Inspiration: The Omo People

I believe that inspiration is something that a person actually generates from within.  The more you activate creative aspects of your life the stronger the pulse of inspiration becomes.  (I think this is one of the artist laws.) You will naturally be lit up by "ideas" and content from your surroundings in an organic way.  And really I think these ideas serve merely as special mediums for your own talent and essence.  They come from within and are abundantly reflected outside.  (and likewise when a persons essence hasn't been getting the expression it deserves it will be difficult to find meaning and inspiration in the world during that time.)

Thanks to the YouTube video circling on the internet I have had the pleasure of seeing for my first time the images from the Omo People. A collection of tribes in the Omo Valley of Ethiopia.  They say their incredible body art is purely spontaneous and for their own pleasure and experimentation!  Just Incredible. To me these beautiful people are a pure example of raw talent and proof that inspiration is generated from within.  All their materials come of course from their surroundings and their decorations and persona change each time.  

There is a book featuring the photographs of Hans Silvester.  Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa.  His photo's where taken over a span of six years in the Omo Valley.  Incredibly inspiring images and talented, beautiful people.   These faces have inspired me to finish a painting I've been sitting on for three years.  I think I finally have the right inspiration for a portrait style overlay.  I'll share the process!  

Comments

[Dawn]

So beautiful how they interpret art with the materials on hand, and express their individuality. Who needs fancy clothes and jewelry?

[Kathleen]

Ana, I love this post so much! Gorgeous, amazing images and story.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=769288254]

Absolutely beautiful! Ceremonial adornment is nice, but there's something so personal and individual about dressing up just for the sake of dressing up. What a great source of inspiration - so natural.

[Becky]

Wow, beautiful. I love the pictures.

[Amy @ Living Locurto]

I just found your site through Kim @ TomKat. Love your work!! I'll be following you for sure:-)

[teesha moore]

OH anahata...you are so right on with your statement about inspiration. I, too, have this book and another set on the omo people and It just entrances me everytime I look at the photos. sometimes I am moved to tears by the creativity exhibited in the photos. thanks for sharing.

[Sarah]

Great post!

[Kari]

how beautiful! What a work of art to do that to their bodies! absolutely amazing!