A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

Kevin Oehler | Visual artist and designer of immersive natural and cultural history exhibits

I am chiefly inspired by the following: • The breadth and depth of art history, particularly Surrealism, abstraction, and installation art • Natural history and the evolution of organisms and environmental systems as propagated through the transfer of genetic material • Science fiction and futurology, particularly the observation that Homo Sapiens may well be the only species that
evolved to engineer its own extinction * The notion that art making can be self restorative Read more>>

Kym Summers | Writer, Book Coach, Writing Retreat Host

Nothing inspires me more to be a better writer than great writing! On any given day, you’ll find me reading on my kindle, picking up a book from the library, and listening to an audio book. The number one advice I give to anyone who wants to write a book is to start reading books in the genre you’re interested in. If you aren’t a reader, you’ll never be a great writer. Read more>>

Liz Samora | Lead singer of the rock band Absolution from Antonito Colorado. I am a songwriter and can play the guitar and piano.

I’m inspired by a lot of things. When I write a song I don’t usually know what the lyrics are about until the song is finished! I can pull inspiration from my own experiences (good or bad). I also find inspiration in other people’s experiences, and I’ve found myself even writing about volcano eruptions and cults! Read more>>

Alison Zapp | Local Florist & ER Nurse

My inspiration for this new business endeavor is human connection and our connection to our earth. Spending quality time with my family and friends is incredibly important to me. In the process of starting up my business, I have deepened many friendships and reconnected with old friends while meeting new and interesting people. Seeing how much happiness and joy flowers bring to others is so fulfilling for me! Eventually, I’d like to expand this business to include a micro flower farm in the near future. This idea of having a homestead contributes to a more sustainable practice and reduces the company’s carbon footprint. I also hope for this farm to be a special place where people can come spend a quiet moment and pick their own flowers to take home or for a class held in our studio on the farm. Read more>>