43: Getting Motivated as an Artist | Jenn Terrell Photography
Uplift Blog Series: I wanted to help be a part of online positivity in the wake of the coronavirus and social distancing measures. I have had the honor of working with some amazing people who have such interesting and uplifting stories. ❤️I think now is the perfect time to share some of those. Education is also great to share during times like these so there will be educational posts occasionally. At first, I was going to put everything into one post but I think each person and topic deserves their own post and it will give me something to look forward to sharing with the world each day.
DAY 43
Every once in a while I will feel the need for something different. The need for something inspiring. I think most artists go through phases like this. This feeling is what sparks growth. It is yourself telling you, you need something different because you need to grow. You need to experiment. You need to try new things pertaining to your field. And Picasso himself said,” Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
A few years ago I was feeling this. I was in a photographic rut in my personal projects. I felt uninspired and I just wanted to photograph something different to get me motivated. My neighbor at the time (Hubert Neal, Jr.) had an art studio right across the street and he spent most days painting there. I had never photographed a painter or an artist working in their studio so I thought it was worth a shot. I walked over to his studio and asked him if I could take some photos of him while he painted and worked in his studio. He agreed to let me take photos as he worked.
These ended up being some of my favorite photos, y’all. And they got me through the rut. The journalist part of me was fulfilled and the artist part of me was stoked to be in the presence of someone doing something so creative. These photos were later published in Bentonville Living Magazine; one photo on the cover and more featured inside (scroll down to the end of the post to see the article and cover).
Even now, I find moments where I need to just go and photograph something new. It helps me stay on my toes and expand. Sometimes I just go outside, take a walk, and photograph what I see. It doesn’t have to be crazy different but just photographing something helps. Doing something helps. If it ends up being something I am excited about my motivation will go through the roof and Hubert ended becoming one of my favorite people and my mentor. After this studio session, I was so motivated and inspired. Check out my favorites from the set below:
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
