Amy Tan on Creativity: Out of Nothing Comes Something

I've been thinking a lot lately about my own creativity, 

where it comes from, where it goes when I feel it missing, 

and how to regain momentum during a 'dry spell'.

I think we all go through ebbs and flows, 

highs and lows of creative inspiration and output, 

but what can we do if we're just not feeling inspired?  

What steps can we take, what thoughts could we have, 

or should we just wait out the drought until another muse comes along?

So, in having these thoughts on my mind, I found it somewhat serendipitous to come across this TED Talk 

from author Amy Tan with her thoughts on creativity.

It's given me some new ideas concerning the thinking process.

And it's just an enjoyable watch.  When you have 20 minutes to spare, give it a look.  Who knows, you may be inspired.

From LearnOutLoud.com:

In this TED Talk author Amy Tan probes into the roots of creativity or how "out of nothing comes something". She examines her own life and the many influences that have fed into her novels. She also tells of the many fascinating coincidences that have happened to her over the years at key moments of creativity. It's an intriguing and often humorous talk from a beloved author.

source.

tags:   Amy Tan, books, art, cooincidence, creativity, inspiration, lucky, reading, serendipity, TED

penccil

I recently came across the "creative ecosystem" that is penccil, a collaborative design site for sharing and discovering artists from around the globe.

Some of the submissions that caught my eye are in the 'Cut-Out' category, and include the following cut-and-fold paper models.

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{ above:  wild paper animals from Le Blédine, circa 1950s }

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{ paper cars from 1950s France }

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{ no glue required for the assembly of these farm animals from an early 1950s French album by Castor-Flammarion. }

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{ views of Victoria Theatre }

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{ 19th century French House details. }

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Let the fun begin!

via.

Helmets from Chivalric Antiquity

 As some of you may have gathered from reading this blog, I do so love me some history.

So it was exciting whe I came across an article called 

"The Weirdest and Fiercest Helmets from the Age of Armored Combat",

  highlighting some amazing pieces of ceremonial art from centuries ago.

I was struck by the creative aspect of these incredible works more than their other, darker purpose (although indeed, much of the ornate armor was intended for pageantry and intimidation, not for use in battle). 

It isn't hard to imagine these helmets coming from another world entirely...

Let's begin with one of the most famous - and intriguing - helmets of all time:  The Horned Helmet of Henry VIII:

{ above:  via Royal Armouries website:  "Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I presented Henry VIII with... this extraordinary ‘Horned helmet’ in 1514..  It was made for use in pageants rather than for combat. Henry VIII might have worn it at sumptuous events such as the parades that accompanied tournaments." }

{ The extremely fierce "Toothface helm" by an unknown Italian artist from the 17th century. }

{ Closed helmet with mask visor, by Kolman Helmschmid in Augsburg, Germany, c. 1515.  "Grotesque" human figures were popularly used in armor during this time. }

... And who knew King Charles the 5th had such an impressive collection of showy pageant wear?...

 { Ceremonial and parade helmets of Charles V ca. 1540s. }

{ Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head, c. 1475-1480; "The earliest surviving example of a Renaissance armor all'antica. The outer shell of the steel helmet was made of embossed and gilt copper." }

{ Frog-mouth helm and drawings of, 14th-17th. }

{Bascinet and sketches from the 14th and 15th century.}

{ Japanese sea conch shell helmet, 1618.  First tourist hat ever? }

{ Burgonet of Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino, Milan 1532-35. }

{ Cheeky 'stash, mate!  quirky early 16th century German plate armours featuring dandy mustaches - first made for the Emperor Maximilian I. }

 find more ancient armoury here, and historical artifacts here

Madame Scodioli and Her Wonderful Curiosities

Extree, extree!

Step right up, folks, and have a listen!

 I'm here to invite each every one of you to do yourself a favor and pay a visit to the 

Mistress of the Midway, the Mercantile Madame, the Maker of Miracles, Proprietor and Peddler of: 

 Scodioli Creative!

 Here you can find all manner of lovely of beautifying products.

I can personally attest that her potions and tinctures are first rate, guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

{ Her products are sure to make you the envy of all. }

As the Madame says of herself:

"

After the gates close and all is quiet on the midway, Madame S. retires to her wagon and spends her evenings making soap and other curiosities for the rest of the performers.

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And what a job she does!

So visit today!

You shan't regret it.

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