Inspiration…
I thought I would share a glimpse into what inspires me, the fascinating elements that catch my attention, and the unique ways I translate what I see.
I find myself naturally drawn to nature, at times I find it overwhelming as there is so much beauty and variety to choose from. Nature's vastness offers endless inspiration and opportunities for exploration, making each encounter a unique and enriching experience. I especially like natures oddities and the unusual, these are exciting to me and I find it a challenge to create what I see. Everywhere I visit, I immerse myself in the beauty of nature, actively seeking out the intricate details that fuel my fascination. It may be a solitary leaf, a peculiar stone, or the rugged texture of tree bark that captivates my senses. The allure of nature lies in its mesmerising patterns; the delicate veins traversing through leaves, the graceful dance of grass swaying in the breeze, the intricate formations of flower petals, and the unique markings embellishing each leaf are just a glimpse of the endless marvels that nature unveils.
I captured this photo whilst out and about locally, the serene beauty of the moment was truly enchanting.This image captures the essence of nature in a mesmerising way. The intricate patterns formed by the intertwining ivy leaves and on the left side my eye drawn into the captivating shapes of the leaves. The varying shades of green present a captivating array of hues that add depth to the scene. The textured bark of the tree, adorned with winding ivy vines, creates a sense of movement and life within the stillness of the photograph. It invites a closer look, encouraging the viewer to delve deeper into the intricate beauty of the natural world around us.
In addition to larger aspects of nature, such as flora and fauna, I am particularly intrigued by the smaller inhabitants like insects and reptiles. I find rare and unique species within this realm to be especially captivating and tend to gravitate towards learning more about them.
This is my personal take on a lizard eye design; whenever I craft, I incorporate texture as a key element. To me, the various textures woven into the design hold significant value. My aim is not realism in my embroidery pieces; rather, I seek to connect with and evoke emotions through my craft. Engaging in hand embroidery is a deeply sensory experience for me, almost like navigating through the textures I meticulously bring to life.
My approach to any hand embroidery project always begins with thorough research. Once I've chosen a theme, I prefer to observe it in person whenever feasible. As a wheelchair user, accessibility can be a significant challenge. Recently, I've delved into the serene world of Japanese Zen gardens. Unfortunately, the options in my current location of Wales are limited, primarily due to the gravel pathways that make them inaccessible. Without being able to visit the locations I am exploring physically, I turn to the internet, which serves as an incredible resource that I rely on consistently for information and inspiration. At the initial observation phase, I meticulously sketch and draw, delving deeper into intricate details. This is the juncture where I begin contemplating future stitches, color choices, and overall composition. By translating my thoughts onto paper, I start constructing and evolving a design, ensuring I have a tangible visual reference for my creative process.
Even during my drawing process, I find myself delving into the realm of texture through the intricate marks I meticulously craft. This method allows me to seamlessly translate my design into potential stitches with just a quick glance. Despite deviating from my conventional tiny insect subjects, I take pleasure in pushing my limits with this grand peacock head.
After drawing, I often delve into watercolors as well. This allows me to further investigate different hues, shades, and potential alterations to the design. The method I select for exploring fresh hand embroidery concepts proves highly enlightening and beneficial. Although this peacock head remains uncharted territory in terms of hand embroidery, I possess a compilation of drawings that await their embroidery rendition. Perhaps one day they will undergo transformation!
Something about beetles and bugs truly captivates me; I find their intricate details endlessly fascinating. The quick stippling sketch I created vividly captured their essence. It amazes me how even with stippling, you can bring out the textures and nuances of these creatures. Black and white, akin to a blank canvas awaiting the artist's touch, offers endless possibilities for the infusion of vibrant hues. This transition into a realm of colour marks a thrilling progression in the creative journey. It awaits my attention.
My inspiration is derived from the multitude of sensations that surround me - the sights, the textures, the scents. Each element I encounter sparks a creative energy within me. Whether it is a simple sketch or a complex embroidery piece, I find immense satisfaction in bringing these visions to life through the art of hand embroidery.
In my meticulously organised desk space, I am surrounded by an abundance of inspiration - favourite books within reach, alongside hand-embroidered pieces crafted by my own hands. I find inspiration everywhere, always full of ideas and creativity, never feeling stuck in this place full of artistic energy.
This area on my desk takes up about a third of the space, and it happens to be my absolute favourite part. I must point out that the jar where I keep my threads isn't something I came up with myself; instead, it's a design by Kathy Schmitz, whose work I truly admire (link below). Books hold an undeniable significance in my life; the act of turning each page brings me immense joy. It seems my preference for books over the internet stems from a nostalgic fondness for the traditional way of reading. For those with keen observation skills, there is a small figure positioned on the top left. It is John Luke Picard from Star Trek, showcasing my admiration for the series (link below). This space is bursting with endless inspiration; it truly captivates my heart!
I believe that in every moment and every place, sources can be discovered for inspiration, regardless of the circumstances or activities at hand. I hope you have found value in this brief insight into my sources of inspiration, my preferences, and the creative process I engage in with the materials I come across.
If you wish to share your thoughts on this post or suggest a topic for future posts, kindly press the green button below. Your feedback is greatly valued as it helps shape the content shared here. Thank you for considering sharing your input.
