Artistic Inspiration from an Unlikely Place

I really want to get back into my artwork. I haven't really done any art for almost a year now. Sure, I have picked up a sketchpad, even a digital one to use on my computer - but there is just nothing flowing through me. No inspiration. I find it hard this past year to get inspired. I did start the TAFE course in February, 2010, but I gave that up after I had a bit of a breakdown.

Once I was over that, it had just been so long since I'd attended, I hadn't told my course-coordinator what was going on, so I guess there was just too much anxiety inside of me to "face the crowd", so to speak. Which is stupid. I wasn't "slacking off" or anything, I had a legitimate reason! I even spent two or three weeks in Nolan House, the psychiatric-wing of Albury Base Hospital!!

Besides, when I first started the course, I told myself that I was primarily there to interact with people, get back into the world and have something to occupy my time. I was NEVER doing it seriously thinking of what certificate I would receive at the end.

I have been throwing a few ideas around my head, however, thinking of what I like to draw, what inspires me... and I think I may have found my next subject! I enjoy drawing buildings - old buildings, predominantly Churches - so that is what I will do. Not any old church, however, but ones that may have a little more significance... and I have three in mind at the moment.

Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, NZ.

Image: Wikipedia

Given the recent events of the past twelve-hours - the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in our neighbouring country of New Zealand - I am thinking of drawing the Anglican Cathedral of Christchurch after seeing photos of the damage done to it. However, I have also read reports that the Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, or the Basilica, has been damaged in the earthquakes last year, which were still being repaired in early February, and has again been damaged by this most recent quake.

Christchurch Basilica, NZ.

Image: Wikipedia

The third idea is the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, that was destroyed in January 2010, even killing Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot instantly, the Vicar General, Charles Benoit dying later.

Our Lady of the Assumption, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

mage: Wikipedia

Why these things though, all of which have been destroyed or heavily damaged? Is it some sick, sadistic idea of sorts? No, I see it more as a dedication, a remembrance, of the former glory of these buildings, which will never be the same. Sure, the Anglican Cathedral will put a new spire on, the Catholic Basilica will get fixed up again, hopefully, and perhaps in time when the governments of the world who pledged money to Haiti actually come through with their support, Port-au-Prince will find a new place to build a new Cathedral.