All artwork on this post is by Tine Wiggens.In previous posts I have mentioned ways of working through creative blocks. Another way to whittle away at that creative block is to have an art buddy..... or several.
I had just purchased my first computer and was busy discovering the blog world when I came across artist, Tine Wiggens. At that time she was running Studio Friday which was a weekly sharing of topics pertaining to creativity in the studio. Once I started reading her blog I couldn't stop until I had worked my way back to the very first post. I remember it was a miserable rainy weekend and I was feeling particularly blah because yet another month had passed without any motivation to get back into my art. There was something in Tine's writing that gave me a nudge. I emailed her to tell her how much her blog was helping me. She emailed back and we became good friends.
I began creating art again with gentle nudges from Tine. I hopped from one medium to another trying to find what would suit me at that time since carving just wasn't doing it for me anymore. Funnily enough once I experimented a bit I did go back to carving and have never looked back. I sent Tine photos of my first very primitive totems and she was so sweet about them even though they were absolutely appalling. I have hidden them at the back of a cupboard waiting to be chopped up into wood collages.
The gist of the story is that Tine is my art buddy ....... my cheering team. Our friendship has grown from strength to strength and I honestly don't think I would have turned that corner without that mutual sharing.
I then discovered Dan Goodwin's coaching site, Coach Creative Space, a meeting place for all creatives. At CCS I found my art tribe. We all support each other and whenever I hit a slump I hop on over to join in the discussions there.
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." - Albert Schweitzer
Great tribute to your inspirations! Love Tine's work.
ReplyDeleteTine's work makes me smile as soon as I see it there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehow fortunate you've been to have found such good friends and mentors on the internet! i love tine's whimsical drawings...i can see how they would have lifted you over a rut!
ReplyDeletethanks for dropping by :)
so comforting to know others get "stuck" too. Tine's illustrations are filled with simple joys, uplifting and reachable. No wonder you love them. I am heading over to creativity.com now. Thankyou for the tip.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog for the same reasons. Reading about the processes you use to find inspiration gives me loads to think about. I work in the antithesis of creativity and accordingly struggle because I find that my environment sucks the creativity right out of me. Recently while thinking about the overwhelming blah cloud I am under I visualized my office as a communist cold-war gray concrete block apartment complex...utterly lifeless...I've been a little down lately...it doesn't show does it? hehe
ReplyDeleteI've been away a few days and I have so much to catch up on! I totally empathise about the creative block and ways to get through. I have just left another comment on a blog that I seem to be churning out little things..which I enjoy ..but need to do some real thought out work. You've inspired me.
ReplyDeleteAnd, you, my dear friend, have done LOTS to inspire others over at Coach Creative Space.
ReplyDeleteI know; I'm one who never ceases to be inspired by you and your beautiful work.
Hugs!
Oh yes! Tine was one of the first blogs I started reading ... back in the Soul Birdies era. When I discovered my blog muse, I too went back and read EVERY post she had ever written and it inspired my to start my own blog. I find writing it to actually be a wonderful art form for me, as I go back and edit, choosing just the right words, linking thoughts together, weaving a story, even if it is just about my daily life. And if it weren't for that first blog "stumbling" experience, my life wouldn't be what it is today. Hooray for inspirational buddies!
ReplyDeletetine's work is wonderful! i'm off to check out her site and also dan's. i've really struggled with creativity since i took my new job and would love some inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIt was so touching to read about your friendship with your art buddy. From Tine's work it seems obvious that she would be a good friend. It looks so friendly!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the generous tidbits and resources, Robin. These are lifesavers!