I think as artists we all have had that "aha!" moment. I think this TED talk is a great example of how that might occur and the process of following where the "aha!" takes you. Let me know what you think about this post (just to see the artwork she has created is worth the view). Does it remind you of a distinct "aha!" memory you yourself have had as an artist?
http://www.complex.com/style/2013/11/alexa-meade-ted-talk-on-turning-people-into-real-life-paintings
http://www.complex.com/style/2013/11/alexa-meade-ted-talk-on-turning-people-into-real-life-paintings