Gifts From The House Of Whimsy

"Reality is a description of the world told to us from the time we are born" Don Juan

Our worldview, values, aspirations, fears and all that we perceive are determined by and interpreted through the filter of our past observations, experiences and influences.
A certain proportion of people, however, are more easily able to imagine other possibilities, the 5-15% of the population with a strong creative bent. By expressing their imaginings through visual images, words, performance and song they introduce the new possibilities to the general population who, if sufficiently inspired, make manifest such previously non-existent potentials.
It is no accident that science today develops the tools to enable the world to resemble what science fiction writers of a century ago imagined- perhaps if they had presented a different potential reality our contemporary culture might look very different.
The art of imagery is used to influence the less self determined and discerning deliberately to manipulate their desires (advertising!) and focus (popular media). The power of creative images is such that it often bypasses rational thought, appealing directly to the subconsciousness and emotions.
It may be that the artistically inclined should take great care with the images they project; after all, "with our thoughts, we create the world". Do we use our ability to create images to indulge our egos in 'self expression', to draw attention to the failings of humanity or to inspire visions of a desirable future?
It seems to me that humanity is like a rebellious teenager, so enthusiastic and confident in its righteousness that we refuse to finish high school. We haven't got it right and the lessons we have missed are waiting for us to pay attention.
The observable natural world all around us is the "manifest thoughts of God" as Anastasia (Ringing Cedars of Russia) declares. Let us understand how the real world works and create a reality congruent with that! As one of the greatest artists and minds of all time once said: "Although human subtlety makes a variety of inventions answering by different means to the same end, it will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple , or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous"- Leonardo Da Vinci.
All that humans create is made from inert matter that deteriorates and desintegrates over time. The 'Creator' used living matter in his design; which reproduces and regenerates. (Anastasia). And what was created 'in the beginning' but Paradise!
I make things because I can, because it amuses me, but nothing I can make can ever have greater value than the trees that I plant, each one of which will long outlive me, set seeds and make many more.
Here's to creating Paradise Earth!

The works in this gallery are a sample of the past few years. Before that, I haven't kept photographic records. As may be obvious, I wear a few different hats! One of my first creative passions was the theatre & dance. I love costume & have learnt shoemaking (the only official course I've completed) I am otherwise self-taught, although I read a lot. I've designed sets, posters, logos & album covers. There's not many mediums I haven't explored- painting, sculpture (Mmmm clay, yum), furniture, building structures & landscape design (Permaculture principles) Although I can DO Art, my creative juices are more often engaged in designing practical solutions for our poorly (unconsciously) designed modern lifestyles. http://zoneonesustainableliving.wordpress.com/
I question everything I see, I want to know "what is it, how does it work, what is it made out of, how was it made, how else can it be used?' Naturally occurring designs I apply to functional objects, which makes them appear whimsical, but to me is logical.
That I take inspiration from nature is obvious. Perfect design is everywhere in the natural world. Efficiency, physics, the patterns of flow & direction of force create the forms on earth. We shouldn't need to re-invent the wheel, only be better students of the master Designer.