Sunday, October 20, 2013

Beautiful inside and out - inspiring ladies with silver hair



A few months ago, I started this blog in order to share with like minded people things that inspire me.
In most cases it is the beauty in unexpected places that delights me, the discovery of a story I did not know before.

It is very seldom that I stumble across something that is as beautiful as it is inspiring.
Something that provides an answer to a question we have all been asked when were children:
"What do you want to be when you grow up"

When I saw the 'Fashionistas 2013' video last week, I was inspired and moved by these women.
By their love of life, positive energy and hope.


Before sharing this video with you, a personal note:
This post is in honor of my grandmother, who passed away 16 years ago at the age of 93.
Raised to be a lady, well read and versed in the art of playing the piano and making beautiful embroidery - she had no problem moving to a new country when she was in her sixties, work as a nanny to supplement her meager income and marry when she was well in her seventies.
Her white silver hair, her hugs and smile will stay with me forever.
Thank you grandma, for being you. I love you and I miss you.

...and now, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy!

The Fashionistas

Until next time,
Amy



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4znrNtLKDE4

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Latte and more, for the creative mind ;)

Let's play a game.
When I say art, what are the first 3 words that come to your mind?
Waiting .....
Is trees on your list? Latte? Perhaps bears?
If not, you may want to read this!


Coffee art by Kazuki Yamamoto
Let's start in the morning. What do most of us do?
Have a cup of coffee, right?
How about one that looks like this?
Quite a way to start the day!

Kazuki Yamamoto, a 26 old barista from Osaka, makes 3D latte sculptures.

Do you think this is less of an artwork than the ones hanging in a gallery?
I don't.

In some ways I even like it better as it is way more creative to sculpt with milk foam than with more traditional materials.

See more pictures below, as well as a nice article if you want to read more.  

Giraffe latte sculpture!


This one is my favorite :)

Fishing cat latte art



Enough coffee for today?
Let's take a walk, and since we can choose any place we like, why not the Chinese district of Shijiazhuang? 
You have a dog? Take it with you, as he may also like this :)

Painting on trees by Wang Yu
23-year-old art student Wang Yu is transforming the streets into an open air gallery with her beautiful tree paintings.
The paintings are mostly of animal and plants, maintaining a naturalistic look.

And, not to worry, the paintings have been approved by the environmental protection bureau who confirms the paints do not harm the trees.

A beautiful combination of art, nature and out of the box thinking.
I love it!









Fancy a good cold German beer now, after all this walking? 
Let's go to Frankfurt, Germany and look for a nice place in the downtown. 
No beer, but look at these bears!

These pictures were taken by me in a recent trip to Frankfurt. 

Artistic bears (and some rabbits) wonderfully crafted to
the last detail. 

Amazing work.

Took a lot of will power to buy only a small puppet!

See the pictures below and you will probably agree with me.










Can't remember if this one was Bach or Mozart...I should have taken notes ...



















 
Another beautifully detailed bear. Just look at the lace collar!

Creativity comes in so many shapes and forms, and inspiration is literally all around us.

Waiting for us to take the time and pay attention.

If you love inspiring and unconventional pieces of art,
you may enjoy my post on painting with stone.

Register for the email updates, more inspiring things on the way! 

Go be creative, and have a wonderful day!

Until next time,
Amy