Creative Inspiration

I was reminded about how widely writing prompts are used today in classrooms, writing workshops and on the net for writer's to access from there home computer, when I googled the phrase and got a response of almost 3 million. I have used writing prompts for students as young as third grade and, of course, as old as my oldest adult student.

It seems natural to look outside ourselves for the creative stimulus. But with that realization, I remember the words of prolific abstract artist Stefan Lokos, when he approached the frequently asked questions“What inspires you? Where do you get inspiration?”

Lokos produced work daily without interruption all of his life. Students, artists and collectors often asked him about his inspiration. His answer was always the same.“I do not get inspired.What I do is paint everyday.I first put the blank canvas in front of me. I stare at it.I see that it intends to stay blank....I take a deep breath and urge myself to put a little color on it.I make a few stokes, then something comes.

Nike had the shorter translation of Lokos' words, "Just do it!"

For more information on the life of Stefan Lokos and to see his paintings on line go to www.StefanLokos.com.

Copyright © 2007 by Martie LaCasse