Some thoughts on what inspires my creative process

Do you ever stop to think about what inspires you? What hits the most sensitive nerve and resonates in a way that is too deep for words? You don’t have to be an artist to be inspired, though artists are more inclined to listen, and create an interpretation. Inspiration is the spark that happens during that moment of private meditation. It’s that moment when the universe opens the door just a crack—just enough to get a peak at something bigger than yourself. We recognize the things we love and admire, but inspiration is something more mysterious. Inspiration is the moment we look at one thing but see something else. We dream, and then we try to create. Merriam-Webster defines inspiration as “a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation”.

I have realized that inspiration doesn’t happen in any one way. The process can be dreamy yet semi-predictable. There may be times when you think about what you love and incorporate them into a specific project. And sometimes, a revelation takes place when some unexpected idea emerges from some seemingly mundane experience.


I love nature, so it’s no surprise that I would be inspired to create things that mimic the natural and organic elements that mean so much to me. My Forest and Waterfall (seen below) designs come from that respect and wonder of the natural world. 

Waterfall Decorative Candleholder by Di's Studio Designs

​Last week, I briefly mentioned my admiration for the works of architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. His style incorporates natural elements such as stone and wood, light and sometimes water, openness, and seclusion. FLW embraces aspects of natural landscapes and traditional Japanese design. I have developed a respect for the simplicity and versatility of Japanese design. The point is, that I am consciously aware of the influence of each of these elements so that part of the creative process is not all that mysterious to me. 
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Fallingwater. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2013.

Fallingwater. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2013.

​But then there’s the Bird Bath project, inspired by a trip into Center City, Philadelphia (of all places). On a balmy sunny summer afternoon, I sat on a bench in Logan Square, waiting for my son to finish his volunteers while absentmindedly watching the fountain. I found myself particularly fascinated by the water jets and the sound of the splashing water and reveled in the delicate spray that the light breeze carried my way. Sitting in this idyllic setting, I decided to pull out my sketchbook to scratch out a few thumbnails for future ideas based on water. This one moment—this one mundane activity born out of boredom—didn’t just inspire one idea but spawned a whole host of ideas that I have filed away in the mind of “Di” to be dusted off later when some of my current projects are finished. 
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Logan Square, Philadelphia. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2015.

Bird Bath Faux Floral Table Decor by Di's Studio Designs

​Some final thoughts on Inspiration…
Inspiration is not limited to only one concept but can be exponential in its capacity to change first our psychological and then—by extension—our physical world. The universe is our muse and shows us—if we are willing to stop and observe—that our potential for creating positive things (and thus creating positive energy) is as limitless as it is ethereal.

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Shop handcrafted nature-inspired decorative candleholders and faux floral centerpieces by Di's Studio Designs here!


Related blog posts you may want to read:
Creation of a centerpiece
​Finding creative inspiration from nothing
Nature and well being
Art imitates nature