Today's post is another first. This is another inaugural installment of a new segment here on WPR called "Inspiration". I want to share with you all the things that inspire me. As it turns out, I can be inspired by all kinds of things . . .
A summer sunset
Asian people
A book about pianos
And so on . . .
For me, inspiration is limitless. One just needs to be open to it because it can come from any number of random, blissfully yummy, mysterious sources.
This week's inspiration is actually something I blogged about a few months ago. It continues to inspire me, and as a result, I thought it would be a fitting subject for this first inspiration post.
I was flipping through channels as a bored Asian might do on occasion when I came across an episode of Reading Rainbow with Levar Burton (LOVE him!). After squealing with delight in the most manly way imaginable, I watched it through to the end where they offer up three book recommendations.
One of those books was The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg. They showed clips of the artwork and mentioned a little bit about it's story. I was transfixed and made the biggest mental note, like, EVER to remember that book.
I found it at the library near my house, and I've enjoyed it ever since.
First of all, I really love the artwork. It's highly detailed and just beautiful. When coupled with the actual story, there is this sense of mystery and possibility. What I love the most is how understated all of it is. There aren't a lot of flashy colors, or any colors for that matter. On an even, black and white pallet, it relies more on subtlety and nuance to convey it's strengths.
Notice the little rabbit at the bottom of the steps
And then of course, there's the story about a boy who wanders into a neighbor's garden. It's actually kind of magical considering what happens, but I won't give anything away.
Allsburg managed to put flowers in every shot. Brilliant.
In addition to the artwork and story, I think I love this book because I've always been enamored of gardens. I grew up in the South Pacific on an island that was one MASSIVE garden. My Mom has always had a garden (and has a lovely one even today). They are rich and amazing places.
So, go to your local library and read this book.
Be inspired.
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