archive for February, 2008

little things

Friday, February 29th, 2008

simplebirds.gif

I just wanted to post a little something that I did recently. The birds are intended for use on one of my wedding invitation designs. I really like the way they came out, so I’ll probably use them on some other things as well. Maybe some notecards.

Creativity Question: Have you ever been surprised at an unexpected source of inspiration?

When I started taking design classes, I was amazed at the flow of ideas for art pieces (not design pieces) that came into my mind. It had been so long since I had spent any time on creative thinking, it felt as if the flood-gates had been suddenly opened. It was exhilarating.

lunar light

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

02-20-08_eclipse_totality.jpg totality_span.jpg

I wanted to post these because a couple of people wanted to see them. I am not particularly skilled at photographing the moon. I have tried and failed many times. Part of the problem is I don’t have the right equipment. I need a remote trigger for my shutter - usually the photos end up blurry. The other problem is that I don’t know what settings to put my camera on. I haven’t experimented with it enough to figure it out.

That being said, I’m pretty happy with the photos, even though they do have a little bit of “camera shake” on them and they are a bit grainy. I’m just happy that I was able to get two photos that weren’t completely blurry.  The photos here show the moon in “totality” - completely in the earth’s shadow - that’s why it looks more spherical and has that orange tint.
I love astronomy - I considered majoring in it, but didn’t think I’d want that many math classes - so I opted for art and to just be a night sky admirer. I was excited yesterday, though, when I learned there would be a total lunar eclipse. The last one I had to watch in a snow storm in NJ — my fingers froze this time, but it was so beautiful!

Creativity Question: Who are the champions of your creativity? (I believe everyone can be creative in their own way, so don’t say you’re not.)
The top two for me are my mom and my husband. They have always encouraged me in my creative and artistic pursuits. Most of the time they believe in me more than I do. I’m so blessed to have them in my life.

noon escape

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

blue_spruce_cicles.jpg burning_bush_on_ice.jpg jeweled_blue_spruce.jpg ornamented_grass.jpg weeping_crabapple_encased.jpg

I meant to post these earlier this week. On Monday night, we received a lot of snow and ice. It was so beautiful. I love the way the ice encases the plants - they shine like little jewels. As I was taking the photos, it was raining and the rain and sun melted the ice away from the plants and all of the ice was gone by noon on Wednesday. The snow stayed for a few days and there is still a little bit left.

One thing I love about Louisville is that the weather is ever-changing. Last week we had near 70’s and this week a snow storm. They say if you don’t like the weather in Louisville, wait a half hour.

Creativity Question: What is a simple thing that fascinates you? I love the intricate little, often unnoticed details in nature: veins on a leaf, turtle shell patterns, layers of rock in the mountainside, and on and on. I don’t think I’ll ever run out of things in nature to be fascinated by.