Inspiration has struck!

The last few months I have not been inspired like I usually am this time of year. Instead of seeking inspiration, I have been looking back, pondering where it has gone, why it is lost and how do I get it back. Stuck more in the "where has it gone" then anything. Typically this time of year I have, designed wearable art pieces, created a New Years list a mile long, made holiday gifts, written blogs, taken a million pictures of things I feel are inspirational, read magazines and have stacks of tear sheets piled up on my studio floor. But not this year, instead I keep saying to myself, "I got nuttin'", as I watch entry deadlines come and go...

But this morning, as I'm drawn  outside and down the stairs to my back patio, I'm greeted by warm rays of sunshine. Delighted, I pull up a chair next to my cat BB and together we close our eyes and look to the sun. Its there I felt it, warm inspiration, ray by ray, it slowly fills me. I smile as I slowly open my eyes and see in front of me, my yard. Sunlight streams through drops that drip slowly from the dormant grape vines still recovering from last nights rain. Behind the vines my bird bath statue Naxos, peering down at rain soaked leaves, is also touched by the winter sun. The adjacent grass and hedges appear deeper green on this teaser of a Pacific Northwest December 27th morning. Wishing I had my camera, but staying put, not wanting to leave this rare moment, I look around and I see beauty everywhere. I'm beginning to feel inspiration stir inside of me, but I force myself to continue to sit and look and take it in. 

Fast forward an afternoon later the wind and rain have blown in, almost as if inspiration blew in on the clouds itself. In this time I have scoured magazines, dug out my camera (a real camera) rearranged the living room, currently working on the design of a new garment and thinking about cleaning up my studio. I look out the window and between the clouds I see blue skies peeking through.

Thanks to the simple sweet rays of the winter sun, I'm feeling excited now and anticipating the new year. 

Wishing you an Inspirational and Happy New Year!

Have you seen my whole website and all the beautiful photographs? The photos were all taken by my dear friend, photographer Pam Russell. Well, she recently moved away...

Whining to Pam on the phone about losing my right hand and trying to guilt her to move back, she delicately said, "well Trisa, you might have to work with other photographers again".

It's not that I don't want to work with other photographers it's just that Pam and I had a great system, we worked well together and enjoyed each other's company. You know, the kind of friend you can be sassy with. Basically I realized I have to step out of that wonderful place called the "comfort zone"! Ugh! So I did my little I don't want to dance, then sent an email to one of my favorite photographers (whom by the way has many beautiful photos of pre Pam, Trisa & Co. interior shots on his website) Eric Neurath. www.ericneurathphotography.com

Eric is so laid back and easy to work with, detailed and organized. He's also a known entity to me, so I wasn't nervous, I was actually excited to work with him again. Our photo shoot was like old times. The ebb and flow of photographer and photo stylist, we jumped right back into our groove. In two days we photographed a *Japanese inspired Masterbathroom suite and a *darling remodeled laundry room.

The next day I get a call from one of my builders, they have hired a photographer to shoot the new model homes. Oh no! Another photographer! My 1st thought was, does he work well with others! I spent months selecting paint, counters, floors, tile designs, furniture, accessories, lighting, and hours staging these homes. The photographs will represent my work, this is a big deal.

I spend the day before the photo shoot gathering props, fresh flowers for each home, books, coffee cups, candles, bags of popcorn, bowls, napkins, towels, throws and anything else I can think of! My car is full. I show up and I'm greeted with "hi, I'm Phil Tauran" in his charming French accent and a smile. Instantly I'm relaxed, I load the garage with all the props and before I can even unpack, he's already starting to shoot. Yikes, this guy is fast! All who know me, know that I'm really fast, but he's faster then me! Impossible! So I kick into high geer and start displaying props. Fresh Persimmons on the counter to contrast with the neutral contemporary gray colors. Lay fresh white tulips near the sink. I light candles, fluff pillows and toss the throw blanket on the sofa as if it were totally natural. Add books to the coffee table. Then quickly move to the other rooms. Phil looks up from his camera and says "I like your work"! Cool! We work like this from room to room, quickly! *Two homes done in 2.5 hours! It's a miracle! I think I met my speedy match. www.philtauranphotgraphy.com

This week I had the opportunity to work with two professional photographers, I am so thankful for each of their unique styles and their years of professional backgrounds.

Pam, I miss you dearly, I took your advice and I think I'll be o.k..

*The photos will be added to the website when completed and edited.