Vicki tagged me with this fun, thought-provoking meme (one that she created herself!). She has asked that I write about five women who inspire me and my creativity! Such a great question. . . I've thought a lot about my possible answers, and alas! here is my list:
1. Sandra Cisneros - - 
Most people that I know either love her or hate her. I fall in the former category, and I have a deep sense of appreciation for Ms. Cisneros' writing. I first read Cisneros' book, La Casa en Mango Street (The House on Mango Street) while in college, and I immediately fell in love with her colorful writing and vibrant word choices. Her work is childlike, brillante, fresh, and she writes from her inner child as a poor Latina growing up in Chicago. I must also add that I have seen the most reluctant readers/writers in my classroom take pride in their own selves and cultures after having read La Casa en Mango St. Cisneros' writing not only entertains, but it inspires me to find my own voice as a female minority.
2. Seonna Hong: 
Ever since I entered the world of digital illustration a year or so ago, I have found much inspiration from artist, Seonna Hong. Her color palette and mostly female dominated paintings are so fabulous and truly inspiring. Her paintings shatter stereotypes by proving that little asian girls can be more than just little docile playmates. Trapeze artist? Sure! Space Explorer? Of course! Wrestler? Yeah, that too!
Edited to add: After some fun internet searching, I just found out that Seonna Hong has a gallery showing in my hometown!! Her pieces will be at the gallery through November! I'm thrilled that I'll be able to see her work up close and personal!
3. Paige Pooler: 
I stumbled across Paige Pooler's illustration site about a year ago, and I find her digital illustrations fun, whimsical, and colorful! I love how she combines digital illustration with photography to create truly one of a kind pieces. Her silly sense of humor shines through her creations. I'd also like to add that she's super friendly too! I happened to e-mail her a couple of months back, and her responses were always so genuine, courteous, and kind!
And I'm going to have to think more about numbers four and five! Thanks for inviting me to play, Vicki!
Photos courtesy of: amazon.com, seonnahong.com, paigepooler.com
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Today good pal Amanda and I spent NINE HOURS cleaning out my garage, transforming it into a real bonafide workspace! There's still tons to be done, but the fact that I can actually walk from one end of the garage to the other says a lot! My painting/creating workbench still needs to be organized and sorted through, but we're saving that fun stuff for another weekend.
And I'd also like to add that Amanda LOVES TO STRAIGHTEN and TIDY UP! She thrives off of organization which is such a treat for me. Actually to give you a bit of history, Amanda was my first dorm roomie, and there were days when I'd come home from a long day of school, and my laundry would be folded, sheets washed and changed. . .the works! What a dream, huh?
She's never asked for anything in return (this is the second storm through the garage), but I'd really like to spoil her with something good. Any suggestions?
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This week promises to be another hectic one, but on Thursday night Hank, the kids, and I are packing it up and heading up north to San Luis Obispo for a fun weekend! Can't wait! Hopefully I'll squeeze in another post before then! Happy Monday!
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I am a HUGE fan of Seonna Hong. She is currently on the cover of Giant Robot.
Posted by: justJENN | October 23, 2005 at 11:30 PM
The woman who inspires me most... hmm...
Easy! My sweetie pie!
Let's take a look at what you have on your plate: take care of three children, including an infant; put up with "idiosyncrasies" of husband; oversee thriving new business.
I'm amazed by your artistic creativity and tireless determination on a daily basis. How exactly do you do all that you do?
Posted by: Hank | October 23, 2005 at 11:37 PM
My grandma is the woman who inspires me most. She seemed to have a handle on everything.
Your friend Amanda sounds great! I'd have to pay someone a million dollars to help me clean out my garage. I'd make her a gift basket but it really depends on what kind of things she likes.
Posted by: yvett | October 24, 2005 at 07:49 AM
Daaammmn! What a good friend. Of course, my good friend mows my lawn. We have this itsy-bitsy lawn, but I can't mow it (baaadass allergies) and hubby hates to do it. So she mows it for us! LOL. We trade back and forth chores like that a lot. It makes it nice.
You could spoil her by doing something she dislikes or ... a nice lunch out ... or a cool drawing for her house ... or keep an eye on her if you go out shopping together and see something she eyes but won't buy for herself and surprise her with it.
Posted by: jesser | October 24, 2005 at 10:13 AM
Hello stranger - can't wait to see photos of the workspace. What about giving her some of your goodies and maybe baking her a cake?
Posted by: Samantha | October 24, 2005 at 11:35 AM
Wow, Amanda is a KEEPER. What an amazing friend you've got there. Lucky you! I'm sure you give back to her in so many of your own special ways, but I think a handcrafted basket of your fabulous makings might send her over the moon. =)
Posted by: Giao | October 24, 2005 at 02:37 PM
My older sister was reading the house on Mango street for one of her college courses years ago, and passed it on to me. Great book!
Your friend Amanda is amazing... mind you... I wouldn't want to touch my own garage with a ten foot pole. I let Shawn have all of the fun there! How great that you have a nice clean space to create in... I'm still dreaming about my future attic loft studio.
I think you should treat her to a really fabulous girls night out!
Posted by: Kathleen | October 24, 2005 at 09:04 PM
what a wonderful list! cant wait to read about the #4 and 5 slots. i am going to check out la casa en mango street right away! i love latina authors. way to go amanda for organizing a craft space for you! how awesome ! does she travel?? have a wonderful get away weekend, and take lots of pics. im with hank, you are on my inspiring women list!
Posted by: hannah | October 25, 2005 at 07:27 AM
what a wonderful list! cant wait to read about the #4 and 5 slots. i am going to check out la casa en mango street right away! i love latina authors. way to go amanda for organizing a craft space for you! how awesome ! does she travel?? have a wonderful get away weekend, and take lots of pics. im with hank, you are on my inspiring women list!
Posted by: hannah | October 25, 2005 at 07:28 AM
Great inspirations! I've been a huge fan of Seonna Hong for quite some time - her work is incredible!
If you need a pit stop in Ventura on your way to San Luis, be sure to give me a call! (email for my number)
Posted by: kelly | October 25, 2005 at 07:47 AM
What a wonderful list of women! Like you, I am a huge fan of Sandra Cisneros. The influence of Latina women in our culture has had a powerful effect on me. My mother-in-law is Hispanic and my life has been enriched beyond measure by knowing her.
Posted by: debbie | October 25, 2005 at 08:55 AM
how about a spa day?
Posted by: mipmup | October 25, 2005 at 12:54 PM
What an awesome friend you have!
I've long been a fan of Sandra Cisneros, and not just because we share a last name. I lost count long ago of the number of times I get asked if we're related. The House on Mango Street was the first of her books that I read and I couldn't believe the similarities between our childhoods as young Latinas in a poor Chicago neighborhood even though we grew up nearly 25 years apart! She introduced me to a whole world of Latina writers I had not known existed.
Wow! I was not familiar with Seonna Hong, but her work is terrific, I am officially a fan! Yippee for inspiring women!
Posted by: Melissa | October 25, 2005 at 01:39 PM
Have a wonderful trip north...I lived very briefly in SLO...love the place. :)
Posted by: Marilyn | October 25, 2005 at 11:23 PM
There should be more people like Amanda!!! Like Giao said, she's a keeper :o) Food is always good. They have this saying here that love always goes through the stomach. So a nice meal is always lovely!
The women who inspire me .... OPRAH!!! LOL, I'm so enjoying the O's you gave me. But I agree, it takes forever to finish one.
Posted by: Yvonne | October 26, 2005 at 02:36 AM
Have a good time in SLO! By the way, with all the time I have on leave..my Butty Glirl blog is back!
Posted by: anne | October 26, 2005 at 09:09 AM
Wow - that Amanda IS a keeper! I think you should find out what her favorite restaurant is and take her out on you - just the two of you for some quality girl time. Make sure to have dessert too! Friends that close, usually love to have you to themselves for a bit - so give her that!
Posted by: hope | October 26, 2005 at 10:35 AM
i got my swap package today! thanks!
Posted by: Rachel | October 26, 2005 at 02:22 PM
i saw the animus book by seonna hong in japantown here in sf and loved the pictures and the movement (but bought at amazon since it was cheaper)
Posted by: joyce | October 28, 2005 at 05:59 PM
Thanks for introducing me to Paige Pooler. I just love her work!
Posted by: violetismycolor | November 01, 2005 at 07:22 PM
First, thanks for organizing the surprise shower for Jenn! I had a blast! Second, have a great time in SLO! I went to Cal Poly and love that city. Mmmm....Firestone Grill....
:-)
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