Where We Go for Inspiration - Fall 2020

Wendy: "I love nothing better than to take a walk in a new area with my blinders ripped off and my senses wide open. The earlier in the day the better. I am constantly on the watch for sneaky gardens, weird pathways and unexpected alley ways. I am always wondering - how does this pathway fit together? Who lives here? Who used to live here? I especially love the early morning because it is quiet and I can almost hear the voices of those who have gone before".  

Jen: "Trees. I’ve rediscovered the trees in my neighborhood, studying their trunks, bark and the leaf variation: Honey Locust, Copper Beech, Hemlock and Sycamores.The Arnold Arboretum is a 15 minute bike ride away and you can find me there studying the tags on the trees and meandering up Bussey hill with sketchbook in hand".

Avital:  "I’ve been escaping to Assabet Wildlife Refuge many weekends this summer -- one of a number of COVID-era discoveries!  It’s amazing to see how it changes from week to week.  It may be a pandemic, but the world is still blooming and baby animals continue to be born.  I’ve also enjoyed diving back into some novels I had no time for in graduate school; I loved Isabel Allende’s A Long Petal of the Sea."


Alyssa: "I am all about getting outside and taking in the world around me. Whether it’s admiring nature (Maudslay State Park is a favorite, and has an amazing outdoor art collection that changes every year!) or experiencing civilization (downtown Salem is FULL of interesting sights and unique people to meet), getting myself outside of my own brain is when the best ideas come to me. I find it’s helpful to take a deep breath, look with fresh eyes, and take things in with no preconceived notions. Anything can be inspiring if you give it the opportunity to do so".