SOFA in Chicago...I was not all that impressed with the work displayed. It seemed like there was too much focus on glass which in my opinion didn't seem too progressive in that field and maybe a bit out dated. Although it was a fun day and it was great to designate one day to not being in the studio, I felt like it was a waste of time and money. The one positive was that it was great to see what other people were interested in and what they were working on. I'm glad I went but I think I might wait a few years to return....sorry for the bummer report!

The Hagia Sophia is a well designed building that I have been taking inspiration from for a while. Many of the same details in the mosaics and many of the same shaped lines are reflected in my own work. I am drawn to the curving voluptuous line qualities that are suggestive of the human woman's form. I find these types of lines to be seductive and alluring. The portions are also well balanced.

So one of the things that always inspired me by its design has now just crossed the line. DUBS. They are generally so cool and a symbol of status but while I was visiting their website I discovered a weird form of rims. They can be customized with the consumers personal images they choose. I think this is a great idea in the fact that this is a true way of customizing your ride which is the main point of custom rims in the first place but they also define the consumer and their likes. I think this is slightly tacky but funny at the same time. The second image I really liked was the Blaque Diamond Spyder wheels. These actually have a nice form and design and if I had the money I wouldn't mind having them myself. They come in multiple colors and are beautifully defined with the black rims with a colored accent.

One of my all time favorite artists is Bob Ross. I know this sounds like a huge stretch going from a sculptural 3D background to being inspired by a 2D method painter. I am obsessed with him because of how he works and becuase it is so easy to learn his method for painting. Painting is one of those skills I really struggle with so I find his TV show so important. After all I do believe as an artist it is important to be versed in all forms of art because they all draw together to reflect in you work, your technique, craft and end products. He shows painting in a step by step process which breaks down how the finished painting was created. I think this process also is reflected in metals in which the process is sometimes more important then the end project.