Inspiration #34 Family

When I came up with the Inspiration, Family, so many months ago the theme seemed like it would be a perfect one for the season.  But, after talking with a few people, it actually seems like one of the more difficult inspirations we have had.  At first I was surprised by that but after thinking about the theme and creating my piece I totally see what people were meaning.  Family is just such a complex topic and so very personal that it's hard to come up with an image, song, or any creation that isn't honest, from the heart, and sometimes, frankly, just painful.  Plus, I hadn't thought about how powerful the holiday season is because of the theme of family.  Duh, right?   So, perhaps this may be one reason why it was just me and Joanna for round #34!  Without further ado, enjoy - Family.

"He Would Love to Help Her Build A Castle"

by Anika

A very big thank you to Joanna for your submission!  You spared me from my first solo post...something I am and always have been prepared and comfortable to do but am happy to never do.  The inspiration and comparison between submissions propel me forward with the ACoLab so thanks ;)  Since it was just the two of us I feel a bit more comfy rambling too!  Joanna was so inspired by this round's theme that it spawned an entire new project and series of images.  (Be sure to check it out!)  This made my whole day seeing as the entire basis for this project is to inspire and to act as a catalyst for creations that may not have come to fruition without the ACoLab.  Funny but I also started a new series of images based on this inspiration.   (The above is one example.)

"Family"

by Joanna

I am in the process of moving now and I know everyone is a bit too busy to play for a bit so I am going to take a little holiday from the ACoLab.  Let's join back here after the new year to see the new themes, be inspired, and start creating again.  So rather than have an inspiration due on the 5th, that's when I will aim to post all of the new themes for 2012.  The first due date will be the 20th.  (Although you can always participate at any time with any of the permanent inspirations or extra inspirations.)  I really want to thank everyone who contributed, commented, and visited the ACoLab this year- you make this place what it is and I really do appreciate that.  I hope you are in for more of the same and some new changes in the new year!  If you would like to be added to the mailing list (basically bi-monthly reminders for the prompts) please just let me know and I will add your email address to the list.  A very merry holiday season no matter what you are celebrating and the very best in the new year!

xo
Anika

Inspiration #33 - Found

Thanks to Joanna and Stephanie for joining in round #33, Found.  We all submitted photography this time!  It's nice when that happens sometimes as we can see each other's own unique eye along with our own interpretation of the theme.  Without further ado, Found.

"Suspicion"

Photograph by Anika

"Found"

Photos and text  by Joanna
{Visit Joanna's page for entire entry}

"Found"

Photograph by Stephanie

December 20th is the due date for round #34 when the theme will be "Family".  I'm hoping to see more of the ACoLab family for this last prompt of 2011!  I have plans to mix things up a bit in 2012, stay tuned and hope to see you back here for round #34!

Inspiration #32 - Going with the Flow

Thanks to John and Teagan for sharing their inspired creations!  I know this was kind of a tricky theme but you two made it look effortless, fun, and entirely beautiful.  The next inspiration is due on the 5th of December {unless you want to hop right in with one of these or these} and is open to anyone who would like to participate.  The theme for round #33 is FOUND.

Have a great holiday for those of you celebrating this week and thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Breathe Like the Ocean"

by Teagan

"Go With The Flow"

Song by John

{Click the title to listen to the song, click here to read the lyrics.  It's beautiful; take a listen.}

"It's What They Do"

by Anika

Hope to see you back here on the 5th!

Inspiration #31 - Light and Shadows

Whew!  Sorry it took me a bit to get this post up!  I planned on posting everything yesterday but then lost all Internet.  The idea of writing a post from my phone still seems a bit too hardcore for me.  But here we have it- round #31.  Thanks again to Ana for submitting this round's inspiration of "Light and Shadows".  As always, just click on an artist's name or visit their artist page to learn more about their submission or to see more from that artist.

"Day into Night"

Photograph by Anika

Untitled

Photograph by John R.

"Serenity"

by Ana

"Light and Shadow"

Photographs and words by Joanna

Smile and the world will smile back.

I love how light and shadow dance with one another.

"Light and Shadow"

Photograph by Lisa

Thanks for visiting the ACoLab.  If you would like to join in the fun, please do!  Round #32, "Going with the Flow", seems like it will be a challenge.  But I find that some of the best creations happen with prompts like this; the ones that leave me clueless until inspiration finally shows itself.  I look forward to seeing what you come up with and hope to see you back here on the 20th for that.  If you don't want to wait you can submit to a Permanent Inspiration at any time and there are also monthly inspirations that can be submitted any time during a month.  Happy creating!

Inspiration #30 - Haunted

Hello and welcome to round thirty of the ACoLab!  Thank you to everyone who submitted their creations inspired by the word "Haunted".  I was hoping to gather some of the Halloween spirit and as usual am loving the diversity- photographs, music, a movie, and fiction too!  As always, please click on an artist's name or visit the Artists Page for more information about a particular entry or person. 

Brooding Brothers
Photograph

by Anika

Haunted
Movie and soundtrack

by John

Haunted by...
Photograph

by Joanna

13 kinds of ghost

a collection of haunted hint fiction by Tia and Matt

{hint fiction - “a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story.” (Robert Swartwood)}

Untitled
She watched the execution dry-eyed, one hand to her stomach.

Feels No Cold
Laughter echoed through each room of the house. He prayed none of it would make it into his boxes.

Bell’Italia
She still remembers the text message. “I am sorry I cannot meet you forever. I am sorry I have to cheat you. -Alessio”

Untitled (2 Years Later)
Charlie flicked dirt to cover her droppings. She sniffed that hard white thing before her. It looked like what the dog chewed, only much smaller.

Her Eyes
Hollowed-out, a pale blue that seemed to suggest an ocean behind the irises. They search their surroundings wildly, seeking something unspeakable.

Speak to Me
Anne, where are you? I can’t see anything, but I hear something. I think it’s breathing.

Motel
The leftover rain made drippity sounds. They lulled her and the children to sleep, the 3 in one bed together.
‘S how they were found.

Lest Ye Become
Barnes was certain that was his own face staring at him, reflected in the dark pool of blood on the street.

Salem
The wind sounded like a scream and brought smells of burning. Celia watched her little ones play dolly. She failed to see the needle.

Touch
The mirror was cool under her hand at first. The warmth came in the instant before the fingers closed around hers through the glass.

Imaginary Friend
It wasn’t Bella, it was the naughty one. Mommy didn’t understand. Bella tried to mind her beeswax, but the naughty one hated the new baby.

Checking In
Your seat has been prepared in advance, sir. Yes, we knew you’d be along eventually. Now come, join us.

Always and Forever
Smell and warmth in the bed, even on the coldest nights. Ease and happiness in the glow of the bedroom that seems to permeate the darkness until morning, she smiles.

Haunted

Song {To listen to this song please click "track details" on the widget below}

by Doug

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

Thanks for visiting the Artist's Collaborative Laboratory.  Also, many thanks to Ana for submitting our next inspiration, Light and Shadows!  I hope to see you all back here for that.  Light and Shadows will be due on the 5th of November.  If you would like to participate please do! Happy creating!

Inspiration #29 - It's All An Illusion

Here are the entries for round 29, It's All An Illusion.  Thanks to everyone who submitted!  I am very excited to see the next round of submissions, Haunted, due on the 20th of October.  Thanks for stopping by and as always, you can click on an artist's name or visit the Artists page to find out more about a particular person or their submission{s}.  If you would like to be a part of the ACoLab you can join in at any time!

Seeing Double

by Ana

It's Just An Illusion

Photograph by Joanna

Illusion

Photos/Video by Anika & Music by John

Inspiration #28 - Seeing Red

When I thought of "Seeing Red" I admit to thinking about the theme of anger and as usual am impressed by all our different perspectives {most of which didn't deal with anger at all by the way}.   Should you like to know more about a particular artist or their submission just click on that artist's name or visit the Artists page.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Lilliput"

Photograph by Ana

"Seeing Red"

Digital Collage by Anika

"Seeing Red"

A Short Play by Tia & Matt

THE BOY CARUSCO sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS MOTHER enters.

MOTHER

(Wearing an apron.) Bambino! Che bella! What is it you make? (He holds up his hands.) Ah! Look at you, red-handed! (She laughs and moves to fetch a towel. Carusco is left examining his hands, confused.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of twenty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. HIS LOVER enters.

LOVER

(Wearing an apron. Only.) Is this how you always work, amore?

CARUSCO

(Holding up his hands) What do you see?

LOVER

I see you.

CARUSCO

(Pulling her down to him. She giggles; he leaves red handprints on the apron, on her torso) This. Here. Here. There. (Indicates the handprints, gently.) What?

LOVER

Me.

CARUSCO

Color.

LOVER

Red.

CARUSCO

Which is-?

LOVER

Which is…you. Me. Fire. (She is close to him, teasing.) Last night. This morning. This afternoon again. Redredred. (She kisses his nose. He begins to cover her in paint.)

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of fifty, sits on the floor and paints a huge piece of paper with his fingers and hands. He is clearly painting the body of a woman, made of red handprints.

*   *   *

CARUSCO, a man of eighty, sits in a chair by a window. He holds a swath of red fabric, passing it from hand to hand, running it through his fingers.

CARUSCO

I… I could never see… but I could feel… I still feel. Red. I feel it like no other. I know it in my fingers. (He runs the fabric through the fingers of his left hand and lets it fall to the ground. HIS MOTHER enters. HIS LOVER enters. He does not see them. They pick up the fabric together and drape it around his shoulders. They exit. Carusco pulls the fabric tighter around him, until there is no Carusco. There is only red.)

*   *   *

"Redrum"

Photograph by Stephanie

"You Say Tomato"

Photograph by Carrie

"Oath & Loyalty"

Photograph by Joanna

Thanks to everyone who participated for round #28, you keep this site a source of great inspiration and eye candy!  The next round's theme is It's All An Illusion, due October 5th.  If you would like to join in the ACoLab, please do!  There are ongoing themes which can be submitted any time of the month as well as permanent ongoing themes that can be submitted whenever you like.  For upcoming themes please click here. 

Happy creating!

#27 - Perfect Timing

Welcome to round #27, "Perfect Timing".  And a very special welcome to Ana, our newest contributor!  Check out her artist page and get to know her a bit better.  If you would like to know more about a particular image or artist you can always link to their artist page by clicking on their name or Artists page.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Purrrfect"

by Ana

"Perfect Timing"

Photo and Poem by Joanna

{Please visit Joanna's page to read her companion poem}

"Plate Face"

by John R.

"Perfect Timing"

by Tia

"#27"

by John & Anika

 If you would like to take part in the ACoLab please do!  {Current and upcoming themes are listed here.}  The next round, due on the 20th, is "Seeing Red".  There are also other ongoing inspirations should you like to submit for those.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

If you would like me to send you a reminder a week prior to due dates please just contact me {anikatoro [at] gmail [dot] com} and I will add your name to the list.

Inspiration #26 - Brushstrokes

I love the variety that this theme received!  It's so interesting to see how we all interpreted this word in our own unique ways.  As always, you can see more from a particular artist by clicking on their name or by visiting their artist page.  A very special welcome to Rachelle and Tia!  So happy to have you in the Lab!  Come back soon to check out their artist page and to find out more about these talented women.  

Deadlines for monthly inspirations are due on the 5th and the 20th of each month.  There are monthly inspirations which can be submitted at any time as well as Permanent Inspirations that can also be submitted whenever you feel inspired.  And now, round 26, Brushstrokes.

"Pieces of The Drive"

by Anika

"Nature's Canvas"

by Rachelle

"Hairport: Matt & His Hair at the Airport"

by Tia

"Brushstroke"

by Ewa

"I'm Done!"

by Carrie

"This Little Piggy"

by Ashley
{Please roll over image}

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!  You all make the ACoLab an interesting and inspirational place to visit.  I hope to see you all back here on the 5th when the inspiration will be "Perfect Timing".

Inspiration #24 - Drama

It's funny how one simple word can be so challenging.  "Drama" is the prompt for round #24 and here are the submissions.  Thanks to those of you who submitted!  I think they're FANTASTIC!  As usual, click on the artist's name if you would like to learn more about their submission, read lyrics, or see other entries from past inspirations.  Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!

"Drama Queen"

A song by John

{Please give the upload a second after pressing the play button.  This song is fantastic and well worth a little wait.}

"Drama"

A photo by Danijela

"July's Show"

Photos by Anika

Hope to see you back here for round 25!  Due August 5th, join in with "Falling".  As always, you can participate anytime with the extra inspirations or create something from the ongoing inspirations.  Happy creating!

PS- I have had a couple requests to send out email reminders for upcoming deadlines.  If this is something you would like you can just let me know via the submit entry link on the left sidebar or leave a comment here with an email address.

Permanent Inspiration - Joy {by Teagan}

Our first of the new "Permanent Inspiration" is brought to you by our resident poet, Teagan.  Teagan explodes with creativity in every post on her blog so be sure to check her out.  For this first challenge I thought we could keep things somewhat similar to how we have been doing things already- Use her inspiration to create anything-a song, a recipe, a piece of visual art...whatever your imagination thinks up, then submit it. I will post it here and perhaps also in it's own post.  As always, whatever you submit will be added to your artist page as well.  Thanks Teagan for being the first imagination catalyst!

Teagan's permanent inspiration: Joy.

Here is wishing you some joy and some inspiration.  Happy creating!

---

July 15, 2011
by Joanna

"A Fleeting Glimpse of Joy"

Looking for something good to not pass by

Making you think what if, maybe, or why

The g-force of joy spreads across a face as it begins to giggle

These are moments of joy I never want to rush by

July 28, 2011
by Anika

October 18, 2011
by Ana

November 15, 2011
by Lisa

"Angel's Parasol"

Inspiration #23 - Space

I loved this theme.  From the emails I received I wasn't the only one who had a couple of different submissions lined up to finally decide on one.  Special thanks to Teagan, our newest artist.  Glad to have you aboard!  As always, if you would like to know more about an artist or a particular submission, click on that artist's name on the Artist's Page or just link below the following submission you would like to know more about.  If you would like to join in the fun, please do!  Current and future themes can be found here and more information about submitting can be found here.  Now, without further ado, "Space".  Thanks for visiting the Lab!

"Reflected Space"

Photograph

by Anika

"Up There"

Photograph

by John R.

No Title

Photos and Text

by Joanna

"Man of God"

Song

by Ego
{Link to song}

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

"Young Star"

Photo, ink, and acrylic on canvas

by Teagan

And there you have it, round 23.  What great variety!  Thanks to all who contributed for making the ACoLab such a special place full of inspiration.  I hope to see you back here on the 20th of July when the theme will be "Drama".  Happy creating!

Inspiration #22 - Something that frightens you

Whew!  Back with power and back on the Internet!!  So here we finally have round 22's submissions.  I was thrilled to see a few artists we haven't seen in awhile as well as meet our newest artist, John R.  Welcome John!

If you would like to participate in the ACoLab please do.  Read more about how to submit here. You can find our upcoming bi-monthly inspirations here and our anytime inspirations here.  I also have some new plans in store for the AColab coming up soon so stay tuned.  Remember, you can always click on an artist's name to learn more about a particular work/person or see more from that artist.  Thanks for visiting the lab and enjoy "Something that frightens you". 

"Watching Me"

by Anika

Untitled

by Joanna

"Forgotten?"

by John R.

"Fossilized Grimace"

by Andrea

"All by Myself"

by Carrie

Thanks to everyone who submitted!  Hope to see you back here on the 5th for our next theme, "Space".  I am excited to see what "Space" brings as it can be interpreted in so many different ways! 

Inspiration #21 - Front page of the news

Thanks to all of those who submitted this week!  If you would like to join in the fun, please do.  Questions?  The theme for the next round is a creepy one...wonder what I was thinking of when it came to mind, "Something that frightens you".  I hope to see you all back here then.  As always, click on an artists name or visit their Artist Page to learn more about their submission or see others from the past.

Thanks for visiting the ACoLab!  Oh, and stay tuned, I have some new collaborative ideas in store for us all and hope you get as excited about them as I am.  Now, onto round #21, Front Page of the news.

"Front Page of the Newspapers"

by Joanna

"Coincidences"
by Anika

"Front Page of the News" 
by Ashley

"Spiral"
by Stephanie

Thanks again to everyone who joined in round 21.  Hope to see you back here on the 20th!  And remember, you can submit an Extra Inspiration whenever you would like.