The very darling Irene from one of my favorite blogs, Bloesem, asked me to participate in one of her weekend reads of blogger favorites. I thought I would include part of my submission for you as well.
My inspirations are so varied, and change from day to day. They are also full sensory: the smell of evening jasmine, the sound of the call to prayer in Marrakech, the rub of old Moroccan sabra fabric. But I include a few other inspirations here.
...letters and numbers: I am fascinated by letters and numbers, and I have a good collection of letterprint blocks and some old brass stencils. I love numbers and letters on objects, like porcelain, boxes, and cloth.
...floating flowers/turquoise pottery: I have been collecting vintage Moroccan pottery in shades of sea green and turquoise, a piece here a piece there. I like to turn them into impromptu fountains by floating flowers in them."
...lanterns and candle light: Marrakech is filled with lanterns and I am still as enchanted by them today, as I was when I saw them here years ago. I especially like those that are pierced so the light comes through in tantalizing patterns.
...hands: This borders on obsession. I have been collecting vintage porcelain glove molds for almost 10 years and I now have 28 (~gasp ). I also collect hands of all kinds, bronze, wood, steel. So beautiful, especially in groups.
...henna: I love the intricate designs of henna. Here in Marrakech, women wear such beautiful henna designs on their hand and feet, and I am wanting to incorporate elements of henna in our home.
...Asian art: I lived and traveled in Asia for many years for my work and find Asian art to be a great counterfoil to Moroccan art. When we lived in Nepal, I bought 12 pieces of antique Tibetan furniture - from altar tables to chests.