Things That Inspire Creativity!

 

Sometimes I look around and I am in awe of the beauty I see!  Everywhere I look, there is inspiration to feed my creative soul! It can be a color, pattern, words, music, architecture. Sometimes it comes in the way something has aged. The rust, the cracks, the patina.  I was recently in Saratoga Springs, NY and took some photographs of things I found to be not only interesting and beautiful, but very inspirational too!  I would like to share some of them with you.

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I saw these statues at the Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga, NY. It made me pull the car over. I was so taken by the symmetry and color. Can you imagine the work it took to line these up so perfectly! 

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The statues are on both sides of the walkway. 

Some of the homes I saw were so beautiful…

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 I love the way the flowers along the pathway lead you in.
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In this one, I love the arched windows and doors. It is even more interesting to me that not all the windows and doors have arches. And yet it works!
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I like the way the stone is weaved through the brick on this one. It gives it more dimension then just a brick façade would.
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Then of course there is nature! This pond is a simple sight, but it evokes such a feeling of peace and tranquility. 
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“The Road Not Taken” 
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There is even a place devoted to inspiring creativity!  “Yaddo”, in Saratoga, NY, was established by Spencer Trask and his wife Katrina who was an author. They bequeathed their fortune and estate to the establishment of a residency program for artists. It became a place for rest and refreshment for authors, painters sculptors, musicians and any other men or women selected for their creative gifts. The litany of artists that have stayed there is amazing! Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath and Leonard Bernstein to name a few.  Click on the link if you want to learn more about this spectacular place:  Yaddo

 

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The  gardens at “Yaddo” are free to the public year round.

 

 

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The use of symmetry again.

 

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There are many statues throughout the grounds. These are two of four statues that represent the seasons.

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I love the juxtaposition of the different materials and textures. Marble, granite, iron, smooth, and detailed.

 

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This inscription is on the top of the sundial.

 

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I love that you can see the statues through the openings in the stone railing. I am not sure if this was done intentionally, but if you stand back, you can see all four statues representing the seasons.

Obviously, I will never have statues and fountains on four hundred acres of land. But, I have the inspiration they have given me! The architectural detail, textures, materials and natural colors that I can use in my creative design. So look around, take in your surroundings and see what inspires you!

Below I included examples of the same types of inspirations that I have used in my home.

 

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In this bookcase, I used vases in the same shape and color on the upper and lower shelf.  By doing this it creates balance and symmetry.
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Here I used contrast. Even though both are metal the age and weathered look of the lantern next to the smooth shiny candlestick creates interest and draws your eye in.
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The ceramic vase and wood framed mirror are contrasting materials. In order to get a more cohesive look, I added Pussy Willows as a natural element to tie them together.

 

 

Next time: Garbage picking! AND… The Purple Painted Lady Festival progress! Its just around the corner. September 21st and 22nd!

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