Strategies to keep my muse not only alive, but alert.
- - Mary Stoudt

1. provide plenty of time to do art. The art activities get scheduled first.

2. am a gleaner. It delights me to find mundane objects and transform them.

3. work at avoiding dullards, and search for people with an open refreshing approach to life;

4. read constantly.

5. make lists- for phone, e-mail, art tasks, mixed lists etc.

6. work on several art pieces at a time. Doing that helps me to look at each piece with a fresh eye,
and makes it easier to evaluate what comes next.

7. try every art medium that comes my way.

8. do small art peices while waiting for the 'big masterpiece' to come along.

9. refresh my space by constantly by changing the walls and decor.

10. store my art supplies in an easily accessible way.

11. attend as many art exhibits and art museums as possible.

12. travel every chance I get.