(This post is part of a weekly series for subscribers exploring the creative process—one prompt at a time.)

This week’s creative prompt: Shower visions

Part 1: Come clean with your inner weirdo

If you read my post last week (and if not, why not???) you may have figured the first art created in my new home would be of the view. Or the trees. Or the absolutely gorgeous landscape in general. Or even some cool stampy things from all my new texture tools.

But you’d be wrong.

Because as much as I’m inspired by all of that and it certainly will make an appearance in my work soon enough, what really got my creative juices going this week was a long hot shower. Which I needed desperately, BTW–what with moving and schlepping boxes while ignoring basic hygiene.

Back in my old house, my used-to-be home, I always kept a waterproof pad and pencil in the shower because, well, that’s where lots of ideas happen. Especially in the images that appear when water and steam hit the tiles and glass.

So I’d squint and sketch and try to keep up as the images morphed in the steam.

Well I have a new house now. And a new shower. NEW TILES to explore. But no Aquanotes right now. So after standing there zoning out in the water getting acquainted with my new friends on the wall, I did the next best thing–I came back after the shower and shot some photos. Not quite the same

Then I uploaded them into my iPad, put them in Procreate and drew images that spoke to me–traced them right over the tile. But looking at these photos right now I’m seeing all new potential, totally different images that I’ll probably go back and explore.

Meanwhile, here’s what I came up with. Nekked people. Lots of boobies and crotches. And weird-ass imaginary creatures. As my daughter would say, don’t judge me…

Maybe some day a few of these figures will find their way into a painting. Or maybe not. As far as I’m concerned it’s a warmup–an exercise for the imagination. And if something ever comes of it, well that’s a bonus.

Your turn:

So this week take a shower. Notice where your mind wanders, who or what shows up. A unicorn? A ham sandwich? A goddess with three elbows?

I wanna know. Drop a comment down below and share what your subconscious got up to while you were coming clean.

And remember—this isn’t about making art. It’s about making space for surprise. Because the muse loves a warm, slightly fogged-up welcome.

‘Til next week-