Recording Inspiration

Journals are a great place to make a record of inspirations

Having gathered inspiration from nature, other artists and my materials, I then need to record my discoveries and explorations in some way. I use several different methods for recording the information that I gather, which include sketchbooks, inspirations boards and collections of objects.

Inspiration books

I have already mentioned my inspiration sketchbook, where I collect images and notes about other artist’s work, in a previous post. I also create ideas books to pull all my inspirations and explorations together. Looking at everything together makes it easier to see where the links are and connect the ideas together in some way. I can decide which ideas I want to pursue and which ones have run their course with me.

Pages from an ideas book

I also use sketchbooks for recording the items that I find when I am out walking, using drawings and brief annotations. This acts as a kind of nature journal, recording where I was and when as well as what the item is and a detailed coloured pencil drawing of it. I can then use these drawings as the basis for embroidery designs.

All of my initial explorations into new materials will take place in a sketchbook. I can play in my sketchbook without any pressure to make beautiful art. I get to know how a material works and what effects I can create with it through mark making with different tools and techniques.

Inspiration boards

I keep a selection of inspiring items pinned to a board, that I can see clearly from my work table, to keep me inspired and reflect my intentions to me whilst I am working. The items on the board include my own drawings and copies of work by other artists as well as pieces of fabric and threads that I have dyed. I also include images taken from magazines and thread cards that I have made for colour reference.

One of my inspiration boards

I refresh my boards regularly to reflect my changing interests and directions and I really enjoy putting them together. It is an opportunity to distil my ideas down to a few items and really find the essence of what interests me.

Inspiration collections

I sometimes collect interesting natural items whilst I am out on my walks, so I need a way of storing them when I get home. I have a set of small segmented drawers to keep small, delicate items in as well as various dishes and bowls to keep larger items in. My collection is quite small at the moment and I try to be discerning when deciding which items to bring home so as not to deplete the natural environment of too many of its treasures.

Collections of natural objects in jars and dishes

I have some lovely smooth pebbles that I have picked up on several different trips to the beaches in the Isle of Wight. They have a lovely tactile quality to them and I love their chalky white, cream and grey colours.

Pebbles picked up on the beach

Some of my favourite items to look for in the woods include pine cones and other seed casings as well as beautifully coloured fallen leaves in the autumn. Through drawing these items I come to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of them.

Photographs

It is important to make a record of the things and people that inspire me in order to isolate the things that interest me the most. In addition to the recording methods already mentioned, I have various files on my computer containing photographs that I have taken of things that I have found inspiring. Photography can be the quickest method for capturing inspiration, although I have learnt to be discerning when deciding what to take photos of too, otherwise I can come home with hundreds of photos of the same things and spend hours sorting through them all!

Photograph of a wild orchid taken whilst out walking