January 23, 2010

to Inspire is to breathe

Julie & Julia (book/movie) explores the concept of inspiration from the perspective of Julie, who sets out on a journey to teach herself to cook by attempting all 524 recipes included in Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". Julie explains how she was inspired by Julia, but equally fascinating is our discovery into what inspired Julia to "become" Julia Child. In "My Life in France" Julia notes that her inspirations were her darling husband Paul (who was an artist/photographer), as well as her love for cooking and France. Her joy and enthusiasm are evident as she recounts her life in Paris in the 1950s:
"Those early years in France were among the best in my life. They marked a crucial period of transformation in which I found my true calling, experienced an awakening of the senses, and had such fun that I hardly stopped moving long enough to catch my breath"
.

What does this have to do with an art blog? well...

To
Inspire and Be Inspired is to
Elate. Enliven. Motivate.
to Spark, Spur, Stir...
Activate and Invigorate...

to b r e a t h e ...
and I am forever pondering, reading, researching, asking, and okay, I'll just say it...I'm positively obsessed with what inspires us all-- so my next project (and series of paintings) will be to explore that in all its glorious detail. I especially enjoy learning about creative people who dare to choose a different path, step out on a limb, or just see things a little differently. Discovering what captured their attention--Stopped them in their tracks- Made their hearts sing -or at least skip a beat! Learning what they loved and cherished about their lives and how their life's work evolved accordingly...yes, it is a wonderful obsession. Psychology meets Art.
(to be continued)

7 comments:

Mary J DuVal said...

Can't wait to follow along and see where you take us, Faye!!

Leslie Saeta said...

I am most inspired by painters I have found through my blog. There are so many talented artists out there and the paintingss that are created on a daily basis continue to astound me.
I love your idea for your series. And I have to also say that I loved both the book and movie "Julie & Julia"!

Gwen Bell said...

Great post and an inspired idea! Looking forward to taking the journey with you.

Beautiful work on the candle. Love that soft blue next to the burnt umber background. Very soothing.

dreamer said...

I am right in the middle of 'My Year In France'! She was so much more than a chef. As you are so much more than an artist. Luv.


Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.

- Julia Child

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

That movie inspired my dear friend Sally Dean to start her blog, 365 Flowers. It is pushing her like it does all of us. I too, am so inspired by the painters who's work I've seen in the blogosphere! Yourself included.
Great post, Faye.

Tracey Mardon said...

Happy 2010 Faye!
I love this post on inspiration. It seems to me a lot of painters got invigorated over their holiday break because there is sure some neat work/play going on this month.
PS-Loved the photo of the little angel diving into her toy box on Shootin' Sisters!

Jala Pfaff said...

Lovely painting.
I read the book J&J first and then saw the movie. Loved the book, not so much the movie.