, to the next 'Thanks but no thanks" letter. It takes an immense amount of dedication and desire to get up, dust off and keep moving forward. 

I think every artist needs to have the last 4 minutes of Rudy saved on their desktop. God knows we need to remember, never, never,never give up.