I am endlessly fascinated by the creative process, specifically what inspires artists, makers and just generally amazing ladies. So in a twist on my old "Blogger's Favorites" series, I'm launching "Inspired By" here on the blog, where I occasionally share the inspirations of, well...inspiring people." (How's that for eloquent?)
I'm kicking things off with my virtual friend, and a woman that I admire greatly (let's just say that she's a major girl crush), Heather Taylor.
A gallerist, cook, weaver, maker, entrepreneur, bon vivant, entertainer, blogger... (the list goes on), Heather embraces creativity in a way that is wholly infectious. In addition to her day job running Taylor De Cordoba, a Culver City art gallery/creative lab that she and her husband Alex opened in 2006 to showcase emerging artists and serve young collectors as they begin building collections, she produces a series of webisodes and pens a stunning blog that celebrates living a beautiful, meaningful life (a woman after my own heart).
In her free time (?!) Heather has also recently launched Heather Taylor Home, a line of textiles that perfectly encapsulate her aesthetic sensibility.
Clearly Heather is the perfect person to kick off this new little series, yes? So I asked Heather to share some of the things that inspire her creatively, and she happily obliged with the seven items below. She also offered to do a giveaway of some of her beautiful textiles to one of my readers. (Thanks Heather!)
Just leave a comment on this post about what inspires you creatively by midnight on Tuesday, April 23, and I'll announce winner on my Wednesday "Loving List" to receive one of Heather's gorgeous table runners and four of her lovely napkins in the color/print of their choice.
(* To be entered in the giveaway twice, "Like" Heather Taylor Home on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.)
So, without further ado, to help get your creative juices flowing, herewith Heather inspirations.
- Travel. Last summer I went to Santa Fe and was in awe of the architecture, textiles, colors, and food. I still reference the notes I made following an inspiring tour of Georgia O'Keefee's home.
- Cooking. Creating a beautiful meal always gets my creative juices flowing.
- Books. My favorite books are always on hand for design reference and insight.
- Museums. I am always looking to the past for reference, and the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is a treasure trove.
- Flowers. The colors and composition of a good flower arrangement can be the jumping off point for my designs.
- Color. A table of radishes and eggs can inspire my vibrant yet earthy color palette.
- Yarn. The colors and textures in my yarn basket always give me ideas and the making textiles by hand (knitting, weaving) is so satisfying.
47 comments:
1. Light. I love natural light it can be a dreay day and a little lovely light can brighten my day.
2. Wood. Love the organic feeling and look of wood. My husband and I will see a lovely plank of wood and it makes us want to build a table.
3. Garden. Our garden inspires me to grow gorgeous vegetables and plant vibrant flowers. That we will cook with and add color to our home.
the changing colors of the ocean, gardens of all sorts and beautiful photos on blogs
Emotion- I'm on a roller coaster most of the time, and I strive to remember to be grateful for it. Whether it's the highs or the lows, getting them out into art, crafts, cooking, or decorating enables me to get a grip on them. And when someone else connects with them? Well, that's just the icing.
Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. To me this is what makes the internet so amazing. There are so many different ways to be in the world, and different things resonate at different times.
I don't know if it's too broad to say I'm inspired by humanity, but I guess that would be what I'm getting at.
The wonderful ideas I get froming reading odd books
lovely post. i'm always inspired on my walks to and from my daughter's school. i always leave the house in a rush to get her, with my 2 boys in tow, but i'm instantly slowed down by the nature around us. and, i always feel inspired to spruce up my house, or make a yummy dinner, or create something with my kids when we get home. it happens every single day.
lovely post. i'm always inspired on my walks to and from my daughter's school. i always leave the house in a rush to get her, with my 2 boys in tow, but i'm instantly slowed down by the nature around us. and, i always feel inspired to spruce up my house, or make a yummy dinner, or create something with my kids when we get home. it happens every single day.
I am inspired by my son. When we go on walks - he always points out the flowers and the birds, and notices things I fail to.
photographs (of all sorts~ professional & non)... people (their style, their authenticity, their passion, their quirks)... travel (new & familiar spots... new & familiar feelings)... books (from children's books, to cookbooks, to autobiographies)... & last, but not least~ music.
I am inspired by...the desert (more so the wildlife in the desert), patterns & design on sarees, Spanish tapas & goa.
going outside is a huge inspiration for me. the PNW's beauty is never-ending! travels to Mexico are also a very nice compliment.
I am inspired by my great state of Texas, and the wonderful diverse people who make it so great!
I'm like you, Joslyn... I'm often inspired by the amazing works of fellow creatives and artists. Heather is no exception! Here collection of linens is so beautiful and I'm completely charmed by her aesthetic!!
Thanks for the introduction and I'm really looking forward to the future of this series.
My garden and all the hope and beauty it gives me...
I'm inspired by my kids and the beauty all around me living in Hawaii!
Going to the fabric/bead store
The toddlers I teach (teach an art class at a museum)
Going through our supplies cabinet at the musuem
Nature
I'm always inspired by a walk around my neighborhood. Getting outside, seeing the plants and other people's beautiful homes always kick starts ideas of my own.
Thanks fr the great giveaway!
Travel :-)
I am inspired by so many things - a few being nature and music.
courtney.allisunfair (at) yahoo (dot) com
For me its always something very random. A shape or grouping of shapes that catch my eye. A color combination or light hitting and object just right. Always catches me off guard, but I always know I need to remember it.
Lovely linens, lovely Heather!
Jennifer
Several things currently inspiring me: the way people carry themselves, the peaks and valleys of passion, sharing community far and wide.
Great start to a wonderful series!
i find i'm most inspired while sitting in my backyard on a warm day, reading, listening to music, and keeping email and my phone far far away. i come away energized every time.
Heather, I have to agree with you on several of these, especially the first because I'm from Santa Fe! I'm so glad you loved it too :)
1) Cooking
2) My little preschool students
3) Love. The love I have for my boyfriend opens my heart like nothing else.
4) India. The colors, smells, and people are always with me.
I adore Heather's new textiles!
I am constantly inspired by repetitive patterns-especially those found in nature and amazing color combinations. I teach elementary art and the freedom of the color combos that my young artists use always amazes me.
That's a cute title, inspired by... I love it as my blogs name is inspired atelier and I also love doing inspired by posts. Love it:)
I am always inspired by a good cookbook... Recently Gweneth Paltrow's new one! Also, walks on the beach with my daughter :)
I am living in Santa Fe right now. I am endlessly inspired by the terrain.
beautiful, handcrafted items in our home actually inspire me to be more minimalist, as paring my possessions down to only what I truly love leaves room for me to think! Heather Taylor's linen collection is inspired...thanks for this chance to win!
forgot to add: I also "liked" Heather on Facebook. thanks!
I'm inspired by Truth, beauty and goodness.
I am inspired by the tremendous beauty of New Mexico. It is a place that just stays with you. The incredible light and sky. My children and my husband always continue to inspire me! The many bloggers that I follow, and the lovely images on Pinterest! Thank you .
I'm inspired by colors and textures. I'm obsessed with interiors and I find having the right mix of the two can make a house into a home.
Would love some pretties to dress our table....Will Spring ever arrive to Seoul?
Thanks for the chance, Joslyn.
It makes me laugh that my husband's name came up on my comment above. I am certain 'pretties' have never been uttered by him.
I'm Dee Dee, by the way!
Thanks, Joslyn....
I have several scrapbooks of pictures and articles I've torn out over the years from magazines. Whenever I need inspiration I flip through those books, or one of the issues of my (all of them but one missing issue) collection of Domino magazines!
Gardens, museums , nature and my kids... They see things I often miss. Thanks for the wonderful post.
travel; art/museums - whenever we travel, I insist on going to museums, love seeing art in different parts of the world; architecture; reading
Value and simplicity of life and my son are what inspire me the most. I love seeing things through his eyes.
Road trips with good music inspire me all the time. It clears my head and starts the creative thoughts...simply watching the landscape and the clouds and light gets me pretty nostalgic. Also my niece. She's a hoot with tons of silliness. =)
* the outdoors
* friends
* cooking / dinner parties
* reading
* listening to & watching other people
Nature, gardens (even though I have a black thumb), photos in magazines, books I'm reading, my son, what others are accomplishing!
i'm loving it all... such a fun post.
I always get more inspired when I'm doing something creative. My mind begins racing with new ideas as I am stitching, knitting,whisking, writing or digging.
Things that inspire me...
Travel- being somewhere new or just out of the ordinary is always inspiring.
Nature-endless inspiration!
Books and magazines- I love to see other peoples creative works/ideas.
Heather's textiles are lovely!
Being outside on a beautiful day inspires me!
I like heather taylor home on fb as Ginger Starr Gisi and follow on twitter @gingergisi : )
inspired by my beautiful children and the change of seasons
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