One of the biggest inspirations in my artwork is the Japanese design aesthetic. My husband and I visited Japan in 2001 for my brother-in-law's wedding in Tokyo and spent two weeks in Tokyo and traveling around the country. Visiting Kyoto in October pretty much sold me on the culture, the food and the beauty among other things. Ever since, I've been drawn to the same things the Japanese covet: beautiful fabrics, simplicity, nature, food. Here are some books I flip through frequently when I need inspiration in my work and life. Maybe one day I'll be able to read them rather than look at the pictures!
A few years ago I discovered the édition PAUMES books and never looked back. I'm now such a regular at the local Kinokuniya bookstore they politely suggested I should buy a membership. It's a weakness, I admit.
The books feature the gardens, homes and studios of creative people around the world. They just published the first book on San Francisco artisans too San Francisco Kitchens. Lisa Congdon of local gallery/shop Rare Device is featured on the cover.
Featured in Ateliers de Filles 2, this is the studio of French jewelry and doll designer, Servane Gaxotte. Seeing the repetition and creative freedom she has gets me thinking about how I would use this in my work.
I discovered Come Home! on my last visit to Kinokuniya. Uh oh ...
Another studio photo but this time in Japan. Just the graphic layout of these books shows up in my work. Back to the studio, new idea ...
6 comments:
Oh I can see how you would get hooked on those books - they look so interesting. I think I would be a regular at the store too!
What rich and beautiful imagery. I think learning to read the text might be an exciting challenge. Even if you only pick up here and there. It will be interesting to learn too.
very inspiring stuff! :)
Is there one issue you could recommend especially? My son is in Japan right now and he ows me a present!
Kitty, I would recommend on of the Atelier books since you're an artist. They are full of amazing photos of studios. ps- they're expensive but oh, so worth it!
Of course.. well I will calculate the yen exchange first! Don't want to rob him of all his pocket money..
oh now Im going to need those too...
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