After the Rain in Suzu. On recognizing inspiration.

“Where to next?” That one question is always staring you in the face as an artist or writer. The minute you set down your brush after writing your signature on a painting – in this case “After the Rain in Suzu”. When you hit send on that email with the final “good for print” on a book. Well, maybe not exactly that minute. First, there is the sense of elation and accomplishment that comes with completing a project. Achieving a certain goal. But pretty soon after that, though, it kicks in. The disquieting feeling of the unknown route ahead for your ship. Whether it will be a smooth sailing or a stormy sea. There are always storms, to be sure, though many – most really – are of the teacup sort. Especially right now, when it feels so very privileged to be creating from a peaceful corner of the world.

At this moment this ship is sailing between harbours. I have finished another painting in “The bookbinder’s world” series and am eagerly searching for the next subject. A certain restlessness has set in. It feels like the right moment to attempt to examine the “How”.

“How do I know when a destination, a subject, feels right ?”

I didn’t know it then, but it has always been staring me right in the face. Or to be more precise, echoing from the rib cage.