Muse:

a. A guiding spirit.

b. A source of inspiration.

I have often been asked from where I find the inspiration for my work. If you have seen any of my art or jewellery, I think it is obvious that much of my work is informed and inspired by my deep connection to the earth. I am so blessed to live in a relatively unspoiled rural area, so I am able to experience and be inspired by the land and all that grows and walks on it, the rivers and everything that swims in them, the wide-open sky and the clouds and birds that soar overhead.

"Daisy" Pendant.  Sterling Silver, Fused Glass. 2010 Julie A. Brown

I also find my Muse in other places:

 
My fine art journey often inspires my jewellery-making. This pendant was inspired by the art of Lawren Harris, a member of the Group of Seven:


"Mountain Sketch" Pendant.  Sterling Silver, Copper, dyed Agate.  2011 Julie A. Brown
 

Fabric:




 "Satin" Cuff.  Sterling Silver.  2010 Julie A. Brown

Music is often my muse, either directly as in this painting inspired by “Dance Me to the End of Love” by Leonard Cohen, one of my all-time favourite songs:


"Dance Me to the End of Love" abstract acrylic painting.  2007 Julie A. Brown
 

or as more often the case with my jewellery-making, indirectly. I find that listening to music while I am working helps me to stay focused on the task at hand. The right music can inspire me to keep working away when I've soldered the same ring 5 times, or to stick with the jobs I find boring (like polishing!). Things are very hectic in my studio right now as I gear up for the holiday season. I find myself continually listening to The Civil Wars. Their soaring, haunting harmonies speak to my frazzled soul, helping to keep me from flying madly off in all directions. Give them a listen if you haven't heard them before.

My tastes in music are very eclectic, including jazz, classical, blues, classic rock, pop, folk, anything that touches my soul. I have been caught singing and dancing around the studio, which is a bit embarrassing, but when the Muse calls, what is an artist to do but follow?

Where/how do you find your Muse?  I'd love to know - just leave a comment below! 


 This post is part of the Aspiring Metalsmiths Team September Project Blogroll - Finding Your Muse
Each month the Aspiring Metalsmiths team chooses a topic and each write about that topic on their blog. This month we want to know what inspires you, and where do you look for inspiration?

See what we have to say by visiting the blogs below: