inspiration over coffee

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I feel some new fronds coming on.  In a hotel breakfast room these beauties were humbly poised at attention beneath a large screen tv that rattled away the morning news.  I couldn't take my eyes off them.  Loved the simple arrangement – the clear glass tube vases with the spikey full color floral stalks, and then those random vine/twig things, and the rocks.  Great composition.  Interesting shapes.  Made me want to come right home and cut some stencils to interpret that mental picture.  Who knew I should have had a camera with me?  (Popped back in on the way to the elevator to snap a quick photo to remind me of the inspiration.) 

MW organic shapes

Some years ago I took several online tests to determine whether I was right- or left-brain dominant.  It was not surprising to learn I am equal-brained.  Makes sense as I am an architect and an artist.  And it might illustrate that I found inspiration from these hip exotic flowers just moments after tearing out a magazine page that depicted a fine specimen of European architecture carved from stone.  While I tend to prefer linear images, structured composition, and symmetrical shapes, I am also really intrigued by natural organic forms, irregular contours, and how to create balance while maintaining space.

What inspired you this morning?  Take a walk through this glorious day and see what awaits you.  It's FALL!

p.s  Anyone know what these plants are called?

Comments

13 responses to “inspiration over coffee”

  1. Janine Avatar
    Janine

    Are they a Bromeliad?
    Hope you are all well xo

  2. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    I don’t know what they are called, but I would so like to be there with you enjoying a cup of coffee!
    Until later,
    Judy

  3. Erin Perry Avatar

    I am also equally right/left brained. I think that’s why my studio is so organized (all those labeled cigar boxes!) even amidst the chaos of creation.
    Erin in Morro Bay

  4. Leiann Avatar
    Leiann

    They look like Ginger to me

  5. Carrie Avatar

    Beats me what they are, but they’re awesome! I think I’ve seen them before, but never knew what they are. Definitely inspiring, though! My morning’s inspirations have ranged from images from the fantasy novels I’m currently obsessing over (gold-and-steel armor, red robes with steel threads woven through, black leather, and a proud fae warrior holding back an avalanche with magic and sheer will…) to the sight of my tea leaves floating in my cup as they steep. So, similar to yours, a mix of rigid order and organic flow. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m equal brained too, which would explain my equal aptitude for cataloging and chaotic art.

  6. Marylinn Kelly Avatar

    One of your many strengths/talents that I admire is your balance of left brain/right brain (you, too, Erin) for I lean so dominantly to the one side, where I am happy and have not felt a lack. I am simply aware of it. This morning I Googled two artists who inspire me – potter Julie Whitmore and folk artist Julie Arkell, just to look at photos of their work and feel awe. I was not really seeking anything but the joy I feel seeing the pieces they create. I was well rewarded for my efforts. Keeses and hugs. xoxo

  7. Kim Mailhot Avatar

    Love this post, Michelle. The arrangement is beautiful and I can see why you were so inspired. I think that is my favorite thing that has happened since I have developed my Artist’s eye – how everything, everywhere can become art and be inspiring. I sometimes tell people I feel like I am stoned all the time – the bittersweet beauty in this world just blows me away.
    I was just thinking about you this morning and how much I learned and experienced through the GPP Street Team Crusades. I will always be so very grateful for all the work and dedication that you put into that project.
    Glad to be on the planet at the same time as you, Amazing One !
    Squishy Hugs !

  8. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    ohhh, these would be awesome stencils and masks…. Honey locust tree leaves are inspiring me. Hope to find a stencil of them. Hope to use my Gelli soon with some.

  9. Maryanne Avatar

    I think they’re ginger, Michelle. They are beautiful, very sculptural!

  10. loey Avatar
    loey

    Might be called “lobster claw”; not positive.

  11. Sue Avatar

    My guess was also bromeliad of some kind. but I don’t know what ginger looks like – it could be that too. Or something exotic and mysterious not yet named. What was I inspired by this morning? All the goodies -stamps and stencils – I’ve been collecting from you lately. Thank you for shipping east coast to west coast in 3 days! Well done! I l*o*v*e my new GPP toys. *hugs*

  12. Pat Tillery Avatar
    Pat Tillery

    It looks like the ginger in the vials made quite an impression. Kudos to the hotel’s design staff. I love it when one side of the brain takes notice and the other starts clicking away. Balance, it’s a beautiful thing.

  13. laure larue Avatar
    laure larue

    I think the second from the right is a bird of paradise, but I think the others might be different?

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