I recently went away on a girls’ weekend—a much-needed escape filled with conversation, bush walks, delicious food, and window shopping (though I must confess, I didn’t entirely resist temptation and came home with a new dress and an antique cabinet small enough to fit in my car). Among our wanderings, we visited a local gallery showcasing regional artists. I was drawn to a collection of lino-cut prints that had been hand-painted—something I hadn’t given much thought to before. But this time, something clicked. It made me wonder how I could incorporate this layered approach into my own work, blending familiar techniques with fresh perspectives. A creative spark had been lit.
Creativity isn’t an endless resource that simply flows without effort; it needs to be nurtured, replenished, and cultivated.
Like a well, it requires regular topping up through new experiences, learning, and exploration. Inspiration can strike in the everyday—like noticing the breathtaking colours of a sunrise during a morning walk with the dog. But stepping outside of routine, into new and unexpected spaces, is often where the most invigorating ideas emerge.
For me, visiting art galleries always stirs something within. I love going alone, allowing myself to take in each artwork at my own pace, free to linger over the details that catch my eye. Standing in front of a piece that speaks to me, I find myself drawn into its textures, colours, and techniques, considering how these elements might influence my own design work. Music, too, plays a role—whether it’s the electric energy of a large-scale concert (hello, Kylie!) or the intimacy of an acoustic performance in a small venue, there’s something about experiencing creativity firsthand that fuels my own.
Trying something new is another powerful way to refresh the creative well.
Lately, I’ve been exploring new techniques in my printmaking class, and the process of experimenting—without the pressure of perfection—has been exhilarating. Fearless play, curiosity, and a willingness to step beyond the familiar open doors to new ideas and opportunities. Even when the results aren’t what I expect, the act of exploration itself is valuable.
The beauty of creativity is that it looks different for everyone. Some find inspiration in travel, immersing themselves in new cultures and landscapes. Others turn to nature, absorbing the quiet wisdom of the bush or the ever-changing patterns of the sea. Books, film, architecture, theatre—all of these can spark ideas and fuel the imagination in unexpected ways.
So, how do you fill your creative well? What are the experiences that ignite your imagination and keep your inspiration flowing? And perhaps more importantly—what’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet? Maybe now is the perfect time to take that first step. Who knows where it might lead?
