Flying Books from around the world

So finally I have managed to display my Artist's Book project that I started in September... In actual fact i did finish it in December but have only just got round to finding a place to put it all up. My shed. I think the final image of it looks quite effective, and it's definitely slightly eery to walk around it when it's so quiet in the daytime. 

Each of the books represents a different country or city, for example Greece, London, Malaysia, China etc. I started out basing the project on dreams, and all my ideas amounted to these books. Each one represents a dream. Every country has their own culture, and within that maybe a specific religion, different lifestyle, routine, food, clothing, transport etc. Dreams can be similar. They can take you to a world which is so unfamiliar and foreign, with people in them who are friendly, but you have no idea who they are. Strange things happen in dreams and you don't often question them because they seem to fit in with whatever is going on at the time. They fit within the context. This is how culture and dreams come together as a book in this work. 

The fact that they are suspended represents how being able to fly means we can access almost anywhere on the planet, and in the future, other planets. It's a sign of freedom, and how dreams have the capacity to take you anywhere as well. 

Come on, Flower...

Picture a meadow in Spring. Blessed by the sun, and caressed by the wind. The chill disappears from the air, and everywhere buds are bursting with colour and life. Now transport that image onto a catwalk, and experience Spring/Summer 2011. A succulent sundae of designs floated down the runway ready for next season. Floor sweeping dresses prevailed in light chiffon fabrics, with beautiful examples from Lanvin in Paris and Alberta Ferretti in Milan. Come print or minimalist a light Maxi for the summer will be a staple piece. Prints in general will be present in abundance, as McQueen in Gold, Kane in floral, and Prada in full colour have executed beautifully. If you’re ready to brave all (well, up to the thigh) there are elegant short suits ready to wear. However, if until you’re glowing from the sun your hem isn’t coming above the knee, you definitely will not be left out. Knee length skirts, long shorts and long, 70s style trousers will be your calling card. These classic summer trends have swept through the designer’s houses. The party will be under the sun, and my dear, you will most certainly be going to the ball.

Inspiration...

An Alternative Self Portrait?
I understand.. But how to execute.
Thinking about what makes me, me. Music, experiences, culture, passions, love, hate. These boxes have all been ticked several times, but to make art from them, about me, is something that's taking me 8 hours and counting to be inspired. 


Unfortunately the example below is prohibited.. what. a. shame.

Courtesy of Max and his pre drinks ;)

Gruau

I was recently stunned by the simplicity of how charm and elegance are communicated. The culprit, Rene Gruau. A current exhibition at Somerset House in London shows a life time span of beautiful fashion illustrations. The collection is a statement to the legacy in which Gruau illustrated Dior. Many of the pieces were designed for advertisement purposes, and it is hard to imagine, once seeing the campaigns, being able to resist purchasing the products he made sparkle. Perfumes were the main object of his work, displayed in the exhibition alongside original bottles of the fragrances, in themselves alluding to utter luxury. 
The exhibition itself is doused in red light, a symbol of the artist's passion for his work, and a colour to make the rosy lips of the models in his drawings shine endlessly. The exhibition is narrated from image to image, telling a story of the relationship between Gruau and Dior. 
The original works still hold the raw marks of Gruau's pen and watercolour, in some cases showing the construction of his drawings. Through the unadorned composition of colours and shapes are faces and fashion, tirelessly promoting Dior's world. 
See original vintage Dior RTW and couture pieces, and also 'Inspired by Gruau', which are four works produced by contemporary artists, showing their take on Gruau's style and take on the house of Dior. 
It's only open until January 9th, but if you're in London, and anywhere near the embankment, £5 is a small price to pay for a first hand view at fashion history. 

January

As the cold fluctuates between minus 7 and 4 degrees (for the lucky ones), nature's colours hibernate, while we brave her winds and frosts with knits and shearling. Yet there is always beauty to be found, even in the coldest and quietest regions.