Take it away, AP Castell!
What Inspires AP Castell
A view, a dream, a look, a phrase… Yes all of this and so much more.
Inspiration comes from many sources and
usually when I least expect it. I often find the more effort I put into
thinking of an idea, the more elusive it becomes.
I enjoy being outdoors and when in need of
inspiration, that is where I turn. A drive in the country with the windows
down, a walk on the beach whatever the season, hiking through the bush or even
just a stroll in my garden, holds much wonder and appeal. Not only does it
clear the mind and help consolidate thoughts, it is food for the soul.
With a background in art, I approach
writing from this perspective, utilising the basic principles to unearth ideas.
My love of colour and nature has a strong influence on my writing. I tend to include
detailed descriptions of architecture and scenery in my stories. This would
explain my love of the old classic movies with their epic scenes; ‘The Sound of
Music’, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Gone with the Wind’, all of which are another
source of inspiration.
Observation is just as important to the
artist as it is for the writer. The artist is taught to look for basic visual
elements.
·
Shape - area defined by its external edge
·
Colour - hues including their various values and intensities
·
Texture - surface qualities/tactile pattern
·
Form - three dimensional, length, width and depth
·
Value - shading
The more accurately one can distinguish
these individual elements, the more concisely it will be interpreted to the
canvas. Once learned, it changes the way a person perceives the world around
them. No longer is life a flat dull surface. Even the most mundane objects
become interesting when you apply the visual elements.
When out in search of inspiration I focus
on the visual elements and my senses. The sight, the smell, the sound, the
touch; I use all these to take in my surroundings. Concentrating on each sense
individually, once I have reflected on one, I move on to the next. Then I make
a conscious point of looking for shape, texture and so on. Leaving colour for
last as it is the most obvious; I enjoy picking out the different hues and
nuances. Really it is like a form of meditation for me and when I am done I
feel revitalised and content which frees me to possibilities that usually morph
into inspiration.
Having rambled long enough, I will leave
you with the wise words of Keats.
"The poetry of the earth is
never dead."
John Keats
Find more inspiring quotes here: http://www.allgreatquotes.com/nature_quotes.shtml
