Over the weekend, I took a brief trip to the beautiful Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. It was without a doubt one of the most beautiful drives I’ve been on since I’ve lived in the North East. The windy roads, fresh air, and unexpected roadside waterfalls were enough to awaken anyone’s mind…
There’s something about spending time in nature that always reenergizes my creativity.
On the drive back to Boston, I took a detour to Stockbridge in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. I had been wanting to visit the grounds of Norman Rockwell’s studio for some time now, which is in the heart of Stockbridge. The museum was filled with hundreds of Norman Rockwell paintings that I had poured my eyes over again and again growing up. I’ve always been so attracted to Norman Rockwell’s story and process… as it’s quite unique. It also brings me back to a part of my ancestry that I’m fascinated with- My Great Grandfather, Ernst Troeger, who used to go on fishing trips with Norman.
After visiting the museum, I took a quick drive down to Main Street in Stockbridge, which was famously immortalized by Norman Rockwell. The street was as charming as his painting described… Even Yankee Candle was housed in a picturesque brick shop. I visited the Williams & Son’s Country Store, which was straight off of a postcard. Stepping inside this shop made me feel as if I had gone back in time. It was filled with an eclectic mix of whimsical and quirky items from the past.
Since I arrived home last night, I’ve been stuck in an enchanted state of mind. This painting is sort of a mix of my entire weekend… the beautiful mystery of nature and whimsy from a past era. It also may have to do with the fact that I’m reading The Night Circus, re-watched Finding Neverland, and finding this tin hot air balloon mobile…
Many of you ask how I stay inspired on a day to day basis… I forever feel that getting out and creating new experiences will inspire you no matter what. Turn off your TV, get outside and look.
I’d love to hear what you do to stay inspired!
In most of the exhibits I visited, there were displays of handwritten notes to and from the artist to friends or other well known figures. The letters were more often than not written in a fine black ink… in a calligraphic or cursive style. They were gorgeous documentations of a fleeting art. What will our ancestors have to remember our correspondence with one another? Printed emails? 
