Inspiration Abounding!

I ran into a photo site yesterday called Every Stock Photo, which is basically a search engine for license-specific photos. It's nothing like Flickr or other photo sites I've visited. This site gathers photos from all over the web, including Flickr, and lists them in one place. You can do a search for almost anything you can think of and hundreds or thousands of images will come up, along with a link to view the photo where it was originally posted. There were just a few images listed under polymer clay but I was totally mesmerized by the shells, fossils, and stones. I see this as a wonderful source of future inspiration. Membership is free and allows you to rate, tag, collect and comment on photos. I've borrowed a few to share with you and I'm linking back to the photo site where I originally found them.



The photo above is avacado and rambutan. I had never heard of rambutan before so, in case you want some more information about this cool-looking fruit, click here.

This was, without a doubt, my favorite photo from yesterday's exploration. The color, the pattern, the texture . . . have any idea what it is? It's a Romanesco cauliflower! Of course, I've never seen one of these in West Virginia but, if any of you live in a real city , maybe you can tell me what they're like. It's almost freakishly beautiful! I don't even care what it tastes like but I'm sure it must be magnificent. I just want to spend hours and hours studying it. Does anyone know if there's a gourmet market anywhere near Synergy next week?

And here's one more special photo that I found just for you. I hope your Valentine's Day rocks!

A Rockin' Art Doll!

I feel like I've been swimming in a sea of sludge for the last week or so and I can't seem to kick this Vegas crud that I brought home with me but when I saw this fantastic doll from Gera Scott Chandler of British Columbia, Canada, I perked up more than a bit. I first saw Gera's wonderful work in an old issue of PC Polyzine (unfortunately, I wasn't able to access it in their archives) and I've been a fan ever since. Living where she does, it's not surprising that she takes inspiration from the shores of Vancouver Island. How wonderfully lucky she is to be able to go for a walk and enjoy all of the amazing beach pebbles that wash up along the shore. That's truly my idea of a good time! I'm thinking I'd love a skirt like this of my own. I'm aware it wouldn't be too comfortable sitting down but I'd be willing to stand for a skirt made of rocks.

Here's a close-up of more fantastic beach pebbles from Gera. Enjoy her blog and be sure and check out more wonderful work from this talented lady here.

And, since we're sort of on the subject of Canada, I just wanted to say that I adore the Canadian clayers! Several of them attended the Clay Carnival in Las Vegas this month and they were so much fun. A special hello to my friends Barb Alexander, Deborah Groom, Mona McRae, Sam Mitchell, and Vickie Turner. There's a lot of talent north of the border, eh?

Rock On!

I'm humming Louis Armstrong right now. The amazing Renato has done it again! Look closely at this photo. Can you see a woman's face to the right on the rock at the top? And her reddish-brown hair? Check out that Skinner blend sky! I have to go to Italy and learn rock balancing or my life will not be complete. What a wonderful world . . .

Peace, Harmony, and Balance . . .

ValleParadiso3 12-06
Originally uploaded by rebranca46

These are the things that come to mind when I look at the photos of Renato Brancaleoni of Italy. The rock balancing pictures are so magical and delicate and I'm convinced that he must live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. His photos will calm your soul. To see the sky, the sea, and the earth through the lens of his camera is a rejuvenating experience. I find myself humming Louis Armstrong's song "What a Wonderful World" every time I visit his site. Wishing you a peaceful, harmonious, and balanced day.