So it is the start of a new year; a time to refresh, refocus and re-energize. The City of Austin Art in Public Places Program recently held a staff retreat where we did just that. In the last two years we have grown from two to seven staff members and with our full team assembled can effectively tackle the work before us.

But there is more to it than just having enough resources to “get it done.” As public art administrators (or as I like to say “jacks-of-all-trades, masters-of-all!”), we also need periodic inspiration and creative endurance. The challenge is finding the time. At our staff retreat, we began the day with Show-and-Tell of our favorite projects and artists and current creative endeavors—and how refreshing it was!

Show-and-tell got me thinking about not only what inspires me, but why, and the importance of spending time figuring it out.

Here are a few things I came up with:

As a person of short stature (my cousin’s daughter once asked if I had “grown all the way” after learning that I was in fact, an adult), I have always been drawn to objects that challenge one’s sense of scale—like the proposal for deer-shaped power lines or a three-story bear. To me, these massive objects are breathtaking and at this large-scale diminish the relevancy of our individual size.

I am also drawn to projects that repurpose form and function either temporarily or permanently. For example, street furniture that talks back to the user or a refrigerator turned solar-powered camera.

Through the eyes of an artist these common objects are transformed given an alternate life or new identity and challenge the viewer to interact in new ways. I mean, why shouldn’t the lamp post be able to communicate? Think of the stories it could tell!

And finally, I love this clothes-pinned landscape. Although the basic function of the clothes pin is the same, its scale gives the illusion of a more noble function—holding the earth together.

So why is this important?

Because the public art field is ever-changing and constantly advancing and our creativity is constantly tested. To endure and flourish we can’t forget to take a break from the million little details and the daily frustrations to remind ourselves that what we are doing is good and worthy. Enjoy the fruits of our collective labors and (re)discover your inspiration!

In my work, when my mind is fresh, it is focused. When it is focused, it is re-energized and the tasks at hand seem less daunting. As we said in our staff retreat, we can do it!

So in this new year, don’t forget to come up for air. Remember that we are on the “road that leads to awesome.” And when life gets you down, activate your elevator shoes!