Previously, I was particularly happy painting Verona, Italy, and Winesburg, Ohio (I just finished the book!). The beautiful stories that took place in those locations inspired me while painting, and I think add to the experience viewing the art as well. They drove me to continue with more meaningful map locations. I recently finished re-reading The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I think it is one of my favorite books, and the life of the author is interesting to me as well. Saint-Exupéry was born in Lyon, France and that is the subject of the first painting below. A favorite quote from the book,"It is only with the heart one can see rightly,what is essential is invisible to the eye." Also, "What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step."
 |
| 40x40 "Lyon, France: Birthplace of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry" |
I also read Unbroken last week, it is the story of another pilot and therefore seems worth noting. No art inspired by that one yet. I will say, that for me the most moving part of the book was Louie's brother and the tremendous way he changed Louie's life for the better. The love of a sibling is so special- here's a drawing I made of my brother this fall:
I have been reading a lot lately. Next up will be The Belly of Paris, By Emile Zola- my pick for my book club at school. (ha, p.s., I read Divergent for work earlier this month- I enjoyed it, and want to read the whole trilogy, but no art has been inspired by it yet) Also, I very much want to begin reading Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust. Garrett and Kathy P have told me the most beautiful things about it. Since I didn't get to start reading it yet, I made 2 works of art about it.
 |
| 48'x30' Auteuil, France- Birthplace of Marcel Proust |
 |
| 48'x36' Here's another collaboration with Garrett B. It contains the beginning of Proust's 'Remembrance of Things Past' |
I wrote earlier that I finished reading Winesburg, Ohio. It was a particularly beautiful book about a place. I read it slowly, as it is a collection of many short stories that weave together. (and because it wasn't for a book club...)Anyways, I hope soon to have a few more works inspired by the book. I feel that its connection to place lends itself to paintings of maps.
 |
| 24'x36' "Home" This contains a subtle map of my home in Naperville, IL and an excerpt from Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson. |
Many more exciting things coming soon, very soon Dear Reader. In particular, some drawings made with thread! In closing, I am also currently feeling very inspired by Elizabeth Peyton- I've loved her paintings for a long time, and like her focus on painting creative people. It feels good to be working with ideas from the past. (Can you tell I found time to watch 'The Cloud Atlas?') Cy Twombly's art was part of the giant ball of yarn that inspired me to incorporate text and writing too. None of us create in a vacuum, I hope this post offers a larger window into my brain than those past.
Cheers, Heidi
