Inspiration is Everywhere

Hi. Cat here.

We are working with our web designer to create a beta version of our website for a big event at the end of the month. This version of the site won't have *all* the bells and whistles that our alpha will in May, but it will have what we consider to be the most important information for our audience right now. Consider it an appetizer before the main course.

One of the sections of the beta site is "Our Inspiration". It will visually depict what Masha, AnnMarie and I are inspired by in our work as designers, marketers and creative thinkers. How fun!

This past weekend, I went to Palm Springs for the FIRST time.(...and I'll tell you, it won't be the last.) I looked around and saw inspiration everywhere! First, the sun. The sun is something that those of us in Seattle covet, cherish, worship and sorely miss when she disappears for months at a time. Besides teh sun, Palm Springs is so rich with architectural detail, design awesomeness and natural beauty.

Here are few pics I took there that inspire me in my work with Ana Louie and also in life in general:

The wind turbines are awesome. Some people thing they're ugly. I think they're beautiful. They're graceful and delicate, yet strong and effective. They're a symbol to me that we, as a civilization, are doing something gentle on the earth to create energy. We are not digging, drilling, spilling or melting down. Natural wind is turned into energy. It's simple. It's inspiring. And the triad design of the windmill blades is balanced and visually pleasing to my eye.

This is a close-up detail of a large (12 foot by 12 foot) wall hanging inside the gorgeous mid-century modern Parker Hotel. I love so much about this piece of art. That it is a knit textile made of irregular width and texture yarns makes it feel so handmade. The curling design is organic, especially when contrasted against a modern and angular interior of the hotel. I just picture a fabulous mid-century knitter sitting beside a fire creating this item, and thinking about making a rug, or a scarf, or a sweater...and deciding on this as the end piece. I love it and would want one for my home.

This wall of repeated brick squares creates a outdoor vestibule and shade structure at the Parker. The repetitive pattern is soothing and interesting at the same time and it inspires me to remember that a good idea CAN (and should, usually) have an element of simplicity too. This wall is so well designed - it provides a cool little breezeway to wait for you car that feels special. You don't feel like you're just waiting - you're inspired to look UP at the sky and think "Wow. This is awesome."

I guess that's what inspiration is all about, eh?