Texture Junky

Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, Washington

2013-04-25T02:53:00.002-07:00

Skagit Valley in the state of Washington is known for its Tulip Festival.

Today I'm posting a recent photo taken there with a suitable quote.

If you're interested in visiting this annual floral event visit:
http://www.tulipfestival.org/

Autumn Impressions Photo Art Show at Seattle Japanese Garden

2013-03-09T01:06:00.001-08:00

I'm participating in a juried show of photographs taken at the Seattle Japanese Garden. These photos were all captured during the Garden's 2nd photography workshop which took place during Fall 2012.

There will be a reception with refreshments. Artwork on display and cards will be for sale. 30% of the sales will be donated to Seattle Japanese Garden.

Admission to this photo show is free!

Public Opening:

Sunday, March 10, 2013
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Tateuchi Community Room at the Seattle Japanese Garden

Hope to see some of you there.

Here's one of the photos by me that will be on display at the Autumn Impressions Photo Show.

It's titled Turtle's Autumn Reflection.

If you'd like to see the other photos that were submitted to the Jury visit

Seattle Japanese Garden Fall 2012 Jury.

Happy New Year 2013

2012-12-31T12:56:00.001-08:00

Hi there,

Another post has been long overdue. For those who are interested I'll be posting more photos for you to enjoy or be inspired by.

Today I'm posting a photo from Garden D'lights which is still available for viewing until tonight.For only a $5 donation, it's definitely worth visiting.

Regarding this photo I'm posting today: I love the effects of lights reflecting on water or wet surfaces. Sometimes we complain about rain but it really offers moments of inspiration that might otherwise never have been. After all, you need rain which is water, in combination with sun in order to make rainbows. And who doesn't love rainbows!?

When I relate this creatively to everyday life, I have this thought:
"In order to live fully one must have tears (rain) as well as sunshine (laughter).

Wishing you all a Joyful, Prosperous and Healthy New Year 2013!

Best Wishes, Silvia

Sacred Garden in Maui

2012-09-23T00:49:00.004-07:00

Okay, while in Maui I visited this store/nursery/garden.
If you go to Maui and are travelling around upcountry, you must visit this place. It's not far from Makawao, which has farmers markets on Saturdays and Wednesday.

For a place that charges no admission & where you can also buy things, this place is definitely worth the visit!

On site, there are 2 labyrinths that you can walk. One is indoors and the other is outdoors. There is lots of beautiful artwork, plants & statues. There are also lots of interesting things to buy!

Here's a little video I made of some photos I took while I was there.

I really love this music by Deva Premal. I hope you enjoy it. If you need some inspiration maybe it'll come to you while you watch because there are many colors, shapes, patterns, etc. I was told that this place used to be an orchid nursery.

While I was there I bought a cool pendant of their logo which is a heart-spiral shape. What's really cool about it is that you can wear it 4 ways. It's the logo for Sacred Garden but it also represents other things.

It's very similar to something I used to doodle because I really love these two shapes, hearts and spirals.

If you're going to Maui, be sure to visit this place. Here's a link to their website.

The Wonder of HDR

2012-08-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's been such a long time since I've posted. I have a number of posts that I still need to edit before I put them up.

I've been experimenting a bit with HDR. Today I want to share an HDR photo I created from photos I took while I was picking blueberries.

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It's created by combining a number of photos of the same scene taken with different exposures. I created them with a combination of working with Lightroom 4 and Photoshop.

I think that an image like this stimulates the eyes like the taste stimulates the tastebuds. This richness is what I would call 'eye candy.' Enjoy!

Holiday Lights as Inspiration

2011-12-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sharing a video of the lights at St. Paul's Hospital and nearby on Burrard Street in Vancouver. Notice the repetition of line and shapes (mostly stars!). Come to think of it the snowflake is really a variation of the star, isn't it?

It's worth walking by to have a look. But if you can't go there then you could simply enjoy watching this video again and again!

Inspired by Melonhead Knitwear!

2011-12-12T01:44:00.000-08:00

Fiber arts can be a wonderful source of inspiration. The colors plus the textures, both visual and tactile, can be so stimulating. I was very inspired by Carmen Craig-Martin of Melonhead Knitwear. She is truly a fiber artiste who loves what she does!
I just love the hat I got from her and included in this little video I created from footage that features her booth at the West End Market in Vancouver, Canada.

Enjoy!

Inspiration from a Hotel Room...what!?

2011-08-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

How often do you stay in a hotel or motel and get inspired?

Recently while staying in a hotel room, I got a little inspired by finding a variety of patterns and textures.

The result of my discovery is this goofy little video.

So next time you feel stuck, go stay in a hotel or motel. And keep your eyes receptive to seeing something different.

Inspiration From a Garden

2011-06-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Portland Chinese Garden. It's also known as the Lan Su Chinese Garden. What a beautiful space to relax and be inspired! I created a little video of photos I took there. Check out all the shapes, patterns and textures. You'll appreciate it even more if you take the free tour.

I took so many photos that it was challenging to edit them down to keep it short.

Look for the critter having a nap.

Enjoy my little creation!

Cloud inspiration

2011-05-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Today's offering is the idea that clouds can provide an interesting texture. In this case I used clouds in a blue sky as fill for the words, "clouds in the sky."

In fact, the great variety of cloud formations provides all kinds of interesting possibilities for creating texture. Below are 3 variations using another cloud formation. The clouds are all the same but backgrounds and stroke on the letters make them look different.

Next try this same effect with black stroke outlining the letters.

Or the same with a plain white background.

Next posting will feature Texture Junky at the beach.

Mother's Day Card

2011-05-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is my first post on Texture Junky. I'm sharing with you a design for Mother's Day Card!
My creation is proof that I truly am a "Texture Junky" as it's full of textures, in this case mostly from flowers. Enjoy! And Happy Mother's Day whether you're a mother or not!