Working on...new designs.

I've been working on some new tableware designs lately, all of which have been inspired by styles of Old World Scandinavian art, like embroidery, weaving, woodcarving and mural painting.

My aim wasn't to try to replicate these antique artistic styles, but rather to show their themes in a more modern, whimsical way, while still giving nod to the original format.  I wanted it to look reminiscent of vintage Scandinavian work, but not a clone of it.

I'm also painting this series instead of drawing, for a more organic, free-form look.

Lots of changes and additions yet to be made, but its fun to work it out and see what I come up with!

Need inspiration? Organize something.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I seek it in a lot of places--art books, nature, magazines, places I travel...

However, it recently struck me: I am most inspired after I have organized something.

And it doesn't really matter what I've organized.  I am not necessarily inspired to paint more when I have my painting supplies organized.  But I may be after I have cleaned out the kitchen cabinets or revamped the filing system in the office.

Just the act of getting things in order, and feeling like I have accomplished a task puts me in the mood to create.

I discussed this with other creative friends and I was surprised to find that they all felt similarly!  It seems that for most of us, creativity thrives in a setting that's devoid of clutter, mental or tangible, and has less to do with the actual creative task at hand.

So, I will continue to find inspiration in the world around me, but when I really need to get my creativity flowing, I think I'll resort back to the mundane, like rearranging my work table, cleaning out my email inbox, and going through the ever-present stack of mail on the kitchen counter.  Because you've got to do what works, right?!