Burrs & Berries » 2010 March

Inspired by Nina van de Goor

Mar 312010

I’ve been going back and forth all day wanting to post, and it’s about time, isn’t it? I can finally share with you what has been running in my mind today, the inspirational work of one of my favorite ceramicists, Nina van de Goor.

Nina is a design, art and craft lover, maker, and successful small business owner in the Netherlands. She creates handmade ceramics, screen prints gorgeous patterns and designs on china and makes collages, all can be found in her online shop.

This selection of my favorite photos truly shows the way that Nina lives and the art she creates is full of joy and brightness. You can really see through her creative space that Nina surrounds herself with and is inspired by an abundance of color, shapes and beauty in all its forms. I particularly like Nina’s visual aesthetic and consistency in style, as well as the variations in detail from one piece to the next.

She creates art and brings so-called mundane, functional everyday objects to life and shows us that they can be so interesting and captivating. As I look through the photos of her individual pieces and the way they are displayed in her home, I can’t help but imagine how beautiful they would look together on a wall, to drink from, or as bowls, or for flowers. I really ought to start a collection soon, I have long admired china collections. I imagine it would be fun to even buy some vintage china and personalize it, the way the very talented Nina does and other designers do as well nowadays, in a fresh, modern way by screen printing.

Nina authors a delightful interior design, art and crafts blog called Ninainvorm where you can surely find more inspiration on a daily basis, and partake in interesting topics as well.

This is a quote from Nina I’d like to share, because I believe in it is true in life, and we can all learn from it. “Beauty then seems to be everywhere, and it makes me realize that we shouldn’t try too hard and make it all too perfect. So right now I’m inspired to look for this nonchalant beauty instead of the too perfect, over-styled things.”

(images: nina van de goor)

Spotlight on Talent: Yoko Furusho

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Mar 302010

I’ve got an amazing illustrator to introduce to you today! If you haven’t already seen her work, you’ve got some exciting visuals coming your way! Yoko Furusho is an artist and illustrator born in Tokyo, who moved to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts. And now she is an illustrator for many magazines and newspapers.

Japanese Artist Yoko Furusho has got me enchanted, with her very intricate illustrations that feel very whimsical and innocent. Each piece has got so many different patterns with layers upon layers of texture, creating such an abundant landscape.

I admire the high level of patience and attention to detail she must have to execute her beautiful illustrations, you’ve got to respect that! Yoko Furosho uses ink and acrylics, and is inspired by fashion and textiles, but she takes it a step far beyond, do you agree?

I feel like her ornate work could be a snapshot from a scene in a fantasy movie. I wonder how long a detailed illustration like one of those might take! I love the soft, but vivid colors Yoko usually uses in her work, with variations of tones and hues. If you want more Yoko Furusho you can visit her illustration blog for news and regular updates of her lovely work.

(images: yoko furusho)

Jennifer Davis Art

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Mar 302010

I was sitting on my sofa looking at the artwork on my wall thinking about how lonely my painting looks up there alone, not that it doesn’t hold it’s own with confidence because it definitely speaks for itself, but I feel like some company would liven up the place. And anyway, I love art and appreciate wonderful artist works, so why not spread the love? Right?

And as I was researching the works of artists I personally find inspiring, I couldn’t pass on Artist Jennifer Davis from Minneapolis’ beautiful artwork. Hers would be the first original painting I would love to own. It is so beautiful, and full of color, soft palettes and organic shapes, I couldn’t resist sharing her talent with you.

I’m sure many of you know Jennifer Davis already, but if not, you’ll want to because honestly, it’s pretty amazing. I find her work so pure and real, as each character she brings to life full of expression and with a story of their own.

Jennifer says “My mode of working is very spontaneous and intuitive. I build up layers of paint, sand them down, and then build them up some more. The narrative quality of each painting becomes apparent through drawing, painting and adding bits of found-image collage. Everyday my invented language of symbols grows, repeats, and changes.”

Visit Jennifer’s stream and blog for updates on current and future shows, exhibitions and for her latest work! Jennifer has an etsy shop where she sells some of her more affordable original paintings, and where I will be looking to get one for myself soon.

I think it’s important to purchase art that speaks to you, and encourage that interaction. By surrounding yourself with the things that personally inspire you, and reinforcing that idea, the more you allow creativity into your life and feed off that to live a more creative life, be able to express yourself and be original.

What is your favorite painting? Is there anything that speaks to you, what are your passions?

(images: jennifer davis)

Happy Monday + Flickr Favorite!

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Mar 292010

Happy Monday! How is everyone feeling after the weekend? I’m really looking forward to a new week of inspiration from the world of design, and a short week as we are fast approaching easter!

1. rose 2. Untitled 3. sleeping forest 4. antimony 5. Tagged Postcards Ready for Etsy 6. pink roses

I am loving all the floral inspiration that has been all around us lately! It’s everywhere, in fine art, fashion, and even decor! And I find it so refreshing! This week I draw inspiration from a soft palette of pinks and greens, florals, geometric patterns and everything Spring! How about you?

(images: sources listed above)

Happy Weekend!

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Mar 262010

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! What are your plans? I am exhausted after a long week of juggling a hundred and one things, working between two jobs and to top it off, I got the nasty flu and strep throat yesterday that I am fighting through (fun!) But that just means that I can spend the weekend resting, and taking in lots of Vitamin C!

I have been really busy the past couple of months taking on many different projects, and working on my portfolio to try and compensate for my less-than-creative job. It really took a toll on me, I had to commute for two hours daily to get to a job that did not even fulfill me, I knew I had to get out of there. So I agreed to work from home, which will make my hours much more flexible. And today I signed on to a design agency doing mainly motion video work, which I am so happy about! There’s a little update from me, now how about you? What have you been doing lately?

Have you seen the work of brilliant photographer Andie Edwards? If not, you must have a look at her gorgeous flickr stream, her photographs will be sure to inspire you. Her photos are so serene and soft, with such a pure quality to them.

(image: andie edwards)