Friday, July 21, 2017

Finding Inspiration

Lovely Lady - Sculptural Plaque by Anne Rita Taylor

I visit the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston for inspiration. They have a treasure trove of Impressionist art to rival museums in Paris.


The Sculpture Garden is very welcoming.  You can sit, bring your lunch or coffee & visit with friends. It is a lovely area with a few shade trees. Below is the walkway from the auxiliary parking.



I was surprised to learn - not everyone gets inspiration at museums - but that is where I fill up my well for my future creations. 
Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) was the architect for the Sculpture Garden which opened in 1986.



My favorite sculpture in the garden is actually a four part sculpture by Henri Matisse (1869-1954). A woman’s back is represented in a classical pose showing the history of art called Backs I - IV.  Below is one of my efforts at sculpting a back in clay:


When I was sculpting in clay in the 1980’s I would take the day off on my birthday & spend the whole day visiting the museum. See more about my sculpting here:
https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/12/sculpting-in-clay.html
I was in paradise just roaming around, visiting the exhibits, truly inspirational! 



I can easily become preoccupied all day looking at Adam by Émile-Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929), sculpted in 1889. What a beautiful human form! 




Although my favorite sculptor is Auguste Rodin (1840-1917).

When I was in Paris I visited The Rodin Museum which was a dream come true. 

Houston’s museum has his headless Walking Man sculpted in 1889.








Another Rodin in the Sculpture Garden, Spirit of Eternal Repose, was  modeled in 1899 & cast in bronze in 1982. 


You can see Matisse’s four-part sculpture in the background.

Leave a comment and let me know - Where do you get your inspiration?
©Anne Rita Taylor 2017

4 comments:

  1. I have had my face in a book, ever since I learned to read. We are truly kindred spirits Anne. Rodin is my favorite sculptor too. Dying to go to Paris......to see his museum.

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    1. Thanks Roxie - much appreciated! The Rodin Museum is also where he lived and sculpted - truly a wonderful experience, and not just the house but the gardens are huge, at least a few acres!

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  2. Great photos! I love sculpture. I think I get most of my inspiration from reading great writing. I definitely want to visit The Rodin Museum one day!

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    1. Thank you! Not sure where you are located - Rodin sculptures in the U.S. at The McNay in San Antonio, Texas and The Norton Simon in Pasadena, California.

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