Friday, January 11, 2008

Inspiring Days



I was out looking for some enamel ware in the local antique and used shops. The enamel was just the excuse I needed to go on a hunt. I like hunts. A chance to go out alone and clear my head, no rushing, no agenda, just be...I thought some enamel bowls would make good water containers on my drafting table. I tire of looking at the cool whip containers...I was successful in that not only did I find two the same but they had covers. The covers are a good thing as my cat enjoys watercolor water and walking across the palette and leaving her paw prints on anything that might be on the table. This, of course, is without my encouragement, as with most of what Abby does. She is a cat after all. My beagles wouldn't dream of such behavior.

But sometimes one comes across something that they are not even looking for and at first glance, not even remotely interested in. But ah, your brain knows different. I purchased my containers and left the store but thought about the item I was not interested in. Strange...browsed through the next shop, right next door, and the whole time browsing I thought about the item in the shop I had just left. I thought how I had never seen one like it before. I have a small collection of them, very small. Not something I actively pursue. Thought I would love to draw it, maybe use it in a painting. The reason I was not interested in it in the first place was, I saw it had no use in it's present condition, I had put it and my thoughts in a box. I realized I loved the object and practically ran out of the shop, back to the first shop and walked, speed walked, straight to the shelf and picked that old enamel tea pot up and cradled it as I walked to the desk to pay for it. I brought it home and gently washed it and found it made me smile. It's shape is wonderful, the "short and stout" of the children's song I sang all the time as a little one ( I had it on a 33 and a third...Oh boy, there are people who don't even know what that is). The spout has a wonderful curve and the body of the pot is so smooth. I have sketched it twice already and I think of things to put with it in a composition. I am inspired by of all things, an old enamel teapot...One never knows when and where that spark will come from. I have learned to be open and ready to act on it. I have been given a gift today, in a few forms.
I leave with a sunset I stopped for on my way home.

Thanks for reading and have a great day being inspired and acting on it.

6 comments:

DEEP END OF THE LOOM said...

I love the teapot and the thought that something so simple would give you so much inspiration, is a true blessing in disguise.

CP Warner said...

Hi, Carol. That's a beautiful teapot, all right! The same thing has happened to me in antique shops on occasion. With me, it tends to be crocheted potholders like my grandmother used to make. I send them to my sister, who does not use them, but has a gallery wall for them in her kitchen. And once there was a simple, folk-art teddy bear I simply couldn't leave behind. hubby thought I was nuts, but there was something about that teddy's little smile, and his pot belly. He's still in my living room five years later. So, keep enjoying that teapot. I understand...
Love from Paula, who is glad to see you writing more!

Kristen said...

Great enamel pans, and teapot too. There have been some lovely sunsets recently.

cindy said...

You are something else!!! What a lovely idea for an art project.

I should have done the same thing you did when I saw this pitcher without out its bowl in the local thrift shop. When I returned to the shop the next week, another woman had it in her hand and bought it :(.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Carol,
You bring tears to my eyes as my heart wells up from depths I wasn't even aware of, but somehow suspected. You inspire me and I am so blessed for knowing you. Reading your blog today makes me realize even more just how much I've missed you, dear one.

Thanks again for being such an inspiration to me.
Love you much,
Cheryl

K Spoering said...

Carol, I'm glad you bought that teapot. It IS the perfect shape! You can paint it over and over - think of the lovely reflections from whatever you put with it! Can't wait to see what you do with it.

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