Encouragement for an artist is like water to a flower - encouragement makes an artist bloom. A kind word, a smile, a positive note are apt to make all the difference in someone's day. Among the clutter on my desk, I retrieved a newspaper clipping which seemed so appropriate and most likely inspired this post.
In my travels, I saved an article entitled "The Arts Thrive Only if We Support Them" by Scott McLeod for Smoky Mountain News. McLeod opens with a statement by Kari Rinn, Haywood Community College director of Creative Arts - who says, "The arts teach us to appreciate beauty, to make visible our thoughts, ideas and inspirations and to continually problem solve. These are important life skills that apply to every aspect of community, family and business. The survival of the arts is paramount to our happiness and also our innovation." As a lifelong illustrator and observer and maker-of-things, this small, square newspaper clipping brightened my day today - just as it did the day I first saw it.
In addition to its encouraging words, the article also brought to attention the simple fact that low budgets are forcing public schools to eliminate their arts programs. McLeod reminds us that our forefathers deemed the arts and sciences equally important. But the present day poses a conundrum - as art, music, architecture, languages, theatre and so on are oft considered less significant and therefore receive less funding and less votes.
Essentially - among us - the dreamers and makers of things are placed in an environment which is not conducive to survival.
To end on a positive note though, it is paramount that artists support each other. From a recent workshop experience, I personally realize the power of loving community. When artists encourage each other, they are empowered and inspired to also nurture others.
ART FASHION CREATION: Blog research of Fashion Design, Origin of Trends, Creative People, ART of the Past and Future.
Featured Post
2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies, Jennifer Hawkins Hock
To emphasize a captured moment in the daily life and environment of these artists is my goal ; to spotlight their appreciation for the art f...
Monday, July 11, 2016
Thursday, June 30, 2016
From My Art Journal
Predominantly collage, mixed media:
 |
| Wonder, photo collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| Susurrus, stitched collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| stitched collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| stitched collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| sunlight through stitched collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| stitched fashion collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, Toile La La |
 |
| mail art collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| detail, mail art collage - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| Scent of Rembrandt Red, collage with reverse text - Jennifer Hawkins Hock |
 |
| stitched mail art - art fashion creation |
 |
| stitched mail art - art fashion creation |
Thursday, June 23, 2016
My Best Blogging Moments in Art and Fashion
Via blog editorship, I've certainly enjoyed life to a much fuller extent than I would as a random bystander. Blogging is the impetus navigating a continual search for creativity and subject matter for intriguing posts. At the end of this post, you'll find a few links to some of my favorite blogging moments.
For six years I've maintained Art Fashion Creation and Toile La La, but you'll also find posts at the Wordpress blog dressesandhats. Too, you may remember the blog Better Shell Fitness, to which I contributed fitness reviews. At these blogs, you'll also find reviews for fashion shows/exhibits, museums, travel, books, and music - all written in my nom de plume - Toile La La. The name Toile La La (pronounced twahl-lah-lah) originated from experiments in half-scale sewing and I kept it as a pen name because I enjoy the pronunciation.
Blogging is good motivation for exploring my own creative capacity. During six blogging years, in addition to stitching those first half-scale design toiles, my art/fashion adventures include:
For six years I've maintained Art Fashion Creation and Toile La La, but you'll also find posts at the Wordpress blog dressesandhats. Too, you may remember the blog Better Shell Fitness, to which I contributed fitness reviews. At these blogs, you'll also find reviews for fashion shows/exhibits, museums, travel, books, and music - all written in my nom de plume - Toile La La. The name Toile La La (pronounced twahl-lah-lah) originated from experiments in half-scale sewing and I kept it as a pen name because I enjoy the pronunciation.
Blogging is good motivation for exploring my own creative capacity. During six blogging years, in addition to stitching those first half-scale design toiles, my art/fashion adventures include:
- millinery
- a hand-bound (coptic-stitched ) book and a more condensed zine titled 80s Fashion Design Book 1: Drawn
- the recent exhibit 2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies
- fashion fiction, quick fiction, and interior fiction
- fashion collage and stitched collage
- mail art and stitched wordsmithing
- the F/W 2014 Romantic Souls fashion show
- the S/S 2015 Spontaneous Now fashion show and video
- the Advance A/H F/W 15/16 L'Oeil Creatif a L'Avance fashion show
- Patricia Gaye Tapp of Little Augury and Ottoline Divine
- Karen Winslow, artist and former illustrator of sewing patterns
- Kathleen Sawyer, the back of the boat collage artist
Monday, June 20, 2016
2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies, Jennifer Hawkins Hock
To emphasize a captured moment in the daily life and environment of these artists is my goal; to spotlight their appreciation for the art found in something as simple as a good meal, a window view, flowers in a vase, the silhouette of a chair, placement of a book, or the casting of light and shadow. When you compare my room studies to their respective paintings, you'll notice here and there little discrepancies. It is of course part of the pleasure of observing these representations - spotting the differences.
You might consider too the passing of time as you view my room studies - how even in your own environment, there occurs an evolution - a transition or a shifting of the elements therein. Some rooms seem to beckon guests... tables well-dressed with food and service, fresh flowers in a vase. In three of the rooms which originally contained people, I chose to reflect this passage of time - adding another element to the story the original paintings tell. You will notice instead of an orange - its peeling; a man reading the paper is now prepared for a stroll; or instead of a man peering through a doorway - a woman peeling potatoes is there instead.
I am delighted by Henri Matisse's rooms which are like diaries and I feel especially drawn to Edouard Vuillard's worktable - with its sewing project ready to be finished - a room full of fabric and potential. Gwen John's room, with its oddly slanted wall-feature, is a favorite - because I think it has all one really needs for a brief, restorative bit of enjoyment: a nice comfortable chair, flowers, a window - for fresh air and a view, and a practical small table - big enough for writing or holding a cup of tea, with a drawer to store something special - a book, or a letter.
All the objects on walls, tables, shelves - all the elements of the original paintings are there because the artist deemed them visually significant. However, you might also consider how an artist may alter the actual room for its portrait.
In recreating these paintings and setting the decor just so, I noticed interesting similarities in the rooms. So many of them feature open windows or doors - allowing the viewer to see beyond the immediate interior - framing a city scene, the blue sky and grass of nature, or sometimes a balcony.
I tried to avoid too many conceits or liberties, but there are a few. In Childe Hassam's room, the red table has such a perfect amount of reflection on top - a nice shine - I didn't want to change it. Too, I cannot verify what is under the table of Misia and Vallotton. My eyes see what I think is a cat - maybe even a cat with kittens... perhaps a cat is what I want to see. It is my hope you will now take a closer look and decide for yourself.
You might consider too the passing of time as you view my room studies - how even in your own environment, there occurs an evolution - a transition or a shifting of the elements therein. Some rooms seem to beckon guests... tables well-dressed with food and service, fresh flowers in a vase. In three of the rooms which originally contained people, I chose to reflect this passage of time - adding another element to the story the original paintings tell. You will notice instead of an orange - its peeling; a man reading the paper is now prepared for a stroll; or instead of a man peering through a doorway - a woman peeling potatoes is there instead.
I am delighted by Henri Matisse's rooms which are like diaries and I feel especially drawn to Edouard Vuillard's worktable - with its sewing project ready to be finished - a room full of fabric and potential. Gwen John's room, with its oddly slanted wall-feature, is a favorite - because I think it has all one really needs for a brief, restorative bit of enjoyment: a nice comfortable chair, flowers, a window - for fresh air and a view, and a practical small table - big enough for writing or holding a cup of tea, with a drawer to store something special - a book, or a letter.
All the objects on walls, tables, shelves - all the elements of the original paintings are there because the artist deemed them visually significant. However, you might also consider how an artist may alter the actual room for its portrait.
In recreating these paintings and setting the decor just so, I noticed interesting similarities in the rooms. So many of them feature open windows or doors - allowing the viewer to see beyond the immediate interior - framing a city scene, the blue sky and grass of nature, or sometimes a balcony.
I tried to avoid too many conceits or liberties, but there are a few. In Childe Hassam's room, the red table has such a perfect amount of reflection on top - a nice shine - I didn't want to change it. Too, I cannot verify what is under the table of Misia and Vallotton. My eyes see what I think is a cat - maybe even a cat with kittens... perhaps a cat is what I want to see. It is my hope you will now take a closer look and decide for yourself.
 |
| Artist Room Study 1 Dufy - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Table Devant une Fenetre Ouverte - Raoul Dufy, without date |
 |
| Artist Room Study 2 Vuillard - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Misia and Vallotton at Villeneuve - Edouard Vuillard, 1899 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 3 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Pink Studio - Henri Matisse, 1911 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 4 Childe Hassam - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| The Breakfast Room, Winter Morning - Frederick Childe Hassam, 1911 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 5 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 5 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| L'Atelier du Quai St. Michel - Henri Matisse, 1916 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 6 Caillebotte - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Interior of a Studio with Stove - Gustave Caillebotte, 1874 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 7 Bonnard - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| La Table - Pierre Bonnard, 1925 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 8 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Red Studio - Henri Matisse, 1911 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 9 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Interior, Flowers and Parakeets - Henri Matisse, 1924 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 10 Van Gogh - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Bedroom in Arles - Vincent van Gogh, 1888 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 11 Magritte - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 11 Magritte - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| L'Homme au Journal - Rene Magritte, 1928 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 12 Gwen John - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| A Corner of the Artist's Room in Paris - Gwen John, 1907-1909 |
 |
| Artist Room Study Vuillard Worktable - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Artist Room Study Vuillard Worktable - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| The Suitor (Interior with Worktable) - Edouard Vuillard, 1893 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 14 Matisse - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2014/2016 |
 |
| Grand Interieur, Nice - Matisse, 1920 |
 |
| Artist Room Study 15 Hammershoi - Jennifer Hawkins Hock, 2012/2014 |
 |
| Interieur Strandgade 30, 1901 - Vilhelm Hammershoi |
Friday, June 17, 2016
2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies, Exhibition Notes
Summer 2014 - Intrigued by living spaces I began to study painted rooms of famous artists and considered how an artist's studio and domestic interior might influence a body of work. Too, the concept of change within those spaces fascinated me. To momentarily shift focus away from the artist's renowned creations and emphasize instead a captured moment in the daily life and environment is my goal. I created the room studies as a way to feel the lives of these artists and closer examine the ways they surrounded themselves.
Deeply involved in various art forms that summer of 2014, my own studio began to exhibit a cluttered look as more hours were dedicated to sketching, painting, and sewing. I thought of other artists' studios and houses - particularly curious about the surroundings of women artists in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Searching for these artists' rooms, some of them seem more approachable, more real than others. Some of the furnishings look practical and commonplace; these are the rooms to which I relate and which I imagine visiting. Some paintings exude a more friendly, welcoming aspect and these are the rooms to which I feel invited.
In my Artist Room Studies, I am recreating the essence of the room - a similar arrangement, similar lighting, colors, and similar furnishings. I hope the viewer receives an impression of familiarity - either before or after viewing the original artwork, whereby my three-dimensional room assemblage is enough like the artist's two-dimensional painting to be recognizable.
Jennifer Hawkins Hock for Art Fashion Creation
Visit Art Fashion Creation 6.20.16 to see 15 2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies, by Jennifer Hawkins Hock.
Deeply involved in various art forms that summer of 2014, my own studio began to exhibit a cluttered look as more hours were dedicated to sketching, painting, and sewing. I thought of other artists' studios and houses - particularly curious about the surroundings of women artists in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Searching for these artists' rooms, some of them seem more approachable, more real than others. Some of the furnishings look practical and commonplace; these are the rooms to which I relate and which I imagine visiting. Some paintings exude a more friendly, welcoming aspect and these are the rooms to which I feel invited.
In my Artist Room Studies, I am recreating the essence of the room - a similar arrangement, similar lighting, colors, and similar furnishings. I hope the viewer receives an impression of familiarity - either before or after viewing the original artwork, whereby my three-dimensional room assemblage is enough like the artist's two-dimensional painting to be recognizable.
Jennifer Hawkins Hock for Art Fashion Creation
Visit Art Fashion Creation 6.20.16 to see 15 2D to 3D: Artist Room Studies, by Jennifer Hawkins Hock.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Musee de la Toile de Jouy: Top of My List
When I visit a museum, my goal is to explore and piece together random parts of life. I'm driven to understand how or why an artwork or creation happened - and I thrive when learning and making mental connections. So Musee de la Toile de Jouy is currently Number One on my list, because it is a museum that makes sense in its place and in its presentation of the history and significance of the product it represents.
During the latter part of the 18th century there occurred a trend - people of affluence developed an affinity for rustic simplicity. The Queen's Hamlet of Versailles exhibits this preference for nature and for the charming structures of Norman or Flemish design. Likewise, many of the fabrics produced in Jouy-en-Josas at this time show a love of the countryside, depicting: orchards, ponds, mills, farm animals, meadows, birds, streams, cascades, flowers, and quaint figures in romantic poses, playing instruments, or tending to chores.
The toile de jouy cloth produced in Jouy-en-Josas by Oberkampf in the 18th century is a wonderful example of art reflecting its environment and of how art reflects popular culture. To be able to observe the actual landscape which influenced so many of the toile de jouy scenes, and to learn the methods in which the cloth was printed is an illuminating experience.
To visit Musee de la Toile de Jouy is to witness living proof of a historical moment in the birth of a very long-lasting trend.
If this piques your curiosity, visit the Toile La La blog. And here is a toile de jouy post I wrote several years ago - before the Musee de la Toile de Jouy visit.
During the latter part of the 18th century there occurred a trend - people of affluence developed an affinity for rustic simplicity. The Queen's Hamlet of Versailles exhibits this preference for nature and for the charming structures of Norman or Flemish design. Likewise, many of the fabrics produced in Jouy-en-Josas at this time show a love of the countryside, depicting: orchards, ponds, mills, farm animals, meadows, birds, streams, cascades, flowers, and quaint figures in romantic poses, playing instruments, or tending to chores.
The toile de jouy cloth produced in Jouy-en-Josas by Oberkampf in the 18th century is a wonderful example of art reflecting its environment and of how art reflects popular culture. To be able to observe the actual landscape which influenced so many of the toile de jouy scenes, and to learn the methods in which the cloth was printed is an illuminating experience.
To visit Musee de la Toile de Jouy is to witness living proof of a historical moment in the birth of a very long-lasting trend.
If this piques your curiosity, visit the Toile La La blog. And here is a toile de jouy post I wrote several years ago - before the Musee de la Toile de Jouy visit.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
AJ Ghent Purple Rain 6.11.16
Performance reviewed by TLL, 6.11.16 at MadLife Stage and Studios - Woodstock, GA.
Photo from band website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)