Zatista The premier source for original art online

Sweet With Simple Shades by N. Paluszak on zatista.com

Now that that the holidays are over and the season of making good on resolutions has begun, here are a few ways to bring more art into your life in the new year:

• Visit a museum or gallery – Museums and galleries are perfect spots for artistic inspiration and a low cost or even free way to spend an afternoon or weekend.

Winter Carriage by Aleksandr(Sasha) Gleyzer on zatista.com

• See live theatre or dance – Art takes many forms and stage performances are a great way to get your ideas flowing.

Méli Mélo by Angele Sage on Zatista.com

• Take a class or workshop – Most communities offer a wide variety of classes and workshops. If you’ve wanted to try your hand at creating some of your own art or crafts, this is the perfect way to start.

Jim's Music by Chrissy Mount-Kapp on zatista.com

• Rent a movie about an artist’s life – There are many documentaries and biopics about artists out there.  Spend an evening and get to know your favorite. Pina by Wim Wenders is a nice place to start.

Fence Leading Up to Stocks Road by Adam Regan on zatista.com

• Create an artful home – It doesn’t take much to thoughtfully rearrange shelves, furniture, or paintings on the wall. Choosing an inspiring new color to paint your walls can add a whole new level of enjoyment to life.

Demigods on Unicycles by Edward Zelinsky on zatista.com

Post your photos to Instagram – Get creative and make it known. It’s so accessible, you have no excuse.

Navigation XI by Amber George on zatista.com

• Last but not least, buy original art from Zatista.com – Zatista is the Internet’s premiere source for original art. With new additions added weekly, there is something for every taste.  Enjoy!

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

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Do you ever wonder why we’ve become so boring when it comes to designing kids’ playgrounds? Here’s a peek at a few play spaces around the world that inspire me:

Blaxland Riverside Park - Sydney, Australia

When I see pictures like this and imagine the fun that would ensue, I get inspired. This inspiration reminds me of being wowed by really great art – whether in a museum, gallery or on my own walls.

Blaxland Riverside Park - Sydney, Australia

That feeling of being inspired, no matter where it comes from, is an important thing to feel in life.

Blaxland Riverside Park - Sydney, Australia

I try to capture it however you can, whether on the play ground or in a museum.

Youth Factory - Merida, Spain

Creativity makes the world go round.

Sculptural Playground - Wiesbaden, Germany

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“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Pablo Picasso

On the Beach (La Baignade), February 12, 1937 by Pablo Picasso

In a previous post, I touched on the aforementioned quote and I thought it was worth another look:

For many, in our formative years, art plays a starring role. Early on in school, our daily activities are largely made up of artistic endeavors surrounding holidays and seasons (a pumpkin picture, a snowman). Many of our projects placed nearly as much emphasis on the artistic component as on the accompanying material we were learning (read: a volcano as a science project or a diorama for a book). These were the center-pieces for a lot of our early learning. It’s acknowledged that creativity is a valuable piece of our young minds to nurture. So, when does it stop?

Les Bouquinistes by Denis Gerablie on Zatista.com

For the lucky few, of course, it never does. It continues on in various forms. For the majority of us however, eventually there is a disconnect. A parting of ways, only sometimes to be revisited later in life. Often people stop when they don’t think they’re good. When you’re younger it’s not so much about the end result as it is the process. This is a lesson it takes many of us years to re-learn. In the world of art, being unique is a celebrated trait. This is often overlooked. So, trying to conform to each other’s ideals of normality is even more of a dead end.

Bolero by Bill Buchman on Zatista.com

It is, however, not only about being creators of art, although art in all it’s cathartic glory is certainly good for the soul. It is also about appreciating art – embracing art as part of our daily lives. Doing so certainly makes us all richer.

Piazza by William London on Zatista.com

Picasso was certainly onto something. How do we keep alive that feeling and the relationship with art we had when we were younger? I do it by looking at colorful artwork like the pieces in this post. How about you – how do you stay inspired and connected to creativity? Share your thoughts here with us on WallSpin.

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