Get Inspired with Kathy Beekman

This time of year it can be difficult to find inspiration and time to create with so many other things to do. While inspiration can be found in nature, listening to music, exploring, and going inward, it can also come from watching or observing other artists at work. Being a visual person, when I get to see another artist doing their work, I get excited to try new things and ideas. Observing an artist gives me a new perspective and often kickstarts energy and excitement within my own work. When I see and talk with other artists, I hold myself to a higher standard. When in Florence this spring with Thrive Creative Community’s retreat, we had the pleasure of visiting a mosaic studio. The artists were extremely patient with each piece of stone they selected and trimmed for their incredible stone paintings. Watching the masters inspired me to think differently in my approach to my own work. It made me want to hold myself to a higher standard. Being a creative can be isolating, but watching others makes me feel more at peace with choices and mistakes I make. I have learned from others that all creatives are human and working through and enjoying mistakes along the way is part of the artistic process. Other artists motivate me to continue to work, to try new things, and to take risks. Listening and watching artists allows me to dream a little and ask “what if” on my own work.

If you are looking for a little inspiration, motivation, and to meet a few creatives along the way, Kathy Beekman will be demoing her art process at our next Creative Journey meeting on November 21, from 11-12. Creative journey Meetings are free for members, but if you haven’t been a guest, you can rsvp here.

If you want to check out the stone mosaic studio we visited in Florence, you can find it here.