Sunday, 10 April 2016
Out from hibernation
Sunday, 17 April 2011
The Start Of A New Project
I started off by typing ‘Harajuku’ into google. I already had some knowledge of Harajuku fashion and the station but never really knew much about the area of Harajuku or how the popularity of it rose. Turns out it was a small village that became hugely popular after WW11. The area of Washington heights was built up of army houses that were used to host athletes in the 1964 Olympics. Shops were built to cater for the families that lived there which allowed youths to explore western culture. The area became popular due to people wanting to meet the Olympic athletes. The increase in popularity therefore inspired shops and fashion businesses to set up.
Harajuku station is where the cool kids hang. Not just a station it serves as a dressing room for people who cosplay and dress up in Harajuku fashion. As you can tell I haven’t really finished this page hence the big blank space in the centre of the station. I’ll either paint people onto it or use a photograph as I like to mix media. I have already started on other pages further into the sketchbook but for the sake of trying not to confuse everyone (and of course myself) I’ll scan everything in order so that it makes sense. So keep peeled because there’s more to come!
Monday, 17 January 2011
Commitment is not my strongest point
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
The Body in Art and Design
Another way of looking at this is to see how art has/can be incorporated onto our bodies. Take make up for example- used to enhance our facial features or is it something for us to hide under? As Coco Chanel once said “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” So is it considered a great skill to cover up our imperfections? The art of the brush just how a painter paints a masterpiece? Yes everyone has flaws, even kate Moss. It’s what makes us human and individual after all. I like the quote “Scars are tattoos with better stories” (Toyota advertisement in Sports Illustrated magazine, 3 June 2002)
It speaks to me that we should embrace our bodies- every single part of it. And if we could have it our way then we would all star in a Bruce Weber billboard.
For people who like a little more permanent ink on themselves tattoos are a great appeal. I call it (in some cases) graffiti for the body. Because let’s face it, it really is. Some can be tasteful- even considered beautiful but others are just extreme. A paw print on your breast may be sexy when your in your 20’s but 40 years later are you still going to be rocking that? Maybe not. Taking it to the extreme is like anything really. Calling a dot on a page a piece of art can be considered just that.
Just like doctors who discover cures, artists who find modern ways of presenting the body are exciting. The work of Orlan is pretty fascinating. Her passion for her work is obvious. Who else would go through cosmetic procedures for something they did not believe in? I could not specifically tell you one of her artwork that I favor the most because there are just too many. Her work is more interesting than beautiful. That could be the point of it though. Not just a pretty portrait of someone to look at and forget about but more of a slightly unusual approach to representing the body that is quiet likely to get you thinking – why? And most strangely how?
In the world of art the human body is one of its main inspirations. Both in ways of actual art on the body and art about the body. It can be used to show what we think of as the “ideal” body and how it affects our self esteem. Say for example if Michelangelo's David had not been created, would our thoughts not provoke about wanting perfection and so would there be no need for make up? I guess no one will ever know the answer to that.
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Possibly the best christmas card ever?
Inside was a hand written message along the line of "Merry christmas From the Mulberry Team at house of fraser" how thoughtful! The next time I make a "big" purchase from Mulberry, it will most likely be from there because of the great service they offer. Of course this card takes pride of place on top of the tv
Whilst on the matter of Mulberry I am liking the new mini alexa. The normal size one was too big for me when slung over my shoulder. Working out the proportions of the mini one it should be a good a fit. Still at £495 do I really need it? Actually scrap that question of course I do! This is what extra days and overtime at work equals. However first on my ever growing "to buy" list is a mannequin. Need to think of a catchy name for her
The Mini Alexa is literally just a smaller version (ooh and £255 cheaper)
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
The collars of this month
Of course it needed a bow to finish it off
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Its like Uggs for your ears
I figured its going to be a long winter and I have alot of waiting around for buses/trains so I decided to treat my ears. 100% Cashmere and sheepskin what more could I ask for?