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The Inspiration Quotient: A Different Kind of IQ

American Artscape | 2013 No. 4
Drawing of a man in profile
Cover illustration by Andrea LeHeup, Soleil NYC Design
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About this Issue

Author Jack London once wrote, “Don’t loaf and invite inspiration; light out after it with a club.” These words imply what most artists already know: that inspiration is not a divine force that flows unbidden. Instead, it is the result of continuous work, research, and observation. Although the proverbial “Aha!” moment does arise on occasion, the process that spurs this moment is where the true creative magic lies.

In this issue, we spoke with artists across the disciplines about inspiration, and how it figures into their creative endeavors. How do they define inspiration, and where do they seek it? Who inspires them, and whom do they hope to inspire? How is fresh inspiration found within familiar themes, and conversely, what happens when the usual sources of inspiration suddenly run dry? The answers we received from those we interviewed were, not surprisingly, altogether inspiring. As Marc Bamuthi Joseph, who coined “inspiration quotient” in his interview, noted, “If you’re doing it right, it’s all inspired work.”

All the pieces in this issue showcase the artists in their own words.

Included in this Issue

Native-American man spreading his arms.

Sherman Alexie

Plainspoken Inspiration
Man smiling holding a mandolin.

Chris Thile

Days Full of Music
Woman wearing glasses and her reflection

Muriel Hasbun

Getting to Know Oneself
Man dressed in black in a dance pose with arms extended.

Septime Webre

Trigger Points for Inspiration
Man sitting at desk in messy office.

Tod Lippy

Providing a Context for Art
Portrait of woman with dark brown hair smiling.

Jeanne Gang

Urban Inspiration
African-American man in white tee-shirt in building shaking his arm.

Marc Bamuthi Joseph

Follow Your Ghosts
Taylor Ho Bynum.

Taylor Ho Bynum

Notions of Inspiration
Audio Available
Brad Mehldau performing during his concert with Chris Thile at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland in April 2013. Photo by Dylan Singleton

Brad Mehldau

Ways of Organizing Sound
Text with the work Inspiration in red in the middle.

Inspiring Thoughts

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