Do you ever get inspiration from the past for your creativity?
Does someone from your own past or heritage inspire you with the creativity that you remember? Do you ever admire old artistic expression in shows and galleries? Or maybe "explore the archives", either online or in books and magazines? Make something with an eye to an old-fashioned look? Sometimes it's downright interesting to see and remember the work of creative artists in the past.
Here's a very telling (and fun) list I found of "the general rules" historians can now see were guiding women making quilts and other household goods a century ago in the 1920s and 30s. It was a time when folks were hoping for happier days and when all the needle arts were resurging. There was new technology that allowed inexpensive cottons to be available in a whole spectrum of color. Even though none of this list (compiled by Barbara Brackman) was ever written during that era, these seem to be the unwritten rules of the inspiration sewers felt then.
1. Any color goes with any color.
2. The more color the better.
3. The neutral is white (light appearance to finished work).
4. The more prints the better.
5. Contrast balances the prints versus plains.
6. Clear colors, not toned down.
I love the 2nd! And the 4th!