Eightspiration: 0424
April bloomed with vibrant wildflowers, the songs of birds, the majestic sight of wind turbines, and the creative energy of home decor projects. It was also sprinkled with delightful mini trips. Here's a glimpse of my April adventures, hoping they inspire you too!
My eight inspirations from April 2024:
1. A Favorite Tree: Semi Rad’s Recommendation
I came across a post by Brendon Leonard in Outside Magazine that struck a chord: 'You Should Have a Favorite Tree. Let Me Tell You About Mine. Go ahead, pick one: to check in on, root for, and admire.' This reminded me of a special tree on my daily hike, nestled near the summit after the toughest part of the climb. Despite her somewhat weathered appearance, she exudes a sense of resilience and hope, teeming with birds and overlooking a breathtaking vista... Do you have a favorite tree?
2. Now Entering: My Birding Era
Speaking of hiking, I’ve been hitting the trails quite a bit lately! It’s my favorite form of exercise, and I absolutely adore immersing myself in the great outdoors. Coincidentally, I've been simultaneously planning a bird-themed show at Nuwave Gallery. It turns out, the area of Kittitas County where I reside is a haven for bird enthusiasts. This experience has truly opened my eyes to the plethora of stunning birds that surround us. Here are a few designs that I've submitted to the show, titled “Winged Wonders,” along with a photo of sweet Riley patiently waiting for me on our daily hike.
SEE THE BIRD SHOW ONLINE AT NUWAVE
3. Back to the Basics: Partnering with CWU Design Students
After much anticipation, a project long in the works finally came to fruition this month! As part of the Bird Show at Nuwave Gallery, I had the privilege of collaborating with a design professor from Central Washington University (CWU) and involving his students in the exhibition. This collaboration included meeting the students, critiquing their work, and selecting winners for the best Bird Poster Design, focusing on typography, illustration, and creativity. This experience not only allowed me to reconnect with my roots as a graphic designer but also reignited my passion to see young creatives flourish with more opportunities than I had.
4. Weekend Refresh: The Columbia River Gorge
A close friend's birthday celebration brought us to the stunning southern side of Washington, next to the Columbia River. I first discovered this breathtaking area last fall and simply had to return to explore more of its beauty! For those looking to hike, I highly recommend exploring Dog Mountain, Beacon Rock, Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Cape Horn Loop. Updated hike details can be found on AllTrails.
5. Lil’Davinci: Front Opening Frames
Have you heard of front-opening frames? I've incorporated 21 of them into my Community Wall at Nuwave Gallery. These frames function like art cabinets, capable of showcasing up to 50 pieces of artwork, including 3D pieces. I've just started using them at home to display my Joydive Bible Verse designs, enabling me to focus on scripture memorization and encouragement throughout the day!
6. Bavarian Dreams: The Leavenworth Story
Did you know that just an hour from Ellensburg, there's a Bavarian village nestled in the Cascade Mountains? I recently had the pleasure of visiting this charming town for a women's retreat, and it's also one of my favorite hiking spots. As someone deeply invested in the success of my own town and its appeal to tourists, I found the story of how Leavenworth transformed into a Bavarian-themed village quite inspiring. In the early 1960s, town leaders made the bold decision to reinvent Leavenworth to attract more visitors. Inspired by the alpine hills surrounding both Leavenworth and the Bavarian region of Germany, they chose to model the town after three German cities: Bemalte Fassaden, Leipzig, and Munich.
7. The Latest Creative District: Ellensburg, WA
One of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests when they visit Ellensburg is The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility and Renewable Energy Center, located 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington. The wind turbines at Wild Horse can generate up to 273 megawatts (MW) of electricity, while the solar array, one of the Northwest's largest, can generate up to 502 kilowatts of electricity. With free tours offered twice a day, Puget Sound Energy’s Renewable Energy Center provides a firsthand look at how these elements are converted into electricity. Plus, the surrounding area is incredibly picturesque!
8. The Gap or the Gain: Where do you live?
I recently read 'The Gap and the Gain' and absolutely loved it. Dr. Benjamin Hardy, as he did in 'Who Not How,' shares one of Dan Sullivan's simple yet profound teachings that, until now, has been known only to his Strategic Coach clients: unsuccessful people focus on 'The Gap,' but successful people focus on 'The Gain.'
This one simple concept is like a masterclass in positive psychology, healthy relationships, mental well-being, and high performance. According to Dr. Benjamin Hardy, everything that psychologists know about creating a high-functioning and successful person can be achieved by understanding and applying 'The Gap and the Gain.
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.
