Takashi Iwasaki

So in awe of these colourful and fascinating embroideries by Takashi Iwasaki. 

"Most of my recent works... are either visual recording of my daily life or visualization of my imaginary worlds or landscapes that no one would see unless otherwise depicted. Those recent works may appear to be abstract on the surface, however, most shapes and colors have meanings and origins that are very significant to me in the way I feel them, therefore they are very representational and are reflection of my state of mind."

I love the idea of sharing imaginary worlds that no-one would see otherwise... to me that's the basic point of art, both making it and experiencing it. Thanks for sharing yours Takashi Iwasaki!

xx

Santosha

"Being content with what is, accepting what is; making the best out of everything. The practice of gratitude and joyfulness; remain calm with success or failure. A state of mind that is not dependant on any outer feedback or event."

I've been away for a month at the aptly named Santosha yoga school! Learning yoga but also, hopefully, the above and much, much more.

And now I'm back!

xx

Kris Tate

Because there hasn't already been enough cats with lazer eyes on this blog yet!!! Amazing prints by Kris Tate. I might add that this weekend all shipping on the Society6 website is free... AND you can get all of the above images as motherflipping t-shirts! Guess which one I bought? Okay I'll give you a clue... it has cats. And lazers.

More Kris Tate here.

xx

Freya Stark, "Passionate Nomad" (1893 - 1993)

"To awaken... in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world."

Truer words; never spoken, bad ass old-timey travelling lady! Freya Stark was one of the first Western women to travel thorough the Arabian desert ..."often traveling solo into areas where few Europeans, let alone women, had ever been" (Wikipedia) See: badass!! And she set out at age 34... sending her straight to my "People Who Do Awesome Things A Bit Later in Life" as well as my "Inspiring Female Idols" list!

"Stark longed for the social security of the times: marriage and children. Proposals fell through, on occasion her beloved was married, or the romantic emotions she felt went unrequited - and besides, as a friend later pointed out, marriage would have spoiled her with its confinements. Rising above depression, self-imposed ostracism, and her numerous illnesses, Stark learned Arabic and how to climb mountains, map, partake in geographical digs, and find a niche in strange cultures" (from Amazon.com... cannot wait to get my hands on this book)

Sounds a bit better than being married with children just between me and you Freya! ;)

xx