Adam King Studio Fine Furniture & Antique Restoration

Sometimes I find myself completely stuck when it comes time to design a new piece. It's as if all the creative inspiration has seemingly run out. Is that even possible? We tend to view creativity as some sort of resource that flows from the maker freely and endlessly. Well, not exactly. You see, creativity can run as dry as a well in a mid-summer drought. So, what do you do when this happens? Where do you go to replenish the supply? Like many things in life, you must start at the beginning. Go back to the source of your inspiration.

Look: Observation is the first and most powerful step to obtaining inspiration. Architecture, interior design, nature...all of these and many more sources are out there in this amazing world. Everywhere you go be open and aware to the observation of everything around you. Pay close attention to the most overlooked details. Look closely at the building's roof line. Stop and study the intricacies of a single leaf. As you observe the things in front of you, do not neglect the things that came before: the past. Ancient temples, mountain ranges, works of art that have survived the centuries. There is much that we in the present can learn from the past. Are you paying attention? Are you looking?

Listen: Sometimes our work can be inspired simply by what we hear. Whether it's the moving story of one person's life, or the melody of a bird's morning sonnet, there is great inspiration to be heard! I have seen paintings and pottery designed around the sound of water. I have read poetry fueled by the passion of another person's communication. Words and sounds can trigger an emotional inspiration that could never be duplicated otherwise. Stop. Listen. Do you hear it?

Feel: This is the key element that allows us to transition our inspiration into our work. It's simply not enough to know that you like something. If you are going to communicate this thing of inspiration to others, you must know WHY you like it. This is the first and last lesson of design. Know WHAT you like and WHY you like it. What is it about that ancient Greek vase that holds your fascination? Why do you stand in awe of a mighty oak stretching to the sky? How are you going to put the simple lines of this Japanese Tea House into your sculpture? As you look and listen, don't forget to study, question, and feel the responses to these sources of inspiration. If you hold an emotional connection to these sources than others will have the same connection to your work. It's that connection that is so treasured by people. Give it to them by feeling the connection yourself. Why? How? Where? These questions and more will help you understand your sources of inspiration. Can you feel it already?

No matter what you do, whether you're a writer, musician, potter, weaver, furniture maker; we all need to revisit the sources of our inspiration as well as constantly being open to new ones. You never know where, who, or what these sources will be. Take time to replenish. Take time to look, listen, and feel.