Monday, September 6, 2010

Inspiration of Everyday Things

"Where do you find inspiration?" is a question I get often. Today I spent a little time looking closely at the things around me. There is an abundance of inspiration in simple, everyday things. Inspiring color, lines, shapes, and even ideas.

It's tough to be inspired if you're not looking.







What inspires you?

17 comments:

Kris said...

The simple everyday things inspire me too. I think maybe because we do see them all the time even if we are not conscious of it. The colours and patterns are in our unconscious mind. I love all the images in your last couple of posts and must admit to have been inspired by blog images too!

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I love the pictures! I carry a camera nearly everywhere I go. There is such beauty in this world. Frank bought me a really great graphic heavy laptop last year so I can play with my pictures anywhere now!

I missed your Friday Quilter's Butt Challenge post, so I wanted to brag on a big ride we had. 12 miles! It was wonderful!

http://quiltswissy.blogspot.com/2010/09/first-bike-ride-of-fall.html

see ya on the downside!

glen

Lauren The Artist said...

Those pencils are wonderful! Great shot. And yes, very inspiring.

Cheryl Arkison said...

I always find that kind of a funny question. You can't 'find' inspiration. It just happens and you never know when it will happen. But that doesn't mean you can't quilt, can't design. Sometimes 'butt in seat' is in enough inspiration!

Sarah Craig said...

I tend to find lots of inspiration in architecture - probably the geometric simplicity of it, although sometimes some of the more modern buildings, with sweeping curves, will strike my eye. I also love the amazing color combinations found in nature and try to look for them instead of just overlooking them! Neat question, and I loved seeing some of your inspirations!

Poppyprint said...

with my kids heading back to school tomorrow, your first photo is so timely. I LOVE a fresh box of sharpened pencil crayons! It was always my favourite item of 'back to school' stuff. Nice post, Jacquie. I am always on the lookout for patterning in nature and my surroundings in general (like bathroom floor tiles).

Kristin L said...

Everything inspires me! Right now it's tropical colors and flowers, with red dirt being top of the list. But, it could be a word or a pattern or even just a glimpse of a color that sparks my imagination.

Live a Colorful Life said...

I'm with Poppyprint's comment above. I have taken a class from Christine Porter from England who has written at least one, maybe two, books on inspiration she has derived from floors, etc., in Europe. I have found great inspiration from floors too...in bathrooms...in fast food restaurants! Inspiration is truly everywhere.

Contented Caroline said...

I'm a bit like you - i find inspiration everywhere. But nature and the things I see on walks out in the country inspire me the most. An old gate, lines on a fence, plough lines - my head is often swimming with ideas and I have this panicky feeling that in my lifetime I won't manage to bring some of those ideas to fruition.

Lisa said...

Color and pattern...everyday images. I think it's tough not to be inspired if you are looking! :)

Mitzi said...

I love your pictures. I'd love for you to show us what you actually make in comparison with the inspiration photo.

Robyn of Coffee and Cotton said...

Thank you for a wonderful post and reminding us to be looking

The Domestic Intellectual said...

BEAUTIFUL!

Lynn Koeppen said...

Wonderful everyday inspirations. Your photos are a great reminder to all of us to just stop and look around us! Thanks, I needed that!

MightyMom said...

I don't know exactly.

Linda Urban said...

Heck, honey, YOU inspire me. I just love this blog. I'm a writer and have just started quilting, but I come to your site daily because I admire your vision and your voice. That inspires me to bring my own vision and voice to the work I do.
So, THANK YOU!

holly k said...

I LOVE your colored pencil picture!! Lovely...

I would have to say I'm inspired by looking into my camera. I see the world a little bit differently when I look through the viewfinder.

I'm also inspired by people, music, reading blogs, and often inspired when I finally get working on something...the ideas just pop!!