When you’re an artist inspiration can come from almost any where. Just the right amount of stimulation can come as a jolt or like a current, an idea that can come from any of your senses making you excited, sensual or even angry. No matter the emotion, inspiration is the sensation that takes your focus into a new direction.
And yet, depending on your age (internally) any good idea is doomed to the grinding scrutiny of an adult calculation machine. Ideas usually have to survive this rationalization process, like going through a gauntlet until a plan can become a commitment.
Inspiration without commitment can fade away like the smoke left behind after fireworks. Most ideas, don’t make it past the worst case scenario projection that the mind inevitably projects.
Questions like “has it been done before?“ “Can I do it better?” “Can I withstand the disapproval of others?” etc.
What I’m saying is when it comes to art, inspiration is only the beginning.
But that’s not where inspiration stops. Motivation needs to be made of tough stuff during dark or depressive times. Throughout life inspiration can be a lifeline, like a simple moment that changes your brain chemistry enough to make you look forward to tomorrow.
In my own life, I have a “holy trinity”that I go to for inspiration.
I watch Star Trek to remind me that humans have the potential to overcome destructive norms. I read Batman stories to remind me that I can always improve myself, even in the face of insurmountable pain, and I watch South Park, which reminds me of a moral compass based on philosophy and critical thinking.
These are examples of media and everyone probably has at least one of their own, especially in these trying times. In Biorhythm, I’ve tried to combine all of these elements into a story that I hope inspires anyone who reads it to participate in the reality that they want rather than what’s presented or forced on them. To be compassionate yet fearless. To be strong yet humble. Having the fortitude to be the Change you want to see.
I’m always inspired most by those who commit and achieve their goals.
Working with the artists of BEV Comics has been very inspiring.
Honestly, I think the best source of inspiration is a well intentioned and effective Support
Structure . That might be where it’s needed most. Usually people are more likely to give up when they feel alone. It’s easy to think that if nobody cares about you or your work that nothing is worth doing.
This is why there are literal graveyards of unfinished projects and ideas. People quit and then seem to forget that as social animals we feed off each other’s ideations, sometimes feeling like a current. Inspiration can be intoxicating and enlightening. It can take you on a journey that could take years or just take you on one day worth living. But as bleak and miserable as life can be sometimes inspiration can be all that you need when you don’t have anything left.
Matthew Bradley
Biorhythm, Raven’s Macabre