happy weekend

Looking forward to a weekend of finishing up some creative projects; spent a lovely holiday appreciating good fortune & family. Cheers to all my friends, family & followers - my gratefulness for you abounds!

story dress

Artist Christine Elfman's dress made of torn story books evokes childhood fairytales & whispers of family histories. The dress can actually be worn, literally enfolding you into the story.

In her series Story Dress II, Elfman builds on ideas of narrative & history by using reminisces recorded by her grandmother & incorporating them into a papier mâché dress. Photographing the resulting sculpture using the wet-plate collodion process & printing the images onto antique cabinet card mounts, she created a new historical record of her grandmother's memories. Inspired by unknown relatives in old family photo books & anonymous portraits in vintage shops, she was moved by the number of forgotten people regardless of photography's intent to capture & preserve: secure the shadow, 'ere the substance fades away.

from here

northern lights

Saturday night's fashion fundraiser proved to be a fabulous time. The challenge posed to regional designers was to choose items from the vintage shops that provide the majority of the funding for our local Hospice organization's programs, & rework them into completely new designs. The craftsmanship & imagination on display were truly awe-inspiring. The show was topped off by a Boston designer whose designs literally lit up the runway. The show of support for Hospice was overwhelming, from the food, decor, auction items & designers to the turnout of ticket-holders & supporters. I was happy to contribute a dark chocolate pâté flavored with Irish Whiskey & garnished with dried apricots. Cheers to everyone who made the night a huge success!

photo by a student at Hallmark Institute of Photography

Oh, & what was I wearing? Well, I thought you'd never ask: Moschino Cheap & Chic, with burnished gold Anne Klein pumps, & a gorgeous gold tooled Italian leather clutch that I found at Experienced Goods. And an intensely blank expression - ha!

 

happy weekend

This weekend is a benefit for our local Hospice organization that features a runway show of New England fashion designers, & a lavish spread of desserts & hors d'oeuvres by local chefs & purveyors. I am contributing an extra-dark chocolate terrine seasoned with Irish Whiskey & served with dried apricots. Should be a fun & festive time - photos to follow!

this is beautiful

bunwinkies play william cullen bryant at feeding tube records 10/24/2011

This weekend we hang out with our dear feline who just had (thankfully, successful) surgery, & hope to make a legion of apple tarts & maple apple-butter while nursing a cold (perfect timing, while nursing a wonky kitty). Happy weekend to all!

aged to perfection

I do have a thing for raw plaster & walls that show off their history. Debra Cronan's interiors look like dignified old homes that were just dusted off & reopened after having been untouched for decades. I love the modern spareness of the sleek kitchen, fully functional yet full of personality when paired off with antique farmhouse & industrial elements. Such eclectic collections of objects & gorgeous patinas. 

from here via here

happy weekend

This past week marked not only the playful celebrations of Halloween, but Dia de los Muertos, with reminders of the fleetingness of our time here, as well as tough decisions & best grabbed-&-held happy moments. I am going to try to invoke more of my grandmére's strength, generosity & enthusiastic engagement with the everyday.

To life!

modern art

Lavish photos for an Yves Saint Laurent ad campaign based on Old Masters paintings. Such lush, saturated colors. I love the swapping (or addition) of male & female roles.

from here via here