It's easy to fall into the deception that creating powerful art is only about responding to whatever inspiration comes your way, but there's a lot of discipline that goes into the creative process. We cannot control inspiration; however, we play a part in pursuing it by creating space in our lives for creativity to grow and take root. Steadily engaging a craft, even when you don't feel like it, is essential. In those moments of faithful engagement, no matter how dull or rudimentary they may seem, you are not only further shaping your artistic technique, but you are also showing faith by waiting on inspiration.
My roommate shared an interesting piece of wisdom given to her by a professional photographer: She said that the life of a photographer is hard because you really have to live a life of reflection. That comment struck me because it reminded me that being an artist is all encompassing. In the same way that athletes order their diet, sleep and training in order to keep their bodies in peak condition, artists must not only regularly practice their technique, but they must also regularly reflect in order to create authentic art. When we let our art spring out of a disciplined life of reflection, we create art with a powerful, authentic voice.
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