Some people collect a particular artist's work or themed brick-a-brack, like say as Georgia O'Keeffe or painted rooster ceramics. Others collect vintage postcards, first-edition books, or sports memorabilia. One of my collections is simply comprised of clipped magazine photos, spanning more than 20 years. They are from fashion, food, lifestyle and interior design publications, all with one thing in common...

They inspire me in one way or another.

For every designer, the creative process is something that evolves individually, born from one's perception of media and environment. Depending upon what my mind is seeking at any given time, say for instance, color coordinates, that is what I will react to first when I flip open a magazine page. The creator's mind just winds up being trained to do that. So this begins the process. Becoming inspired by the colors, then I notice the mood in the picture. It might be romantic, or modern, nautical or ethnic. If I really like what I see and my mind reacts positively, I clip it! Thus adds to the massive archive available for my disposal when I embark on a new design project. I always combine imagery from the past to seamlessly blend with the currents of the present. That is how I keep things unique... Moving into the future with an eye on the past. In lifestyle and fashion trends, everything is cyclical, especially evident now. I mean, look at how long we have been reviving the 80's!

Today's media, whether it be in printed publications, video or internet venues, supplies so much information, it can be staggering. Researching current articles and sifting through is a time consuming activity and can be daunting if the ultimate goal is vague. What a designer needs to keep in mind at the inception is the ultimate end-use for the design... and an open mind... Maybe the image has a particular pattern that reminds me of a pendant I purchased overseas or leather cording readily available. Whatever has attracted my attention, I always feel it's necessary to utilize this for the development of my latest projects. The focus is deliberate and meaningful, so I incorporate all the elements of inspiration to produce an interesting new direction... After all, one needs a starting point, even if it will evolve as the design process unfolds and develops...

One Saturday afternoon about four years ago, I happened upon a tag sale with one of my girlfriends. I must admit I am torn at these events. While part of me enjoys scavenging through someones old trash to find a treasure, another part is saddened by the obsolescence of one’s life. The person who lived here was someone special, someone who was celebrated and admired during their lifetime.

At this particular sale, my eye was drawn to a simple wooden frame perched above a fireplace in the family room. I went closer and began to study the image. The penciled words were in an amateur calligraphic hand, on tracing paper, with a colored Baroque scroll design, faded over time on the left. Silly as it may seem, as I read the passage, my eyes swelled and I began to cry. My friend thought I was a bit mad, showing such emotion for just a bunch of scribbled words. But they touched me, deeply... And after I toured the entire home and searched its contents for sale, I returned to the family room before we left. I bought that framed treasure and it now sits in its new home... on the wall in our foyer, above the antiqued marriage certificate I gave my husband as a first anniversary gift.

It reads:

"And in marriage, let your wine mix and your sweet fragrance blend and your voices sing in harmony.
And when the day is warm let the petals of your souls open so that the precious perfume of your flowers may fill up the air.
For when autumn comes your flower will dry up, but your sweet fragrance will still be in the air, and the sound of the trumpets of your hearts will gladden the hearts of those who are waiting for their round to drink from the wine of God and to walk on the paths which your feet have trod."

I have since tried to find the origins of these words, but without any luck. So much to wonder about...

Was this a wedding token or perhaps an anniversary gift? It was obviously handmade... by a daughter, sister or close friend? Even though I may never know its background, the sentimentality displayed will live on, admired by a new family and friends, visitors who share the pleasure of their company in our home...

Wishing everyone a loving and sentimental Valentine's Day...

xoxo-Sonya