Inspiration!

To me, it's a big leap from being able to see a likely subject and photograph it in a pleasing way to being able to look at random bits of glass and metal or a palette full of colors and create art, and I am in awe of those who can do the latter.

Sculptor Shirley Erickson has those skills honed, I think, and we enjoyed seeing some of her recent mixed media works at the 19th Whatcom Artist Studio Tour today. This annual art tour takes place over two weekends in October, when selected artists open their studios to the public, and it's always an amazing experience!

Both Phil and I loved the sculpture I blipped today, called "Unbalanced," as well as the painting behind it, called "Different Views" -- click here to see them in full. Shirley uses many recycled and found objects in her art works -- for example, the glass circle in "Unbalanced" is an old glass ashtray, to which she added some glass beads.

Those for whom a cup of tea is an important part of the daily routine might like this whimsical mobile ( here's a full-length view). You can see more of Shirley's art and read her interesting Artist Statement here.