Inspiration Formulation

     While reading some of Blake’s short poetry I began to wonder where his inspiration formulated.  He created new creatures, words, and his poetry is obviously successful, so what gave him the extra flare that sets his work apart from so many other poets and artists. Ultimately I wondered, if it was his past experiences that inspired him, or does his inspiration come from within. In researching Blake’s life I looked for significant events that would serve as inspiration for his creations.  William Blake was born in London in 1757 to supportive parents that encouraged his interest in the arts.  At a young age, Blake was prone to visions of God  and angles, he also claimed to have conversations with his deceased brother.  At the age of ten, Blake followed his dreams of being an artist and joined a drawing school.  By 14 he was an apprentice for an engraver who also encouraged Blake to sketch and paint; engraving would later be his profession, but he was enchanted by the study of Gothic art and architecture.  In 1782 Blake married Catherine Boucher who was illiterate, but he soon taught her to read and write. His first publication was Poetical Sketches published in 1783, he engraved illustrations of his poems and other poets work as well. His publications continued with one of his most famous poems Marriage of Heaven and Hell published in 1793.  Blake moved twice in the next twenty years, once to Sussux where he illustrated work by William Hayley, and once to Fountain Court where he started a series of watercolors for Dante Ailghieris untill he died in 1827. I do not think Blake’s life, although interesting, was the inspiration for his work.  His visions could serve as inspiration, being significant, but he started creating at a young age, and I believe his inspiration came from somewhere within.  His imagination can be seen in many parts of his life and in all of his work.  The romantic poets often emphasised the importance of an active imagination, and Blake was no different.  In his internal world of imagination, Blake had visions, made creatures, and found the inspiration to create significant art and poetry.