Inspiration

An artist creates from internal and external experiences. And in the mix of this creative process the unconscious merges with the conscious. In the very broadest sense, whatever I encounter on a visual, auditory, and tactile level informs my work and inspires me.

Of course there are some influences over time that have been more obvious and meaningful to me than others...an early passion for drawing, the magic of metals in welding and casting, mixing actual light colors in space to create changeability and a purity unattainable with pigments...Yet, whether I draw, paint, sculpt, or make jewelry, regardless of my materials or techniques, nature has always been a primary underlying source of inspiration.

Spider's Web Outside my Window

Everything passes through this filter. My design ideas usually relate to natural organic qualities and asymmetric balance which in turn influence how I visualize three-dimensional construction.

Moon Outside My Window

Ocean beaches and the northern woods are my meditative spaces. In the late fall, when tree limbs are bare and the linear character of a landscape is exposed, my artist's eye considers the aesthetics of line, texture, shape, color, and space in nature all around me.

Asymmetric-Organic Bangle No. 8 in Argentium Sterling

Presently, I'm combining the unlikely arts of drawing and sculpting to create linear spatial forms which I think of as drawings in space. There's a spontaneity expressed in nature that engages my imagination in forming some of my wearables. I work towards a simple, minimal statement.
__________________________________________________________
Please read what inspires other members of the Handmade Division Team:

Andes Cruz, Susan Moloney, Alice Istanbul,
Rebekah Meddles (Lunasa Designs Jewelry),
Jewelry by Natsuko, nanotopia, Bella-Bijou Jewellery,
Beth Cyr, Lisa Hopkins Design, Thomasin Durgin,
Abhaya Fibers, NEDbeads, Delias Thompson.

Copying

Yes...my work has been copied. Once I came across a reproduction of one of my jewelry designs on display in a gallery I might have enjoyed showing in. Such revelations never make me happy, but mainly for reasons you might not expect.

No one creates in a vacuum. Everything experienced on a conscious and unconscious level impacts our self-expression. Inspired by the world around us, we attempt to find our own creative center and define an individual point of view.

 Hanging Sculpture 4,  detail

Inspired by the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky.

Every artist knows the difference between being inspired and copying. Inspiration is a positive influence. It ignites a creative spark and encourages self-discovery. Copying has the opposite effect. It cancels out the opportunity to find our unique vision because it circumvents our inner creative process.

This was one of the most valuable ideas I explored with students when I taught art. The issue of copying concerns self-awareness and being clear about personal motivation. For instance, I know that I create to discover my authentic, evolving aesthetic. Connecting with my artist-self is the most dynamic part of my process. Growth expands and transforms my perspective as well as my output. What I go through to produce my work is as important as any actual piece I make. It's often more important as it shapes the character of my art.
__________________________________________________Read what other artists in the Snow Leopard Network think about copying: Andes Cruz, Jewelry by Natsuko, Beth Cyr, Tosca Teran, Tamra Gentry, Mary Spencer, Thomasin Durgin, Susan Moloney, Rosy Revolver.