Tools for Inspiration
There’s a quote I read years ago in the book Art and Fear by David Bayles that continues to strike a chord with me:
“Vision is ahead of execution, knowledge of tools is our contact with reality, and uncertainty is a virtue.”
I consider these words in my painting practice, as well as throughout my life. Tools can empower us, inspire us, and become touchstones for who we are. My tools are invaluable to me, from my palettes, brushes, maps, notebooks, and flask (I use alcohol to lower the freezing temperature of my paints in cold regions, read more winter sketching tips here).
I also wear a small reminder that inspires me to push through daily uncertainties. This is my silver ulu necklace given to me by a friend of mine from Upernavik, Greenland, in 2005. The ulu is a traditional Inuit women’s knife, a timeless, all-purpose tool. It reminds me to be brave in my painting endeavors, whether off in the arctic or approaching an empty sketchbook page.
What do you carry for inspiration to keep you going? A talisman, keepsake, or even a mantra?
6 Responses to “Tools for Inspiration”
Taska
I wear a necklace that looks like a climbing rope and the clasp is a tiny locking carabiner that actually screws to lock.
Maria
That sounds so beautiful, I love it!
Nancy
Hi Maria,
I have several of the pocket Rosemary brushes which I love but I thought you were supposed to let brushes dry before putting the cover on. If I let them dry, then the hair of the brushes split when I try to put the cover on. Is it ok to put the cover on when the brushes are still wet? Many thanks.
Maria
Hi Nancy, the Rosemary brush covers have a small air hole in the tip so the hair can dry. I always dip mine in water, squeeze out the excess, then bring them to a point with my fingers before putting the cover on. I hope that helps!
Isabel Patchett
Thank you so much for this Maria I, like Nancy, have also worried about my Rosemary travel brushes when trying to putting them away when dry as a few of the hairs never seem to want to go in and I was worried about ruining them but now I know I can put them away damp they will not do that so again thanks for another great tip. Isabel
Ellen Gould
I have worn the same necklace for 54 years. It was given to me on the delivery room table when I gave birth to my darling daughter. As my husband snapped it around my neck, he said, “Thank you for giving me the most precious gift anyone could give.” I have , with the exception of medical reasons, never taken it off. When I question if I can do something, I feel the necklace, and get back to work.