Creativity is such an unknown, and its source is perhaps unknowable. I don’t have a definitive answer for this. Nor can I give you the why of it; it just comes.
I can tell you how it is for me, based on my experiences. These may be mine alone, and therefore are possibly unique to me. I cannot say.
What I can say, is that I think if we asked ten people working in ten different creative mediums, we might very well get ten different answers. Such is the exciting, elusive and mysterious nature of creative inspiration. But this is how it works for me.
I was asked recently if I had to choose between writing or harping which would it be? There is no choice to make! For me as both an author and harper, one inspires the other.
Of course, other things inspire my work: Spending time with other creatives is a wonderful source. It matters not if people are musicians or writers. Some of my favourite inspiring people are, yet equally, others are not. Many are painters or gardeners, or find their bliss on the stage, or are fabulous cooks.
Or nature! The shape of a tree, or the colour of the sky. The sound of wind in leaves; a flower or watching a bird flying. The lapping of water, or birdsong, a smell, a word… I could go on, but I think you understand what I am saying. Inspiration comes from a variety of sources and in various forms. Perhaps it comes in a dream, or for me, often in the shower! Or it just visits when you’re least expecting it. It’s a personal thing. I love that unpredictability!!
Life experiences mark and colour my creative sensibilities, and I’m sure, will influence yours. Events of both joyous and sorrowful significance have left their permanent imprints upon my heart and in mind; things I’ve read, emotions I’ve felt. Writing and playing the harp have become my vehicles for exploring and expressing these experiences. An internal voice I call the Old Ones speak to me in the creation of stories and melodies celebrating life’s twists and turns.
Creative inspiration, is there waiting for each one of us, we just need to be curious, patient and open hearted. If you extend the invitation it will come. Take your seat (if you’re a writer or a harper). Do the work. It will come. In the beginning it may not meet your lofty expectations, this is where patience and perseverance come into play. Work at it. Craft your endeavours. Don’t judge, just do! Creativity is a quest. Inspiration a muse! Be ready, open the door and your heart and let creative inspiration enter!