Inspiration. Where Do You Find Yours?

Birch Trees - Gisele D. Thompson

    As a visual artist, my inspiration comes primarily through my eyes. A walk in the woods, or even through my neighborhood can provide me with the sensory inputs that can be the start of a new painting, or even the beginnings of a new understanding of color or composition.

    I would be the last to admit to being a big reader (I am not). But when I come upon a piece that connects me to the natural world around me, it can inspire as well.

    Robert Frost, spent many years here in New Hampshire at both his family farm in Derry NH, which is open to the public, as well as The Frost Place educational center for poetry and the arts in the White Mountains in Franconia, NH. Sometimes I like to think that I might ramble down the same “road less traveled” in search of inspiration and reflection that Frost might have.

                                                                  When I see birches bend to left and right

                                                                  Across the lines of straighter darker trees,

                                                                  I like to think some boy's been swinging them.

                                                                  But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay

                                                                  As ice-storms do. Often you must have seen them

                                                                  Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning

                                                                  After a rain. They click upon themselves

                                                                  As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored

                                                                  As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel.

                                                                  Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells

                                                                  Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust—

                                                                  Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away

                                                                  You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.

                                                                  They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,

                                                                  And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed

                                                                  So low for long, they never right themselves:

                                                                  You may see their trunks arching in the woods

                                                                  Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground

                                                                  Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair

                                                                  Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.

     (excerpt) from  Birches by Robert Frost

    Source: The Poetry of Robert Frost (1969)

For more on Robert Frost here in New Hampshire , NHPR has a wonderful overview.

To see and purchase Gisele's art visit her Etsy site.

Springtime: Brighten Your Days with Art!

Here in New England, winters are a time for recharging, reflecting and creating. Short, cold days spent indoors give us time to reflect on the past year, we rethink what the coming year might look like, and begin to map out our plans. Wintertime in the studio means new work, and the first shows of spring seem to come faster every year.

 

After 5 plus years becoming familiar with the New England arts markets and fairs, I am grateful for all the wonderful and talented people that I have met and have welcomed me into the community. And I look forward to seeing you all in the coming year. 

I am excited to announce that I have opened my new studio located at 513 Donald Street in Bedford, NH and extend an open invitation for everyone. You can email me and arrange a visit! The studio offers me an opportunity to meet you one on one in a more relaxed environment than the art markets. I have all my prints available there, as well as my original work that is sometimes hard to bring with me to all the shows.

  

In addition to my shows throughout New Hampshire this year, I have expanded the number of locations where you can find my work, as well as the work of many other fine NH artisans. Please stop by and support these establishments and thank them for supporting the arts.

Bedford Fields in Bedford, NH

All Things Repurposed in Meredith, NH

Local Works Galleries in Bethlehem, NH and the Omni Mount Washington Resort

Wild Salamander in Hollis, NH

Route 101 Local Goods in Keene, NH

Yikes! American Craft Gallery in Center Harbor, NH

Shop Online at New Hampshire Made

My Etsy shop  is a convenient way to find a last minute gift, or something that you may have seen at one of the shows. And if you have not done so already, please join me on my Facebook page to keep up with new work and upcoming shows around the Granite State.