What Are We Looking For

It's been more than a month since my last blog post. I know it seems like I take an occasional hiatus now and then, and this is true, but a new life has been metriculating slowly in my direction so it's not really an issue of commitment. I've gone against the grain in many respects (though not like Jean Des Esseintes)...I've been conducting myself a little differently, feeling and thinking differently...and definitely looking for change.

The question I ask myself frequently: What am I looking for? I think too often people find one thing, see that it works, and accept it regardless of it's condition and quality. Now that I'm progressing onto higher levels of education, where the listless have been supposedly weeded out, I'm starting to feel...that expected sense of anxiety that I think even those with predominantly level headed character traits still feel in times like this. I want to tattoo somewhere in the back of my brain: Don't settle, discriminate. There's a certain class of people who should feel it's their true calling to cast a discerning eye on life. Otherwise, how have you really lived? People say, question everything...but since when did tolerating everything and respecting everything also become morally just? These are two polar mantras and I'm feeling it in my bones (not just in my head) the absolute ludicracy of somehow accepting both ideaologies.



Place and Location


Sometimes you don't know how beautiful something is until you see it through a different filter. A movie might do it, or a book. I think I've found another reason why art is a valid element in society, it does for place what a cat scan does for the body or a good wine does to food. In order for these "filters" to really work, you have to seperate creation from creator, art from artist...briefly...and try to see and feel it in a universal way. I think children sometimes have the best grasp on this idea. Children, drunkards and stoners. The best of us can see and feel through filters without fairytales, wine, or marijuana.


One of my Dad's slides from India, I'm guessing on the Ganges. 1970's


One of my favorite filters...


My true love drowned in a dirty old pan
Of Oil that did run from the Block
Of a Falcon sedan 1969
The paper said '75
There were no survivors
None found alive

Trees break the sidewalk
And the sidewalk skins my knees
There's glass in my thermos
And blood on my jeans
Nickels and dimes of the fourth of july
Roll off in a crooked line
To the chain-link lots where the red tails dive
Oh how I forgot what it's like

- Neko Case, Star Witness

My Only Ties to Africa | New Blog Design

The task has begun. Or rather, it began around 3 days ago when I acquired a film and slide Scanner (Arcsoft OVT)so that I could finally realize my dream of digitalizing my Dad's precious Africa slides. As mentioned in the previous post, my Dad's stay in Africa was through the University of Natal in Pietermaritzberg but encompassed nearly all of the South and some of the North (including Egypt). Here is but a taste of the wonders to come and trust me, they will come...hopefully in the form of a website dedicated to the collection which at times can be almost dream like!

I'm leaving the captions off these for now--to avoid rambling--but also so that the viewer might just enjoy the aesthetic quality of the unknown. Blah blah...

New Blog Design
I know that I just updated my layout some 6 or 7 posts ago, but after seeing Bobbi Brown's new Nude collection, my current color fascinations came to me alive and complete before my eyes and I was wont to resist.

This incredible manifestation of everything I hold dear to my rods and cones is quite pricey, but my experience with Bobbi Brown (we actually go way back, to a time in 7th grade when I was boredly rummaging through the used section of Powell's Bookstore in Portland and stumbled upon a Bobbi Brown makeup artistry book...the title evades me now)has been nothing but excellent. I've loved the quality of her gel eyeliners (voted best eyeliner by countless magazines for countless years in a row) and after a helpful consultation with Bobbi's online makeup artist assistant, I might just splurge for her new Caviar Ink shade. Might.

Many Old Stories | Family History

I hope someday I will be wise enough to document my life in pictures so that my progeny will have photographic archives to learn from and enjoy. More importantly, I hope I will live a life worth documenting. My Grandmother's albums were acquired after her death in 1992. Sifting through them, I've found moments of periodic greatness worth sharing.



My Dad spent more than a year or so at the University of Natal (which is now the University of KwaZulu-Natal and includes a campus in Durban) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa after recieving his doctorate in plant pathology. During his stay, he did much travelling. The pictures above and below were produced from slides which I have found and intend to make digital...perhaps creating an entire website or blog devoted to shots of Africa in the early 1970's (an unusual time period for African photographic documentation..) I also scanned the backs of the pictures to show my Dad's original captions done using a typewriter.
One of my Dad's favorite stories is of how during his time in "the lab", he refused to use some of the newer word processors of the time and opted instead for typewriters. His collegues laughed at him. He preffered being able to type on any 2D surface as opposed to more limited formats.




One of my favorite pictures from the collection, Rhodesia is now Zimbabwe (and was known as Southern Rhodesia under British rule until April 1980). The Peugoet took him everywhere.
______________________________________

My Dad has had a few good cars in his day, aside from the Peugeot. This VW Carmen Gia (originally Karmann Ghia) convertable from the late 50's looks like a graduation present...today it's worth up to $15,000 if perfectly restored. One day I'd like to get one.

I recall my Dad mentioning something about his first car being bought with spare change he collected over years and years (typical old man story). Perhaps this ivory colored beast? From the hood ornament, it looks like a Cadillac. I'll have to ask.

This is the VW Notchback I grew up riding in...proof my Dad is terribly oldschool. The picture is taken in front of my Grandparent's old home in Culver City, California before the thing had deer dents in it.

__________________________

Growing up my Dad was an avid player of the accordian (which he didn't love) and a skilled horse trainer (which he did love) under the guidance of a guy he calls "Red Kennedy". He also loved cats, and still does.









With some black bear cubs in Yellowstone.





_____________________________________

My Dad with early, somewhat primitive looking lab equipment. This could be at Oregon State or University of California in Davis..or the Netherlands. He wrote many papers on things like Potatos and Filberts.

_________________________________________________

My Grandmother much later, on a bus touring Europe. The surrounding photographs were from Vienna.

Krazy Kat | High Yellow Notes | Gloria Swanson

The weather, for the foreseeable future, is awful. Downcast, tepid air, dank...the sky spits on us from above! However, this is of no concern. For my plans--dear ones--were to paint, read, and gamble away precious hours cavorting through the interwebular world (this last one needs no justification, I've uncovered many many life changing and fabulous things by 'wasting time'--and money). In fact I did put in a very satisfying amount of work. I set-up a pleasurable still life and proceeded with a canvas (a material I don't usually use) of a fairly large size (something I've been meaning to do) with the hopes of attaining something of the more classical approach. I feel successful and you'll just have to wait for the evidence.

The Krazy Kat

It's curious to ponder all the new fangled ways the Internet allows for total stagnation. PRODUCTIVE stagnation, even. For example, these wonderful Shorpy finds have me longing for my own group of les bohemes and with our own bohemian tree-house cafe-bar!




The Krazy Kat Club in Washington D.C. featured some sort of...classy vagabond tree fort dining/smoking/painting area...a more primitive way to waste time. These photos are from 1921.


High Yellow Notes

The following paintings are proving to be huge inspirations for me and my current artistic ventures.


Van Gogh, Vincent: "Harvest", 1888

Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri: "At the Moulin Rouge", 1890

Van Gogh, Vincent: "Nature Morte Aux Oranges"

Van Gogh, I think, was referring to "Harvest" when he spoke of achieving his high yellow note. So so beautiful, this is what I admire about paint!


Timeless Fashion Muse

Strong, ethereal-- Elle est la femme fatale extraordinaire. Gloria Swanson's beauty is flanked by rich fabrics and feathers. There is not a single reason why grace like hers could not be achieved this very day.

Garance | Decorative Muse | Parbuckles

I'm a bit upset that it took me so long to discover the wonderful-amazing fashion (and photography)blog by illustrator Mme. Garance Doré. Her street fashion photography is truly inspiring, and so characteristically French (that is, unless she is in New York..or some other part of the world!). Garance currently has a display up at the Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, so I've heard.


From "Yesterday, At Dries", a beautiful older woman epitomizes a classic and timeless sense of fashion. Not overdone, not too busy, not too structured. Natural, great silhouette, excellent details.



One of Garance's friends has begun a line of very fashionable and unique frames in subtle colors such as 'crystal gray' (a milky taupe) and "Zebra horn". The frames are each named after a major city (Rome, Paris, New York etc.) and seem duly fitted with characteristics from each respective metropolis. I've been struck with the realization that my eye wear collection is limited to one (albeit expensive) pair of fairly new J.F. Rey's...pretty weak. I would love to invest in a pair of hand crafted daring frames from the Prism line! You can view the line at thePRISM homepage.



A photograph from the now deceased Domino Magazine, the color scheme, choice of fixtures, textures, and materials basically represents everything I am feeling aesthetically at the moment. It's simply the most beautiful indoor decorating arrangement I've come across.



The Hovey blog brought me a store called Parbuckles --specializing in nautical,safari, and campaign furniture (SO suitable for the aforementioned blog's aesthetic). This unique rattan "bar trunk" would be a beautiful and classy addition to any salon. Best of all, you can pack it up and move it on the fly. One pretty penny (more like $3,299) will get you this beauty.

Cream Colored Ponies

My iPod has been sitting in one of my many handbags for weeks now; neglected, scratched up, battery drained. Part of it is probably just my preferance for the sound quality of CDs and also, it's summer (though judging by the overcast skies and rain, I could be wrong)...I can't be bothered with technology and updating my iTunes. On top of this, my Leeroy Jenkins iPod skin gives me mild headaches when I look at it and I've come to the conclusion that even music must be aesthetic for me. With that said, a new skin is in order! These ones have been customized with my artwork...favorites, anyone?


"American Passage"


"Tarts"


"Hummingbird"


Okay, I didn't do this one...but it's potentially my favorite painting in the entire world. And to think, I first saw it in an issue of Veranda...
"Nature Mort Aux Oranges" - Vincent Van Gogh


Browsing Molly Young's website full of insightful and witty comments about...anything, I happend upon this delightful yellow lounge from the Metropolitan Museum in New York. I wish I knew more about it.




Bob Willoughby--photographer of the cinema, whoes work was "literally never out of print for one week during his 20 year career in films"--has a flickr photostream up of his Audrey Hepburn shots.


Here she is getting into some big beautiful American beast.

A Few Summertime Considerations..

You can't exactly compare summer in Washington to summer in the rest of the greater United States. After pretty brutal winters(or maybe just annoying when you consider freezing temperatures on the east coast..)Summer in Washington is possibly the most beautiful around. Void of the humidity and heinous touristy types, the occasional overcast day is an afterthought once the sun comes out and the world turns green (for a while). Here are a few aesthetic assets (some necessities, I swear!) that I would love to have and a couple that I do.



1.Deadly Ponies - Mr. Zipalot Bag {Bonadrag.com $425}
2.Erica Weiner - Hummingbird Skull Necklace {Bonadrag.com $80}
3.Skeem - Amber and Clove Pillar Candle {Skeemshop.com $22}
4.Dolce Vita - Rayne Heel {Urbanoutfitters.com $178}

ASOS - Woven Metal Tassle Drop Earrings {ASOS.com Now $4.23!}
Minka Aire - Brushed Nickle Retro Desk Fan {Lampsplus.com $69}

Laurel Hurst Fan Company - Casablanca, Venice, and Parkview Wall Mounts{Laurelhurstfancompany.com $499 -$695}

According to Skeem, the pillar candles will burn for 90 hours and I haven't been timing myself but I burn mine incessantly throughout the day and it's only down by maybe 1/8th. The ASOS earrings are also SUCH a deal, they look lovely and can be seen when my hair is down.

Summer Atmospherics

Last week I picked up copies of Lykke Li's "Youth Novels" album and another Madeleine Peyroux (her best according to some) by the name of "Careless Love". I'd been wanting these two for a while now but simply hadn't found the funds in my meager budget for music. It's funny that something so aesthetically important can't compete with my love for fashion...

Regardless of "Youth Novels" quality as an album, Lykke Li is an artist that I admire on so many levels. Her sound is not quite groundbreaking, but she does have an incredible knack for picking out simple but yet high impact melodies. I would describe her music as an assortment of primitive/tribal electronic sounds with folky undertones set in an urban background. And I hope my initial comment didn't phase you, because I really do believe that "Youth Novels" is a great album with equally great songwriting. Try "Let it Fall" and "Little Bit" to experience something that could easily have been pseudo-Bjork or "hipster" but rose above both of those things, artistically speaking.

I began listening to Madeleine Peyroux towards the end of the spring season. At the time I was searching for music that felt like it fit my ideals of feminism. Something with a timeless feel, a milky voice, bittersweet instruments for bittersweet melodies yet something with a sense of progress. Peyroux is really all these things and "Careless Love" does not fall short of the description aforementioned. I don't know if it means the same as "Half the Perfect World" did for me, nor do I know if "Bare Bones" (an album entirely of her own songs) will compare to the well roundedness of "Careless Love". Listen to "Between the Bars".

Her rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love" is really great.
Anyways, Madeleine Peyroux is sort of my...spirit of summer, if you will.


On a final note, I feel like looking out at the world with the same gaze as the young and dapper Miss Gloria Swanson...



Don't we all?

Artisanal Symphony in Two Movements

Those of us living in the greater Bellingham area will know that despite its rich artistic scene and multicultural fervor, Bellingham lacks the quality gourmet food joints that a city such as this one should have. There are a few odd spots, however, that give Bellingham residents all the more reason to be proud.

The Abbey Tea Rooms, tucked up a cobble stone "road" in Fairhaven, provides kitschy English decor with comfortable old chairs and benches at a reasonable price. While you could hardly compare the food to say...the Empress in Victoria, B.C., there is an extensive tea selection and a price range for everyone. Try the Sow Mee with a little sugar.

On a different note, I fell in love with John Galliano's recent Fall/Winter 2009 runway. Though it's obviously a bit early to be worrying about cold weather wear, Galliano's line represents something the fashion industry needs in these recessive times. "[Frozen] Ukrainian virgin brides" are the words Galliano uses to describe the aesthetic of his new line, but more importantly, he claims the line hearkens back to "poetry, romance, and [his] roots" as an artisan. And as usual, Galliano's runway was as beautiful as his clothing. Lasers and glitter evoked something akin to an otherworldly portal...a little J.K. Rowlingesque but always uniquely Galliano.

Lady of the lake or Helen of Troy?

A fantastically detailed cerulean jacket that I would wear any day..in October..

Annnnd just because I can, a couple shots from his renowned 2007 show involving an interactive runway and a beautiful selection of props. The clothes, of course, outstanding in their vintageness.

Sorry I didn't catch this one in time for Prom...

A little modern suffragette!

Photos: Of Me - Kieran Lyons

Runway Shots- InStyle.com