Where do you go for inspiration about creativity (and collaboration)?
When I visit London, I ALWAYS try to find time to visit the Tate Modern…. it’s such an inspiring place for me.
And when I’m there, one of my highlights is to visit this piece of art, The Snail by Matisse. (1953)
A couple of weeks ago the museum was quiet, so I sat here for a while,,, on the floor, leaning against a wall, enjoying the colours (I LOVE BRIGHT COLOURS!!) and the imagination of Matisse.
For many years I thought Matisse had painted this work….
But recently I read the story behind the piece and now I love it even more… as it’s also a story of collaboration that helped create it….
In his last years Matisse was confined to his bed and too ill to paint.
But this didn’t stop his creativity.
Rather than painting he started to cut up and tear up bright coloured pieces of paper.
So rather than painting the outline and filling in the colours, he could ‘draw straight into the colours.’
For this composition he first drew a snail and became aware of an unrolling image,,, then his mind purified the shell and he took to his scissors…
Now,,, here comes the part about collaboration,,, Matisse worked with an assistant who pinned and pasted the bright coloured forms on a large white sheet.
I love this so much,,,, an aging artist working with an able assist to create a masterpiece together.
In places like the Tate Modern, I slow down and soak up the creativity and awe in the space….
Afterwards, I leave with so many new ideas or have more clarity on ‘old’ ideas….
Where do you go for inspiration about creativity and collaboration?
I’d love to read about your tips and tricks.
