I am often asked how I use my inspiration. This partly depends where I am or what time of the day it is – I often get flashes of inspiration just as I’m about to fall asleep, or in my dreams! When that happens, I know I’ll remember them when I wake up and they’ll be a starting point for a piece of work, a blog post, or even solving a ‘how to’ problem such as styling photographs or arranging displays at the studio or in preparation for a fair.
displays of jewellery and art dolls

If I’m inspired to create something at a time when it’s practical (=daytime, at the studio) I try to at least start it so that I can pick up later. That is the main thing for me, as I’m always fairly sure I can follow up and complete whatever I’ve started…though not always immediately. So I may end up with a number of pieces that are ‘work in progress’ – the more the merrier. And of course it may take a long while before any of those get finished! If the inspiration is truly ‘flowing’ I do make the most of it and keep going regardless of time is or competing priorities – not always a good idea but often what I choose to do!

gabriela working in the studio
I often find inspiration in the external world – through a film, something I see in the street or in a shop, a piece of art. I also use my “magic cupboard”, particularly when I’m working on collages or prints: I have a collection of old cards, magazines, books, photographs, maps and various other ephemera that I’ve collected through the years. The image at the very top shows just a snippet of some of the stuff that I keep in the studio and is really precious to me, and below you can see some of the random things that have inspired me recently.
sources of inspiration: art and vintage items

What inspires you and where does your inspiration take you? I love helping people develop their creativity and teach a number of courses and workshops from my Camberwell studio. Take a look at what’s on offer and get in touch if you’d like to have a chat or have any questions. Thanks for taking the time to read!

Search Posts
Recent Posts
Follow Us
Gabriela Szulman
ARTIST & MAKER
My work is often humorous and whimsical – unless my romantic side takes over and then we enter into a fairy-tale territory of old-fashioned script, pages of books and music scores populated by chivalrous gentlemen, glamorous ladies, butterflies and rabbits.

Read more…

LEARN WITH ME
Would you like to explore your creative side? I use the wonderful techniques of decoupage and collage in much of my work, and now I can teach you how to create your very own masterpieces!

Read more…

I want to receive regular doses of inspiration delivered straight to my inbox!

You have Successfully Subscribed!