“Where do you get your inspiration?” is a common question artists are asked. A frequent answer is “from nature”. I am fascinated by nature, especially the lines, shapes and colors found there. My work often depicts images, either representational, but more likely abstracted from nature. Yet, I wouldn’t say I get my inspiration from nature. Instead my inspiration is curiosity. I love the serendipitous ways colors may unexpectedly play off of each other or secondary patterns are created when quilt blocks are placed side by side. This explains why return repeatedly to block blending and value studies. Cautiously Optimistic is my current exploration.
This form of exploration is a far cry from explorers seeking new passage ways and trade routes. It also differs from researches testing out various theories, like those focused on developing a vaccine for COVID-19. Yet I’ve spent this week thinking about the courage to follow one’s own convictions and pursue those convictions when it feels like bucking the norm. This is because I listened to two separate audio books, both falling under the genre of historical fiction and both being about women who had the courage to go against their family’s beliefs, as well as societal norms.
The first book I listened to was The German House by Annette Hess. The heroine of the story is young translator who is contracted to translate at the 1963 trial of Nazi war criminals in Frankfort. Her family is adamantly opposed to her taking on this job. Next up I listened to Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings. Wow! If you missed this one, do put it on your wish list. Admittedly, I am a Sue Monk Kidd fan ever since I read The Secret Life of Bees. In her current best seller there are two heroines who drive the story forward, Sarah Grimke, raised in a plantation owning family in the early 1800’s and the slave, Hettie/Handful Sarah is gifted with at age 11.
Where do you get your inspiration? Have you felt compelled to follow personal convictions that go against the tide of your family and neighbors?
I am linking up with Nina Marie’s Off the Wall Fridays.
I love your Cautiously Optimistic quilt, lovely value study.
How very kind of you to say, Frederique.