Get The TechniqueAbout a year ago I tried out The Artist's Way, a great tool used by professionals and amateurs alike to explore and release their creative potential. Now, while I didn't quite make it through the entire 12-week "course," I took away a number of tools and techniques that I continue to use every day. One of those is the idea of "filling the well" every week by taking yourself on an "artist date." More specifically, this means setting aside time to consciously do something (anything) that could lead to inspiration. Sometimes that means going to a museum, seeing a movie, or even cooking a delicious meal. Today, it meant taking a bit of my morning to myself and finally going through my Google Reader (which has been sadly neglected since before the holidays). This was a simple task, to say the least, but it really breathed some life into my creative sails. I hope these ideas do the same for you! Enjoy!!
I learned about these Bird Boxes from Colossal Art & Design. They are made by John Dilnot and are just so delicate and beautiful!
1 Somewhere and Nowhere
2 Into the Wood, 2010
3 Pigeons Over London, 2010
4 Moth Collection, 2010
All Things Paper turned me on to the paper fashion of the talented Julie VonDer Vellen. Such impeccable tailoring and a fabulous use of materials.
1 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Christine)
2 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Christine)
3 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Andrea)
4 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Andrea)
5 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Kate)
6 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Kate)
7 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)
8 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)
9 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Lindsay)
10 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mary)
11 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mary)
12 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mom)
13 Recollection - Tailored Narratives (Mom)
I discovered these oil paintings on the blog, ManMadeDIY. They are by German artist Matthew Davis who appears to use layers of little pools of oil-based gloss paint to fashion his images. Amazing!
1 Expanding Ground, 2011
2 Expanding Ground, 2011 (Detail)
3 Roller Coaster, 2009
4 Roller Coaster, 2009 (Detail)
5 Wading Boy 1 (The Loss of Remoteness), 2008
6 Wading Boy 1 (The Loss of Remoteness), 2008 (Detail)
7 Bathing Woman, 2004
8 Bathing Woman, 2004 (Detail)
Lastly, Paris fashion week is in full force and I just can't get over this collection from Walter Van Beirendonck on Style.com. The mixture of vivid colors, textures and patterns is quite striking!
1 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
2 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
3 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
4 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
5 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
6 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
7 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
8 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
9 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
10 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
11 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
12 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
13 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
14 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
15 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
16 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
17 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
18 "Lust Never Sleeps" - Paris, January 2012 (Fall 2012 Menswear)
19 Walter Van Bierendonck
From: Kristina | 1/24/12 at 10:29 am
Finding inspiration is always vital, I like going for walks before I sit down in my studio for the day. Of course coming over here and reading what you guys are doing helps to!
From: Mary Stein | 1/25/12 at 9:49 am
Thank you so much for opening new creative sources for us. The artists are remarkable!