an ode to the moleskine

A timeless tradition of artists and writers, the Moleskine is a simplistic array of journals, diaries and sketchbooks.  They pay tribute to the sleek, durable notebooks used by many of the great thinkers from the past including Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.

A nameless black notebook carried throughout the world recording the thoughts, stories, sketches and ideas that would become the writings and art cherished today. Now, Moleskine artwork can be found throughout the digital world and fuses many mediums together - watching the progression of this paper bound book move into the virtual realm is quite intriguing.  

The Sketchbook Project is the newest chapter in this legacy.  A tour of thousands of sketchbooks created by anyone, anywhere in the world will go across the US on an exhibition in museums and galleries.  After the tour the books will make their final stop in a permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library where they will be available for public view.  Artists can track where their sketchbook is and how many times its been pulled off the shelf.  They can also have the entire book digitized to flip through online and have it viewed internationally.    

Artists must order their Moleskine by October 31st '10 and choose a theme.  Check out the site for details.

The Sketchbook Project

To get inspired and see how others fill up their Moleskine's visit the site.  It'll be sure to get the creative juices flowing. ;) xoxo love,

jolie

{photo sources: Extrasist0le}

Tweet

The 9 Muses

 The Nine Muses in Greek mythology, poetry and writings are the women who inspire the creation of literature and the arts.   Bringing kings and poets their source of knowledge through theater, songs, myths and poetic lyrics.  The daughters of Zeus (King of the Gods) and Mnemosyne (Goddess of Memory) each muse presided over a particular portion of literature, art or science.

The muses are also the spirit within all of us that sparks the creative process.  They are inspiration, embodying that which fills us with prosperity, abundance and joy.  That buzzing energy of excitement and motivation that moves you is the muse within.  Honour her and the rewards will be abundant!  

Muses in Myth

Calliope | Muse of Epic Poetry

Clio | Muse of History

Euterpe | Muse of Lyric Poetry

Melpomene | Muse of Tragedy

Terpsichore | Muse of Choral Dance and Song

Erato | Muse of Love Poetry

Polyhymnia | Muse of Sacred Poetry

Urania | Muse of Astronomy

Thalia | Muse of Comedy

{photo sources:  The Muses by Eustache Le Sueur, Terpsichore Muse of Music and Dance (1739) by Jean-Marc Nattier,  Apollo and The Nine Muses (1856) by Gustave Moreau,  Hesiod and the Muse (1891) by Gustave Moreau, Parnassus (1496) by Andrea Mantegna}

Tweet

dreaming ::: of my Artist's Loft

{photo sources: LoftLife, unknown}

Tweet

Arabian Horses

When I stumbled across these images of arabian horses I sat in complete awe for some time. The magic that these animals hold is breathtaking. It's as if they are dancing with so much power and a determined energy. I love how the photographer (Wojtek Kwiatkowski) applied a delicate, almost pencil sketch element to the photos. Click here for his full gallery.

{thank you to Rose Coloured Rain for the find}

Tweet