Hello friends!
Whenever I need some inspiration, I search for images. This part of my artistic process has been consistent for a long time - even before the Internet. Lately, I’ve been looking at images of shells, insects, Art Deco shapes, and Surrealism.
I’ve been reading some troubling stories about climate change. I can’t remember the last time I drove to a destination and arrived to find the front of the car dotted with smooshed bugs. It just doesn’t happen anymore. I recently read an article on disappearing insects in the May 2020 issue of National Geographic that gave me pause. And so I decided to start drawing insects to add into my paper cutouts. Notice the Art Deco shapes too!
Paper cutouts by Lauren Braun
Here are some of my inspirations from recent image searches …
Max Ernst, Flowers of Seashells 1929
Jan van Kessel, Insects and seashells
Japanese Netsuke
Kay Sage, Minutes #8 (recto verso) 1943
Where are you finding inspiration these days?
Here are some journal prompts to find inspiration…
Write down your favorite word or list of words
Imagine your dream day and write it down in delicious detail, write out how all your senses are coming alive
Riff on your favorite season and what you love about it, winter, spring, summer, fall
Make a gratitude list - write down 5 things that are bringing you joy and gratitude this week
Write down 5 positive affirmations to focus on this week