Where do you turn for inspiration?
Many of us look to our childhood (or adulthood) creative idols — film stars, musicians, authors, comic book artists and others with seemingly endless capacity to delight, inspire and amaze.
Some of us also look closer to home, to mentors in our own lives who help us think differently about what’s right in front of us. Sometimes, all it takes to bring about that “aha!” moment is fresh perspective from a trusted outsider.
Over the years, no small number of us have sought creative fuel from prolific, multi-talented artists like Vic Mignogna, whose extensive body of work spans decades of acting and making music.
Mignogna has spoken at length about his own creative inspirations and process. The release of his latest album, “Up There Down Here,” offers him yet another opportunity to share what he’s learned during the past 30 years about finding his muse, making beautiful art, and connecting with people all over the world.
Table of Contents
“Up There Down Here”
Mignogna was inspired to create his latest album by two of the most important relationships in his life: his connection with his wife and with God. Many of the album’s tracks focus on one of these deep, abiding connections.
In “More of You,” for example, Mignogna — who has made no secret of his deep faith — expresses eternal optimism that humanity might turn away from its own pettiness and divisiveness to embrace the guidance and will of a higher power.
Other tracks explore more personal, earth-bound themes that no doubt resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Each one of us, whether we’re married or active in our faith, can find inspiration in the simple yet vital relationships that give us strength to face the day.
Keeping It Simple
On the subject of simplicity: “Up There Down Here” is nothing if not elemental. The album’s most prominent instrument is the piano, and its melodies are simple, straightforward, and timeless.
In a recent video, Mignogna acknowledged the surprise he felt when so many of his friends and fans praised the stripped-down melodies at the heart of “Up There Down Here.”
“There’s no drum, there’s no bass, there’s no guitar,” he said. “Just piano and vocals.”
That’s a reminder that sometimes it’s best to keep things simple, even when our creative impulses drive us in the opposite direction. It helps to imagine how an audience not privy to our creative process might engage with the finished work.
Keeping It Fresh
Despite its simplicity, “Up There Down Here” is unlike any of Mignogna’s previous albums. It is a new, fresh approach inspired by his Christian faith and his closest personal relationships.
This is a reminder that we are all works in progress. While it is true that nostalgia sells, artists often stumble when they retrace their steps, especially after the first few attempts. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life — and perhaps the ticket to continued creative relevance.
Unlock Your Muse
Vic Mignogna’s creative journey is unique, just like every other artist’s creative journey follows its own special path.
Yes, yours included.
So you won’t, and truly can’t, find inspiration in the exact same way as Mignogna, or anyone else for that matter. But you can learn from their experience. You can listen to what they tell you and watch what they do to understand their creative process and inform your own.
Because while making art is a personal activity, creatives like you and Mignogna form a very special, very close-knit community. We’re all in this together, and we all deserve to find our own muse.
