Inspiration? I don't believe I'm inspired as much as driven. I didn't study art but film and began drawing with crayons in 1998. I don't like to use brushes, prefer to let the paint run as I move the canvas around. I also like to use modeling paste applied with a plastic knife and run paint over that. I dilute paint so it can run like rain. I'm waiting for William's reply to post some more.
I love adventure stories. I remember reading the "count of monte cristo" in 6th grade in brazil. Gripping. I was given a reading ist by a dramatic writing teacher: DeMaupassant, F.Scott Fitzgerald, John O'Hara, Balzac, Sean O'Casey - Juno and the Paycock, Maugham, Clifford Odetts - Golden Boy, Dorothy Parker - Big Blonde, Thomas Mann - Death in Venice, Nelson Algren. It's amazing how inspiring an instructor can be....assessment of one's talent by someone who knows is incredibly inspiring. [Moderators - feel free to delete if not appriopriate for topic or move to creative talent section, if you like.]
I mentioned "pure" I think because according to stewart's report, "You are kept away from the world on purpose in order for your energy to be kept "pure" for ritual." (I posted this previously.)