Trials and Inspirations

One of the greatest gifts an artist can receive is inspiration. Living in the country, I usually turn to nature for my inspiration. My windows are free of draperies so the wonders right outside are always in view. The colors and textures are always shifting. The animals provide amusement and have served me well over the years. When we travel, my husband has become used to me taking pictures, not only of traditional views, but of colors or textures I want to remember. A tree's bark, the various colors at the bottom of the pond. If mother nature puts the colors together, I know those same colors can work in my jewelry. (The color wheel makes no sense to me. If I don't see the colors together outside, I don't use the combination.)So, mother nature has been and will continue to be my constant source of ideas. Trying to capture in my work the beauty of what surrounds me.

That said, I've found a new fountain of inspiration. Twice this year, I was lucky enough to travel to spend time with two very dear friends who are artists in their own right. Both very different types of artistry than what I do, but the time I spent with them left me energized and anxious to "play" with new ideas. Both, very generous spirits, giving back more than they take from the world. Both, friends that enrich my life beyond any ordinary expectations.

Unintentionally, I may have found a version of artist retreat that suits the recluse I am. Our precious time visiting and living under the same roof for a period of time is more enriching than I can explain. While one makes beautiful pots, garden art, and recycled sculpture, the other is a master of books, papers, and cards. Both quilt, both look at the world through many different points of view. There is always something that can be added, tweaked, or built on the germ of an idea. The variety of art forms, as well as the directions they come at their art from, is food for my soul. Add to that the warmth of friendship that revels at helping and supporting each other, and there is such joy that comes from our time together.

Yes, I belong to an art guild at home that is full of very talented women. Yes, the meetings we have give me the same sort of boost. The difference is the time spent with such special friends under the same roof with the freedom to share our lives, ideas, and interests for a number of days at a time. We talk of cooking, of decorating, of our children, our husbands, our passions. We always pick up right where we left off, no matter how much time has passed since our last visit. Kindred spirits, sharing so much and taking so much away from our time together.

So, where are the trials, you ask. Easy... You return home filled and ready to tackle the world, expand your tiny field of artistry but, where to begin? So many twists and turns you can add to your work or apply things you've discovered to other areas of your life. What to do first? Oh how I wish I'd found this blessing when I was younger and would remember all the ideas. Yes, I need to follow Doe's example and always carry paper and pen and write, write, write down the ideas or germs that become ideas. Age, and a "senior brain" don't need to slow me down.

I'm blessed and I hope to continue to spend my time on earth enjoying, creating, and adding to other's lives. May we all find those special friends who support each other, encourage each other, hand off their cast off and broken jewelry to be reworked into new, beauty. May we hold each other's hands during hard times and gently reflect together on new directions opened up by our trials.

Can't wait to see what jewelry and ideas come as a result of the warmth and sharing that I've been blessed with during these heavenly visits with my kindred spirited friends.