Inspiring the Creative Mind

Nature

This is definitely number one for me.

Arches National Park, Utah

When I rounded the first corner on the road into Arches National Park and glimpsed, for the first time, the start of the many incredible rock shapes to come within, I had to pull off the road. It was so beautiful that I began to cry. I may sound hokey and I can't really explain it, but I was moved to a point beyond words and stayed for longer than I had planned. I did not want to leave. The warm colors and shapes under the hot sun of the day and the stars at night shining above the amazing landscape--it all took my breath away.

The Painted Hills, Oregon

Once you see these photos of the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds in Oregon, you will understand why I find them so inspiring. Giant piles of layer upon layer of colored sediment nestle into a still and quiet valley. The haunting beauty of these hills, the sense of isolation and the long vistas at the high points calm me. It is a sense of being somewhere beyond time where nothing else matters but the very moment. The hills of color seem to me to tell a story of something larger than my own life.

Kartchner Caverns, Arizona

Long kept a secret by those who discovered it in the 1970's, Kartchner Caverns is an active, living cave, now opened to the public with careful controls designed to preserve the beautiful formations. Because of such care, these caves are magical, exquisite mysteries of nature and a mind-blowing visual feast for the eyes. There is more than one section to explore, so you could spend several days visiting these well-protected wonders.

Frenchglen, Oregon

Frenchglen and the area surrounding it in Eastern Oregon is supposed to be the least populated area of the US. It is quiet. The views are long. Fields of grasses house large populations of birds and the hills and low mountains are covered with wildflowers, butterflies and bees. At night, without a heavy population to cast light, the stars absolutely fill the sky, some fanning out into the great swirls of our galaxy. Who wouldn't be inspired?

North American Cities With a Creative Spirit

Cities as inspiration

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Do you know that New Hampshire has a coastline? A small portion touches the Atlantic and my favorite town along that stretch is Portsmouth. Very supportive of the arts of all varieties, while still retaining a down-to-earth feel, Portsmouth is a pretty little town that makes you want to stay. Sometimes when I am walking through the city neighborhoods and quaint downtown, I can imagine I have traveled back in time to 100 years ago or more. Part of what I find inspiring here is the feeling I get when I am there.

Montreal

This french-speaking part of Canada definitely helps you feel like you have traveled to Europe. If you are from the states, especially the Northeast, its a short trip to a nice change in culture, good food and interesting people. If you go during the Jazz Festival at the end of June/beginning of July, you will find lots of great, free music on the streets, excellent concerts at indoor venues and perfect people watching at one BIG party.

San Francisco

A walkable, artistic, oceanside city with surprises around every hill, twist and turn. You all know about San Francisco. If you haven't visited yet, consider going. If you are worried about it being too touristy, just skip the fisherman's wharf area. The city really is worth the trip, trolleycars and all. Go in the Spring or the Fall for the best weather. Summers are cool and foggy. You will leave with wonderful memories and endless inspiration.

Contemporary Artists

Renee Rickabaugh, painter

Renee works in gouche watercolor and creates whimsical, highly-detailed pieces. I love the color and texture he uses to define his subject matter. Back in the 1980's when I viewed his work for the first time, his pieces were not even quite as detailed as they are now, but still, the level of appreciation I had for his work somehow brought tears to my eyes.

Gregory Colbert, Ashes & Snow

Visit this site for a hauntingly beautiful display of the work of photographer Gregory Colbert.

"In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is without beginning or end, here or there, past or present."
-Gregory Colbert, Creator of Ashes and Snow

Other-wordly Glass Art

Dale Chihuly, Glass Artist

Chihuly's glass pieces are ethereal and sometimes just "off-the-wall". I love the shapes, the movement, the color, and the attention to light and placement. See if you can visit one of his garden installations. You can, also, view some of his work at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. You can't miss it. His glass pieces ripple across the ceiling of the lobby.

My Wish List

Artista ~ Creative Safari's for Women

Artista is based in Carmel, California. They offer "creative safaris" which are all-inclusive workshops in painting and/or clothing design for women. Though I haven't yet participated, ever since I first read about them I have wanted to attend. They are offering a new workshop in encaustic painting which should be very interesting. This is an older technique using a wax-based paint. Spending time in Carmel wouldn't be such a bad gig either.