"So, What Inspires You?"

Loading dock at Mana Contemporary, Chicago.

Installation of paintings.

    The most asked question at a recent Chicago exhibition I took part in was, "So, what inspires you?"
     Here is the quick answer that people seemed to like: "As a naturalist, the infinite intrigue of the natural world is compelling. Daily hikes in wild places pique my curiosity, reinvigorate spirit, and build a palette of musings, colors, and motion. Nature stirs me to wonder. And inspiring wonder matters."
    These things are all true. But are these the things that drive my painting? Yes, in a sentimental sort of way.
     But looking deeper, I recognize the unromantic fact that putting the nose to the grindstone is what really feeds my creativity and success. Regular, disciplined studio time beats inspiration every time. I step into my "office," turn inward, and paint.
     So, my answer to that most asked question should, perhaps, be less quixotic: It's not what inspires me that seems to matter as much as whether I just plain keep going. Day after day. Like Chuck Close said, "Inspiration is for amateurs - the rest of us just show up and get to work."

One of my Chicago area collectors stopped in to visit. Photo credits, Cheri Jostad. ©2019