(detail from roy II, 1994, by chuck close - hirshhorn museum, washington d.c)
while on our trip, we were able to check out the hirshhorn museum and i was able to see a portrait by chuck close up close and personal. i absolutely loved this as he is a favorite artist of mine. i love talking with my students about his life and work and they are always riveted by his paintings both past and present. although i wasn't able to spend as much time as i would have like to in this museum, i left feeling quite inspired and lifted.
and while we are on the topic of inspiration, i have to say that i feel the same from the home-front as well. j, has self-published his first novel. a writer for the past 14 years, this is his first foray into this medium. he has penned about a dozen feature films, and come very close in many screenwriting contests. and before we moved overseas, he had delved into writing and directing his own short film. since we met, i have always been inspired by his focus and drive to tackle his creative pursuits from music to writing. he is a true storyteller. and i am so amazed and proud that he maintained the focus needed for his novel while balancing the role of stay-at-home papa to a toddler (and new baby), certainly not an easy task.
and then there is my dear friend, kt, who has taken her own creative leap and opened an etsy shop to house her lovely handmade goodies. it is kt who has taught me to sew and her shop contains products of her own beautiful handiwork as well as her magical photographs.
there is nothing more inspiring and motivating then to be surrounded by those who have found the courage needed to put their art, their visions, their words, and their voice - out into the world!
