Blog 1 Inspiration
Inspiration – Where Do You Find It?
When students visit my studio for the first time, whether for a workshop or just browsing in the little shop, I often hear how amazed they are that I just “come up with all of this.”
“How do you do that?” or “I would never think of something like that” or “I could never do that.”
Inspiration — such a beautiful word. Mathilde Santing once even wrote a song about it (look it up!). But how do you find it? Honestly, it’s not that hard, as long as you take the time to listen to yourself, or simply to be.
That said, I’ll be honest: sometimes it’s not there. I also get creative blocks — especially when I’m putting pressure on myself. That whole must-do mindset really works against me. That’s why I hardly ever accept commissions anymore. My work is a creative process, one that doesn’t like to be rushed. Since I stopped forcing it, it flows much more naturally. And when inspiration is completely gone? Well… then I simply plan a little trip to Vancouver Island 😉.
But seriously — let me try to explain how ideas come to life for me. Maybe it will help you, or inspire you to try it for yourself?
When I think of making something, I almost never sketch it out first. It’s already in my head.
Sometimes I’ll draw it to explain it to Erik, or when I need his help. But because it’s a process, the idea can shift in all kinds of directions along the way.
What I always try to avoid, though, is becoming “blinded” by other people’s work. Some students arrive full of enthusiasm, with a whole stack of Pinterest images: “Look how cute all of this is!” And yes, images can help spark ideas — but be careful they don’t block your own creativity. When your head is full of other people’s work, there’s not much space left for your own imagination.
That’s why I always delete social media apps from my phone when I’m on holiday. They only drain my battery (which I’d rather save for taking photos 😉). Plus, that “radio silence” feels so peaceful. Being truly present, together with my family. And I find that when I’m less distracted, I start to see things differently. It’s like I become more open to inspiration.
That’s when I might pick up a mussel shell while beachcombing — and find a beautiful pigment just a bit further along. At that moment, I’m already inspired. I want to do something with those two little treasures. Then I start daydreaming. Imagining all the ways I could use them.
I tend to do this while driving, or sitting in the bath as the water runs. I just let my thoughts wander:
How would that mussel shell look if I recreated it in clay? Could I turn it into a painter’s case? What if I made the lid into a palette?
And slowly but surely, an idea begins to take shape.
Sometimes I say my thoughts out loud — showing the kids what I’ve found, and what I’m thinking of making. That’s when they all chorus: “Uh-oh, there she goes again!”
I’ve learned to write my ideas down, too. It happens often that inspiration strikes in the middle of the night, and I don’t want to forget.
Actually starting on an idea — that’s usually the hardest part for me. Once I manage to begin, the rest flows easily. Sometimes I create exactly what I pictured, but more often the idea shifts as I go along. And that’s perfectly okay. It’s part of the creative process.
I hope this little story has helped you a bit — maybe even inspired you. Keep practicing. You’ll find your own way. Good luck! ✨
Stay inspired!
In my blogs, I share tips, recipes, and stories about ceramics, natural pigments, and life in the Norwegian wilderness.
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