I was in the parking lot at the grocery store, of all places, yesterday and looked at the western winter sky. It wasn't sunset yet but the sun was below the mountain and lit the sky with a beautiful luminous lemon vanilla and there was the barest wisp of a crescent moon hanging in the middle. It was so gorgeous that I had to jump a little to let some of the energy drain off (or, maybe that's just me LOL)
No, I didn't take a photo either. It wouldn't have done it justice anyway. I just treasured the memory up for later and will let it find its way into my work in its own way.
Golden Stars - Mixed Media 5x5
Where Inspiration Actually Lives
That's where inspiration lives, you know. Not in the stores or in perfectly curated online galleries. It's in parking lots at 5:15 in the afternoon when the light is just so. In your eyes and heart and memory. In the thrill of excitement you can't quite contain.
Your creative source doesn't need the “right” supplies or the perfect reference photo. It just needs you to notice what makes your heart leap. That's the raw material. Everything else is just responding to that.
Build Your Creativity
Speaking of responding to what calls to you: the full Take What Belongs to You: Wild Creativity – Claim Your Creative Authority workbook is ready.
This is the complete foundation - inspiration, technique, and permission - all in one place. 42 pages that walk you through finding what already interests you, working with whatever materials you have, and making experimental art that's undeniably yours. You'll end with 9 pieces of your own work.
It's $17 in the Ko-fi shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/5be265a983
I’m Trying Something New (Only 4 Spaces Left)
I'm trying something new, and I'm genuinely excited (and, if I’m honest, a little nervous too) about it.
I've created a membership called Walk With Me - Wild Creativity. It's for people who want ongoing connection with someone living the proof that the outsider path is possible. Not teaching, not coaching - companionship.
There are only 4 spaces left (I'm keeping it small on purpose).
This is intimate access to my studio process, direct correspondence with me, early looks at everything I'm creating, and the kind of encouragement you need when you're making your own way outside the velvet rope.
Members already had early access to the workbook I just mentioned and get a members-only discount on it. That's how this works - you're with me as things happen, not after.
Details here: https://ko-fi.com/shinydesigns/tiers
What Thrills You?
What catches your eye when you're not looking for it? What makes you want to jump a little? Reply and tell me - I read and answer every message.
Be the Light,
Monette
PS - That crescent moon is still hanging around in the early evening sky for a few more days until it starts to ripen into the half moon. If you catch it against the winter light, you'll see what I mean about lemon vanilla sky.
PPS - I've started keeping a running list of "things that thrill me." So far: that sky, the pattern ice makes on the frozen birdbath, the way coffee grounds smell amazing right after grinding, and the sound of the birds waiting to take their turn at the feeder. This is either a useful creative practice or proof I'm easily delighted. Probably both.