This might sound surprising, but I’m finding that Netflix binging is making me a better artist. Yes, endless hours (days?) of being a potato have boosted my creative mind. Here’s why.
It all started when I got into the show When Calls the Heart. It’s a super sappy Hallmark show…so naturally, gold. But what I love most about it is the period clothing. It takes place in a 1910s, Western frontier town. And amidst the smiley characters and happy Hallmark endings are the big skirts and patterned blouses I would die to wear. I actually went to a local vintage shop and checked out ThredUp online to see what I could find. Cue my favorite memories of a denim maxi skirt I wore every day in elementary school.
As my obsession with period clothing grew, fabric started taking center stage at my art desk. I pulled clothes from the donation pile in my closet and started cutting, layering, and hot gluing things together. I loved the 3D look of fabric that was folded and wrinkled. I made shadows and shapes. Patterns looked even more interesting up close. I even had to stop myself from cutting nice clothes i still wear and need (oops).
Slowly, I’ve added ribbons, yarn, paper, and photographs. My apartment is a mess, but I’m flowing.
I believe inspiration can come from anywhere, even things that might seem like “a waste of time.” When I hit a rut, one way to get going is to ask myself why I read certain books, hang out with certain people, and yes, binge watch certain TV shows. What draws me in, and how can I study it more? It’s also one way to see my life more positively and be less critical of my habits.
So, with that I say: thanks, Netflix. Maybe when I’m big we can make a documentary?
BRB, hitting play on the next episode.
