People often ask me "Where do you find your inspiration?". Well believe me when I tell you, I don't go looking for it, more often than not, inspiration finds me.
I began drawing at an early age and eventually earned my living as a commercial artist. I realised if I wanted to do well, I had to become fully aware of my surroundings and learn to recognise the beauty in daily life. Over the years, I have found I do this instinctively and when I least expect it, inspiration comes along and taps me on the shoulder.
Quite some time ago, when I used to make teddy bears, I was reading about the English artist, Gainsborough and was inspired by this painting of "The Blue Boy" . . .
. . . to design and make this little soul who is now living with a Swansea family, in the U.K.
Gainsborough also painted the lesser known, Pink Boy which now hangs in Waddesdon Manor, just near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. You can find the painting here. This is my interpretation of this lovely painting . . .
. . . I named him "The Pink Cavalier" and he is now living a lovely life in Scotia, New York, USA.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Hello Sandy,
ReplyDeleteThey are terrific. What a great interpretation of the paintings. The inspiration for my miniature house comes from British country houses. The more I look it up, the more I learn and feel inspired. Right now I am going through a Robert Adam phase.
Big hug
Giac
Hi Giac,
DeleteThank you so much. Yes, I have noticed so on your blog, and can understand how when building, a miniature mansion you could quite easily be inspired by the neoclassical designs of the Adam brothers. Of all their buildings, I would dearly love to see Harewood House in person, the interior photos I have seen are stunning.
Hugs,
X
Your bears have such personality to them. I really love your interpretation of those paintings. Plus they look so soft to the touch. I wish my parents got me things like that growing up.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really great topic of discussion and a big one. I think it depends on what it is I am working on. Music plays a massive part in my inspiration. A certain type of tune (not necessarily songs with words, it can just be instrumental music) can suddenly bring to mind a vision of a character or a place. I've had entire stories play out in my head when listening to a particular piece of music. I've always found music moves me.
In terms of dolls, sculpts inspire me. When I look at a sculpt, I will either think, "Oh that's pretty" which usually means it's nice but I don't feel the urge to own it or, "Wow, that's potential" which is my reaction when I know I want that doll as part of my collection some day.
I guess if I can sum it up as simply as I can, I'm often inspired by the world around me, my experiences and music (the heart and soul of a lot of what I create.)
Thank you Alasse, they were made from lovely soft mohair fabric. Sometimes, I wonder if we would have appreciated the things we love now, to the same degree when we were young . . . perhaps now is really the best time to own a teddy bear.
DeleteYes, I can understand that, music can effect us all in many ways, it can often spark feelings that we didn't even realise were there and inspire our imagination to help us create wonderful treasures. Just as you see potential in a doll's sculpt, I often see potential in a piece of fabric. :)
Hugs,
X
Those bears are just too cute! I remember that "The Blue Boy" and the "Pink Boy" were among some of my mum's favorite paintings as well! (She is also an artist), I had those paintings on swap cards as a kid and I still have them!
ReplyDeleteAs for my inspiration? Hmmm, I don't know! I just love anything miniature.
(I also am just a big kid, whenever I see a doll's house or a doll, I cannot help but feel happy!)
Thanks Sam. I still have my swap cards too, but I haven't looked at them in years, there used to be lots of the masters reproduced on playing cards back when I was a kid. Do kids still collect them I wonder?
DeleteOne thing that is not miniature is your imagination Sam, I am amazed by what you do with doll houses.
I think many of us still are, and that's a good thing in my books . . . I love still being a kid at heart!
Big hugs,
X
Hello! Adorable teddies! I have always had an extra place in my heart for teddies and these have something extra about them.
ReplyDeleteAnd art is a great place to find inspiration from. I have one artist, Juri Ueda, that gives me inspiration through paintings. I use these to make new face ups for my Monster High/Ever After High dolls.
I do keep my mind open, you never know when, where and what that gives you inspiration. I do not search for it, but do not want to miss it if something suddenly pops up.
Hugs! :)
Hello Niina!
DeleteThank you, I think teddies have always tugged on most people's heartstrings at one time or another so I am not surprised they had a special place in yours. :)
She's a very good example. The little girl drawings/paintings by Juri are very fantasy like, almost mystical in some respects and I love her use of colour. I can see why she would inspire you to do your face ups.
Hugs,
X
Okay these Teddies are just CUTE!!
ReplyDeleteI get my inspirations from legends and old tales. But also from pictures and modern art... I think it is important to keep an open mind and look around in the world. :)
Thank you so much NanaM. :)
DeleteOh yes I agree with you, keeping an open mind is very important.
Hugs,
X