In every interview I’ve ever given one of the inevitable questions was to name artists whose work inspires me or to  answer what inspires me to create. It’s a valid question to be asked , for sure, but I usually find it difficult to answer. I don’t have a list of things like movies, songs, events, books or paintings that inspire me (although I do love and admire many) and I’m not sure how that works for people who do. Like, you see a movie you love and after that you instantly make better art? I don’t really get it. To me inspiration can be found anywhere, and most of the time it’s something intangible or hard to define , like, for example  smell of rain that triggers some childhood memory. To me being inspired means to be tuned into a certain mood, to feel a certain way which can be hard to described by words.

But there is something  that inspires me a lot, without any doubt:  people. To be more precise:   energy they emit. I’m sure you all know at least one person who, regardless of what her or she does has contagious positive, creative energy. After you spend some time  with them, their enthusiasm and motivation uplifts you and you instantly feel better and more motivated to create.  Those are the people who dare to live their life the way they want to, who aren’t afraid to claim their birthright to be awesome, magnificent, creative… People who don’t wait for life circumstances to get perfect (nothing ever does)  to go after what they want. Those are the people who allow themselves to think outside of the box, who don’t let naysayers or pessimists to crush their dreams, who simply follow the deepest desires of their heart and allow themselves to be who they are.

They are not necessary bubbly extroverts or attention seekers, they can be very introverted and a bit reclusive  but you can feel quiet strength, devotion and love in their presence. It comes through their work as well, no matter what they do, it’s always soulful and meaningful.

Those are the people who sometimes break social norms, or chose to redefine common beliefs on “how things should be done“, not out of disrespect or because they have issues with authority but because they allow themselves to follow their unique vision and be innovative and inventive. Those are the people who challenge our belief systems and encourage us to open up our minds to new possibilities.

I feel deep appreciation for people who choose to honor their heart’s desires and have courage to follow their dreams regardless of   consequences because they teach us by example that it’s perfectly possible to live a  fulfilled life motivated by love and turn your dreams into reality.

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What or who inspires you the most?