A regular source of inspiration for me is walking around and taking in the local shop windows. Many are artfully arranged, while some are less consciously assembled. I think both types are worthy of contemplation.

Sometimes the combination of colors in a pile of chip bags will catch my eye. Other times a menacing doll posed amid antique glitz.

Above is a random assortment from the tumblr blog where I store the Iphone pictures I’ve been taking of shop windows since late last year.

It’s not always entirely clear how the windows influence my design, but at the very least they keep me on the alert for interesting juxtapositions rather than on the sidewalk in front of me. Somehow I manage not to fall on my face too often.