ahhhhh vacation and i love reading

rian je jong: brooch-autum I, 2004, black and red coral

i am back from my vacation and i am feeling incredible focused and "on" in the studio. the time away was exactly what i needed! (time off is so important.) i am about to finish a new group of work for gallery lulo--it's been a challenging process and was slow going before my break. then when i got to work on monday, the work just came together and i am very pleased...more on that later. in the meantime, while i was on vacation, i read 30 minute earrings from cover to cover. it was fun to study the projects and read about the designers.

then i read an entire metalsmith magazine, something i have not done in years. the issue (vol. 30, no. 1) included a great article on rian de jong. i was familiar with her work already, but really didn't know that much about her. the article is a nice mix of information about her jewelry and her life--both very interesting! i also enjoyed reading "the unimportant collector" by ron porter which i can totally relate to because i am one of the collectors the author describes. the issue had so many good articles in it including the reviews and studio visit and the little gem about stanley lechtzin by harlan butt. i have often felt alienated by the tone of the magazine over the years, but this one was an exception and has renewed my interest in the publication. i will read the latest issue from cover to cover, too, i'm sure.

i also read the creative habit by choreographer twyla tharp. i loved it so much i only took me two days to read. i highly recommend it! it's all about the creative process and has some excellent exercises to bolster one's creativity. and finally, in addition to my regular stack of fashion mags and fiction, i read trust the process by shaun mcniff, another excellent book on the creative process. wow, i am so inspired right now!

thanks for reading.