This morning I was working in Aidan's kindergarten class. Today was the 100th day of school - a pretty big deal for kindergartners. The children had to finish the following statements:
I Could Eat 100...
I Could Hold 100...
I Could Run 100...
But I definitely wouldn't want 100...
The teacher shared how she would finish each statement, and for the last statement she answered "brussel sprouts". Another child in the class shouted out, "green beans!"
Well guess what? Many of the children, inspired by their teacher and classmate, responded that they definitely wouldn't want 100 green beans or brussel sprouts.
We so often imitate those that inspire us. If I take a good look at the way I dress, how I decorate, the books I read, the things I make, how I parent, even the way I speak, I can trace many of these things back to a source of inspiration - a person I admire, an article I read, a picture I saw in a magazine, a movie I watched. Blogs and Flickr friends provide even more inspiration.
What I love most though is when inspiration and imitation lead to innovation. Coming up with a different approach, a new (to me) idea, an original twist, a compilation of ideas resulting in something completely different. This is the creative process I love so much.
It's not news that I am deeply inspired by Margie of Resurrection Fern. Over the weekend, I found some motif patterns in an old crochet book and made a few covered stones similar to the stones she makes. Good old fashioned imitation.
Avery and her friend, inspired by the covered stones, came up with their own versions.
Now that's innovation.
Inspiration - Imitation - Innovation. Now that I understand the process, I see it everywhere.
If you've followed my rambling this far, I have a surprise for you. A little giveaway.
These two imitation stones need new homes. Leave a comment and I'll draw two names Monday, February 2nd (can you believe it's nearly February?). If you're inclined, share a personal experience of inspiration-imitation-innovation. If not, finish this statement: I definitely wouldn't want 100 ... I'm sure Aidan will get a kick out of your answers (and for the record, he answered brussel sprouts).