Inspirational!

As lovely as my little house in my little village in lovely South Yorkshire is, and as much as I enjoy working on my creations, occasionally I feel the need to escape into the wider world!
Yesterday was one of those occasions so I made the trip, by train, up into Leeds.

After popping in to say hello to my former workmates, I had a quick nosy round town before heading up to The Headrow to visit the library and galleries.

First up, the Henry Moore Institute where I saw some fabulous work by Hermann Obrist. However, looking at some of the models that he made as mock-ups for some of his larger pieces of work put me in a rather frivolous mood - I couldn't help thinking that they look liked sandcastles! I wonder if that is my way of reminding myself it's time for a holiday!

After that, I went across the footbridge and saw some black and white photographs by Alina Szapocznikow that showed chewing gum displayed as sculpture. Bizarrely the shapes and forms were incredibly enigmatic and quite poetical. Alongside the exhibition was a small description of her thoughts and the following quote:

"creation is found between dream and routine"

I found that incredibly inspiring...which incidentally is what the rest of my visit to Leeds became!

Next I spent some time in Leeds Art Gallery before heading upstairs to the Art Library. Every time I visit I am so delighted by the ornament and architecture, and so this time I took some photos to share with you.

You'd think you were in a church!

It really is a most inspiring place - and that's even before you get to look at their specialised range of art books! I came away buzzing - I've got a notebook full of scribbled ideas for new techniques and items - I can't wait to get started!