Natalya here. I am currently in a bit of a slump. Nothing to worry about, just sort of stuck on how to begin a piece. I know where I want it to go, just having trouble starting. So I am procrastinating. One of the ways I like to procrastinate, besides organizing some pile (did that yesterday!), is by looking through my photos. I consider that inspiration in disguise.
Every now and then I find some forgotten gems, like these below from a visit to the Met this past spring. I went to see the Matisse exhibit and on the way out or in stumbled upon these wonderful textures that I just had to photograph.
 |
| Alquimia XIII, detail of a wall hanging by Olga De Amaral |
 |
| Alquimia XIII, detail of a wall hanging by Olga De Amaral |
Gorgeous wisps of thread drew me to this huge piece. I just adore the delicacy of it and the gentle yet vibrant color. And am fascinated by the materials: linen, rice paper, gesso, indigo red and gold leaf. What is "indigo red"? I'll have to investigate, and where on the piece is it?
 |
| Between Earth and Heaven, detail of a piece by El Anatsui |
El Anansui's work has attracted me for years. To make trash look so gorgeous is a gift! I must not miss his exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum this summer.
 |
| Ceremonial wrapper from Indonesia, 19th or early 20th century (detail) |
Indigo dye at its best, no? That delicate wisping of color....sigh...
 |
| Ceremonial wrapper from Indonesia, 19th or early 20th century (detail) |
Same wrapper, just the other end of it with gold leaf doodles. If you look carefully at the reflection (this was behind glass) you can see the huge panels on the opposite wall and that'll give you a good idea of the size of this wrapper. What or whom did they wrap in this beauty?
 |
| Dartahal (1995) by Gedewon (Ethiopian 1939-2000) |
Now these are doodles to impress! Ball point pen, lead pencil, graphite and ink on paper. Absolutely stunning detailed drawing... And what's wonderful to me about this, is that this is "talismanic art", meaning it's considered healing and is drawn for individual patients. A fascinating tradition of Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
So I have found these photos in my photo stash, now what? Well, just the act of looking at them and preparing this blog post has energized me. I feel inspired, I am itching to get my hands on some art materials and get to work! Off to the studio, I know what to do now!
Love your photos Natalya! I often find myself in a similar spot...have some ideas of what I want to do but just can't quite start. I use that time to clean as well but often just get sucked into the computer. i am going to try your trick next time and work on organizing my photos.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean Natalya. I often feel like I will go crazy (er) if I don't make something, create something yet I am not sure what or how. I also use straightening up my studio (which is always a semi-wreck)and looking at my own photos to see what inspired me enough to take it in the first place. I think that, if we can figure out what inspires us about anothers artwork, we can find a way to express that within ourselves - not by copying the original artwork but by allowing our own creative spirit to do the work. I love the photos!
ReplyDeleteObviously we have similar tastes I love that piece Alquimia Xlll so badly wanted to touch it also love El Anatsui's work. Have you seen the huge rusted piece he has on the Highline in Chelsea ?
ReplyDelete