Video Inspiration Week – Day 3!

I clicked on this video last night simply because I thought the kitty was so great, but was ultimately drawn in by Mirjam’s wonderful illustration style and her capacity to communicate a struggle that all women struggle with to a certain extent.  That sometimes not so subtle push and push of wanting to be beautiful and seen by others and just being comfortable in your own skin.  Is there a trade-off, are these two things mutually exclusive?

With such a simple and beautifully whimsical animation, this artist got my mind a buzzing with questions beyond the realm of beauty – specifically, how I view myself as an artist and my work.  When I look for inspiration in this design or that photograph, when I check that blog, website, or twitter feed – in the end, I’ve realized there comes a time when there can be too much of a good thing.  When the inspiration slides slowly into envy, strolls on down to that deflated place of, “Man, I wish I were making (doing, creating, experiencing…) that….”  and meanders into “All the cool stuff is already made, my stuff is lame, why should I even try….”.  It’s  a pretty dangerous place to end up – cause it usually means you’ll be stuck standing still for a little(long) while.

This morning I felt myself heading down that scary trail….and by grace alone did I remember the title of this post and the things I have been saying all week…I’ve got my own work & creative perspective. That’s all I’m responsible to be faithful with.  Nothing more. Nothing less.

Right now, it’s simple:  Create.  And encourage others to do the same.

Made-Up from Mirjam Plettinx on Vimeo. Quote via Oscar Wilde.