For myself one of my favorite stages in problem solving is the brainstorming part of the process. Where ideas are thrown into the ring without judgement. If I am in a group and we are doing this it is often a great insight into how other people think and a way to lead them to the idea that any idea is a valid one to start with.
There is always more than one solution to a problem. (Sorry math teachers) Some solutions are better than other though.
And then there are those rare times when I feel the urge to be creative but I have no real idea of what I want to do or where to start. When this happens I will pick up a magazine, newspaper, catalog, pamphlet or just stare out the window in search of the tiniest thing that grabs me.
It might be the juxtaposition of two colors used in an advertizing, it might be the pattern of shadows from a tree branch, it might be the bulletin board in the background of a photo. I never know what it will be. But once I have that tiny spark I begin my own brainstorming session. Would those colors work well in a quilt? Is that pattern something I can weave in wire? or would it make a good resist pattern on a piece of cloth? Do the color blocks on the bulletin board lend themselves to a dying, painting or printmaking process?
I wish I could say that I walk around open to inspiration all the time everyday, but the reality is I need to adopt a certain point of view to even notice the backgrounds of photos, or the shadows out my window.
Having a diversity of art and craft media I enjoy doing also allows me to use a variety of inspirations in combination and in many different ways.
