WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION?

Every now and again I find myself sitting in the studio with "Potter's Block." I just can't seem to come up with a creative idea for the blank slab laid out in front of me.

I pull out my stack of templates, dig through my "texture trove," and look at the sketches I've made. Still, nothing pops out at me. What to do now?When I find myself in this situation, I head outside. I'm a nature buff, so for me, it's something in the great outdoors. I walk into a stall and start grooming a horse, jump on the 4-wheeler and head up into the woods, or go sit by the pond. Something is bound to inspire me.

Watching the fish swim, hearing the horses chew on hay, smelling the leather and manure (yes, manure), feeling the power of the wind, it flips a switch in my brain that causes creative thought.

Right now, I'm sitting on the porch, watching the deer play in the field, smelling rain from last nights storms, and feeling the breeze. I can't wait to finish this post so I can head into the studio and make something amazing!

What flips that switch in your brain? Is it something you saw in a book or watched on a DVD? Maybe it's the lines and angles of big city buildings and bridges, watching people walk by and taking in their movement and expression, or driving out a country road watching the mountains and fields go by.

Do you know where you get your inspiration? Some artists have a definite trigger, while others, well... they just haven't figured it out yet. So, the next time you get a creative thought, ask yourself what brought it on. Where were you, what were you doing, what did you feel or smell?

When you find yourself unable to put something together in you mind, tap into that inspiration. Think back to what triggered your last creative thought and do it again. For me, well, I think I'll take a walk.

What inspires you? Tell us in the comments.

Do you have an idea or project you'd like to share with us? Shoot us an e-mail at bcscommunity@bigceramicstore.com