Yesterday Amy and I started a new tradition of taking small inspiration-based trips around the city. I’m a firm believer that the best ideas come from looking, listening and allowing yourself to really absorb all the inspiring things around you. So we hopped on our bikes, rode around Williamsburg and got coffee while talking about our big plans for fun future D*S projects. As I was heading home to Greenpoint, something colorful caught my eye: a grouping of colorful washing detergent bottles that had been turned into impromptu installation art on the side of a building. I used to live across from an artist-owned building in Park Slope that had these great globular tears dripping down the outside, so I’m always excited to see art on the outside of a building, in addition to the walls inside. While an undulating mass of detergent bottles isn’t everyone’s idea of “art,” it was exactly the moment I needed to have yesterday — one that reminded me to pay attention to the unexpected beauty around me and appreciate being back in a neighborhood that is enamored with turning the everyday into something special.
These bottles inspired a big idea last night, and I’m excited to see where it goes. This move has been so positive already, and I can’t wait to share with you some of the fun projects and ideas it’s inspired in the not-so distant future. Click here to check out another awesome shot from our afternoon out . . . xo, grace
28 Comments
Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes. This has become my “blog philosophy,” if you will, especially since I am now overseas.
What great images! I must agree that often times some of the best inspirations are right in our backyard or across the street.
I certainly hope this series will continue. I am looking forward to seeing more great pictures.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
Great advice…I am constantly amazed by my little town, and I discover something new every time I really take my time to absorb it all!
what fun!
Hi Sweet Girls..
I saw a video at Martha Stewart show & you were there..Congrats dear,I feel so good to see you there..
Stay awesome..keep rocking
love this idea! NYC, especially Brooklyn is so artistically inspiring that just walking around is stimulating and surprising in and of itself. Will grab a few friends and do the same soon…
I gotta get back over to Brooklyn- haven’t been since the fall! Thanks for reminding me how fun Brooklyn is!
thanks CM :)
g
This shot is beyond amazing! And, couldn’t agree more that inspiration is often found in the beauty and wonder of every day life. However, it also comes from brilliant women like you, who see art in the ordinary and inspire many of us to do the same (thx).
Thank you Grace! I needed this little reminder.
Loving the sense of excitement and inspiration I’m feeling here lately – that in itself is inspiring. Happy for you and looking forward to seeing what comes of it!
thanks kara- i’m not sure how to put it into words, but i’m feeling this groundswell of change coming. and i like what it could and hopefully will mean for d*s: a renewed sense of purpose and excitement :)
grace
You hopped on your bikes and went around looking for the art around you? That’s awesome!! Absolutely something I’d do :) I love that you guys biked! And what a great piece.
oooo, i saw this last weekend, while walking around, it was such a terrific surprise, love finding unexpected treasures like this!!!!
love the photo! i wish i had someone to collaborate with… have a great weekend :)
Awesome!
Thanks for posting this.
In Toronto, there was (or maybe still is) an installation in the 401 Richmond St building that is made of the large 1 litre plastic pop bottles – mostly green ones (like from 7up or gingerale). Its really cool and chandelier like. This reminds of it.
Love posts like this!
Here is a link I found for it.
http://www.stylenorth.ca/blog/2008/09/canadian-cool-pop-art/
Hmmm…..I LOVE this new post concept for D*S. it is so cool to see the random things that “locals” notice in their neighborhoods. I have been trying to incorporate this idea into my work as well..I live in portland, the land of random and there are so many cool things to share. Please keep this up! it makes me feel like I took a little trip to your neighborhood today!
PO
i feel the same way- in fact it was a post from a friend in portland that inspired me to take this idea and try to imagine something bigger from it. :)
grace
Your happiness is contagious. Thank you for spreading it!
I went to NYC for the first time this week and saw this last night when I was walking home! It’s cool that you spotted it too!
Gotta love that gorgeous weather yesterday :)
i lived in chicago for art school and everyday was a radical adventure on my bicycle! i now dwell in a tiny citrus growing town on the central coast of ca and inspiration comes in ‘country song’ -like ways! thanks for being my ticket back into the city!
i saw you taking that picture! crazy.
jenny
are you serious? too crazy- say hi next time if you catch us again :)
grace
so funny – andrew and i were just admiring both of these pieces of art earlier in the week on a trip to blue bottle for a new orleans iced coffee! i was so amazed by the colorful bottles.
So happy to see that you took advantage to enjoy the urbam street art. We recently took time n out site to appreciate urbam art in seattle.
http://www.makehappyblog.com/?p=195
ROA!
Your enthusiasm picked up my day, thanks!
I love finding art in unexpected places. I’ve also been exploring my local neighbourhood recently, starting with the cemetery – which may sound morbid, but there are some really lovely stone carvings and interesting ‘typography’ to be seen there.
Looking forward to finding out what new projects you are working on :)
We have a lot of impromptu art pieces in Detroit. Detroit in particular is pretty ripe for that kind of stuff because we have so much abandoned spaces. Always fun to come across random happenings of art in the city.
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