I wonder if we remember what it means to really observe something.
[observe: 1. to see, watch, perceive, or notice. 2. to regard with attention, esp. so as to see or learn something.]
Last week I braved the 10-degree weather, camera in hand, to step outside and pay close attention to any details in nature that I thought might inspire. A hundred or so photos later, and hands so cold I kept dropping the camera, I came inside and loaded the photos onto my computer. I wanted to observe.
So much in nature is intrinsically fascinating to me. The details, the surfaces, the close-up wonders of it all. Even in the dead of winter when at a glance everything seems cold and dreary. There is so much to be learned and absorbed from taking the time to be inspired by it all.
And inspired I have been. Here is the first project I created using my nature photos as inspiration...
...and here is the source of my inspiration...
Do you see it? Can you tell what I've 'copied' from nature? Isn't it fun?
And if you don't see it, that's okay. Inspiration works that way. It's something that's so clear to one and not at all there for another. Part of the beauty of it if you ask me.
My hope is that I've inspired you a bit to grab your camera and head outside. Look at every detail through new eyes. See what inspires.
A group of online friends have been doing just this - taking a photo a day and posting it for the entire month of January. It's pushing all of us to be more observant, to use our cameras, to learn our photo software. Love your inspiration - when I saw the looped fabric top, I was sure the inspiration photo would be the peeling bark of a birch tree - but I understand this, too :-)
Posted by: Sue K | 18 January 2009 at 19:24
Oh, how lovely and inspiring!
Posted by: Jenn | 18 January 2009 at 19:29
Thanks Rebecca! You did inspire me--more to observe the small aspects of life and nature. I've just started my very first art journal and loving every new observation and/or idea that is coming!
Posted by: Kris | 18 January 2009 at 19:33
oh its just beautiful Rebecca!!
Posted by: stacy | 18 January 2009 at 21:18
oh that is sooo lovely! It also reminded me of that really layered, peel-y bark some trees have, like cedars. I love the layers. Beautiful and peaceful.
Posted by: jerusalem | 18 January 2009 at 21:27
Rebecca,
No one understands why it is so hard for me to throw anything away. Your art IS the reason! I love your style and am so glad I happened across your blog. I plan on grabbing my camera soon and heading outside, but I will wait until daytime. :)
Penny
Posted by: Penny Pudge | 18 January 2009 at 22:45
It's amazing sometimes how it takes
a camera for us to see things a little
more closely. This piece is absolutely
beautiful. Thank you for reminding us
just how important it is to truly "observe"
and realize that inspiration is closer to
us than we realize.
Posted by: .kat. | 19 January 2009 at 03:33
beautiful. I do see it and I took a similar photo just last week.
Posted by: pam | 19 January 2009 at 09:18
The artwork s beautiful - love the addition of the broken twig.
Posted by: teresa atkinson | 19 January 2009 at 10:05
Hello Dear Rebecca...
You inspire me beyond words...the elegant combination of the wired twig and fabric pieces is perfect harmony.
Thanks, as always.
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | 19 January 2009 at 11:07
You are very creative and yes, I see it! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful work!
Posted by: Emily | 19 January 2009 at 11:22
Absolutely beautiful! Your creativity & talent never cease to amaze me:)
Posted by: Leah C | 19 January 2009 at 11:32
you amaze me rebecca,
i was going to tell you
2 posts back how... reason we love you is for the "detail".
Paying attention in general, every day, the sky and surroundings, all things,
i admire this. the best comes thru in
your art , for sure . there's lots of love poured in :)
Posted by: connie | 19 January 2009 at 12:45
Just beautiful Rebecca!
Posted by: Modern Crush | 19 January 2009 at 15:39
You have such a totally original way of observing the obvious that so many of us miss. Guess that is the definition of: [artist:.....] Beautiful!
Posted by: debe | 19 January 2009 at 18:22
I really love how you used the fabric !!!! Clarice
Posted by: StorybookWoods | 19 January 2009 at 20:17
Beautiful, Rebecca. As always...I am inspired by your work. And...you used an original photo on this piece!!
Posted by: Linda Richter | 20 January 2009 at 09:06
This is beautiful. I've enjoyed browsing your blog. Have a great day!
Posted by: Vintage Indie | 20 January 2009 at 12:14
Rebecca, you've been on FIRE lately. I'm SO loving the new pieces you've been making (and the sentiments you've been sharing). Nice to see you blogging regularly again :)
Posted by: Carolyn Peeler | 20 January 2009 at 23:32
Oh, wow! That is just awesome. Love how you interpreted the pine cone. Such creativity!
Posted by: Laurel | 21 January 2009 at 12:20
Oh my! Such inspiration!! I'm a doll designer, and very new to the blog world.
Your work has so much soul and love...
thank you for sharing.
Posted by: jen | 23 January 2009 at 11:21
Gorgeous!!!!!
Posted by: Shelley Haganman | 24 January 2009 at 07:46
Gorgeous.
Posted by: deb | 24 January 2009 at 14:22
Hi Rebecca, I love the layer pinecone-ish work - beautiful. I used January in fact to make sure I "Look for Beauty Every Day" - in other words to look at the details in life, the things that inspire and make our hearts leap a little bit. For the whole month of January on my blog I try and look at these details every day. I'm with you!!
Posted by: cathyb | 28 January 2009 at 17:44
I love this piece! I had to pop out of my blog reader to get a closer look. Beautifully done!
Posted by: Sharyn | 01 February 2009 at 10:23