Creativity Boot Camp- Day 11

Hush

No deep thoughts today.  Just a picture.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 10

Full Bodied

Well, being an avid fan of the ghostly realm, the first thing that came to mind was "full bodied apparition," but the odds of me catching one of those on camera is slim to none.  Still, the thought remains.  Where do we go when we cease to be a part of this world?  Do we become spirits to haunt those we leave behind, or do we go to a godly realm that is beyond our mortal ken?  With these thoughts rolling through my head, I took a walk through the cemetery across the street from my house.  While both images are in the same style, I rather enjoy the creepier feel of the second.  Do you have a preference?

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 8

Ornament

This idea came instantly.  Of all of the beautiful little knick-knacks I tend to collect, by far my most treasured is the cake topper from my wedding.  All that can be said about it, about the meaning behind it as opposed to it's physical characteristics, is that it embodies the essence of the love my husband and I share.  Here is the original and a black&white version, which I prefer, as it gives it a more timeless quality.  Which do you like better?

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 7

Fly

This one was difficult, as all the thoughts that popped into my head were not things that I could easily photograph.  And few words for what I did end up taking a picture of are coming easily.  But I found this little dragon, and know that he wishes to soar among the clouds with his grown brethren, but his wings are not large enough yet.  Perhaps this is how many of us feel about our artistic endeavors-- we wish to be bigger than we are ready to be, and must take baby steps in order to grow large enough and strong enough.  We need to remember that wherever we are, this is where we are supposed to be, and although we may have a lot to learn, we are not less than the big dragons who make the skies their home.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 6

Fluid

This is the nature of some of the most stable things.  If an object is too brittle, it will break easily.  The things that last have the ability to sway in the wind and accept without succumbing to adversity.  Water washing through a gully will eventually create a canyon, for it is the solid rock that eventually yields.  The fluid in our bodies must be able to fit through the tiniest capillaries and still have the power to keep us alive.  Pumice has the power to devastate when in fluid form, yet is harmless when it hardens, as shown in the picture.   Fluidity is strength.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 5

Grow

A day late, to be sure, but all for the sake of growth.  As an expectant mother, this subject is very much on my mind.  My son is rapidly evolving, and every day becomes slightly more advanced both physically and mentally.  It's astonishing to watch the swell of my belly and to feel the changing textures of my skin as I stretch to accommodate him. Simply sitting and feeling him play inside of me is a constant delight.  Along with his physical growth, the growth of my home is also taking place.  The smooth silk of varnished wood that makes up the crib and shelves, the soft caress of a knitted baby blanket, and the roughness of tiny leather shoes all add to the beauty of the moment. 

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 4

Heavy Metal

So many different meanings... the thought brings up images of hard music, of a barred window, of heavy equipment. Most metals are inherently heavy, thus bringing to our minds these images. Yet what of something lighter, something delicate? What of intricately laced patio chairs? What of a beautifully wrought piece of gold or silver jewelry, elegant and feminine? The variations on this theme are endless.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 3

Multilayered

Everything our world is layered, from the earth itself to our bodies to the houses we live in. We layer the clothes we wear, the way we stack items to make more room, the decorations we put on our walls. Think of the different layers inside the walls. Then the wall itself. Then the paint or wallpaper we place over top. Then the picture or mirror over that. The foods we eat, too, are layered, giving us different textural flavors, making a dish from many different ingredients, creating a delicious taste.

Here are two of my favorite textured layers, the softness of a skein of yarn versus the strong, whimsical lines of a beautiful basket.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 2

Picnic

Baskets. Green, silky grass. Bright flowers. Laughter and stories shared. Watching for figures in clouds. Again, so many textures to see and feel, including those of the heart and soul. What textures do you think of when you hear the word 'picnic?'

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 1

Ivory

At first one thinks of tusks of some sort, perhaps a neutral color, perhaps something bland. But with the lack of color for the eyes to play with, I first thought that the texture of something ivory is terribly important. Think wedding dresses. The beauty of them isn't necessarily in the color, or even in the outward shape (as the shapes tend to follow a limited number of themes), but in the texture of the gowns themselves. Lace, silk, organza, satins. Beaded, folded, embroidered. It's the feel of them that gives them varied looks, that prompt various emotions when viewed.

In light of the fact that my wedding dress is not here for me to photograph, I've instead picked an ivory brocade sheet set that gives me the same feelings. The texture is what makes it so wonderful, a beautiful feeling to sink down into it and fall asleep, as if in a bed made for royalty.