CH-CH-CHANGES

The weather has turned dramatically. Long hot nights have been replaced with drizzle and chilly winds. To celebrate this change of season let me present a series of still lifes, or if you like vanitas, including a whole variety of plastic fruits that I have collected over the years and a stuffed sardine. There will be more images in this vein later this week as I'm not entirely happy with the outcome of these; the light was not on my side today.

I'm always very intrigued by the English attitude to seasons. I constantly hear people say 'OH I wish it was Summer' or 'Winter really seems to be dragging on'. Sometimes I wish people could enjoy the moment they are in a little more. Change is a beautiful thing if you watch it. There is something so quiet and lovely about watching the flowers in the garden slowly fall off or the gentle sound of rain. I wish we had a word for it in English but we sadly don't so instead I turn to the Japanese phrase wabi-sabi. I recommend this book to anyone interested in thinking about change in more depth.

The outfit is a little inspired by this, if it had been painted in the late 1960s:

The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein

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and a little by this photograph of my dad (sorry for the terrible quality, I photographed it in a frame which should just never been done ever, I hope you get the gist):

As you may notice there was an outfit change. I was actually originally wearing a velvet 1970s jumpsuit but it, although beautiful, is not very photogenic against this fruity backdrop! So I did a quick switch to something a little greener.

Thanks for all the encouraging comments about the magazine! It's making slow (but steady!) progress and I hope we'll have the first issue together by the start of October (fingers crossed). I did mention submissions in the last post, if you'd like to email me (details in my contact page) as I am the most likely to reply hah!

Also a quick plug (again!) I visited The Glorious Art House for their preview night on Friday and it was magnificent, I've scarcely been in more gorgeous and uplifting environment. They open tomorrow (Monday 25th!) so what are you waiting for, get to Exeter!

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend, I wish I could say make the most of the lovely weather but instead read, draw and enjoy the quiet, calming sound of the rain falling. Be happy with the here and now or as the wise Buddha says "Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment". Enjoy the change and listen to Bowie the King of change.

Linking to Visible Monday

 

Outfit Details

Main:

Green floral Indian silk dress - Gift

Vintage faux fur cap - Gift

1960s white Alpaca coat - Oxfam

1960s purple paisley Cravat - Charity shop

Other:

1970s black velvet jumpsuit - Enjoy Clothing

Floral bangle - Mrs MacBeth's Department Store

Faux suede 1980s hat - Vintage Marks & Sparks

Anna Della Russo for H&M serpent necklace - H&M sale 

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A small amendment, I was V.heavily influenced by Derek Jarman's film Caravaggio (if you haven't seen it stop NOW and WATCH it!!) In my foggy, not enough coffees mind I forgot to include it so here:

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