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One of my favorite boards on my own Pinterest wall is called Unusual Beauty. This is a place where I save all my favorite images of things that don't seem to belong anywhere else. They are beautiful, strange, mesmerizing and really make me want to linger longer. Click through to see more!
Please note: None of these images are my own they are for personal inspiration purposes only - please click through for sources.
I'm inspired by this editorial from Andréa Huelse Studio this week. Precious Forever is photographed by Erik Madigan Heck and styled by Leith Clark (who is also editor of Lula magazine). The ethereal quality of the work, as if they are trapped in a steamy greenhouse is so dreamy.
I often talk about visual inspiration, but every so often I'll see a quote or some words that resonate with me and have major impact. One of my favorite places that combines both of these things is NITCH. This is a wonderful Instagram account (and website nitch.com) with amazing portraits of people you know, and some you may not—accompanied by their inspirational quotes. I could read this for hours!
Take a gander and allow yourself some time to reflect.
Brittany Wright, a Seattle-based photographer captures fruit in all stages of growth and every color in the rainbow. See more here.
images from thisiscolossal.com
It isn't hard to see that I love bright colors. They enliven my soul. But sometimes, I just need to soothe my soul too, and that's where these pastel beauties come in. My Pale Shelter board on Pinterest is a place where I can collect dreamy cotton candy colored hues to my heart's content. I might just go revisit my board and listen to a pretty rad song by the same name.
Clockwise from upper left: Sally King Benedict, Crystal, LittleElmsTumblr, Tec Petaja, Dianna Molzan, Ana Montiel, Kate by Anna Palma, Sol LeWitt, Hibeck jacket
What do you call art? How do you define it? I believe that art is all around us. It's in nature, in books, in the faces of those we love, in our hearts, on the streets, on the walls—everywhere we look and everywhere we are. Just look around and you will see it. Join me on Instagram @katjaollendorff and share your vision of what art is #artwhereyouare.
Is this art? Some colorful lines on a sidewalk.
Ot this? Flowers silhouetted against a misty mountain.
A color blocked wall.
My niece Amy dancing under the stars. I think this is art.
I finally have an Instagram account and I can't believe I didn't start this sooner. What the heck was I waiting for!? It's so fun! Since I love to take adventures around the city, and am constantly snapping pics, it's the perfect forum for sharing the gems I find along the way. Join me on my jaunts around the Bay Area and beyond @katjaollendorff and I hope you enjoy!
Courtesy of the city streets...
More goodies from the backyard in Naples, Florida.
I've been in Florida at my family home for a few weeks visiting my Mom. She has the lushest backyard jungle and I love to clip various fronds that I use as inspiration for paintings. I started to photograph them, but then I got distracted and jumped in the pool.
...visit the Japanese toy exhibit at the airport. Seeing as I've got the German "if you aren't early you are late" gene, I got to SFO bright and early for my flight. What a pleasant surprise it was to come across this great exhibit. Click here for more info on all the great goodies that are on display. Oh, and anytime you are in San Francisco, wearing a flower in your hair is always acceptable!
Seen on the street in San Francisco. I love this girl's boldness—zipping around the Financial District in polka dots, amidst the gray and suits.
I've hung out in the Sunset district of San Francisco many times. I've driven the streets—past the side-by-side pastel houses and tangle of overhead wires. But walking these streets takes things to another level. Although pockets are becoming more popular as of late, this has not typically been a destination neighborhood. Areas like this one should be visited more often as they encourage you to LOOK a little deeper to see the beauty in the everyday. Plus, you just might stumble upon some awesomeness such as these doors.
I was driving down the street heading to Ocean Beach for my weekend walk, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this amazing blue color. I had to circle back so I could take a picture. If the light hadn't been hitting it just so, I probably would have driven right by.
My new walk to work takes me through Chinatown and it is such a change from my quiet jaunt down Bush Street. Yesterday, I saw live fish being delivered off a truck, women selling vibrant red gladiolas and cherry blossom branches, fruit stands being loaded up. The sights, sounds, and smells are so unique. It's definitely a different way to wake up in the morning! I just love the red and orange everywhere as they begin celebrations of the New Year of the Horse 4712.
It was my father's birthday a few days ago and I always like to honor him in a place that makes me smile. No better place than Ocean Beach at sunset. Missing you every day, Dad.
I woke up early this morning and drove out to Ocean Beach. Had to make a stop up at Grandview Park for a look at the city on the dawn of the New Year. It was perfectly misty and glistening and fresh.
December has been downright balmy (as far as winters go) here in SF and we've had the most incredible sunsets every night. I kept meaning to post one, but have now accumulated so many pretty snaps, I decided to combine a few ultra vibrant ones for your viewing pleasure.
Sunsets taken from my window. No photoshop used here.
I came across these amazing photographs by Javier Riera. They combine nature with geometric light projections. So intriguing!
Javier Riera
Javier Riera
Javier Riera
Javier Riera
What a lovely color palette I see out my window. Makes me feel like I'm at a spa.
Serenity on the SF Bay