Influences and Inspirations

While studying the book "Steal Like an Artist - 10 things nobody told you about being creative" by Austin Kleon, this quote was pointed out to me. "You are, in fact, a mash up of what you choose to let in your life. You are the sum of your influences." This quote got me thinking about the things and people that have influenced my life over the years. 

The first major influences on my life would have been my grandparents. They were wonderful people and taught me to work hard, be respectful, do your best, and to trust in the Lord. I could always depend on them to be there and to help me in whatever way they could. I couldn't have asked for better role models. 

Grandpa was a very hard worker and had a workshop in the basement where he tinkered around on whatever project he could find (that was his hobby). So, I tinkered with him and came to love all things old and all things mechanical.

This helped me to realize that I love old houses, and the more decorative, the better. Be it the old Victorians with their "gingerbread" trim, or the stately brick homes with their large double columns out front, to the extremely ornate Art Nouveau style of Tassel House by Victor Horta. I love drawing floor plans, and even coming up with some furniture ideas. Although I was interested greatly in architecture, I had family members that were engineers and went that route the first time I went to college.

While working in the engineering field, I didn't feel all that fulfilled in what I was doing. I did get to work outside, but, I always felt that I could do something more creative than roads, bridges, water ways and sewers. I know, yuck!

I think that when I was basically forced to change my career many years ago (1993), it was a good thing. I have become much more creative and I really enjoy what I do. I am always gathering ideas and strength from those people and things around me, and hope to be doing so for many years to come. I don't know that I will ever be able to say that I'm satisfied with "the sum of my influences", simply because I hope to continue having things influence me for the rest of my life.

I find a great deal of inspiration in two different individuals from the Art Nouveau period. These people are Victor Horta and Alphonse Mucha. Their work just leaves me in awe! Art Nouveau is so organic and it just flows. It is very provocative and romantic looking without being tacky or crude. I would love to be able to do something in a similar style as theirs. 

These are pictures of Tassel House. Horta not only designed the building, but he also did the murals the flooring the stairs, furniture, doors, latches, etc. He practically designed everything that was inside it. It would be a dream come true if I could ever go and see it in person.
 

I love the stained glass mural that he designed here. Look at the the flowing lines in it and then look at the lines of the railings, lights, sculpture, etc. 

This is one of the balconies - again, the curves and designs are just gorgeous!

I love it!

 
The set of images at right are called "The Seasons" (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), and it is by Alphonse Mucha. Just look at the details and all of the flowing lines. Very provocative and feminine, but definitely not crude or offensive.

The next set of images are called "The Precious Stones" (Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Topaz)(1900). Then, the set after is called "The Moon & Stars" (1902). I'm showing it larger than the others so that you can see the details. Note the ornate "framing" designs he gave these. He did most of his works with and without the ornate edges.

The last images are of some of his poster designs. Look closely at what product the one is advertising - it might surprise you.

I'm researching who these two men looked to for inspiration and hope to find more people to add to my list of people who inspire me. I'll continue to dig deeper into their styles and will ad more information as I find it.