Inspiration of the Month {June}

The carefree and lighthearted essence of summer is playfully illuminated by these painted images. Los Angeles-based photographer Alexandra Valenti imaginatively combines daring colors, whimsical patterns, and boundless vivacity in each photograph that makes me yearn for the outdoors. I can just smell the trees and feel the invigorating caress of lake water around my ankles.

Benjamin Zank sure knows what he's doing. There's an indescribable serenity about each of his photos, and it's obvious that they have been thoughtfully composed. Ben's numerous self-portraits "aim to stretch the viewer's imagination and express his feelings when words fail," which he undoubtedly achieves. I love the somber colors and the subtlety of human presence. Inspiring.

As an avid lover of rooftops, city skylines, and movies, the idea of Hot Tub Cinema makes my eyes widen with excitement...it even makes my love for drive-in theaters seem a little pathetic (who knew that was possible, right?!). During the summer, Hot Tub Cinema takes over rooftops in London "with astounding views across the city's inimitable skyline." What a perfect evening getaway, breathing in the fresh air, surrounded by city lights and best friends. And apparently they have plans to tour internationally in the near future. Sign me up! :)

The Capilano Suspension Bridge. If you haven't heard of it before, just be glad you have now--if you're not afraid of heights, that is. I stumbled across these stunning photos (the first two listed below) by Amitabha! on Flickr, and of course that led to some research and now I'm left with the unyielding desire to visit this place...in Canada. To walk amongst the trees and casually gaze down upon the vast green abyss, what a phenomenal feeling that would be.

So who's ready for roadtrips and popsicles and heat waves and July 4th celebrations? I sure am! ...Although I could actually do without the triple-digit heat waves. June wasn't exactly one for the books, but here's to hoping July restores the happiness in my heart. Here's to hoping.

What are everyone's plans for the summer?

xxKristin

Inspiration of the Month {May}

"Alone Out There" by Ryan Everson. The title says it all, really. I am completely enamored with this boldly expressive piece of art. In my eyes, it's a prime representation of throwing your vulnerabilities out into the cold, dark abyss that is our world. And that's kind of what art is all about, right? Wood, lights, neon, steel, rope, and foam flawlessly mended into a beautiful, larger-than-life masterpiece.

Another one by the great Ryan Everson in collaboration with Jason Garcia, feast your eyes upon "Fear Expanded." His work is "unlimited by materials and processes and examines emotional states, fame, fear of the unknown, sincerity and inward reflection." The photographs convey such a powerful idea that fear exists only in your mind, and sometimes a different perspective is all you need to conquer your fear. If you choose to face fear straight on, it seems to vanish altogether. Ingenious.

Speaking of great...THE GREAT GATSBY. This is definitely a must-see. As if F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel didn't set my expectations high enough already, the movie was brilliantly executed and I loved every second of it. Everything I imagined it to be and more. Visually striking, visceral, thought-provoking, emotional, festive, and painfully despondent. Modernized but still impeccably classy. And they couldn't have picked a better actor to portray Gatsby; Leonardo DiCaprio absolutely nailed it. I felt every inch of his pain, every ounce of his love, and every jolt of his laughter. Honestly, I just can't wait to see it again. And again. And maybe again. Yeah, it's one of those movies; take my word for it. And don't even get me started on the soundtrack...I'll just leave this here. :)

Mierswa & Kluska is a collaborative project between photographers Andreas Mierswa and Markus Kluska. These gorgeous photographs were taken inside of musical instruments, making them look like large, spacious rooms with wooden walls. I can't get over how well they captured the delicacy of the light streaming in. Transcendent. And I especially love how this first photo of a guitar resembles a grand auditorium with a spotlight on the stage.

Paige Bradley's stunning sculpture, entitled "Expansion," depicts a woman seeking inner peace. Her body is fractured, with light seeping through the cracks, showing the persistent struggle between liberation and being contained. “I ponder if we are more defined by the container we are in, rather than what we are inside. Would we recognize ourselves if we could expand beyond our bodies? Would we still be able to exist if we were authentically 'un-contained'?" There's some food for thought.

It's hard to believe May has come and gone so quickly. This month has opened my eyes to so many opportunities, and I feel so incredibly blessed. And summer is right around the corner! I've got my reading list, camera, and a deep craving for adventure. I'm ready.

(Less than 2 weeks til school's out!)

xxKristin

Inspiration of the Month {April}

These hand-painted chalkboards by Valerie McKeehan are nothing short of adorable, and every piece is truly unique. Valerie first designs the hand lettering and illustrations in chalk, then meticulously paints over it "using a technique that preserves the realistic look of chalk with the durability of acrylic paint." I'm sure these matte print chalkboard art pieces would look perfect in any home kitchen, coffee shop, or even as wedding decorations! I'm especially loving the John Mayer lyrics. :) Check out more of her chalkboard art at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandVal!

I recently discovered this Tree series by Korean photographer Myoung Ho Lee and was immediately mesmerized by the stunning simplicity of each photograph. It's fascinating how something as simple as a white cloth can transform the way we see things. Framing a single tree with a large white background dramatically changes the photograph to create a slight sense of fantasy, as if the tree is just a facade or a photograph within a photograph. It really draws attention to the beautifully exquisite branches and textures that usually fade into the background unnoticed. The tree almost starts to feel a little out of place in its own home if you stare at it long enough. Absolutely breathtaking, aren't they?

Brace yourselves now for "the unseen photographs of a legend that never was." Seriously. Are you ready for this? Vivian Maier was a children's nanny in New York in the 1950s and never showed a single one of her photographs to anyone. Her ~100,000 undeveloped film negatives (shot mostly on her Rolleiflex camera on the streets of New York and Chicago) surfaced decades later in 2007. Unfortunately, Vivian died in 2009 before she could be reached. However, she left behind some of the greatest street photography I have ever laid eyes on. A truly inspiring story and phenomenal photographs that capture raw emotion and the beauty of city life. These are just a few of my favorites (the last one is a self portrait of Vivian herself!):

And last but not least, the Tunnel of Love. And no, I'm not talking about the Springsteen album...I'm talking about a luscious, vibrant green tunnel found deep in the forests of Kleven, Ukraine. I think 'ethereal' would be the best word to describe it, just from what I've seen in photos. The dreamlike tunnel is 1.8 miles long and serves as both a passageway for a private train and a popular spot for lovers. It is believed that if two people are truly in love and cross the tunnel while holding hands, their wishes will come true. Definitely adding it to the top of my list of places to visit before I die. Time to book a flight to Ukraine! Who's coming? :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful month of April! Spring is now in full bloom, which means it's officially time to break out the sunglasses and sandals (...and the Claritin). Let the May celebrations begin!

xx Kristin