What inspiration is to me

Inspiration Photo taken by Cay Denise, June 2012

Inspiration to me is something that touches one deeply and to such a degree that it expands a viewer's mind and/or soul. What I mean is that at the times I've been inspired, the inspiration gave me the ability to look beyond what my imagined concepts of such things as clever, fun, unique, powerful, sad, beautiful, etc. are. Through that inspiration, my creative imagination was fueled, and it led to a broadening of what my creative work accomplished.

That said, inspiration can tickle the soul, or lead to a softening of emotional pain. It can open your heart to the desire to create something because of your love for-- or the meaning you draw from-- that which has inspired you. It can be a (figurative) door that suddenly opens because of an idea or the confidence you gain of how to move through it -- that has been sparked by inspiration.

Inspiration may make you laugh or cry. It may peak your excitement or your questioning. It may make you want to wander in a new creative direction. A piece of art, as inspiration, may make you feel like you have a companion (in the artist) across time and/or space who understands what you think or feel like no one else does.

Simply...inspiration, to me, is the experience of gaining a deep connection with something outside myself that is the basis for my own expanded creative activity.

So, what does inspiration mean to you?

New Project in Progress

I'm working on a new project with multiple layers and shapes of different colored organzas. It is an interpretation of lighting on an ice rink...from a show I recently saw. There is a lot more stitching to do, but I like how its coming along. I'm learning organzas are not easy to work with especially when you layer them and have overlaid edges. The fabric also tends to ravel easily. This post also linked to http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com .

Final Wheel-throw Pottery Batch

With this batch, I have 73 successful wheel-thrown pots and bowls...wow! That is aside from the nearly 40 fails. So over four months of classes and practice, I've thrown over 110 vessels. Florian Gadsby would be proud...as I've completed my first 100 throws that he advises getting done as soon as one can! I owe some of my learning to him and his videos (on YouTube), and the rest to the instructors, staff and students at BHC (the place I've done my work at since June). Thank you to all my teachers -- meaning all of you in one way or another!

Fine Art Restoration - video

This is an exceptional video of a fine art restoration...just beautifully done (and the music is lovely too)!

Cay Denise

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