Tree barkSketchbook page, pen & ink, Impression of barkPine needlesDigitally enhanced sketchbook page, Impression of pine needles
The patterns and shapes I see in nature, the physical world are full of inspiration. I am fascinated and often curious about the strange things around me – fossils, feathers, mushrooms, seaweed, botanical shapes, shells, snowflakes, etc. I’m sure you have a list of your own interests that inspire you.
Re-creating these patterns is a great way to explore. The more excited I am and curious about a thing the better I am able to express it through my art.
Are you inspired by particular items in nature? How do you respond to these weird and wonderful things? I’d love to hear from others. Thanks for reading!
I have a couple of dear elderly friends that love to receive handwritten letters. They even go so far as to specifically request I write to them, “and not one of those computer typed letters” they remark to me.
There is something calming about sitting down to write a hand written letter. I am not a calligrapher and my handwriting looks closer to chicken scratches than art, but the exercise of creating a handwritten note is inspiring. Physical writing, the graphic form, like graffiti, can exist on the edge of abstraction. There are so many ways to express ourselves through writing and art but I find it even more interesting when these two art forms enhance each other.
One of the artists that was in the Mirus Gallery Denver was Usugrow, an artist based in Tokoyo, Japan. I was inspired by his unique combination of calligraphy and figure. He has an interesting youtube video of how he works: https://youtu.be/qesmJoeSPks and his website: http://usugrow.com/
Do you enjoy handwritten letters and notes? Have you ever tried calligraphy? Do you add your own drawings or art to your letters? I’d love to hear from you.
katieturnerartblog 