When I was a young man I had the incredible experience of apprenticing for one of the preeminent painters of our time, Chuck Close.
We would have discussions about art that stay with me to this day. One of those discussions was on the process of making art. He would say that a painter is actually a performance artist, only no one is around for the performance. The same could be said of luthiers.
I think that's one of the reasons this forum is so entertaining and enlightening. We get to see artists in their unobserved performances!
Chuck would also say, never wait for inspiration. Get to work and you'll find inspiration in the process. Another thing I think luthiers know full well.