Ode to Artists and Aspiring Ones

We were driving around Oakland, CA today, looking at houses and getting a very interesting history lesson from my father-in-law.  He took us to his shop, where he stores his tools that he uses to craft beautiful staircases and doors for people in the Bay area.  He himself being a masterful artisan, took us to some other wonderful art shops today.  I have to say, I was very inspired.  In Killeen, there is not much in the way of "art".  Even if it's something you don't care for in style, I would think most people can appreciate "ART", but I think Killeen is definitely lacking in that department. I miss that about living in a big city - having art (from architecture to yard sculptures) on every street corner.  Anyhow, we visited The Crucible, a non profit organization that teaches foundry, metal works, jewelry, kinetics, moldmaking, neon lights, you name it, they can teach it.  You can take classes there and learn from the best.  They also have art shows for you to sell your work.  Great place!  So many machines and so much creativity flowing from such great artists!  We then visited the Big Art Studio.  Very interesting art show case.  There was one artist, Stephen Bruce, who worked with copper and different acids, to make beautiful earthen images that hung like paintings on the wall. Absolutely amazing and beautiful pieces and the colors were heavenly!  There was some performance art and recycled/salvaged furniture pieces (which the artist used part of a bowling alley to make a table-how awesome is that?) I felt so inspired and recharged in my own creative process, I just wanted to share with everyone and hopefully you will be inspired  to create and find art in the world around you.