Archive for February, 2008
The conference was a magical and inspiring event and my hat is off to the organizers and volunteers who made it such a seamless and exciting event!
The conference allowed us to converse and think deeply about our art as personal expression.
For me it is striving to find the balance and blend of
- content and narrative,
- fine technique and attention to detail
- personal style
Three early ways we can start to do this:
- Create a personal palette of colors that resonate for us indivdually
- Pay extra attention to sides and back of pieces
- Naming a piece early on (without alot of analyzing, but a quick thought from the heart or gut) helps me identify what the essence of the piece might be- of course, allowing that to morph and change is equally important!
February 29th, 2008
I’m often inspired to start a new project by discovering a new color combination that I happen upon
- in a magazine or book
- a piece of fabric
- a walk in a garden
Color is one of the first ways in which we can allow our personal voice to come through our work. We each respond to different colors that resonate for us and creating with our personal palette makes our work unique to us and others.
I have a favorite color inspiration book I’d like to share with you. It’s one that really works for me as it is informative, puts color in a historical and artistic perspective and has wonderful palettes to mix that work beautifully together.
The book is Living Colors by Magaret Walch and Augustine Hope and is available here
Enjoy the beautiful spring color combination starting to burst out all over!
February 15th, 2008
In preparation for my Creative Sparks seminar at Synergy, I came across a book called Creative Sparks by Jim Krause. It’s aimed primarily at commercial graphic designers but I did find some pearls.
I often get kidded about my enthusiasm for just about everything- whether it be a 3 PM piece of chocolate, a piece of 
jewelry, a beautiful building- my first response is usually an enthusiastic WOW!
Krause says “amazement” can be learned and cultivated. That it leads to discovery and learning . Discovery and learning fill your creative well and provides fuel for art.
I love this quote of his:
“Being amazed takes little time and little effort.”
I hope to see many of you in Baltimore in February!
February 1st, 2008
