The inspiration continues....

and/or my fascination, shall I say? with Tim Burton. I recently came across a different website than The Tim Burton Collective. This new found site radiates what I love about his work. Check it out: http://www.timburton.com What do you think?? Perfectly wonderful, isn't it? I'm craving his imagery to all degrees lately, even ordered a 2010 calendar depicting images from his film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Oh, did you know? March 5th is the opening day for his latest film, Alice in Wonderland. Needless to say it's on my calendar and I can hardly wait!

I received this book for Christmas from my husband. A book I have been interested in reading and now that I have begun, I am excited to continue. Only having started, I am motivated to integrate the ideas/suggestions/tips from the author into my own studio/artist lifestyle. She especially caught me with "....your studio time should be your most sacred, nonnegotiable routine. Neglecting your studio is unacceptable. You're an artist and artists make art...." And I have to say I appreciate this kick in the pants approach. Thank you, Alyson Stanfield!

'Don't crowd the mushrooms!'

This morning I made an omelet (with eggs from the farm) and remembered to not crowd the mushrooms. Having recently seen the movie 'Julie and Julia' where this approach to cooking mushrooms was referenced, I found myself enjoying the memories of the movie all over again as I sauteed. And I swear the mushrooms tasted differently having followed this advice!

The idea of trying a new recipe every day is somewhat inspiring to me. I love the idea (as there are so many wonderful recipes to be tried!), but I really don't think I could not make the family favorites (homemade pizza, quiches, chocolate chip cookies) either.... Though actually according to my family I'm always trying out a new recipe so maybe I'm already doing Julie's story in my own way  :)

Gingerbread - Yum!

Okay, I'm very much inspired by food lately, the nuances of it all is just so pleasing! Not only to my palette but also to the conversations had around it. The gingerbread man on the farm chalkboard promoted a coworker of mine to go out and buy gingerbread cookies. And I, this last week, found a recipe for them on epicurious.com. Just in time for the holidays  :)

P.S. If you were to try this recipe I recommend doubling the cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg.....

Painting companion

My cat Gabe (short for Gabriel) made himself comfortable on my lap yesterday as I was painting (he seems to think I took his chair)..... A big furry bundle of love he is.....

"Intrepid Traveler"

Last weekend I was able to experience the unquestioning imagination of Tim Burton at MOMA. I walked away inspired to follow the confidence in which he approached the creation of his characters and stories.

Last night, at First Thursday, I came across "Intrepid Traveler", created by local artist Susan Feigenbaum. I immediately connected with her latest piece (pulled out of the kiln at 2pm) and brought it home with me.

With both artists, the former in his exhibition of 700+ images, and with the latter, the significance of the title, I am taken with the movement of going forward in the process of life and art - in a focused manner.

Not to mention the visuals of both artists are adeptly summed up by Jean DuBeffet: "Art should make us laugh a little and be frightened a little." Just a bit more to think about.....