Artfully Awear

ART TO WEAR: Maya Hayuk.

2012-01-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

I've been transfixed by the high-contrast, India ink look of Brooklyn-based painter Maya Hayuk's acrylic works since I came across them a few months ago. When I saw that one of my favorite designers, Mara Hoffman, created a pair of insane leggings featuring Hayuk's work, I fell in love.

Heavy Light #12 Uninvisible Circle, 2011

Maya Hayuk for Mara Hoffman

Limited Edition of 15, numbered and signed by the artist.

$200, available at Grey Area

ROBERT LONGO

2012-01-24T08:26:00.002-05:00

Robert Longo's drawings have been occupying my inspiration folder for some time. Recently, Lycra asked me to try out a new pair of jeans by wearing them during my most rigorous everyday activities to see how well they hold their stretch. I immediately thought to the emotive, expressive drawings of Longo, and realized that emulating them would be the perfect way to test out the jeans.

Longo (b. 1953) is an American painter and sculptor, most known for his "Men in the Cities" drawings, pictured here.

To make the works, Longo started with photographs, which he projected onto paper. From there, he traced the outline of the image (subtracting any background details), and continued to fill in the figure. Each drawing took up to a week to complete.

There is a distinctive sculptural quality to these works, which play on themes of authority, emotion, and isolation.

Longo has also been involved in the direction of music videos and films, and acted as head guitarist for an experimental band in the 1970's.

For my rendition of Longo's photographs, I opted for a high-contrast look against solid wall. I had a lot of fun taking these photos, and I must say -- throughout all the frames, and for the rest of the day, I was seriously impressed with the way the jeans kept their shape.

I'm wearing a Cynthia Rowley sweater, vintage blouse, J. Crew scarf, Regal boots courtesy of Cougar Shoes, and DL1961 Emma jeans courtesy of Invista's Lycra.

Thank you to Invista's Lycra for sponsoring this post, and for Cougar's support as well!
[Longo images from robertlongo.com, tensongsthatsavedyourlife.com, and wellthreaded.com.]

JON PESTONI

2012-01-17T12:12:00.001-05:00

I was recently contacted by the new ready-to-wear and customized clothing site eShakti, asking if I'd like to choose a piece to review here. Upon perusing their collections, I came across this skirt that reminded me of some recent work I'd encountered by contemporary painter Jon Pestoni.

I thought the pattern and movement of the silk skirt really captured the feel of the large-scale paintings, which feature bold contrast as well as nuanced tone, and layers of color.

Though the paintings seem to be somewhat abrasive at first encounter, the longer you spend before them, the more you are able to appreciate about the process and individual layers of paint, reminiscent of mid-century Abstract Expressionism.

The skirt itself embodies many of the aspects of Pestoni's work within a wearable garment.

The layers of color in the paintings (similar to the silk of the skirt) are nearly vibrational in their intensity.

Pestoni lives and works in Los Angeles and is represented by Lisa Cooley Fine Art in New York.

With the eShakti skirt, I'm also wearing a F21 tee, vintage necklace, gifted bracelets, H&M shoes, and a Rebecca Minkoff bag.

With a selection of beautiful dresses and separates, eShakti allows you to customize each garment with your specific measurements and a range of elements that you can specify. For example, I had this gorgeous skirt made to measure, including the length I wanted and my exact waist measurement.

The result fits like a glove, and I received it within a surprisingly short length of time. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality (it is 100% silk and fully lined), and am looking forward to placing another order with the site.

[Pestoni images from contemporaryartdaily.com.]

ART TO WEAR: Re-Imagining Kenzo.

2012-01-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

I don't know how I overlooked these until now, but I love the way Miss Moss paired these Spring 2012 Kenzo looks with correlating artwork. See the original post here.

BEATRIZ MILHAZES

2012-01-04T08:58:00.001-05:00

On a cold, grey, winter day, I was inspired by the exuberant works of Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes.

Milhazes (1960-) is one of a growing number of Latin American artists who has reached international acclaim in recent years, due to a multitude of factors related to globalization.

Her large-scale paintings and collages are influenced by Brazilian folk culture, including carnival, as well as decorative art; most notably, fashion and furniture design.

Her work is deeply connected to European and Brazilian modernism, and has been characterized as "low art" or "love art", referencing both the decorative/design aspect of the work and her gender.

Milhazes cites Henri Matisse (view my post here), Hélio Oiticica, Piet Mondrian (here), and Bridget Riley (here) as great influencers of her work.

"I want to have optical movements, disturbing things; such visions that your eyes would be disturbed when you see them...your eyes are always moving. It's rather disturbing, even vertigo. That way, I feel like you have a communication with the entire world."

--Beatriz Milhazes

Milhazes lives and works in Rio de Janeiro, and is represented by one of my very favorite New York art galleries, James Cohan Gallery in Chelsea, as well as Stephen Friedman Gallery in London.

I'm wearing a thrifted, vintage dress (altered by me), vintage scarf, Libby Edelman suede boots, and a vintage eel skin purse.

[Milhazes images from jamescohan.com. Quote from “Interview with Beatriz Milhazes,” RES Art World/World Art, No. 2 May 2008: 2-15.]

ART TO WEAR: Iris Tsante.

2011-12-22T10:42:00.001-05:00

I am in love with the tongue-in-cheek jewelry by artist Iris Tsante.

"I consider jewelry as a process of exploring ways to define the senses of 'beauty' and 'value' in reference to memories of significant objects and the subsequent human/social connections related to them."

Ms. Tsante is currently exhibiting at Galerie Ra in Amsterdam through 12 February.

To see more work and read her bio, click here.

[via arthound.net & sharesomecandy.com.]

MARSDEN HARTLEY

2011-12-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

This scarf reminded me of the work of Marsden Hartley, an artist I always encountered when reading about American art of the 20th century, but whose work I never really investigated.

Hartley (1877-1943) was an American Modernist painter, poet, and writer, born in Maine.

Hartley's work was shown alongside many other well-known American artists, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Charles Sheeler, at Alfred Stieglitz's legendary 291 Gallery in New York.

Though Hartley traveled extensively throughout the United States, and was eventually categorized as an authentically American artist, he also lived in Europe and was greatly influenced by German Expressionism, and inspired by German military pageantry, as seen in the works shown here.

While in Europe, Hartley became acquainted with Gertrude Stein, Wassily Kandinsky (discussed here), and Franz Marc (recently discussed here), each of whom had a distinct influence on his work.

In the later years of his career, Hartley moved back to the U.S., and became a part of the Regionalism movement, depicting scenes of local life in both his paintings and his writing.

Hartley considered his art a spiritual journey, and found great meaning in symbolism.

"My work embodies little visions of the great intangible..."

--Marsden Hartley

Wool coat: vintage, thrifted
Scarf: thrifted
Riding pants: Tahari
Leather boots: Franco Sarto (also worn here and here)
Socks: Gold Toe (also worn here)
Leather purse: vintage (also worn here)
Striped tunic: H&M
Leather gloves: Urban Outfitters

[Hartley images from arthistory.about.com, oilpainting-frame.com, venetianred.net, and triviumproject.com, respectively.]

ART TO WEAR: Sacred Heart.

2011-12-09T09:12:00.002-05:00

Jeff Koons, Sacred Heart (Red/Gold), 1997-2005

I've been on the lookout for a festive shoe that will add a bit of dazzle to my holiday ensembles. When I came across this pair by Irregular Choice, I was immediately reminded of Jeff Koons' Sacred Heart.

I captured the above photo when the sculpture was displayed on the roof of the Met in 2008, and I think it's the perfect piece to embody the holiday spirit of giving (although the sculpture itself is valued at $20-30 million, a bit high for most of our gift giving budgets).

Get the look with The Baby Beauty Shoe in Pink, $120 at Karmaloop.com.

FUNK ART

2011-12-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

I recently thrifted a book of painting and sculpture from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and came across the work of Robert H. Hudson (b. 1938), a Bay Area sculptor.

Hudson's work was new to me, but combined a few of my favorite things: Abstract Expressionism, the Bay Area color palette, and assemblage.

Hudson began as a painter (comparable to the work of Richard Diebenkorn, also from the Bay Area) and slowly moved toward a combination of painting, sculpture, and found objects, eventually known as Funk Art Assemblage.

"Drawing from a reservoir of images, memories, ideas, and stories, he has developed a unique and ever-expanding language which he puts to use in a multitude of mediums."

I'm wearing a thrifted skirt worn as a dress, vintage leather belt, thrifted and DIY jean jacket, Lauren Merkin clutch, and Tory Burch boots.

[Hudson images from zymoglyphic.org, sofaexpo.com, and lorraineglessner.blogspot.com; quote from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: The Painting and Sculpture Collection, 1985.]

MORE GREETINGS

2011-12-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

I just finished another batch of greeting cards, and they are listed on my Etsy page!

Like Artfully Awear on Facebook for a discount code.

BOOOOOOOM REMAKE

2011-12-05T08:36:00.000-05:00

Sacramento recently alerted me to this inspiring remake project happening on Booooooom. Above are a few of my favorites. I also noted the multiple versions of Man in a Red Turban.

View the updated gallery or submit your own here.

[Matisse's Femme au Chapeau by Stella Vula, van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles by Joshua Louis Simon, and Renoir's Portrait of the Actress Jeanne Samary by Marianna Oboeva.]

ART TO WEAR: Picasso Newsprint.

2011-12-02T09:30:00.017-05:00

Pablo Picasso, Still Life with Newspaper and Packet of Tobacco, 1914

I've been swooning over these Picasso-inspired Oscar de la Renta pieces since they came down the runway and now they are available for pre-order.

The papier collé (cut paper collage) technique evoked in the print was an essential element of Cubism, and would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe!
View my Picasso Cubism post here.

Scarf ($490) and Dress ($1,390) available at Nordstrom.

FRANZ MARC

2011-11-30T09:14:00.002-05:00

The colors I wear are always very specific, expressive choices, related to my mood or surroundings. This is an ideal that I share with the late German Expressionist Franz Marc.

Marc (1880-1916) was a painter and printmaker, and one of the founders of the artistic collaborative known as Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider).

Along with Auguste Macke and Wassily Kandinsky, Marc founded Der Blaue Reiter journal in 1911, which became synonymous with the German Expressionist movement in Munich.
View my Kandinsky post here.

In 1912, Marc met Robert Delaunay, who greatly influenced Marc's artistic shift toward Futurism.

Within months after being sent to the front in World War I, Marc was listed as a notable artist and was slated to be removed from combat. However, he was killed in battle in 1916, before he could be sent home.

For Marc, particular colors had very specific meanings. For example, blue signified masculinity or spirituality, and red symbolized violence.

"Art is nothing but the expression of our dream; the more we surrender to it the closer we get to the inner truth of things, our dream-life, the true life that scorns questions and does not see them." --Franz Marc

I'm wearing a vintage silk blouse, thrifted Ellen Tracy silk skirt, vintage cardigan, Urban Outfitters socks, whistle pendant from the Brooklyn Flea, and Marni shoes.

[Marc images from artmight.com, Leicester Arts and Museums Service, wikimedia.org, and karlshuker.blogspot.com, respectively.]

CREATIVELY GIFTED

2011-11-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the shopping season, I've put together a collection of (mostly affordable) gift ideas for the artfully minded individual. I would love to give or receive everything on this page!

Not pictured is my absolute favorite gift: a museum membership. Not only does it generally provide the recipient with free admission, discounts, and access to special events, it also supports the institution and its ability to bring art to others.

Happy shopping!

Knitta Artist Series Hand-wrapped Sunglasses, $130

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner, $21

ABEX Crayon Set, $16

Art Memo Game, $19

Watercolor Tyvek Mighty Wallet, $15

New Media Art, $10

Bond No.9 Parfum, $195

Basquiat (Basic Art), $10

Hokusai Great Wave Scarf, $60

Moleskine Passions Style Journal, $19.95

Lukas Designer's Gouache Set, $14.40

Nick Cave Punching Bag, $70

Unicorn Tapestry Tie, $50

GIVE THANKS

2011-11-24T11:20:00.004-05:00

Nicole Eisenman, Winter Solstice 2012 Dinner Party (2009), oil on canvas

Today, among many, many other things, I am thankful for inspiration and the opportunity to share it with others.

Most sincere wishes for an uplifting holiday.

[Image from leokoenig.com.]

GREETINGS

2011-11-23T10:18:00.003-05:00

I've been busy working on a whole new collection of Artfully Awear holiday (and anytime) greeting cards.

Featuring original watercolor and opaque ink sketches, the cards are available for sale on my Etsy page.

"Like" Artfully Awear on Facebook for a special discount code!
UPDATE 11/24: The greeting cards have sold out. I will be listing more in the coming weeks. Thank you for your support!

RED TURBAN

2011-11-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

One of the most well-known portraits in the History of Art is Portrait of a Man (1433) by 15th century Flemish painter Jan van Eyck.

Painted in 1433, the relatively tiny painting (10 x 7.5 inches) is a possible self-portrait of van Eyck himself. The absence of any emotion and steady gaze of the subject are elements that give the portrait a peculiarly unsettling nature.

The van Eyck painting resides in the National Gallery of Art in London. Find an interactive gallery view and more information here.

Contemporary artist Devorah Serber takes Portrait of a Man as the subject of her installation work, After van Eyck (2006), in which she creates the image using 5,024 spools of thread as "pixels" which are then compounded and refracted by a lens placed at the front of the picture plane.

Sperber's work toys with the idea of illusion vs. reality as well as the interaction of art and technology. See more examples (including Renoir and Rembrandt) and a brief explanation of Sperber's work here.

In my interpretation of the work(s) I am wearing a vintage, thrifted turban and a vintage wool cape that belonged to my mother.

[van Eyck image from silverandexact.wordpress.com; Sperber images from devorahsperber.com.]

ALEKSANDRA EKSTER

2011-11-14T19:04:00.003-05:00

Aleksandra Ekster, costume design for Dance of the Seven Veils, 1917

This look was inspired by the ballet costumes of Aleksandra Ekster (1882-1949), a Russian-French painter and designer. A close friend of Picasso and Braque, she is well-known for her Cubo-Futurist designs and, later, Art Deco paintings.

I'm wearing a vintage jumpsuit, Gap leather jacket, Lauren Merkin leather clutch, suede shoes by L.A.M.B., a vintage leather belt, and House of Harlow 1960 necklace.

[Ekster image from g1b2i3.wordpress.com.]

ART TO WEAR: Qianlong Vase.

2011-11-10T07:27:00.006-05:00

Qianlong period Imperial yang cai double-walled vase (c. 1740)

Mary Katrantzou, Autumn/Winter 2011

With the auction season upon us (and bolstered by an outstanding showing at Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Sale last night in New York--view the results here), I was reminded of the sale that rocked the world of Chinese art a year ago. Above is the most expensive Chinese work of art to ever sell at auction. The 16-inch vase sold for $83 million, 40 times greater than its estimate.

The sale inspired the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou, now available at Neiman Marcus. I'm convinced that good things would happen while wearing the Mixed-Print Jersey Dress ($790).

[Images from ukauctioneers.com, and theartnewspaper.com.]

UNICORN TAPESTRIES

2011-11-08T07:38:00.004-05:00

Embroidery and crewelwork on garments always puts me in mind of medieval tapestries, such as the well-known Unicorn Tapestries of the Late Middle Ages.

The set of seven tapestries is of South Netherlandish origin, and is made of wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt (or gold) wefts.

The tapestries, depicting the hunt and capture of the mythological unicorn, manifest themes of fertility and marriage, as well as the Passion of the Christ.

There are also many symbolic characteristics, ranging from the over 100 species of plants depicted, to the number of figures and colors used.

In Medieval times, the unicorn was a symbol of invincibility, often representing Christ, and the horn was believed to have healing properties. This belief extended to the horn of the narwhal, which was a highly sought-after object.

Dating from around 1495 to 1505, the set remains in remarkable condition and resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection at The Cloisters.

I'm wearing a J. Crew cashmere sweater and pencil skirt and Plenty by Tracy Reese embroidered jacket, all thrifted from the same Goodwill, on different days. The boots are the Frye Veronica, the leather purse is vintage, and the necklace is from Anthropologie.

[Unicorn Tapestry images from metmuseum.org.]

ART TO WEAR: Atelier.

2011-11-02T19:58:00.009-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of viewing the first capsule collection from the artist and designer collaborative Atelier. Scottish artist Lucy McKenzie and designer Beca Lipscombe created a collection of high quality, made-to-order garments, specifically engineered for those who work in creative or artistic capacities.

The collection, part of The Inventors of Tradition project, is meant to underscore the very best in Scottish textile and fashion manufacturing, referencing the solidification of national identity through the industry since the 1930s.

Working with tailor Steven Purvis under the notion that quality=traditional, the collection succeeds in "responding to tradition with a sensuous and independent femininity" and accomplishes "elegant self-respect in dress for working life." I was deeply impressed by the level of craftsmanship of each individual piece, as well as the timelessness of the collection as a whole.

Images from The Inventors of Tradition Collection 2011 Lookbook, Thea Westreich/Ethan Wagner Publications.

View more pieces from the collection and read more about Atelier at ateliereb.com.

Many thanks to my colleagues at Art Advisory Services for the gracious press packet and tour of the collection.

GREAT WAVE

2011-10-24T07:48:00.005-04:00

I'm always delighted to find a garment that depicts an actual artwork, because it embodies the relationship between art and clothing. The print on this vintage dress takes as its subject one of the most well-known Japanese prints, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.

The work is part of the collection of prints entitled Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjuroku-kei), by Katsushika Hokusai.

Hokusai was a Japanese painter and printmaker of the Edo Period.

From Tokyo (then known as Edo), he used works like Thirty-Six Views reflect the importance of domestic travel within an isolated country as well as his own personal infatuation with the majestic Mount Fuji.

Hokusai was known by over 30 different names during his lifetime, many of which he changed to relate to a new departure in his work or artistic period in his life.

Before Hokusai, ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock) prints focused on portraiture and depictions of courtesans and actors, but Hokusai established nature and landscape as viable subjects.

Due to Japan's policy of isolation, Hokusai did not achieve overseas fame until after his death, but eventually influenced Art Nouveau and Impressionism.

I'm wearing a vintage 1970s dress from Bygones, L.A.M.B. shoes, a vintage leather clutch, and necklace from my Aunt.

[Hokusai images from blog.shopkoshka.com and wikipaintings.org.]

ART TO WEAR: Orange Hat.

2011-10-19T10:00:00.003-04:00

Alex Katz, Orange Hat, 1990

I've recently been on the lookout for the perfect orange hat after coming across this stunning Alex Katz screenprint. I think this is it! Like Katz, I would pair it with bright contrasting cobalt blue.

Whistles Felt Trillby Hat, $87.30 at asos.

[Katz image from artbrokerage.com.]

MORRIS LOUIS

2011-10-06T08:03:00.004-04:00

When I came across this dress earlier this season, I immediately recognized its affinity to Color Field painting.

Morris Louis (1912-1962) was the key proponent of the Washington Color School movement, a branch of mid-century Abstract Expressionism.

After experiencing the work of Helen Frankenthaler in New York, Louis embarked on his own exploration of color field painting in Washington, DC.

Louis, along with Kenneth Noland and others, established a school of painting which championed the broad expanse of color achieved by pouring thinned paint onto an unprimed canvas. [View my Noland post here.]

Louis worked with Magna paint, an oil-based acrylic, which was specially developed for him by paintmaker colleagues.

The work of the Washington Color School is characterized by all-over composition, and broad fields of transparent, dripped, organically-spreading paint.

The group of works shown here cover all or most of the canvas, in contrast with his well-known Unfurleds, which simplified what it meant for a painting to be complete.

The color veils of Louis's work speak to the underlying spirituality of painting as a process, and remove the hand of the painter from act of painting.

I'm wearing a silk dress by Presley Skye, vintage leather boots, and self-made earrings.

[Louis images from picasaweb.google.com, abstract-art.com, kimmco.typepad.com, and nycmagnet.wordpress.com, respectively.]

ART TO WEAR: John Baldessari.

2011-10-05T09:14:00.003-04:00

I've long been a fan of Ruthie Davis's outrageous shoe designs (I'm wearing them in this post), and I've repeatedly noticed their similarities to the grapic work of contemporary artist John Baldessari.

Visit the Ruthie Davis website to view other styles.

[Baldessari image from synapticstimuli.com, and Davis image from fashion-hole.blogspot.com.]

ARTHUR DOVE

2011-09-26T19:26:00.004-04:00

Damp, early fall afternoons on the shore call to mind the abstract work of American artist Arthur Dove.

Dove (1880-1946) is frequently considered to be the first American abstract painter, who began his artistic career as an illustrator for Harper's Magazine and The Saturday Evening Post.

Dove believed that his artwork's main component should be spiritual, and was inspired by landscape and life as a farmer and fisherman. Dove referred to his artistic style as extraction; that is, he aimed to isolate the essential aspects from a scene.

Upon returning from a period of living abroad in Europe, Dove became acquainted with photographer and art gallerist extraordinaire, Alfred Stieglitz, who is credited with commercializing Dove's art career.

Dove received his first one-man show at Stieglitz's legendary 291 gallery in 1912, which was the first exhibit of abstract art by an American artist.

Duncan Phillips, founder of the Phillips Collection, became acquainted with Dove's work through his exhibitions at 291 and later, Intimate Gallery and An American Place. Dove's work helped Phillips to realize the process behind abstraction, and he became Dove's most prominent collector. The majority of Dove's oeuvre is now housed by the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

"We cannot express the light in nature because we have not the sun. We can only express the light we have in ourselves." --Arthur Dove

I'm wearing an Elizabeth & James caftan and French Connection necklace.

[Dove images from brooklynmuseum.org, picasaweb.google.com, metmuseum.org, angellier.biblio.univ-lille3.fr, and metmuseum.org, respectively.]

ART TO WEAR: Kippenberger.

2011-09-22T08:55:00.003-04:00

Martin Kippenberger, Ohne Titel (Untitled), 1996

I had to laugh at the similarity between this tongue-in-cheek self-portrait by Martin Kippenberger and this lovely abstract dress from ASOS.

Kimono Dress with Drape, $36.59 at asos.com.

Garçon à la pipe

2011-09-20T09:45:00.003-04:00

Pablo Picasso, Garçon à la pipe (Boy with a pipe), 1905

Garçon à la pipe is one of Picasso's most well-known Rose Period paintings, both due to its art historical importance as well as its art market presence. (See my previous Rose Period post here.)

The subject of the painting is intriguing for its relatively obscure subject matter and unknown model. The interplay of masculine and feminine elements suggests a mythological character and it was proposed* that Picasso was inspired by Paul Verlaine's Crimen Amoris.

Now, the most gorgeous of all these angels

Was sixteen under his crown of flowers.

Arms folded on necklaces and fringes,

He's dreaming, eye filled with flames and cries.

The painting originally sold in 1950 for $30,000. When it appeared at auction again in 2005, it set the record for the most expensive painting ever sold, reaching $104,168,000. This record has since been replaced by Jackson Pollock's No. 5 from 1948, but Garçon à la pipe remains a cultural and commercial icon.

I'm wearing PRPS jeans, a Ralph Lauren chambray shirt, vintage jewelry, and a self-made flower crown. My dad made the wooden pipe.

[Picasso image from theartofjesse.blogspot.com and Verlaine translation from http://membres.multimania.fr/hiyami/kindred/crimen.htm.

*by Picasso biographer John Richardson.]

EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE

2011-09-12T21:00:00.005-04:00

Aboriginal art is a category that is often overlooked in Art History Survey courses. However, it is interesting to note the way contemporary Aboriginal art interacts with the Western art market.

Emily Kame Kngwarreye was an Australian Aboriginal artist (1910-1996) whose work transcended its indigenous tradition.

Kngwarreye began her art career around the age of 80, beginning with hand-dyed batiks, intended as garments and ephemera for traditional women's ceremonies.

Kngwarreye eventually began working with paint and canvas, creating works inspired by the physical landscape of her home in the Northern Territory.

A key subject of Kngwarreye's work is the yam, the primary food source of her tribe.

Kngwarreye's work gained critical attention after a number of international exhibitions of Australian Aboriginal art, and it wasn't long before her home was flooded with prospective art dealers.

In May of 2007, Kngwarreye's painting Earth's Creation set a record for the highest amount ever paid at auction for an Aboriginal work, selling for over $1 million. Unfortunately, Kngwarreye did not live to experience her international art world fame, but she set a new precedent for the commercial value of Australian Aboriginal art.

Inspired by Kngwarreye's paintings, I wore a 1960's Bill Blass dress and jacket, vintage necklace, vintage snakeskin clutch, and Theory sandals. For the record, this Bill Blass set is my all-time favorite Goodwill find, and no alterations were needed! Meant for each other.

[Kngwarreye images from slowpainters.wordpress.com and thisfabtrek.com.]

ART TO WEAR: Untitled.

2011-09-09T09:25:00.006-04:00

Not only is this purse the perfect multi-season color combination, but I also love its similarity to this stunning Untitled piece by Mark Rothko.

Large Combined Clutch Bag, $159, at Zara.

See my Rothko post here!

GILLIAN AYRES

2011-09-05T19:26:00.004-04:00

This vintage skirt has been hanging in my closet for some time, and only recently did I note its resemblance to the work of English painter Gillian Ayres.

Ayres (b. 1930) is well known for her large scale nonrepresentational paintings utilizing thick impasto.

Central to Ayres's work is the use of bold, uplifiting color and texture built up with her hands.

Although she figures prominently in the British art scene, Ayres has very little interest in art theory, and instead champions the visual impact of her pieces.

In 1960, Ayres was the only female artist included in the seminal Situation exhibition at the Royal Society of British Artists Galleries in London. Works included in the show were required to be no less than 30 square feet in size and nonrepresentational.

She was honored in 2011 with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Ayres is represented by the Alan Cristea Gallery in London.

I'm wearing a vintage skirt and necklace, Rebecca Beeson tee, and thrifted espadrilles.

[Ayres images from leninimports.com, taylorgallery.co.uk, millthorpesschoolart.co.uk, and fadwebsite.com, respectively.]

PORTRAIT OF IRENE

2011-08-27T07:27:00.006-04:00

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Portrait of Irene, 1880

I'm sending thoughts and prayers along the East Coast and beyond, in hopes that all will fare well in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

"An artist...must have confidence in himself, and listen only to his real master: Nature." --Pierre-Auguste Renoir

[image: picasaweb.google.com]

BERTHE MORISOT

2011-08-22T18:27:00.007-04:00

I took these photos of my little cousin and myself earlier in the summer, and I must say it was quite the challenge. From dressing Adelaide, trying to get her to sit still (hence the coconut marshmallow in her hand), and ultimately enlisting other family members as assistants, it reminded me of just how much work little children can be! The whole affair lasted 20 minutes, and that was about 18 minutes longer than she would have liked. All told, Adelaide was a good sport, and I'm happy to have a little girl to dress up.

These photos were inspired by the work of Berthe Morisot (1841-1895), a French Impressionist painter.

Morisot was considered one of les trois grande dames of Impressionism, along with Marie Bracquemond and Mary Cassatt.

As a descendant of the Rococo master Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and eventually the wife of Édouard Manet's brother, Eugène, Morisot was provisioned with an understanding and capability in art that was rare for a woman of her time.

Morisot's work was intended as a response to her haute bourgeoisie upbringing, and addressed the cultural restrictions of her gender and social class.

Morisot and Eugène Manet had a daughter, Julie, in 1848, who became the subject of the greater portion of Morisot's paintings thereafter.

Julie's memoir, Growing Up with the Impressionists: The Diary of Julie Manet, was published in 1988.

I am drawn to these works for their subtlety--the beautiful brushstrokes belying a bevy of saturated hues, and the sweet subjects of mother or nurse and child.

I'm wearing a Plenty dress and Cynthia Rowley x Roxy sandals. Adelaide is wearing a cotton sundress I bought at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Hawaii.

[Morisot images from shafe.co.uk, abcgallery.com, and artchive.com, respectively.]

ART TO WEAR: AbEx

2011-08-11T09:16:00.004-04:00

Jackson Pollock, Number 1A, 1948

If you've visited this blog a few times, you're probably acquainted with my obsession with Abstract Expressionism (examples here, here, and here). However, I'm not completely sold on these new Litas. I appreciate the similarity to AbEx, but buying paint-splattered shoes sort of seems like you're missing out on all the fun. New DIY project?

What do you think? Would you rock the Lita Paint?

$174.95 at Solestruck

[Pollock image from artchive.com.]

FOOK ISLAND

2011-08-09T08:11:00.005-04:00

Having recently read a short piece on Walter Battiss' Fook Island, this vintage skirt seemed to me the perfect piece to channel Battiss' utopian island ideals.

Walter Battiss (1906-1982) is widely considered the most important South African painter of the 20th century.

Influenced by Ndebele beadwork, calligraphy, and archaeology, Battiss traveled throughout Africa creating religiously symbolic work that gained an international following after a visit to Europe in 1949, where he met and befriended Picasso.

Battiss was also active as an art critic and instructor, and published nine books as well as founding the periodical Del Arte.

During Battiss' later career, he created an imaginary utopian island, which consisted of its own language, plants, animals, and even driver's licenses and passports. Fook Island was Battiss' departure from conceptual art, and gained a following both within the art world and in the general public.

Battiss received an Honorary D Litt et Phil from UNISA for his conception of Fook Island, which gave voice to what Battiss termed "the island inside all of us."

I'm wearing a vintage skirt, vintage leather belt, thrifted blouse, Lauren Merkin leather clutch, and Steve Madden sandals.

[Battiss images from betheredothat.co.za, johansborman.co.za, chessaleeinlondon.wordpress.com, and pelmama.org, respectively.]

ART TO WEAR: Winslow Homer

2011-08-04T11:06:00.004-04:00

Winslow Homer, Natural Bridge, Bermuda, 1898

Winslow Homer, Rocky Shore, Bermuda, 1900

I've decided to start sharing some art-inspired fashion finds via brief "Art to Wear" posts.

Doesn't this dress perfectly capture the mood and scenery of the Winslow Homer watercolors?

Artist's Rendering Dress available at anthropologie.com (and it's on sale!).

[Homer images from canvaz.com and worldgallery.co.uk.]

RUFINO TAMAYO

2011-08-02T08:36:00.004-04:00

There's something so fresh and summery about the combination of pink and orange (which has been dominating street and personal style sites), and I love the warm, bright palette's similarity to the work of Rufino Tamayo.

Tamayo (1899-1991) was a Zapotecan Indian artist who traveled abroad and eventually founded the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum in Mexico City.

During his early artistic career in Mexico, Tamayo was looked down upon by other artists such as Diego Rivera and

José Clemente Orozco, whose work dealt with overt political themes.

Tamayo, more interested in the personal, everyday human identity, relocated to New York, and eventually Paris, where he found wide recognition and popularity for his work.

A key element of Tamayo's work is his use of mixografia, a technique in which handmade paper was used to build a textured surface, upon which the artwork was created.

"Art is a means of expression that must be understood by everybody, everywhere. It grows out of the earth, the textures of our lives, and our experience." --Rufino Tamayo

I'm wearing a thrifted silk blouse, vintage silk pants, vintage necklace, Johnny Wujek x Modern Vintage heels, and a Cynthia Rowley clutch.

[Tamayo images from artloft.com, metmuseum.org, and galeriedada.com, respectively.]

CHRISTIAN HOLSTAD

2011-07-20T20:01:00.007-04:00

When I first encountered the work of Christian Holstad (b. 1972), I was struck by the works' formal and graphic success, and only discovered the importance of specific materials and underlying meanings after perusing these articles.

Holstad is a Brooklyn based artist who explores issues of sensual tension through disparate formal elements within individual works.

This particular piece, Cacoon (2007), consists of a vintage aluminum lawnchair, paint, 2(x)ist underwear elastic, vintage mohair sweater, xerox transfers, wool felt, vintage exercise boots, and sand.

Works like Cacoon, which purport to "question our ability to fathom our own feelings" function as multilayered vessels of meaning.

"For the viewer to become suddenly unsure of an image's 'obvious' intent is key to Holstad's method." --Steve Lafreniere, Artforum January 2003

I'm wearing an Undrest knit maillot, vintage aloha shirt, vintage Ray-Ban aviators, and Lovely People leather sandals.

The winner of the Picasso Scarf Giveaway is Hivenn!

Congratulations & thank you to everyone who commented!

[Holstad mages from saatchi-gallery.co.uk.]

PICASSO ES SU CASA (Giveaway!)

2011-07-19T19:26:00.007-04:00

I'm always overjoyed to find actual pieces of fashion that depict artworks (examples here and here). To encourage artful awearness in others, I'm giving away this lovely Picasso-printed scarf to a reader. It is a 40-inch square, perfect for tying turbans or kerchiefs or what have you.

To enter, follow Artfully Awear on Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or Bloglovin, and leave a comment on this post through July 27. I'll draw the winner randomly and you'll be notified via email.

"One must act in painting as in life: directly." --Pablo Picasso

JOHN SINGER SARGENT

2011-07-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

Watercolor is a medium that is often relegated to the realm of studies or prepaintings. Because of its swift, permanent nature, the use of watercolors can easily capture a subject within a few broad, well-handled strokes.

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), most known for his portraits in oil, particularly the sensational Madame X, completed over 2,000 watercolors during his artistic career.

Though his portraits exhibited intense control and uncanny likeness (bordering on flattery) his watercolors exhibit a tendency toward impressionism and an affinity for working en plein air.

Sargent traveled through England, France, Italy, and the Americas, and his oeuvre exhibits quite a wide array of landscape subjects.

When asked about his strategy in watercolor painting, Sargent replied, "Make the best of an emergency."

I'm wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier sarong dress over and H&M swimsuit, Marc by Marc Jacobs leather sandals, and a straw hat by Scala.

[John Singer Sargent images from wallcoo.net.]

BOOM FOR REAL

2011-07-06T08:27:00.002-04:00

"Boom for real", an adage of the late Jean-Michel Basquiat, implies short-lived, fast-paced, noteworthy, and life-changing--an accurate description of Basquiat's life and career itself.

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988) was born in Brooklyn. He left home as a teenager and began tagging the Lower East Side under the pseudonym of SAMO.

Paralleled by his personality, Basquiat's rise to art world stardom was rapid and extreme. In just a few years, he went from being a semi-anonymous street artist, living on benches in Washington Square Park, to a prominent painter, with studio space in SoHo and gallery representation in the US and abroad.

Basquiat began working on canvas, and was classified as a Neo-Expressionist, alongside contemporaries Francesco Clemente and David Salle. He began working relationships with Andy Warhol and David Bowie, and was connected romantically with Madonna.

Basquiat's large-scale canvases were often covered in trail-of-thought text and incorporated layers of paint stick and spray paint, amassed while Basquiat worked with simultaneous precision and abandon. However meaningless some of the words and phrases appear, many of them are symbolic, and deal with issues of race and society.

Basquiat died of a heroine overdose in 1988 at the age of 27. His short life and career truly exemplified the meaning of "boom for real".

I'm wearing a vintage jumpsuit, vintage leather belt, Halston Heritage espadrilles, and a vintage leather drawstring bag.

In a very recent post, I mentioned Cy Twombly's influence on Jean-Michel Basquiat. As I was writing this post yesterday, I heard the sad news of Twombly's death at age 83 and couldn't help but wonder at what would have been, had Basquiat seen 60 more years of life.

RIP Cy Twombly and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

[Basquiat images from ginavivinetto.wordpress.com, artmona.info, michaelarnoldart.com, and isak.typepad.com, respectively.]

CAMPBELL'S SOUP

2011-06-27T21:03:00.028-04:00

I'm afraid that if you look at a thing long enough, it loses all of its meaning.

This quote from Andy Warhol applies to many aspects of life, but is specifically relevant when it comes to art.

Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans had, unfortunately, fallen into the "familiarity breeds contempt" category for me, until I received an email from a friend last week with the photo above attached. Suddently, I was newly inspired by the familiar work and created four outfits to correspond with the color scheme of the cans' counterparts.

Synonymous with the Pop Art movement, Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans symbolized mundane commercialism, compounded by both the subject and the method of these works. Not only was Campbell's Soup marketed and distributed to mass consumers, but the method by which these works were created--silkscreen--was connected with mass production as well. These works are infinitely important art historically because they signify the move away from the idea of the artist as creative, expressive genius and simultaneously encapsulate the increasing commercialization of society in the 1950s and 1960s.

To view more photos and details of the rest of the outfits, visit my facebook page!

[Warhol image from gypsyart.yolasite.com.]

TWOMBLY

2011-06-22T18:36:00.007-04:00

Although Abstract Expressionism symbolized the end of painting for some, there was a group of young artists who emerged in the 1950s who sought to re-establish painting apart from the medium-dictated supremacy of established artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

Cy Twombly (1928) is one of the most important post-AbEx artists, 1/3 of the artistic triumvirate consisting of Twombly, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg.

An American artist, Twombly's early position as a cryptologist for the U.S. Army greatly influenced his later artwork.

Twombly's work consists mostly in large-scale paintings reminiscent of graffiti, particularly that which would be found on a chalkboard or on a bathroom wall.

These works combine painting and drawing, and take the actual line or mark itself as their subject.

Twombly's work set the stage for later graffiti artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, and he continues to work in a handwritten, yet more representational style.

I'm wearing Ann Demeulemeester paint-splattered pants, a Free People silk blouse, Fashion Against AIDS necklace, Steve Madden sandals, and a Cynthia Rowley clutch.

[Twombly images from slowpainting.wordpress.com, mlbrownandco.wordpress.com, and creatives.posterous.com, respectively.]

GLOBES & MAPS

2011-06-14T20:45:00.011-04:00

In my opinion, maps are often greatly overlooked artistically. Though they are utilitarian, many maps are simultaneoulsy beautiful pieces of visual information.

Maps are the central subject matter of the work of the work of Joyce Kozloff (b. 1942).

Intrigued by cartography and its relationship to culture, Kozloff seeks to break down the boundaries between decorative and fine art through her varied depictions of maps.

Kozloff's works depict a wide range of maps, from "legendary" ones to those approved for civic use by NOAA.

She cites her extensive travel as central to her work, and completes many pieces that are inspired by a particular journey.

Kozloff's work perfectly translates to public art, and she has completed installations all over the world, including San Francisco International Airport and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

Kozloff uses maps as a means of opening discussion about imperialism and other geopolitical issues.

Though she is admittedly interested in the aesthetic function of maps, her work also challenges the viewer with other issues. The work below, Targets, is an environment in which the interior is painted with aerial maps of places that were bombed by the US between 1945 and 2000.

Kozloff has found that maps have allowed her to explore many issues through her work by still adhering to the Western ideal of art and beauty. According to her, maps are "both graphically satisfying and intellectually questioning."

Kozloff is represented by DC Moore Gallery in New York.

I'm wearing a vintage Diane von Furstenberg jumpsuit from Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn, thrifted woven belt, thrifted vintage straw clutch, Swatch starfish watch, no name bangle, and Cynthia Vincent x Target wedges.

[All images from joycekozloff.net.]

NEFERTITI

2011-06-10T09:19:00.003-04:00

One of the most well-known works of ancient Egyptian art is the bust of Nefertiti (ca. 1370-1330 B.C.), wife of pharaoh Akhenaten.

When I spotted this tunic at the local Salvation Army, I immediately recognized the famous features.

Nefertiti and Akhenaten are noted in history for worshiping only one god: Aten, the sun disc.

The bust of Nefertiti that has given historians the most clear idea of her appearance was made by the sculptor Thutmose and now resides in the Neues Museum in Berlin.

A highly esteemed ruler, Nefertiti has become a symbol of ancient Egyptian art, as well as feminine authority. The name Nefertiti means "the beauty has come".

The bust itself is significant art historically because it represents the ancient Egyptians' realistic understanding of facial proportions. In the above relief of 1320-1200 BCE, also depicting Nefertiti, the more common stylized facial structure of ancient Egyptian art is evident.

I'm wearing a thrifted tunic made by "The African Scene" and a vintage necklace.

[Nefertiti images from davalablog.blogspot.com, amoeba.com, and history.com, respectively.]

GUITARS

2011-06-07T08:58:00.003-04:00

After more than a few years spent studying art, some topics become tiresome. I am ashamed to admit that, at one point, the sight of a Picasso collage was less than inspirational.

A few months ago, my interest was piqued anew with the Picasso: Guitars 1912-1914 exhibition at the MoMA in New York. Some time has passed since I visited the recently closed exhibition, but my wheels are still turning. One great thing about art is that there are always new ways to see things.

1912-1914 were years in which Picasso experimented heavily with guitars as subject matter, and during which time he produced the radical cardboard sculpture seen here.

Guitars remained part of Picasso's subject matter throughout his career, as evidenced by the array of works shown here.

Before the exhibition, I had never fully considered the question of why guitars were such an important aspect of Picasso's work.

For one, they closely resemble the human form, and provided a means for Picasso to draw correlations between animate and inanimate objects, as explained by Blake Gopnik in this review.

In this way, the guitar represents not only the instrument, but also the person who plays the instrument, and Picasso himself.

The guitar also symbolized Picasso's Spanish heritage.

"It's nothing, it's el guitare." --Picasso on whether his guitar works were paintings, sculptures, or collages

I'm wearing an H&M necklace, vintage pants, BCBG wedges, thrifted H&M sweater, and shades courtesy of Sunglasses Shop. The guitar is a Little Martin.

[Picasso images from theartblog.org, hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca, artknowledgenews.com, josettebouwer.edublogs.org, akneje.blogspot.com, and picassoandmatisse.com, respectively.]

NICK MAUSS

2011-05-30T12:34:00.012-04:00

I'm returning refreshed after a spring break from blogging. After a few weeks spent working on some other projects, traveling, and looking at art, I'm full of ideas and inspiration.

I came across this dress while vintage shopping in Atlanta, and it ended up being the perfect piece to reflect the work of Nick Mauss.

Mauss (b. 1980) is a New York-based artist whose work I first admired at the Compass in Hand exhibition at the MoMA last year.

Each work encompasses multiple elements, including watercolor, acrylic, pastel, and carbon prints, resulting in multilayered collages.

Discussing these works in Art in America, Steve Pulimood wrote, "Colors explode and dissolve free of the restraint of form, flourishing with Kandinsky-like exuberance."

Incorporating images of well-known 19th-century dandies atop marbleized paper and paint, this body of work represents youthful vitality and frivolity.

I've long admired Mauss' subjects--such Victorian dandies as Oscar Wilde and Charles Baudelaire--and their respective influences on art and fashion.

Mauss' current work encompasses an even broader set of media, including video installation, and is represented by 303 Gallery in New York.

I found the marbled print of the dress to be wonderfully reminiscent of the swirling elements of Mauss' works on paper.

I'm wearing a vintage dress from the Clothing Warehouse in Atlanta, Michael Kors wood and lucite platforms, leather Lauren Merkin clutch, and a metal stud cuff from the Met Store.

[Mauss images from moma.org.]

INDIVIDUALITY

2011-05-10T09:24:00.005-04:00

One of the easiest ways to understand art is by examining the intersections between various artistic disciplines; for example, the relationship between clothing and art.

Paul Klee (1879-1940), a German and Swiss painter, straddled artistic media and styles, as well as various disciplines, including visual art, music, theory, and poetry.

In my last post influenced by Klee, it was striking to see the range of differences between the works, as well as the shared color and shape sensibility. Whether painting, drawing, writing, or music, Klee's work is relatable across media.

I personally find it most enlightening to read his poetry as a companion to his artwork.

Individuality?
is not of the substance of elements.
It is an organism, indivisibly
occupied
by elementary objects of a divergent character:
if you
were to attempt division, these parts
would die.

Myself,
for instance: an entire dramatic company.

--Paul Klee

Inspired by Klee's work, I wore a dress and hat reminiscent of his palette and favor for geometric shapes, yet reflected my personal sense of style and individuality, like all artistic interpretations.

I'm wearing a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, Cynthia Rowley x Roxy sandals, Juicy Couture straw tote, and a straw hat by Maria Bonita Extra.

What does individuality mean to you?

[Klee images from allpaintings.org, poetry4beauty.blogspot.com, and chinaoilpainting.com, respectively.]

TEXTILES

2011-05-05T20:00:00.008-04:00

The use of textiles in art is something that has always been present, from ancient woven tapestries to the Native American textiles discussed here. However, it has often been relegated to the status of craft instead of fine art.

In recent years, textiles have become a medium for artists seeking to explore the boundaries between art, design, and craft, and, ultimately, provisioning textiles with a new status in art.

One such artist is Sheila Hicks, who was born in Nebraska in 1934.

Hicks studied painting under Josef Albers at Yale, and went on to receive a Fulbright scholarship for painting in Chile.

During her post-graduate work, Hicks became fascinated with Peruvian and Mexican handweaving, and began producing woven works that embodied the composition, color, and texture of painting.

Throughout her career, Hicks has established production facilities in Mexico, Chile, S. Africa, and now considers her work a combination of performance art, sculpture, and painting.

Hicks (pictured above, with her work) combines a multitude of materials for her woven works, including various fabrics, as well as goat hair, alpaca, paper, leather, stainless steel, and found objects.

Hicks' work is now recognized internationally, and is represented in museum collections all over the world.

I based an outfit around this woven vest, which evoked the woven, textural feel of Hicks' work.

I'm wearing a silk DKNY blouse, vintage woven vest thrifted in Virginia, PRPS boyfriend jeans, Cynthia Vincent wedges, necklace from H&M, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag.

[Hicks images from cristinagrajalestinc.com, waggledancing.wordpress.com, artnet.com, allartnews.com, and 123nonstop.com, respectively.]

EDELWEISS

2011-05-03T18:50:00.018-04:00

Immediately after I become acquainted with a new body of work, I begin seeing relationships between the work and things in my wardrobe.

For example, I've owned this dress for some time, but suddenly I couldn't look at it without seeing the collage works of German video artist Marcel Odenbach (b. 1953), whose work I recently discovered via the MoMA.

Odenbach's background in art history, architecture, and semiotics has provisioned him a wide lens through which to view the concept of identity. Odenbach uses symbolism, like the edelweiss depicted above, to add multiple levels of meaning to his work.

Central to Odenbach's work is the subject of German national identity, as complicated by the Holocaust, and how this is reflected in the life of the contemporary individual.

Though video installations form the basis of his work, Odenbach often accompanies these works with related performances, drawings, and collages, pictured here, which are reminiscent of Cubist an Dadaist collages.

By using a multimedia approach, Odenbach is able to address similar issues from a multitude of angles. Click below to watch a lovely short video in which Odenbach discusses the above work, You Can't See the Forest for the Trees.

If you can't see the screen, click here to watch the video.

The multiple black and white prints that make up this dress have a sort of collage effect that resembles Odenbach's works, and the little floral print is reminiscent of edelweiss.

I'm wearing a Walter dress, Madewell necklaces, Rebecca Minkoff purse, and Halston Heritage espadrilles.

Thank you to Lydia for the One Lovely Blog award and to Allie for mentioning me in her Inspiration post!

Also, I was featured along with some other stylish ladies in What I Wore's Rainy Day Challenge. Check it out here!

[Odenbach images from moma.org, flickr.com, nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com, and katiephoto.tumblr.com, respectively. Video from moma.org.]

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

2011-05-01T20:48:00.014-04:00

I've always admired the society of leisure that is portrayed in French painting from the turn of the century. An afternoon at the shore, luncheon on the grass--I'm of the opinion that our society does not place nearly enough importance on the necessity of down time.

One of my favorite paintings that reminds me of the importance of repose is A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

This painting is the masterpiece of French Post-Impressionist Georges-Pierre Seurat (1859-1891).

Seurat was one of the first proponents of Neo-Impressionism, and pioneered the use of Pointillism, along with Paul Signac.

Pointillism is the use of a mass of small dots of various colors that combine to form a visual depiction of another color.

When viewed from far away, Pointillist paintings appear to have bold shapes of color, but upon closer inspection, these are made up of hundreds of smaller dots. Pointillism leaves the work of color mixing to the eye of the beholder.

I was inspired by Seurat's palette for my own leisurely afternoon on the bay, and combined the striking contrast of orange and periwinkle with a dotted scarf as a reference to Pointillism. Of course, the parasol is a nod to the women of leisure in the painting.

I'm wearing a vintage silk scarf, my mother's vintage brooch, Madewell tee, H&M pants, Cynthia Rowley x Roxy kaleidoscope wedges, and an Indian parasol bought in San Francisco.

[Seurat images from westcler.org, flickr.com, and farm4.static.flickr.com, respectively.]

CHEVRONS

2011-04-26T20:48:00.007-04:00

As an art historian and vintage enthusiast, one of the most interesting things about vintage clothing is understanding the context in which it was created and worn.

When I found this skirt, I was immediately reminded of the geometric Minimalism of the 1960s-1970s, reflected by the work of Frank Stella (discussed here) and Kenneth Noland, among others.

Noland (1925-2010), a proponent of the Washington Color Field movement, is well-known for his target and chevron paintings, pictured here.

He was a product of the famed Black Mountain College in North Carolina, a hotbed of artistic development from 1933-1957.

Noland was extremely interested in the relationship of the image to the size and shape of the canvas.

Works like these became synonymous with the prevailing aesthetic style of the 1960s and into the '70s.

"For me context is the key - from that comes the understanding of everything." --Kenneth Noland

I'm wearing a vintage Diane von Furstenberg blouse from Wasteland in San Francisco, vintage skirt thrifted in NYC, vintage suede belt thrifted in Virginia, and Johnny Wujek x Modern Vintage heels.

Thanks to Kathy for taking these photos on her Brooklyn rooftop. Hooray for spring weather in New York!

[Noland images from newamericanpaintings.wordpress.com, hjkbny.blogspot.com, aprendersociales.blogspot.com, and keithjvaradi.blogspot.com, respectively.]

QUICKNESS & STILLNESS

2011-04-21T08:02:00.008-04:00

I've been inspired by Abstract Expressionism many times in the past (here, here, and here, for example). I always come back to the movement, because of the way the various artists truly encapsulate the act of painting.

Although he resisted being categorized as an Abstract Expressionist, Mark Rothko is one of the most well-known artists of the 20th century.

Rothko (1903-1970) was born in what is now Latvia, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1913.

At the New School of Design in New York, Rothko studied under Arshile Gorky, and influences of Gorky's individualized style can be seen in Rothko's early canvases.

Rothko's mature artistic style, evidenced by the works shown here, harbors themes of intimacy, transcendence, and the unknown.

The viewer was meant to experience these large works at a close proximity so as to feel spiritually surrounded by the paintings.

Some critics have noted a sad sense of winding down in the works near the end of Rothko's life, preceding his suicide. Though he used less color during this time, they evoke spirituality possibly even more than his earlier work.

"Art to me is an anecdote of the spirit, and the only means of making concrete its varied quickness and stillness." --Mark Rothko

I'm wearing a Dimri silk blouse from T.J. Maxx, thrifted snakeskin jeans, Steve Madden shoes, vintage leather purse, and my grandmother's gemstone necklace.

[Rothko images from artknowledgenews.com, artinvestment.ru, artmight.com, museenkoeln.de, and ericksontrucking.com, respectively.]

FEMME AU CHAPEAU

2011-04-19T10:06:00.003-04:00

If I had to choose one artist whose work I could live with for the rest of my life, it would undoubtably be Henri Matisse. His body of work features such a wide range of styles, but he always stayed true to what he viewed as the most important aspect--color.

For this ensemble, I was inspired by my very favorite Matisse painting--Femme au Chapeau or Woman with Hat, 1905.

When the painting, a portrait of Matisse's wife, Amélie, was exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in 1905, the color scheme caused an outrage.

Another painting of his wife, Madame Matisse ("The Green Line"), 1912, shows Matisse's further exploration of abstraction without any loss of color.

In yet another portrait of his wife, also from 1912, the face becomes strictly a portrait of black and white value. I've always found it interesting to see the variations in the ways Matisse portrayed the same subject--in this case, Amélie Matisse.

Click here to read a provocative article from the Smithsonian magazine on the importance of models, including Amélie, to the ouevre of Matisse.

Originally inspired by Woman with Hat, I combined a bright blouse and hat in the colors of Matisse's painting. I added the green bag as a nod to The Green Line, and denim to reflect the cool blues of the final portrait of Amélie.

I'm wearing a Zac Posen for Target blouse, BCBG hat, Cheap Monday jeans, Castaner wedges, my mother's vintage frog belt, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs leather tote.

[Matisse photos from tysonrobichaudphotography.files.wordpress.com, artchooser.com, and hibiscusguesthousechingola.com, respectively.]

DEGAS'S BALLERINAS

2011-04-15T09:07:00.000-04:00

Growing up, I was always fascinated by Degas's ballerinas. I loved the romantic, gestural paintings of young girls and women, and adored the painterly depictions of crinoline and pointe shoes.

I still love the works, and appreciate them even more as I now know their art historical significance. Edgar Degas (1834-1917) is often lauded as the founder of Impressionism.

However, he considered his work to be Realism, and championed history painting and the Masters as high art.

Over half of Degas's works depict his favorite subject--dancers.

These highly emotive compositions are beautifully arranged psychological portraits of the ballerinas--each figure is carefully studied and represents an individual personality.

These paintings and pastels are arranged more like snapshots of life than traditional compositions, which was a significant effect of the birth of photography on painting.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." --Edgar Degas

This romantic, feminine ensemble reminded me of Degas's ballerinas, so I added painterly tights and ladylike pumps to complete the look.

I'm wearing a Rodarte x Target skirt and blouse, tights from Urban Outfitters, Bally patent leather pumps, Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, vintage clip-on abalone earrings, and a leather Lauren Merkin clutch.

[Degas images from picasaweb.google.com, ibiblio.org, art-prints-on-demand.com, and nsavides.wordpress.com, respectively.]

WOLF KAHN

2011-04-13T08:57:00.002-04:00

An important lesson I've learned from art is how to discern color where, at first glance, there appears to be none.

This is, of course, a metaphor for being able to discern the positive aspects of life--whether personally or in the world at large.

An artist whose work represents this idea beautifully is Wolf Kahn (b. 1927).

Kahn is an American artist, whose poignant landscapes combine color field abstraction with realism.

Kahn studied under Hans Hofmann, whose students produced some of the greatest art of the 20th century.

Most of Kahn's works are executed in pastel or oil, both mediums which provide highly saturated hues, and imbue common landscape depictions with keen emotion.

Kahn's work has been said to combine "the palette of Matisse" with the abstraction of Rothko.

I was inspired by the way Kahn utilized highly saturated neon colors, and found a suitable backdrop that reminded me of Kahn's linear depictions of the landscape.

Though my surrounding landscape was a bit grey, my favorite neon skirt and bright accessories became all the color I needed for a cloudy afternoon.

I'm wearing a vintage skirt, vintage silk blouse, Johnny Wujek x Modern Vintage wood & leather heels, socks from the drugstore, and a Dannijo necklace.

If you can't recognize the color in your landscape, why not become the color yourself?

[Wolf Kahn images from sensationalcolor.com, stumbleupon.com, rmcornelius.blogspot.com, zainteriora.net, and thecolorist.blogspot.com, respectively.]

CÉZANNE LANDSCAPE

2011-04-11T09:37:00.003-04:00

With the change of season came a renewed interest in looks inspired by nature--taking advantage of the colors and flora of the surrounding landscape.

Although I often gravitate toward highly saturated tones, I've been pairing some of my favorite brights with earth tones to suggest the range of colors in nature.

This outfit was inspired by the landscape paintings of Paul Cézanne.

Credited with bridging the gap between Impressionism and Cubism, Cézanne (1839-1906) is arguably the most important artist of the late 20th century.

His work was greatly influenced by Neo-Impressionist Camille Pissarro, whom Cézanne looked to as a teacher and, ultimately, collaborator.

Cézanne's paintings display mastery of form; using flat planes of color, he simultaneously created space and suggested local color.

Both Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are quoted as saying, "Cézanne is the father of us all."

I took advantage of the lovely spring "weeds" and styled a look with the landscape in mind.

I'm wearing a vintage dress (tailored by me), vintage crinoline, vintage clip-on earrings, Lauren Merkin leather clutch, Nine West belt, and Jeffrey Campbell pumps.

[Cezanne images from ibiblio.org, galaide.org, connect.in.com, and ibiblio.org, respectively.]

STORY QUILTS

2011-04-07T10:56:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite parts about traveling is finding the perfect souvenir to bring home. I've never really been into kitschy knickknacks--instead, I prefer to find a piece of clothing that will serve as a reminder of where I've been.

This skirt was acquired while on vacation, and I think it is the perfect souvenir of my recent travels. I love the way quilts are a synthesis of many different parts that are stitched together into one cohesive piece.

When I wear the skirt, I can't help but think of the story quilts of Faith Ringgold (b. 1930).

Ringgold grew up in Harlem, and was inspired at a young age by the fabrics her mother used in designing clothing in their home.

Her painted quilts feature narrative themes, often about the struggle for civil rights.

These painted quilts fuse together high art and craft--and simultaneously record stories about the plight of African Americans in the civil rights era.

Ringgold's work relates well to the work of Romare Bearden, which I discussed here.

For its debut, I paired the skirt with a simple chambray shirt and fun wedges. I can't wait to wear it with a thin tank and sandals this summer.

I'm wearing a Thai patchwork skirt from Stefan's Vintage, Ralph Lauren shirt, vintage Indian brass necklace, and Jeffrey Campbell calf hair wedges.

[Ringgold images from boiseartmuseum.org, artcritical.com, negroartist.com, and katiedelavaughn.blogspot.com, respectively.]

FISH AND FRUIT

2011-03-31T18:33:00.008-04:00

I'll admit I've been spoiled by a week of wearing my brightest prints and gauziest fabrics--it will be quite a challenge to return to April showers and rain slickers.

This ensemble was inspired by the work of Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), a Post-Impressionist painter-turned Primitivist.

Born in Paris, Gauguin lived in Peru as a child. After returning to Paris and starting a family, Gauguin began to yearn to live in a place where he could simplify his life and "live on fish and fruit".

After leaving his wife and family behind, he eventually settled in Tahiti.

Though his lifestyle was criticized, many of his most famous works were produced during his time in Tahiti, where he realized his goal of finding a simple life in which his art could flourish.

The bold hues and primitive elements of the resulting work beautifully reflect the aesthetic of the islands.

The colors and flora of this vintage caftan reminded me of Gauguin's Tahiti paintings, and I decided to wear it out to dinner in Waikiki.

I'm wearing a vintage caftan, beaded necklace purchased in Kailua, vintage leather clutch borrowed from Jess, and Cynthia Rowley x Roxy leather shark tooth sandals.

Thank you to my patient vacation photographer, Jessica Vandagriff, for taking these photos!

In other news, the StyleLikeU book was just released! You can see my photo in the book in the company of dozens of the most inspirational style icons that have been featured on the site. Click here to buy the book on Amazon.

Congratulations to Elisa and the StyleLikeU team!

View my Stylelikeu interview here.

[Gauguin images from mimifroufrou.com, allartclassic.com, jamesbrantley.net, and wholesaleoilpainting4u.com, respectively.]

Hau' oli lā hānau

2011-03-29T13:52:00.008-04:00

Aloha!

I am currently writing from the island of O'ahu, where I've been enjoying lovely sun and sand for the past week, spending time with my best friend from middle school and making my birthday last as long as possible.

I've enjoyed experiencing Hawaiian culture, particularly local art and style. Though Hawaiians are exceedingly laid back, and greet every day with a shaka, I've adored the bright colors of local artists and designers, which reflect the surroundings so perfectly.

Though I've enjoyed the local art, I can't help but think of my very favorite artist, Henri Matisse. His cut outs are some of my favorite works, and I think they really relate to the mood of the islands.

I shared here that, after a lifetime of painting, Matisse turned to producing paper collages when he was bedridden and could no longer wield a paintbrush.

The bold, bright colors of these works, and themes of nature and jubilation encapsulate my experience of the island aesthetic.

I wore this outfit to my birthday luau at Germaine's in Honolulu, where I learned how to hula dance and that I don't like poi. Hau' oli lā hānau means "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian.

I'm wearing a silk Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress, Miss Trish of Capri leather seahorse sandals, and a fresh orchid lei.

Thank you to the lovely Jessica Vandagriff for taking these photos!

[Matisse images from archimuse.com, redyellowbluemakeyou.blogspot.com, and madamepickwickartblog.com, respectively.]

SCHIELE SUNFLOWERS

2011-03-18T08:20:00.010-04:00

Now that spring is nearly upon us, I can't help but feel inspired by flowers. A traditional decorative art motif, sunflowers have often been depicted throughout art history, most notably by Monet and Van Gogh (see my Van Gogh sunflower post here).

Generally considered to be jubilant subject matter, sunflowers take on a macabre meaning in the works of Egon Schiele.

As I discussed in previous posts (here and here) Schiele (1890-1918) was an Austrian Expressionist painter who is well known for his hundreds of figural works, despite his tragically short life.

Many of the artistic techniques he employed in depictions of the human form are utilized in his paintings of sunflowers.

Spindly, emaciated, and somewhat sad, many art historians have seen Schiele's paintings of sunflowers as an analogy for his life and work.

Here is a wonderful short article by Michael Glover on Schiele's Sunflower II, which compares the work to the sunflower paintings of Monet and Van Gogh.

Inspired by Schiele's unique take on the common subject matter, I created an outfit that I hoped would express the character of the works.

I'm wearing a silk See by Chloe blouse, vintage hat, thrifted military issue cargo pants, suede Lauren Merkin clutch, and leather Dolce Vita wedges.

The necklace was a Christmas gift (thank you, Kristen!) and the lovely sunflower bracelet was made by my Aunt, using Swarovski crystals. You can visit her Etsy shop here.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be traveling through San Francisco, Honolulu, and Atlanta. I would love to hear suggestions of places to go/art to see, so feel free to leave a comment or email me!

[Schiele images from oceansbridge.com, saleoilpaintings.com, and oilpaintings-sales.com, respectively.]