Wednesday 6 June 2012

Feeling bookish


Einstein said that "Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking."

It's an easy thing to do. I use reading as procrastination all the time. After all, delving into a book about 'The Art of Possibility' or 'Resonating through visual presentation' is work right? It's education, it's honing my craft... Well, yes, but it's not much use if all you ever do is read and never apply. Or, worse still, if you take what the author says as 'read' and don't mix in your own opinion and experience - your unique point of view.

This piece is part inspired by Modigliani (he of the long face predilection) and Audrey Hepburn (she of the pretty face). Audrey wrote that:

"Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once."

This lady, who wears Audrey's quote across her chest like a cosy scarf, is wide-eyed in wonder. Her mind fills with creative fuel until she can do nothing else but light the touch paper...

Sharing for The Butterfly Effect's theme of Books.

18 comments:

  1. This face is one of my favourites... I love the colour palette and the quote is a cracker... I try to avoid reading creativity and art business based books except when I am on holidays... I always find them too distracting... I am strictly a novel girl during work time and it helps avoid the distractions... xx

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  2. I like anything Einstein had to say. I have his bio but I got to the second page and haven't gone back as of yet, tee hee. Love the face and the colours. Very deep. Great job.

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  3. I really love this face, so expressive, and bold colors. And it's true about books, I find it very easy get lost in books and put off actually taking action, especially art books...But once I start actually doing a project instead of reading about one, I'm always so glad I did...

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  4. Very beautiful. I do struggle with reading now. I struggle to find the time to do it. and when I do, I have harsher criteria. I often miss those long hours reading something that didn't appear to "do something" for me or teach me anything. bobbsey twins, for example :). I know their value though, in just making me imagine and making me happy, so I still try to keep pure light-hearted novels in the mix of headier books I read throughout the year...

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  5. Beautiful piece! I am a compulsive reader; started with 3 years old and haven't stopped since! Valerie

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  6. I really love this face Lisa...the warm color and her eyes...she caught my attention right away. I've been thinking about book page art lately too...think you have motivated me to do some more.

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  7. Einstein's quote is so true. I, too, use reading as a procrastinating tool. :)) I'm a compulsive reader, but lately I have been trying to give reading a definite space into my life, as I'd like to do many other things. :)
    Your book page is very strong!

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  8. You are full of wisdom. Love the quotes. :) And a wonderful face!

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  9. Just catching up on reading your blog...it is cram-packed with inspiration!
    And that man's face...I don't know the actor, but the painting is hauntingly beautiful!
    I love Audrey's quote...perfectly put!
    ♥♥♥

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  10. I can see the Audrey Hepburn inspiration in her eyes...and the fire in them, too! Beautiful work and quotes!

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  11. This is great - intense & intriguing, liking it a lot. It could inspire a paranormal fantasty story.... As opposed to your Damon inspired painting (that I've just commented on) which would inspire a fantasy story of a different kind ;-))LOL

    I've been catching up & commenting on your past few posts & feel very inspired by your art and words. You have a great writing style! Enjoy your time in the sun - it'll certainly be a pleasant change from the weather we've been enduring :-)!

    Kat :-) Xx

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  12. I love her soulful eyes and the bright colors of the background and the way the bits of pages underneath are all going in different directions. beautiful.

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  13. Those eyes! I love this. And the colors.. bah... love love love

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  14. Reading too much (!), sometimes, takes away the time when we could actually have 'done' something! I always feel, though that whatever I have read or seen somehow finds a reflection in my paintings. I guess I am that museum visitor! I loved the depth, expressiveness and the colors of this lady you have here.
    Thank you for visiting me! :-)

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  15. Lovely warm colours and sentiment :D XXX

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  16. This bookpage is wonderful. I keep looking at it. It's so expressive and beautiful. Nice warm colors. Love the quotes.
    Lovely greet
    Marja
    (marjascreativity.blogspot.com)

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  17. Beautiful work. Lovely warm colours and eyes full of wonder.

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  18. Hm, I never thought I would disagree with Einstein, but I guess there is always a first, huh? I think reading is exercise for the brain muscle; the more I read, the easiest it is to find ideas that are different from the ones others have already blessed the world with.

    I love this face, her big eyes and thoughtful expression... I bet she is thinking of a great story. I'm always feeling bookish ;-)

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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