inspiration

I own a lot of sixties teen and fashion magazines, but until tonight I never knew any model names beyond the obvious: Twiggy, Peggy Moffitt, Jean Shrimpton, Penelope Tree. I just stumbled upon Mini Mad Mod 60’s: an online archive filled with images of some of my favorite mystery muses. Several girls, like Lucy Angle or Jean White, I had clipped out and framed over the years.

Jean White, with her big eyes, Shirley Temple ringlets, and a Betty Boop styled expression is often styled in Great Gatsby themed outfits; perfect for the sixties-twenties moment that happened around ‘68 or ‘70.

Then there’s Lucy Angle who rocks one of the cutest bowl cuts I’ve seen. I used to bring her photo to hairdressers back when I attempted one. She appeared on some of my favorite Seventeen covers. For some reason she reminds me of Mia Farrow. No surprise, loooovvvveeeee her.

oh, and by the way, there are some epic sixties fashion images on this live journal entry: ana-lee

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I rarely have a chance to hand write much of anything these days. No more in-class note taking, no real letter writing. Maybe that’s why, when I do write in my daily planner, it appears in all caps. I take my time to make each letter look nice. Like Aaron Cometbus or David Shrigley, I like how words in all capital letters look on the page.

Today while reading the Times, I came across the work of Leanne Shapton. She’s a multitasking artist/illustrator/writer from Toronto now living in New York. And she is very fond of handlettered capitals.

Did you know she did the Kicking and Screaming Criterion Collection cover? Very nice.

image from: design related.

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I think I have a new project that, if I complete in a timely fashion, will find its way into my bedroom. Since my apartment walls lack flair (I so wish I had wainscoting, chair rails, or molding like a Fort Green brownstone) I have to come up with ways to decorate and add to the space.

My bedroom is the most boring of all the rooms in the apartment. It doesn’t have wood floors, but instead low pile gray carpet out of a dull office building. Eventually I’ll find a threadbare Oriental or Navajo rug to hide it. For now… I am thinking it might be nice to hang something from the ceiling. Perhaps white linen scraps or fabric streamers or something like these triangle banners (in pale colors and faded fabrics).

the selby
door sixteen
christine
dédé au château

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elizabeth weinberg
cotton candy
?
yokoo
hello christy claire

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My friend Kyle and I share a similar affinity for Mid-Century Danish modern furniture. However, he is in possession of a drivers license, a truck, estate sale knowledge, a warehouse, and muscles…. so he wins the hunt. Luckily, he sells his finds at the Brooklyn Flea and on his blog, sit and read furniture, so pleebs like me can benefit from his good eye. If i needed a couch or a desk these might be mine:

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The Sundance Channel recently aired “Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton,” a documentary I finally watched tonight rather than brave our first snow of the season. The film is awesome, with an upbeat and free spirited tone and, thankfully, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Jump cuts, whimsical camera editing, and silly video effects infuse a doc I found both inspiring and informative; especially since I worked alongside a fashion designer for several years.

The director, Loïc Prigent, clearly enjoys exploring Jacob’s creative process, both house’s production challenges, and the insane pandemonium in the months, days, and finally minutes counting down to two fantastic Spring 2007 collections. The film showcases Jacobs’ numerous references and highlights how they are ultimately interpreted and remixed as well as featuring interviews with artistic collaborators and inspiring friends like Elizabeth Peyton, Sophia Coppola, Murakami and Yayoi Kusama.

Order the doc on Amazon

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stairs

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I’m digging geometric shapes, pyramids, and surrealist collages these days. The first two modernist sculptures were for sale on Ebay. I’m not sure where the other images came from.

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I’m feeling the work of graphic designer Kristin Eddington, a recent graduate of SVA and now a designer for Nylon. Her work is stylish, sophisticated and has a nice sense of humor. Her remixes of teen cult novels by Francesca Lia Block was a welcome surprise.

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I just found the blog of Brooklyn artist (by way of Sweden) Fanny Bostrom. The Selby had a great feature on her and Bill Gentle’s space and after seeing their teepee I was totally intrigued.

Before Leti and Ami moved out of their old space we had schemed up at teepee in the backyard idea. And then again this summer a birthday teepee in Maccaren Park complete with “buffalo wings” and other appropriate snacks. Alas, the idea didn’t pan out before they moved. We’ll always have Urban Outfitters’ version, won’t we girls?

Anyway, I like Fanny’s art. It reminds me of one part Henry Darger and Fred Tomaselli and one part Kyle Ranson and Elizabeth Huey. (who shares my love of half-timber homes).

Her and Elizabeth’s work inspires me to work bigger and not fear moving my art to oil on huge panels. I want to push the weirdness and work to incorporate my patterns and colorful landscapes with the figures with more texture and layering.

Fanny Bostrom

Her Illustrations

Read the rest of this entry »

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I’m drawing Disneyland themed illustrations for a third Mountain High Ad. In the process of culling reference, I got sucked into a Flickr void and stumbled upon all these cute vacation snapshots from the sixties and seventies and illustrations by some artists I’d never heard of. In particular I’m into these works by Paul Hartley.

Disneyland ‘72 from: Galexie Girl
Paul Hartley Illustrations from: Miehana

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Next week, if all goes according to plan, I’m going to host a pumpkin carving contest at my new apartment. James will supply five boys and I’ll supply five girls who are down to get dirty. No whimps! Now we have to buy snax and decorations, rent a zip to pick up the victims, and buy some old school kiddie carving knives.

I still am not sure what I’ll be dressing up as come the 31st but Kate from Jon and Kate + 8 (complete with 8 dolls dragged along on a string) is a definite possibility.

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I’m drawing some “ladies in love” and free-association romantic doodles for Seventeen Magazine. It’s a feature on “Forbidden Love” inspired by the Twilight book series. Vampires = so hot right now. Weird.

They want something art deco (not goth) and that is what I’m feeling. Found the most amazing collection of reference on flickr. Cute!!

Rhiannon Mars

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I’m pulling reference for my new apartment from “The Boy Friend” and “The Great Gatsby.” Twiggy and Mia Farrow star in each, but the films are more noteworthy for their deco costume and set design. They occupy that point in the late sixties and early seventies where fashion (drop waisted dresses, Biba, et al) was channeling the jazz age decadence.

I think Lyell’s last collection may be responsible for my current obsession which now includes intricate lace, white wainscoting, chesterfield couches, pale pink silks, and mirrored furniture.

photos of the boyfriend originally from borisday on flickr

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Watched William Klein’s “Who Are You, Polly Magoo” last night. There are plenty of scenes with interesting shots, memorable fashion moments inspired by Paco Rabane, and lots of cute girls in mini dresses. But all and all the film is a bit of a bore.


Some scenes, in particular the one involving “chimney sweeps,” plenty of ripped newspaper, and a mussed up Diana Vreeland inspired character, reminded me of the finale of Chytilova’s “Daisies.” And the whole premise and I suppose point of the film (a satricial and negative view of the “empty” fashion industry) reminded me of Chytilova’s first film about the modeling world entitled “Ceiling.”

Polly, our Brooklyn-born French expat channeling Twiggy, is cute, yes. But it’s hard to sit still for anything this long with all the bad dialog and boring subplots even with Peggy Moffit cameos and epic eyeliner. BUT! I’m posting some stills nonetheless.

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My crew convened last night to check out Samantha Pleet’s Seasons of Wonders. Wowch djed, lots of free drinks were had, and before heading over to Deerhunter’s show, we accosted some Daily Candy girls about their Target Bullseye Bodega bag (complete with rad Sigerson Morrison pumps for 30 bones). I need a pair.

Judging from the photos, the whole installation reminds me of Reas, Twist and Espo’s “Street Market” at Deitch a few years back. Or Warhol’s and Billy Apple’s work in the ‘64 exhibit “American Supermarket.”

Target:

Deitch:

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This is way too cute. I don’t need a water bottle or a bento box but I am weak… especially for “french girlish mood” and “today is so fine day!!!” journals by Japanese Zakka designer Shinzi Katoh.

Great for Cram Cream, Milimeter/Miligram, and Sugar Pine Beauty lovers. And those who won’t be traveling to Tokyo any time soon.

Available at : his website and online shop

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p.s. if you want credit, holler…because I have no clue where these came from

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The last couple of movies I’ve seen make me want to find my old X-Girl tees, back issues of Grand Royal and Delia*s catalogs from 8th and 9th grade. I wore rainbow shoelaces, big plastic rings, train conductor overalls and track jackets. Read coming of age books like Girl and Foxfire. Listened obsessively to Cibo Matto. And watched KIDS and Party Girl. He-he-hellloooooo!

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