Art has the power to transport us to other worlds, to ignite our imaginations, and inspire us to create fantastical worlds in our own writing. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a tapestry, or even a piece of music, art can provide the inspiration we need to bring our own fantasy worlds to life.

Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash

One way that art can inspire fantasy worldbuilding is through its ability to create a mood or atmosphere. A single piece of art can evoke a feeling of wonder, mystery, or terror, which can be used as the foundation for an entire fantasy world. For example, a painting of a dark and ominous forest might inspire a world filled with ancient trees, eerie creatures, and supernatural forces lurking in the shadows.

Imagery is a powerful tool in worldbuilding as well, as it allows us to visualize the world we’re creating in our minds. By studying art that features fantastical landscapes, creatures, and architecture, we can gain a better understanding of how these elements work together to create a cohesive world. For example, a sculpture of a dragon might inspire a world where dragons are revered as powerful creatures that have a significant impact on the world around them.

Art is often a reflection of the society in which it was created, and by examining the art of different cultures, we can gain insight into their beliefs, values, and customs. This can be particularly useful when building a fantasy world that is inspired by a specific culture or civilization.

Exploring different cultural art forms can be a rich source of inspiration for writers, especially if they are from a particular culture themselves. Every culture has its own unique forms of art, from music and dance to visual arts and literature, and each can offer valuable insights into the values, beliefs, and experiences of that culture. By studying the art forms of their own culture, writers can gain a deeper understanding of their roots and identity, and use this knowledge to enrich their writing. Whether it is the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of traditional textiles, the poetic language and rich imagery of folktales and legends, or the unique sounds and rhythms of traditional music, exploring the art forms of one’s own culture can offer a wealth of inspiration for worldbuilding in fantasy writing. By incorporating elements of their own cultural art into their writing, writers can create worlds that are both fantastical and deeply rooted in their own heritage, allowing them to connect with their own roots while also creating something entirely new and imaginative.

As someone of Armenian descent, I have always been fascinated by the rich history and culture of Armenia, particularly its vibrant and diverse art forms, which have inspired me in my own writing and provided a powerful connection to my roots. For example, Armenian carpets are renowned for their intricate patterns and vivid colors, which often incorporate symbolic elements from Armenian mythology and folklore. These carpets can provide a rich source of inspiration for fantasy worldbuilding, as their patterns and motifs can be adapted to create fantastical landscapes or creatures.

Similarly, Armenian folklore music is deeply rooted in its culture and can provide a wealth of inspiration for fantasy worldbuilding. This music often features haunting melodies and intricate rhythms that can evoke a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. Traditional woodwind instruments such as the duduk or zurna, or the dhol (a type of drum) have unique and distinct sounds that can transport listeners to other worlds and evoke a sense of mysticism and wonder. These instruments can be adapted and reimagined to create new and fantastical musical instruments in fictional worlds. Armenian folklore music often tells stories of heroes, gods, and mythical creatures, providing a rich source of inspiration for the creation of new myths and legends in a fantasy world, allowing me to incorporate these elements into my own worldbuilding, thus, adding a depth and authenticity to the fictional cultures and societies I’ve created.

Photo by Swastik Arora on Unsplash

Art is a powerful tool for inspiring fantasy worldbuilding. Whether it’s through the creation of mood and atmosphere, the use of imagery, the introduction of new cultures and traditions, or the provision of a starting point for our own creativity, art can help us to create fantastical worlds that are rich, vibrant, and full of life. So next time you’re feeling stuck in your worldbuilding process, take a moment to immerse yourself in some art and see where it takes you!