Creative Inspirations for the Inner Artist

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Sometimes when you are feeling like you need a creative shot in the arm, go to the library or video store and rent a movie of an artist you know little or nothing about, maybe even an art period like Surrealism. This weekend I have been feeling a little uninspired, so I rented a documentary about Frida Kahlo. I love Frida's work, but the story of her life is what is inspiring. I have seen the movie that was made about Frida, but the documentary had interviews with people who actually knew the artist and her husband Diego Rivera. I love her symbolism and how she laid her life out there for everyone to see. She took chances with her art and wasn't afraid to go against convention in her life time.

If you need a movie with more action, I usually turn to the Indiana Jones movies, the Mummy movies, and Laura Croft movies. Anything that has to do with archeology, stolen art and mystery. :) I love the movie and book The Di Vinci Code because of all the symbolism in the story. The illustrated version of the book is the best, since you can see the artwork the story references. (I never can remember the details of all the paintings the story references. I think it was art history over load in college....)

So my creative tip is: Take a break and chill out. Making art is hard and you can't expect yourself to be a creative machine.

Cheers,
susan ;>