art inspiration: paperfashion

I’ve always loved art.

I loved it when I created a self-portrait in 4th grade (which was actually displayed at a children’s exhibit in Battery Park City; probably one of my proudest moments).

I loved it when I recreated Picasso’s pieces in 5th grade. Sure, they definitely don’t resemble the originals. But it’s cool to see what my little eyes saw back then. (I still have them today, sitting on the windowsill in my office.)

I gain a new appreciation for art every time I visit a museum (one of my favorite things to do).

What’s especially wonderful about art when it comes to writing is that it reminds you just how boundless creativity is.

Looking at art can help you look at a piece of writing differently. It can inspire you to write about the person, place or thing in the work. To write about the artist. To write about how the work makes you feel. Or it puts you in a different mood, and gets you ready to write. Or it’s just absolutely mesmerizing and makes you happy.

Recently, I discovered the work of Katie Rodgers. She creates stunning fashion-inspired illustrations. I already bought three prints. (I really couldn’t help myself! Plus, I believe that spending money on art — and supporting someone’s vision and work — is never a waste.)

From Katie’s about page:

I grew up in a small town just outside of Atlanta, GA. Living in the country with three brothers, I would often escape into the nearby fields and create my own imaginative worlds. My aunt gifted me my first professional set of watercolors at the age of 7, and I fell head over heels in love with them. Fashion, whimsy, and nature have forever been lurking inside my mind… and onto the pages of my watercolor blocks.

These are my favorite illustrations. Be sure to check out Katie’s site Paperfashion for inspiration.

{print}

{print}

{print}

{print}

{print}

{print}

Does art inspire your writing? Who are your favorite artists?