the importance of place
I'm trying something a bit different today and look forward to hearing what anyone thinks about my latest experiment.
This is a hot topic for me ... the importance of place, my surroundings, my 'hood'. I've long been aware of just how important and what a strong influence my surrounding landscape has on my work and creative inspiration. Imagined landscapes as well as the longed for landscapes - those of previous homes or places I hope to one day visit, or places where I've stopped along the way. If you've been following this blog at all, you'll know that my years in Port Townsend, WA were a creative jack pot and that I've been struggling since moving to Asheville.
Joining the Arboretum in March was my turning point and has proved transformational. These days, my goal is to walk there at least 2 or 3 times a week - this is as much for exercise as maintaining sanity (hmmmm probably heavier on psyche help).
So here goes the 'something different' part ...
I don't normally take my camera on my walks - I'm trying to keep up the old heart rate. Yesterday morning I decided to go at a more leisurely pace and take my camera along. Then, I thought it would be fun to try out the video function, upload the segments for more of a firsthand experience. Then I got to thinking it might be interesting to include photos of the newest work that's been emerging right along with the dogwood and azaleas and ferns. You know - that 'point / counterpoint' sort of thing.
It was downright chilly yesterday morning - mid 30's when I got up. I wanted to get out for my walk so I could enjoy the morning's bird chorus, but I decided to not rush and hope the temperature would warm at least into the 40's when I headed out. Turns out the birds slept in too. Here's a sampling.......
Further along, one of my favorite sections. The Owl Ridge Trail and the transition between mountain laurel and sort of a scrubby understory to a large stand of pines that never fails to fill me with awe and a sense of perfect well-being.
further still ... a rhododendron tunnel along Bent Creek is like stepping into the land of fairy. These necklaces and earrings were inspired by the ferns and creek:
a bit more of the rhodo's and fast moving creek....
A little slice of heaven - the National Native Azalea Repository ... 7 acres of Mother Nature at her finest. This is the longest segment with a bit of silliness thrown in.
The azaleas have been incredibly inspirational ... the spindly branches, lush colors and delicate blooms. Here's the most recent fruits of my creative bursts......
I think this updated version of my Double Strand Coins is an absolute stunner:
This work is being added to my official 'line', so I need to design for a variety of price points. Here's a scaled down version ...
And here's a 22" single strand that can be wrapped as a bracelet. I love this color combination - all pale stones, labradorite, moss aquamarine, green amethyst, smoky quartz, moonstone - on ivory silk.
And this next group almost came out of nowhere. I got a flash of an idea for the 'pod' shape and made up a few to play with and then had no idea what to do with them once the components were finished. The next day came another flash of inspiration. I'm thinking these are just some of the sweetest little earrings...
And here's a little fancier version ....
And of course, I'm saving the necklace for last. I'll be doing this with 3, 5 or 7 pods in a variety of stones and colors of silk. I'm pretty much smitten with this one.
I've had these tiny stones for over a year and have struggled and struggled with how to use them. But, boy howdy, am I in a new groove. Totally excited, totally buzzed, totally inspired. Luckily for me, the gem show is next weekend. Yep, it's going to be expensive........
So, I'm curious ...
How does your sense of place or your landscape play into your inspiration and influence your work? What about imagined realms or cultural differences? How important is the 'backstory' to what you do? Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks so much for taking the time to peruse my universe!
with so much gratitude and many blessings - kvk
This is a hot topic for me ... the importance of place, my surroundings, my 'hood'. I've long been aware of just how important and what a strong influence my surrounding landscape has on my work and creative inspiration. Imagined landscapes as well as the longed for landscapes - those of previous homes or places I hope to one day visit, or places where I've stopped along the way. If you've been following this blog at all, you'll know that my years in Port Townsend, WA were a creative jack pot and that I've been struggling since moving to Asheville.
Joining the Arboretum in March was my turning point and has proved transformational. These days, my goal is to walk there at least 2 or 3 times a week - this is as much for exercise as maintaining sanity (hmmmm probably heavier on psyche help).
So here goes the 'something different' part ...
I don't normally take my camera on my walks - I'm trying to keep up the old heart rate. Yesterday morning I decided to go at a more leisurely pace and take my camera along. Then, I thought it would be fun to try out the video function, upload the segments for more of a firsthand experience. Then I got to thinking it might be interesting to include photos of the newest work that's been emerging right along with the dogwood and azaleas and ferns. You know - that 'point / counterpoint' sort of thing.
It was downright chilly yesterday morning - mid 30's when I got up. I wanted to get out for my walk so I could enjoy the morning's bird chorus, but I decided to not rush and hope the temperature would warm at least into the 40's when I headed out. Turns out the birds slept in too. Here's a sampling.......
Further along, one of my favorite sections. The Owl Ridge Trail and the transition between mountain laurel and sort of a scrubby understory to a large stand of pines that never fails to fill me with awe and a sense of perfect well-being.
further still ... a rhododendron tunnel along Bent Creek is like stepping into the land of fairy. These necklaces and earrings were inspired by the ferns and creek:
a bit more of the rhodo's and fast moving creek....
A little slice of heaven - the National Native Azalea Repository ... 7 acres of Mother Nature at her finest. This is the longest segment with a bit of silliness thrown in.
The azaleas have been incredibly inspirational ... the spindly branches, lush colors and delicate blooms. Here's the most recent fruits of my creative bursts......
I think this updated version of my Double Strand Coins is an absolute stunner:
This work is being added to my official 'line', so I need to design for a variety of price points. Here's a scaled down version ...
And here's a 22" single strand that can be wrapped as a bracelet. I love this color combination - all pale stones, labradorite, moss aquamarine, green amethyst, smoky quartz, moonstone - on ivory silk.
And this next group almost came out of nowhere. I got a flash of an idea for the 'pod' shape and made up a few to play with and then had no idea what to do with them once the components were finished. The next day came another flash of inspiration. I'm thinking these are just some of the sweetest little earrings...
And here's a little fancier version ....
And of course, I'm saving the necklace for last. I'll be doing this with 3, 5 or 7 pods in a variety of stones and colors of silk. I'm pretty much smitten with this one.
I've had these tiny stones for over a year and have struggled and struggled with how to use them. But, boy howdy, am I in a new groove. Totally excited, totally buzzed, totally inspired. Luckily for me, the gem show is next weekend. Yep, it's going to be expensive........
So, I'm curious ...
How does your sense of place or your landscape play into your inspiration and influence your work? What about imagined realms or cultural differences? How important is the 'backstory' to what you do? Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks so much for taking the time to peruse my universe!
with so much gratitude and many blessings - kvk