Driving down William Street toward our house in Connecticut, a full moon lit up the winter-black sky.

“Ach!” I exclaimed to my family of passengers, the ‘ah’ catching in my throat from the emotion behind my pleasure. Henceforth, that monthly spectacle was labeled an ‘ach moon.’

“There’s a moon every night,” my ex countered. “What’s the big deal?”

I can’t explain what inspires me. But I know it when I see it.

That’s Part 1 – Being inspired and knowing it. The moon didn’t send me into a creative frenzy. I feel elevated by nature*, but in a different way. The moon is a circle and I’ve been using a lot of those in my art.

By contrast, man-made visual inspiration flings me into action. It could be art I see in a museum, a stack of felted wool, or the grids I’m noticing everywhere these days. These visuals, while not evoking an ‘ach’ response, do start the flow of creativity.

That’s Part 2 – What I do with inspiration.

Since I began the textile design phase of my career four years ago this month, I can look back on what has influenced/inspired my work and what grew out of that stimulation.

At first, I wanted my piece to look like the Penny Rug Workshop instructor’s (aka my dear friend, Liz Alpert Fay) samples.

Since I learned this art form at the start of the pandemic, and we were locked down immediately after, I made a set of pillows for my living room influenced by the rug pattern there.

It wasn’t long before I turned to the paintings of famous artists, like Bonnard for motivation. I like working one step removed from nature – this floral – responding to his simplification with my own.

Materials inspire me too. I found these beads at a craft recycling shop in Peekskill and used them in a commissioned piece for an interior designer.

Next, I ask myself, Part 3 – How does my work inspire others? Luckily, in this age of social media, I notice the level of engagement each post brings. I am grateful for every response I receive. I confess that my desire for your generous feedback keeps me in my studio, even when I may not feel like putting in that extra hour.

What did we do before Instagram?! Back in my craft show days, I would have to wait until my next fair to hear praise and to ring up the sales that offer the reinforcement I cherish.

I also hope that my example gives you the confidence to attempt something new as I have. You’ve watched it all unfold over these four years, the successes and the challenges. Michele Obama, in her book The Light We Carry, talks about discovering knitting to help her get through difficult times. The act of creation is an evergreen remedy for dealing with crises productively. Please let me know if I have prompted yours.

Finally, Part 4 – What I hope you will do with that inspiration? Like? Comment? Buy?

Yes, yes and yes. The ultimate joy for me is having you bring my creations into your life. Knowing that you appreciate my art enough to buy a piece is incredibly flattering. It tells me that what I’m doing touches you, and it gives me the encouragement and support I need to keep going. Thank you so much to my growing list of collectors!

I’ve been inspired, created, and displayed my work. Your response enhances the process.

I’m tempted to say it all comes full circle, but my brilliant Writers Group women offered a better summation, a quote from Mme de Staël: “The human mind always makes progress, but it is progress in spirals.”

In January, when I was visiting my daughter and son-in-law in California, we were driving home from their favorite restaurant and Laura remarked, “Look, Mom! It’s an ‘ach moon.’”

Completed circle or progress, I loved hearing those words come back to me.

*Joshua Tree National Park has been an exception.