Fashion As Art

I find it interesting to read about the history of fashion and the first designers. Taking a look at the history of fashion design one might begin in the 1840s with the first grand couturiers.

WORTH
Charles Frederick Worth was the first to put his signature on clothes and used his ideas of feminine beauty to influence the beauty of women. Worth was also the first person to apply an artist’s standards to the design and construction of a dress.

POIRET
Paul Poiret, known for his simplistic designs, was one of the first to use bold prints for not only cushions, curtains, wall coverings but articles of clothing. He was also known for the exotic style and he also experimented with Oriental themes.

LAVIN
Lavin is one of the oldest fashion houses in Paris. It is believed that Jeanne Lavin’s sense of color and pattern evolved from an admiration of artists Vuillard, Renoir and Fantin-Latour. Lavin is credited to being the first designer to dress whole families. She designed children’s clothing and hats and opened a men’s division.

The look of fashion changed dramatically in the 60’s. We all wanted to look young and the fashion designers answered the call. After the death of Christian Dior a new couture was established. The pioneer for this new movement was Rudi Gernreich. Gernreich and his peers experimented with materials not usually associated with fashion.

If you would like to read more about fashion as art you can find art books, art catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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The Arts and Crafts of Jewelry

As my interest in making jewelry evolves, I have recently discovered the metalwork artist, Janet Payne Bowles. Bowles lived during the time the Arts and Crafts Movement in America was just beginning. Born in the late 1800’s, Janet Payne Bowles was influenced by William Morris and became a leading figure of the Arts and Crafts movement in Indianapolis.


Bowles taught a basic metal course at a high school in Indianapolis in 1912. She later taught advanced classes. Her classes were both vocational and educational. The classes were divided into three parts: design, construction (including mechanical processes) and art appreciation. The students started with simple things like rings and stickpins and then advanced to more complex items.

Bowles traveled extensively and received many awards for her work. Her work has been exhibited in several cities. As her skills grew she moved from small pieces of jewelry to large pieces of wrought iron metalwork. Precision and detail was included in each piece that she created. Unfortunately, she did not receive the great financial rewards one would expect from her work. Payne Bowles lived during the time that mass production was on the rise and handmade items were not as popular to the general public.

You can read more about this artist in the book, The Arts & Crafts Metalwork of Janet Payne Bowles. You will find this exhibition catalog along with others at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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Discovering Picasso

I just read about a large number of Picasso paintings recently being discovered. I believe they total 271 in all. From what is currently known about the collection, the work seems to be authentic. Of course, the experts will have to examine the work and make the final decision.

This could be a major discovery because a Picasso anything is worth a great deal. This is exciting news for the art world. The discovery provides an opportunity like no other to learn more about Picasso. This will undoubtedly provide a lot of fuel for the art historians and biographers. Many writers love to uncover something new and different about a famous individual--especially one who has been written about so much.

Over the years there have been numerous books written about the artist known as the “King of Modern Art”. I will patiently wait to see what comes of this new discovery. It will be interesting to see if there is more to learn about this great artist whose work is so biographical.

You can find books on Picasso and other artists at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Dazzled by Jewelry

I have recently taken a special interest in jewelry. I have a modest collection and have always loved viewing jewelry at museum exhibitions. I find the Egyptian jewelry shows particularly fascinating.

Jewelry making has been around since Stone Age. Although I have always had a fondness for jewelry , I have just recently viewed jewelry as decorative art.

Jewelry has been defined as a precious material used to adorn oneself. Jewelry making has been around since the Stone Age. It has been said that man created jewelry before he talked. The art and craft of jewelry seems to be more popular than ever.


A few weeks ago I attended an exhibition, Read My Pins, that featured a collection of pins owned by Madeleine Albright. Although most of the collection could not be considered fine art, many revealed a history and important pieces with symbolic value. The show included an extensive collection of jewelry.

My interest in jewelry making has gradually progressed. I am currently taking a class in metalsmithing that introduces you to the basics of line, shape, texture, rhythm, movement of precious and base metals.

Making jewelry has become a passion. As a reader, I love to read about my latest interests. I have discovered that there is a multitude of reference material on jewelry making. You can find an abundance of both historical and technical information on the metalworking. I have discovered my greatest source for creativity is the work of the great artists of the past. Auction catalogs frequently provide inspiration.

If you are looking for inspiration or just want to just view a fascinating art work, check out the art books and catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Sculpture Inspiration

It seems that sculptures are very populary right now. I know that several museums and galleries are showing installations that are created by sculptors. The magazine, Art in America focused on sculptures in last month’s issue. Included was a review of some of the work of new modern sculptors as well as those who are influencing today’s work. This started me thinking about all the different kinds of sculptures and what inspires the artists.

I not certain I know what inspires sculptors. I think, however, it started long ago with Michelangelo, the supreme sculptor. Michelangelo felt that the sculptor was godlike. Michelangelo, unlike many of his time he created his work from one block. His most famous “Pieta” reveals the genius in his work. It has been said that Michelangelo was insprired by Leonardo Da Vinci.

There have been many great sculptors since Michelangelo. Matisse known for his great paintings also created sculptures. Matisse’s colossal bronze sculptural work just recently sold at an auction. The 6 foot bronze relief “ Back IV” sold for over 48 million dollars.

I’m quite certain that a lot of things inspire the sculptors today. But I believe many will forever be influenced by the past.


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Looking At Warhol

The Andy Warhol Enterprises exhibition has finally arrived at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I have had the opportunity to view the show on my own but have not had an opportunity to go through it with a curator. I must admit, I was more impressed that I thought I would be. I was surprised to learn that Warhol’s work included fashion, design, music, television and film

The focus of this show is the Andy Warhol Enterprises, Inc., which was formed in 1957 in connection with his career as a commercial artists. I grew up with viewing many of the Warhol images. A lot of his work was somewhat familiar. This particular exhibition is large and includes several pieces of work that were new to me. I would have to say the silk screens portraits have to be my favorite. Warhol created hundreds of portraits in the 1970s and 80s. I especially like Andy’s self-portraits.

There are currently many of exhibits of Andy Warhol’s work in the country. I am proud to say that the exhibition at the IMA is spectacular. The exhibit is large and takes some time to really take it all in. The exhibit will be around at the museum until the first of the year. I am looking forward to viewing again the work of one of the most widely known artist in America. The next time may be with a tour guide.


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Atget - Focusing on the Mundane

I have always been fascinated by photography and photographers. I recently read a book on Eugene Atget. Atget was considered by some Surrealists as a forefather. Atget is actually considered by many to be the father of modern photography.

Atget who considered himself a chronicler of Paris took some of the most breath taking photographs ever recorded. He took thousands of photographs on the streets of Paris. He spent most of his life photographing the architecture and streets scenes. His photos were straight foreword and not manipulated.
He took thousands of photographs but was never recognized during his life time for his great work.

Although his work focused on the commonplace images, there was something extraordinary and magical in his work. The photograph, Ragpicker, depicts the Parisian street seen that was probably very common in 19th century. Atget did not consider his work artistic but no one can look at the photograph and not be moved. It has been said that Atget had remarkable vision. The clarity and detail in his photographs reflect his genius.

You can find a book on Atget and other photographers as well as a great selection of art books at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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