travel as inspiration

I love to travel. The energy, the change in scenery, the new experiences and connections that are made along the way. And, if I pay attention, there are always images that feed my creativity and curiosity, which in turn has a way of feeding my work. Our journeys hold the potential to teach us something new, to shed light on a world we may not have otherwise considered, and to cast a patina of beauty on the yet to be discovered moments. 

Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund. Anthony Bourdain

As an artist, there is nothing more terrifying to me than becoming static, repetitive and moribund. In the same manner that I lay down materials in my work, layer after layer, only to scrap and shed what doesn't belong, I strive to live my life the same way. Holding tight to the aspects that create a rich texture, while shedding the elements that don't belong in the final version.

Life is sacred and fleeting. Go and explore. See. Do. Create a masterpiece with the experiences and people who enter your life. For myself, I am hoping that I never finish what I am currently working on because my life just gets more and more beautiful with each added layer. I wish the same for you.

*painting Constance in Contemplation by artist Gaela Erwin.