Artist Debianne says “Absolutely”

Meet Debianne—busy artist, wife, mother, full-time employee, ministry worker and friend. She is hands-down one of the most creative, busy, fun people I know. She works full time and creates incredible art using different mediums–from fabric to paint to paper. I asked her to talk about how she stays focused and inspired—despite her schedule.

Similar Passions; Different Mediums
When Connie invited me to be her guest blogger, I thought, Really?  A non-writer writing for a writer?  Does that even make sense?

Artist Debianne

Connie and I “clicked” with our creative brains pretty quick, but initially I had to drag her kicking (don’t know if she was screaming) into the 21st century!  During the initial setup and maintenance of her website she paid for my technical help/support with suntan lotion!

I was also her personal broken record about blogging!  She “turned her nose up” at first…”too busy.” (I know, can you believe it? Especially since she has so much to say?)  But now, she is a faithful blogger and I can keep up with her musings and ruminations. I’m Texas born and raised, so the fact that I know Connie at all is a whole ‘nuther story!

I love reading Connie’s blog…she says things out loud that I think in my head. Then I find myself saying (out loud),”Why didn’t I say that?” I have a feeling we are very often on the same wave length!  She uses her words and I use my art and pictures…but ultimately I think we convey the same message…follow your passion.  Listen for that small voice within you!!!

Schedule Inspiration
How do I stay focused as I work a full time job and create my “passions” in my spare-time (spare-time?)  What inspires and motivates me?  My main source of motivation and inspiration is my weekly “Artist Date.” (The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron)

There are two main keys to an Artist date.  First, the activity must be done solo! This allows the second key to happen, which is listening to your inner voice. Being solo gives me opportunity to really be who I am (no thought to others around me) and by being solo I can really hear that small quiet voice within me. 

I believe during my quiet dates that the Spirit of God stirs me with desire to use the gifts He’s given me.  “For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases Him.” (Phil. 2:13)  Give it a try…it doesn’t have to cost money, take a lot of time or be weird and hard, but the time you invest in renewing your soul pays huge dividends! (You can Google “Artist Date” for hundreds of ideas of what you can do for your own date.)

I know I’ve gone “over” my allotted time.  It was very nice meeting all ya’ll and I hope to “see” you soon. I will leave you with my favorite inspirational poem that hangs above my desk!  Be inspired…and follow your dreams.

debi

Disturb Us, Lord
A Prayer by Francis Drake- 1577
Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the Waters of Life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery:
Where losing sight of land
We shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push us in the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Thanks so much, Debianne. To learn more about her and her work, stop by Cowgurl’s Blessing and say hello.

So what do you think? Can you schedule inspiration? I’d love to hear your thoughts…