Inspiration at the ROM

Several people suggested that I “go to the ROM” while I was in Toronto. My answer was: “What is the ROM? It sounds a little dirty.” As it turns out, the ROM is the Royal Ontario Museum. It is not at all dirty and a really cool place to spend a couple of hours or a day.

The ROM has a lot of different themed galleries spanned across five floors that includes both world culture and natural history. When I was at the ROM, there were also several special exhibitions that took my breath away. (I don’t say this to non-wedding related things very often.)

The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army exhibition showcases the Emperor who brought China to the World and the Warriors who guard his afterlife. I have always heard about the terra cotta warriors and learned about them in school. It wasn’t until I saw them in front of me that I appreciated the craftsmanship back in the days. (Like 3000 million days ago.) It really goes to show that you should always put forward your best work even if it gets buried right away. I bet the artists back then never thought their work would be showcased so many years later half way across the world.

The exhibition titled: House Calls with my Camera is a series of photos created by Dr. Mark Nowazynski, a Toronto doctor. He provides insights into the lives of four at risk patients and reveals the challenges they face everyday. Dr. Nowacynski’s photographs have raised awareness about the many complex issues related to aging. When I was looking at these photos I was able to feel the struggles the patients were going through and the photos had invoked the emotions of sadness and hope.

African artist, El Anatsui, titled his exhibition: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa. Anatsui had made a variety of wall sculptures from discarded bottle tops and wire. I never thought an ordinary bottle cap could take the shape of a square or look like a flower when used in a different manner. I also learned that art can take the form of different shapes - it does not have to be a perfect rectangle or square. Art also does not have to be perfectly flat - imperfections can sometimes make the piece absolutely perfect.

These exhibitions inspired me to apply certain aspects to my wedding decorations. I learned to always give my clients my absolute best work, even if it gets taken down in a couple of hours; through the decorations, I will try to invoke the overall feeling my clients would like their guests to feel at their wedding; and try not to obsess if a certain decorating aspect is not exactly how I had originally envisioned it, it’s imperfection may be exactly the thing that puts the design over the top.

Once again, inspiration is always around us! It is up to you what you do with it!