I just discovered Liu Bolin’s series of photos in which he camouflages himself to blend into a variety of backgrounds. These striking images tantalize the mind while making a statement about the artist’s invisibility in Chinese society. Liu began this project after authorities shut down his Beijing studio in 2005. I’m sharing these photos here both because they illustrate a beautifully creative political protest and because they engage my Muse with their mind-bending brilliance.
I had to look pretty hard to find Liu in the last picture!
You can see more of Liu’s photos at Damn Cool Pics. And check out this Daily Mail article for more information about Liu and his project.
Strangling My Muse 
Hi Sandy,
I just discovered your blog and enjoyed this post and the one about conjuring up your male muse. Thanks for reminding us that muses come in all sizes, forms, genders and etiquette styles!
Come visit me when you get a chance. I’m a creativity coach, professor and write a blog, ‘The Practice of Creativity’: http://micheleberger.wordpress.com/
Best,
Michele Tracy Berger
Hi Michele, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad you liked the posts, especially the one about my Muse! I am a creativity/writing coach too, and am planning to branch out even more in this area soon.
I checked out your blog, and I’m looking forward to reading some of the posts more thoroughly when I have time. I’m particularly intrigued by your interest in women’s creative cycles. Have you written anything on this topic?
–Sandy
Thanks for posting these Sandy. I really enjoyed them-and thinking about all the work involved to get them just right!
These pictures and their deeper meaning are terrific. Subtle yet striking. I like a number of modern Chinese filmmakers and writers, but don’t know too many visual artists. So thanks for broadening my horizons. Speaking of which (got to work on those segues), what is your new branch going to be? I’ll follow you onto the slimmest twig.
I’m glad you both enjoyed these photos as much as I did! I’m also astounded at imagining how much work it must have taken to make them so perfect, Heather.
Thanks for your perpetual support, Carrie! I haven’t mentioned it on this blog yet, but I work with individual writers to help them unleash their creativity. This includes dealing with personal creative issues and/or getting over blocks, a more specific focus on a particular project, a general program to make creativity a regular part of life, or whatever else is needed. I really enjoy doing this, and I’m planning to expand this part of my business so I’m spending as much time coaching as I am writing.
If you’re interested in talking to me more about coaching, email me at stranglingmymuse@gmail.com
–Sandy