inspiration

Peek into my Art Studio

2010, inspiration / /
peek into linda germains studio
Artist’s books, ink and brayers, gelatin and stencil and tangles of thread. Up close in Linda Germain’s studio.

What do you see when you pause and look around your art studio?  Mess?  Chaos?  Neat and Tidy?  Creation? Potential?  Do you see yourself?

I do see myself, and it is a messy creation full of potential.  I have some of my artist’s books on a shelf and stack of glycerin/gelatin,  and now since I have started teaching online, the ever present studio lights and video camera.

I am very lucky to have space in my family’s machine shop.  My dad makes stitching attachments for shoe, handbag and mattress manufacturers.  I share my space with a retired chemist, who is building an experimental aircraft!  On weekends my nephews visit and we build stuff, paint things and let out our inner kids.

What do you see when you “look” around your studio?

 

 

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Inspiration & Tools at Your Feet

inspiration / /

found rust by linda germain

I have been walking around town even though it has been very cold lately.  The fresh air always does me good.  I usually come back to the studio with a new idea, solution to a challenge or at least a treasure that I found on the street.

I may not use these rusty scraps in a print, but they always catch my attention.  I do have a box of rusty things for rusting paper and fabric.  Spritz, layer, press and wait.  Do you pick up inspiration on the street?

The fabric and leather samples were a find at the recycle store Extras for Creative Reuse in Lynn.  This is a great place to find stuff for making art.  I always find paper, threads, and mark making tools.  If you are local to Lynn, MA  check them out.

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Future Beauty @ PEM 2 more days

2010, inspiration / /

Yesterday, I went to the Peabody Essex Museum to see Future Beauty: Avant-Garde Japanese Fashion.  I was so pleased as soon as I stepped into the exhibit.  I was greeted by huge fashion silhouettes with mirrors.

shape prints by linda germain
shape prints on a gelatin and glycerin plate by linda germain

I have often thought about reflections in art exhibits.  Generally the glare and reflection from the glass is not part of the exhibit, but I would like to do an exhibit where it is an integral part of the experience.

We pick and choose what we see.  And often we choose not to see ourselves in the art, reflection or space.  Did I lose you?  Try it next time you are admiring a framed and glass covered piece of art.

Can you see yourself?  It is important? Does it matter?  I don’t really know.  Does it affect how you feel or your experience of the art?

 

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Snow draws me Out of the Studio

2010, Haverhill, inspiration / /

Linda Germain's studio Jan 2014Huge snow flakes are falling outside. It is a challenge to stay inside when the snow says come out and play.

I guess there is always some good excuse to play.  Play is important.  That is why I try to add play to my printmaking.  I try to approach a project with a sense of discovery and invention.  When I do that, then I am happy and usually something magical beyond my control happens.

Enjoy!

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Support and Inspiration from Others

inspiration / /

I joined the Thriving Artist’s summit in December.  It was a jam packed online series of conversations about thriving as artists.  Bonnie Glendinning was the host and she interviewed more than 25 people who are successfully in the art business.  There is still time to join the conversation.

This video features many of the artists who participated.  I was surprised to see a few folks who I know.  Maybe you will see someone you know too.

My goal now is to actually apply some of what I have learned.

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