Eightspiration: 0124
In January, I took a break from social media and embarked on a series of experiences, including skiing in Whistler, updating my home's interior design, creating 66 paintings, installing a new art show at Nuwave, visiting friends in Venice Beach, and surprising my Grandma for her birthday in Alberta, Canada. This welcomed hiatus followed a bustling holiday season filled with events.
After all of the busyness and the break, it cemented a feeling I’ve been having for a long time. I want to move away from the constant selling and offer you a glimpse into the sources that fuel my creations, drawn from my day-to-day observations. These influences range from the subtle allure of a dazzling blue to more expansive inspirations like the scenic views from a road trip. Perhaps, as the year unfolds, we can reflect on the art I produce and discern which inspirations resonated the most.
That being said, here we go!
My eight inspirations from January 2024:
1. Opa Dorus: A hero stitched in time
Theodorus "Dorus" Rijkers (27 January 1847 – 19 April 1928) is a legendary Dutch lifeboat captain and folk hero, renowned for his extraordinary sea rescues. He achieved the remarkable feat of saving 487 shipwrecked victims in 38 rescue operations, including at least 25 before joining the lifeboat service. I received a captivating cross-stitch portrait of Dorus as a Christmas present from my own Opa Dorus. It now adorns my wall, piquing my curiosity every time I look at it, compelling me to delve deeper into his remarkable story.
2. Dazzling Blue: The warm winter hue
During my evening walks, I consistently encountered a warm blue hue that resonated with open spaces, intuition, imagination, inspiration, and sensitivity. This particular shade of blue, a visual hug in its softness, became a comforting presence. Once I tuned into its presence, it appeared ubiquitously – from the 5pm sunset to the walls of LACMA.
3. Half-black interiors: A grounding space
For those familiar with me, my love for HGTV is no secret. Exploring the creative transformations in others' spaces is a constant source of inspiration, always sparking new ideas. The journey into DIY home improvements took a more hands-on turn over Christmas when my parents visited. What began as a few painted walls quickly evolved into a full-fledged project, captured in the snapshot of my current half-black art room wall paired with a sleek black cement floor. Check out my Instagram this February for the rest of my updates!
4. Lime Wash: Mineral-based luxury
Speaking of black accents, let’s take it to the next level. I opted for a unique lime wash paint on some walls, enhancing the richness of the aesthetic. The deep, yet velvety quality of the strong and straightforward black is achieved by the whitening effect of the lime. Beyond its visual appeal, limewash paint boasts natural advantages, being breathable, nontoxic, and eco-friendly. Its elevated pH level adds to its benefits by rendering it resistant to bacteria and mold. Moreover, the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in limewash paint ensures that its application is virtually odorless.
5. Rocky-aired artists: Fresh perspectives
I was able to stop at several galleries in the mountain towns of Canmore and Banff in my home province of Alberta. I’ve driven through these areas many times, but have never stopped to look at the art of the area, mostly because my whole career has taken a huge turn since I came through last. Some of my favorite galleries I visited were: Elevation Gallery (Canmore), Carter-Ryan Gallery (Canmore + Banff), Brandon Brown Gallery (Canmore + Banff), and Canada House Gallery (Banff). I LOVE seeing what others are doing, especially in the contemporary landscape scene.
6. Yoho, Yoho: A mountain life for me
There's a certain magic in the crisp air of the Rocky Mountains that imparts a sense of weightlessness as you immerse yourself in its beauty. Amidst my journey through the Canadian Rockies, I not only enjoyed a few brief hikes but also had the privilege of staying at the enchanting Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. Nestled away from cell service, the lodge exudes history, with century-old fireplaces and an oak bar salvaged from a Yukon saloon dating back to the 1890s. It's a place steeped in tales of the past and surrounded by some of God’s best work. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend experiencing the charm and history of this remarkable retreat.
7. Companion pieces: Art pairings to help your space flow
While I was in Venice Beach I had the opportunity to paint a mountain triptych and solo oceanic painting to spruce up the walls of a dear friend. Placing two pieces with similar styles but distinct subjects in the same room proved effective in guiding the eye seamlessly through the space, fostering a soothing sense of balance. Want a set of your own? I have some time this month for my favorite project: custom art!
Commission your own art + companion piece here
8. Les Mis: Unforgettable Forgiveness
Growing up, my appreciation for Les Misérables knew no bounds – from stage performances and literary explorations to watching various film adaptations and musical renditions. Recently, during a quiet night, I revisited the 1998 version and found myself captivated once more by the transformative power of forgiveness in the main character's journey. The incomprehensible forgiveness he received became the catalyst for turning his life around, ultimately enabling him to positively impact those around him.
This narrative strongly resonates with the wisdom imparted in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” After watching this movie, I was once again inspired to walk in a deeper level of freedom through forgiveness, and hope we all can find that!
Well, those are my inspirations for the month. Catch me later on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or in person at Nuwave Gallery!
WRITTEN BY CONTEMPORARY WASHINGTON ARTIST ERIN OOSTRA:
Erin Oostra, a contemporary painter and visual designer, is renowned for her impressionistic artworks that draw inspiration from the stunning landscapes of Washington State. Her unique blend of strategic visual design expertise and a passion for bold, abstract painting results in captivating, multi-disciplinary creations.
With strong, fluid strokes, Erin's latest pieces vividly capture her profound admiration for the awe-inspiring yet perilous beauty of nature. Her work graces the walls of galleries, restaurants, cafes, event venues, wineries, and breweries throughout the Pacific Northwest, reflecting the diverse and vibrant spirit of the region.
As the proud owner and curator of NUWAVE GALLERY in Ellensburg, WA, Erin continues to expand her artistic influence. Beyond gallery exhibitions, she lends her artistic touch to city wall murals and live painting events, adding a subtle yet engaging form of entertainment to weddings, grand openings, and intimate dinner parties. Erin also collaborates closely with individual clients, offering a personalized touch through custom artwork that resonates with their unique vision. If you're seeking distinctive, custom PNW art, Erin Oostra's creations seamlessly blend nature's allure with artistic brilliance.
