what inspires you? - lyrical journey

mission: MUSE - "what inspires you?"

by guest muse Jamie Shaw
of Lyrical Journey

 

In this post I'm featuring photos by talented friends whose work inspires me.  First up this amazing photo by Clare B, check out her blog and photography tutorials!

What inspires you?  What causes you to pick up your camera?  What muse speaks to you when you sit down to the computer to edit a photo or write a post?

For me the answers to these questions come quickly and easily (most days):

• The beauty of nature - I grew up in a tiny town surrounded by nature, but now find myself living in cities.  I find taking the time to get closer to nature again makes breathing, thinking and creating easier.
• Travel and exploring new cultures - Thanks to my job, I get to travel the world and I truly see things differently having lived on the other side of the earth.  My home, clothes, jewelry and art are more colorful and reflect the impact these cultures have had on me.
• Spending time with friends and family - I'm blessed to be surrounded by talented and loving people who encourage and inspire me with their talents and joy for life.
• Good music - If you've ever ready my blog this one won't surprise you.  I believe music is as essential to life as air.

The final answer on my list is more recent, but has rapidly become vital to my creative soul: Blogging and a supportive community of artists.

I started blogging  simply to share photos and stories of my travel with my family.  I was an occasional blogger with no plans to change.  Then my cousins took up a challenge to blog every day for a month.  She inspired me to do the same.  At the end of the month, I discovered I loved the discipline that came with regular posting; I also found myself (a natural homebody) inspired to live a more active life as I searched out things to do that would provide something more interesting to write about than watching TV or reading (both things which I LOVE.)

A few months later, I participated in Creativity Bootcamp, where I connected with like-minded artists and bloggers from around the world, including many of the Mortal Muses.  They inspire me through their blogs, photos, art and their warm and welcoming spirit.  Their work inspires me to keep developing my skills behind the camera and in photo editing.  I'm still very much a beginner, but many of these new friends still take the time to send tips and encouraging words my way, this support gives me the inspiration to keep working at it, even when the muse has disappeared.

 Photo by the brilliant and sweet Kristine of Blue Elephant Photography

More recently, Mortal Muses has become one of my favorite places to visit each day.  I know I'll walk away richer and inspired by both the photographs and words of the Muses and the members of the community they have built.  I've also found a community of artists discussing and seeking inspiration daily at Kim Klassen's Inspiration Studio, where I'm lucky enough to lead a discussion about music each week.  The amazing community there encourage and participate as we seek inspiration through music.

What inspires you?  Please share some of your ideas with the rest of us in the comments section - you never know when one of your comments or suggestions will inspire a fellow artist!

 Photo by the talented and generous Justine Gordon.

I'll leave you with an example and a song - because it wouldn't be a blog post from me if it didn't include at least one song.  I was introduced to this incredible song by Prairie Girl and as I've shared this song with others, I've received notes telling me how it inspired them, truly proof that inspiration is paid both forward and back.

Wild Horses - Susan Boyle.  Not only is hers an inspiring story, her rendition of this song will give you chills.




I encourage you to become an active member of Mortal Muses and the greater community of online artists.  Seek them out, take the time to leave a comment and words of encouragement, in return, you'll receive more inspiration than you can imagine.

Jamie Shaw

Lyrical Journey

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Today's More Musing Giveaway is a second copy of Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart.  Leave a comment to be eligible.

We are having nine days of giveaways and special guests. We will be drawing the winners from the comments left during the entire 9 Days Of Inspiration from all three pages and announcing them in a special *muse flash* on October 31. Make sure to visit the Everyday Beauty and main Mortal Muses pages and comment each day for more chances to win. Good Luck!