One of the most common questions I get asked is, "Where do you find inspiration?" I've given a lot of different answers because I've drawn inspiration from a vast number of places over the years. But I realize now that the fact of the matter is: I'm inspired by living my life.
Huh?
I think artistic inspiration has to be part of who you are; the things you like already. For instance, I like looking at fashion pictures. Therefore I find lots of the patterns and colors and textures in fashion exciting and interesting and inspiring. Someone else might have no interest in fashion, but they love looking at nature. And so nature becomes their inspiration. We might even both end up at the same place in our art, but we've sparked from different sources.
Along the same lines, we can't all live the dream art life where every day at every moment is all about the making of art. There are errands and work and daily demands. But, we can choose how to view those daily tasks. I can sit in the doctor's office and think about the pattern that I see in the jar of cotton swabs. I can walk the aisles of the supermarket and snap a photo of a color combination that feels unusual. This is my life and it is inspiring, even at its most banal, because I choose to view it that way.
You see, the only thing that is unique about me, as an artist, is me. That's it. Who I am. How I see the world. The things that happen to me. The choices I make. So, I have to find inspiration in living my life — whether it's the things I do, the things I read, the things I see, the things I like.
Of course, like exercising and eating healthy, all of this is easier said than done. So, I thought I'd start an occasional blog series where I share an inspiration photo and the artwork I created from it! Here's the first one:
Designer Iris van Herpen put together a gorgeous collection for Paris Fashion Week, including some garments that have faces in them!
I loved almost all of her pieces, but this one really grabbed me:
And so I decided to translate some of the things I loved about it onto paper:
And then I decided to let go of the dress and see what inspired me about the piece I had just created and create something from that. This is what I came up with:
And here are the two pieces side-by-side:
Some things you might want to take away from this:
- Inspiration isn't always a straight line.
- Inspiration doesn't mean "copying" — it's a riff on what you see.
- Keep going. Too many people stop at okay and so they never get to better. I could probably spend a week exploring the ideas in these paintings and not get bored.
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. If you get a chance, watch the video of these garments moving. It's lovely to see them bouncing. (Also, glow-in-the-dark shoes!)
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
Wow! What an inspirational post! Thank you. <3
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
I just watched this TWICE (before my morning coffee 🙂
I was and still am simply mesmerized ……
Incredible vision and design and show !!
thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thank you SOOOOOO much for this blog about inspiration. It is so hard to believe that people
have trouble with inspiration…..INSPIRATION is everywhere around us!! The hardest part is
choosing ……
The fashions and fashion show was????? There are no word to describe. THANK YOU for sharing!
YOU are a everyday INSPIRATION to me and many.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thanks for this. The film and the fabrics were amazing.
I am working on a similar inspiration source. Using elements from art in a local museum exhibition as a starting point for expressing identity. It works and the surprises that come from this approach send you off to new horizons in your work.
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
Thank you Julie for the video (awesome!) but also for the years of inspiration I got from you. I think I learned more from your classes and your blog than anywhere else. I also like the new direction your art is taking and I am ready to follow.
I think that inspiration comes from the world outside but is filtered by who you are. And I agree with vee; the difficult part is to choose…
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
I’ll add my voice to the chorus: what a great post!!!!
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Excellent article Julie! I have also been asked how I know what to draw/create and it’s been difficult to explain. Your article explains it perfectly! I capture inspiration with my iPhone in many fiend – from fashion to nature. I will blog a link to your article to help others understand where inspiration is sought and found. It’s truly a different way of looking at the world around us. I adore these fashions and enjoyed the video! They reminded me mostly my beautiful koi in all their fabulous flowiness. Thank you for your wonderfully communicated insights! -Barbee (BuzzyBarbee.blogspot.com)
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Great thoughts on inspiration…..Thanks!
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Beautiful, just Beautiful.
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Oh My goodness! Who cut this fabric?? It is unbelievable….so beautiful. Like wearing flowers blowing in the wind…like butterflies gliding in the air. So stunning. Thank you for introducing me to this designer. The designs are awe-inspiring!
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Julie – fantastic post. I love how you shared your original art inspired from that piece and then art inspired from your own art. Wonderful.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I’d never thought to see inspiration in a fashion show. The transparent red dress boggles my mind. I’m in a slump so hoping this gives me a shove. I was just in SE Asia and took hundreds of photos of amazing patterns to inspire me. Also enough serene Buddha faces to fill my Buddha a day journal. You, however, push all the buttons to get me just back in the art room. Thank you.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow, this looks stunning. I reminds me a lot of M.C. Escher work. You should really take a look at that. M.C. Escher is Dutch and this fashion designer as well.
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow!
Julie thanks once again for sharing..I’m in Mexico City now taking tons of pictures I hope to use for inspiration with my journal! (Tried to do it on the road but hard to find time after long days!)
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Wow…..you are an amazing educator!! Thank you for sharing. Love the dresses and the flowing movement, and the interesting way you incorporated that into your beautiful abstract paintings. Inspiring me !
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. This brought back my memories of beauty school and beauty shows back in the early 80’s 90’s. That was such a colorful time. Just what the good Inspirational Dr. order. 🙂
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
What a lovely respite. Thank you Julie.
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!
From the models to the fabrics, designs and colors, what delicious eye candy!! It does take processing.
Your efforts to share with us all, are so appreciated!!