This post has been inspired by one of my heroes: sir paul smith.
Tomorrow i’ll be going to the v&a to listen to a talk by sir paul smith where he discusses his work and career and how we can find inspiration from everything, from the most exotic to the most mundane. I first heard this talk (probably updated now) at tate britain when his incredible book: you can find inspiration in everything…and if you can’t, look again was published in paperback in 2003. The hardback version came out in 2001. There are some books you can never get enough of.
It was the first time i had the pleasure to listen to sir paul smith and remember thinking how fortunate i was to be in the same room and listen to real ‘nuggets’. I’ve since been to hear more talks and every time come away elated, inspired, and full of creative hope. I’m so excited about tomorrow and believe that there’s still some tickets available.
So, you can find inspiration in everything. In december 2007 icon issue, there’s another fantastic example of this. (you can read the full article by clicking on the link).
The other day, when a little overwhelmed with too much work and a far too long to do list, i jumped on my vespa and went out for a little ‘thinking time’ and inspiration. I am working on many different processes and so the idea of a finished product did not appeal. What is it about the ‘raw state’ of something that can be alluring and teach us something? If inspiration is in everything, then, surely, it is also in the aesthetically challenged, the unfinished, the crude and disturbing.
I’m sure some of you will find these images grotesque or, dare i say, not pretty. I’m hoping that most of you will see the potential, the ‘what could be’, the ‘beginning of something new, the inspiration for colour schemes, fashion textiles, texture and patterns.
Me, i am going to listen to sir paul enlighten me further on you can find inspiration in everything…and if you can’t, look again!
Happy Monday everyone. Belated happy mother’s day to my american readers.
Oh, i couldn’t quite leave you with such challenging images, so here’s a little something. Who doesn’t love a bit of coloured crane?
