Les Grotesques

Living in San Francisco, especially in this day and age, has made me more prone to, without any hesitation, snap pictures of interesting people. Not stalker-type, but just when the person makes me think: "Wow- they seem like they must have really had an interesting life." It really reminds me of the mentality Leonardo da Vinci's The Grotesques series... not so much because the people I'm randomly snapping are literally grotesque-- but because they're some of the most interesting people to look at and to draw.

It's such a fine line to draw and a fine distinction because someone might find it insulting- which is not the case whatsoever. If anything, I think it's an amazing thing-- getting me to stare and double take, be inspired and interested in. I think it's boring if someone looks so plain and vanilla... I'm happy that such a great master could appreciate the people who are different because they're different; someone has to. Exploitive? Not in the least. If I were to draw or to paint images of anyone, I want them to be off the wall and unique, wouldn't you? It's more fun and it's more... real. 

Not everyone is "beautiful", not everyone is pristine and like beautiful porcelain. The ones with rugged edges- the ones with cracks- they're the ones who will make the most interesting art. 

Petticoats, Vintage, and Beautiful Women.

What a ridiculous last couple months! Right now I'm all about appreciating the small things in life that are going amazingly well, completely disregarding what has been a burden to me achieving greatness! An epic sentence, I know, but things have been pretty amazing lately. 

I always look forward to the beginning of the week. They give you a chance to "reset" and a chance to start over on a new foot. Most of the time I actually look forward to them; they are an opportunity to take stock of your environment, your to-dos, and reaffirm your purpose in the world. Unless you have to be up at 6a... that's a whole different thing. 

Sitting at 12p, typing away on my long neglected blog, sipping a cup of coffee with some sweetened condensed milk-- I'm amazingly happy right now and have been on this trajectory for a little while.

Within the span of a week I got to see one of my fashion idols perform her beautiful burlesque show, got to enjoy the opera for the first time in my life, and got to dance down Market Street during one of the most momentous parades in SF history. I'm so incredibly blessed by the universe right now.

Totes Worth that 7a Wakeup Call

This last week I finally caved and decided to spend some time doing what I miss and love: shopping. Nothing too crazy, but it was definitely needed and I'm happy to say that I didn't splurge on a large Nordstrom's bag. I went to the swap meet and came out on top: little money spent, some amazing pieces-- I can't wait to wear them!

There are a few things I didn't photograph including a 40s clutch purse and a large beaver fur stole, both of which I'll be wearing to an event this coming weekend. 

I can't wait to go back, though! It's always long chunks of time between visits and I always forget how much I love it. 

Updates.

I wish I had some tastefully artful things to say right now, but my creativity has been a little bit on the fritz this past month due to stress. Things are getting better, though, and I've been really forcing myself to play around with color again. 

Fabrics were bought this past week which I'm super excited about... and there are plenty of deadlines to be met. I've gotten some questions about commissions and am excited to really dive head first into that. I've also been inspired a lot by some of Miss Pandora's recent modeling posts which have really gotten my drawing hand back to practicing- I've missed it all very much. 

Looking forward to a trip out of town, too! I can't wait to post about it-- it's going to be an amazing adventure. 

Suppleness of Color and Accessories.

I'm so happy the semester is nearly over. I didn't do as many fashion illustrations as I had expected, but at least I somewhat still have my touch. 

Recently I decided to start pursuing my interest in Dolly Kei fashion which I've been a fan of for some time... but it adds to my FRUMPY-ness. Unless I do it right. As one of my fashionable acquaintances (ikillbarbies) said... "you all ready sorta dress like that- you just need more stuff for your stuff!" I think she's right- I just need more stuff for my stuff.

And by stuff for my stuff, that means more necklaces, hats and hair pieces, printed unique tights and leggings, and miscellaneous pieces like brooches, wallets, purses, etc. I all ready dress in the color scheme most of the time... this isn't a stretch. But I agree, more stuff for my stuff.