Sometimes people ask me how I stay inspired and motivated to keep on creating. Part of it is that I can't help it. Part of it is that I'm selfish and somewhat lazy...
When I'm not in the mood to create, I don't. I used to get frustrated that ideas wouldn't come to me when I wanted them to, but now I go and do something else and consider that time "incubation time." My brain is working on the problem, indirectly and at some point something inevitably comes of it.
I also like to work while I can watch a movie or listen to music or talk on the phone. Somehow, distracting my conscious mind from the art project makes my hands do the work on their own. For the times when I get really stuck, I have a note stuck to my lamp that says, "WHEN STUCK, GO BACK TO MATERIALS." I have been collecting materials for many years (yes, many people would call it bins of junk) and when I go and look at them, I usually get an idea.
I've been making cards for many many years. And I think that over the years it's really been about finding out what my style is, finding out more about ME though creating. I know what I like to make, I know what my body is good at making. I know what I can't do, so I don't force those things, though I am always trying to learn at the same time.
It's really the same with taiko, especially when it comes to soloing. There are still rules to follow and I know what they are and am continually trying to improve. BUT, there comes a point when you need to know who you are musically, to develop beyond...
So I keep plugging away, chugging away, gluing and playing and trying to enjoy the ride.
"Sculpture is like farming. If you keep at it, you can get quite a lot done." - Ruth Asawa
