Mucha

With so many styles of design in the world, it’s hard to choose just one to aspire to.  This, I have decided, is what makes each new generation of artists continue to strive for their own unique imagery and relevance in the world.

My unending quest for inspiration in this stage of my life has had a few boosts this week.  First was the SOFA (Sculpture, Objects and Functional Art) Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago.  On Sunday, a friend and I had the opportunity to see the entire show in one short afternoon.  Overstimulation, anyone? 

Overall the show was impressive, inspiring and I am glad I traversed the wind, cold and snow to see it.  Okay, flurries, that we haven’t seen since.  But I know winter is on its way anyway.  And winter is a good time to remain focused in the studio. . .or in my case, my living room, which also happens to be my roommate’s bedroom.  We painted significantly the other night for the first time in a long time.  I stepped closer to finishing my January painting, and am so close now I can taste it.  And to finish it would be great, as I have latched onto a new source of inspiration for the winter: Alphonse Mucha.

Today at the Gallery, several images of works by Mucha appeared in the inbox.  The catalog was promptly pulled and thus began my personal discovery of hundreds of posters designed by Mucha during the late 19th Century.  

My brain fired away: I can make Mucha relevant today.  And so I think I will.  He has given me the motivation to put the finishing touches on my present work and move on.  Purchase a blank canvas, a large canvas, and make it into something great.  This new direction, I am excited for it.

Oh and hey, did anybody hear that we have a new president?

Grant Park on Election Night. . .another amazingly inspiring time.  I still get goosebumps.