Seeking Inspiration

Beth Goodrich, archivist of the American Craft Council (ACC) library, welcomed me at the front door of the historic brewhouse building on Marshall St. in Northeast Minneapolis, MN this morning. She led me up to the second floor, where I found myself in the craft library, seated at a table surrounded by artist files and books on felting and fiber arts. As part of my ongoing exploration of fiber arts—particularly wool felting—I had been drawn to the craft library to see examples from fiber artists, to learn, and to be inspired.

I was, indeed, inspired by the artists I encountered through their work. Let me introduce you to some of them; perhaps they’ll inspire you, too.

Artists’ Inspirations

Erma Martin Yost

 “I follow the maxim attributed to Jasper Johns: ‘Do something, do something to that, and then do something to that.’ In other words, don’t sit around waiting for inspiration, for it seldom comes in a blinding flash; it comes from the ‘do’ing. As the meaning or expression tasks form and becomes a little clearer, I proceed. At some point, the process takes over and informs and directs me. Eventually the piece tells me it is complete.” (Fiber Arts Magazine, Mar/Apr 1993).

Joan Livingstone

“When something reaches its limits, it can either expand or contract: the edge defines the limits while the interior reflects the capacity.” (Limit of Capacity exhibition guidebook, Denver Museum Center, 1998).

Janice Arnold

“I find inspiration everywhere, and I take an ontological approach to design, meaning inspiration is a byproduct of my mindset, which embodies an infinite sense of innocence and wonder.” (Janice Arnold interview with Sam Pitcher, TextileArtist.org).

Seeking Your Inspiration

Reading these artists’ reflections, it’s worth taking a moment to consider your own sources of inspiration:

• Like Erma Martin Yost, how can you engage in the process itself to uncover fresh ideas, even if inspiration doesn’t come quickly?
• When you reach the edges of your creative limits, as Joan Livingstone describes, do you challenge yourself to expand beyond them or draw meaning from within?
• Inspired by Janice Arnold, how might you cultivate a mindset of openness, where every experience—no matter how small—becomes a spark for creative discovery?

More about The ACC and Craft Library

The ACC is a non-profit founded in 1939 by Aileen Osborn Webb, who recognized how profoundly craft can enrich individuals and communities. The craft library is open to the public by appointment until November 15, 2024. Goodrich has been busy weeding through their collection in preparation for moving many artist files and some smaller archives collections to storage. The ACC are seeking partner organizations to help preserve and care for these collections in the future.