Spring Yearnings

“The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them.” 
― Charles Bukowski, Tales of Ordinary Madness

 

Photo sources: Nakid Magazine, Interview Magazine, Alexdorlando

I've always wanted to be free.

But a free soul, I'm afraid I'm not quite there yet. In an ideal world, freedom is what we strive for. The freedom of expression, freedom to pursue passion and paths of life. And oh, freedom to do what your guts tell you without giving a shit what anyone else thinks? That too.

For the longest time I wondered why I was never completely free. Maybe I was torturing my own mind when I cared so much, thought so much, and invested so much in everything I did.. 

But is not caring, thinking, and putting yourself out there the answer? Well, maybe if we lived in a vacuum world and had on/off switches for these feelings. As I've grown older, it became clearer that the emotions of frustration, anxiety, and distress are just as essential to our human existence as joy and happiness. The greatest creative minds of this civilizations have been inspired by both love and heartbreak, so who are we to say NO to this full spectrum of experiences?

In this case, fuck trying to be free. It's rather beautiful to be entangled.

Kid, Don't Be Crazy

Wearing: Turtleneck by AQUA, trousers by Mango, Blouse by The Kooples, Vintage Chanel shoes

Art is a strange thing.

Although not a necessity like eating or breathing, art is a significant part of the human existence, evident even in the most ancient civilizations. 

The evolution of art is seen and closely correlated to shifts in our culture's values. Even though there are some who say "anything can be art these days", the contemporary art offers an increasingly interpretive, interactive, and thought provoking process to its creators as well as viewers. 

But simple straightforwardness was Dan Flavin's point of view. Stepping into his exhibition space felt like rolling onto a time traveling playground. With each fluorescent light installation isolated on an entire side of a room, everything feels futuristically architectural. There was something about Dan Flavin's philosophy - It is what it is. It ain't nothing else. (hey Dan, I like your no bullshit style) Rather than a piece of work directing implications at its viewers, these installations are invitations for the viewers to create context. It is about a heightening of the senses, an experience in the midst of other bodies in motion in an enclosed space. 

A different story is told with each person interacting with these colors, lights, and space. Inspired by the minimal and architectural feels of the space, I decided a simple silhouette is the most powerful. 

So with a black turtleneck I go!

It is decidedly my most obsessed new staple for the season, also for reasons of just being straight forward, versatile, and actually practical. So please don't get tired of seeing me in turtlenecks.

I'll keep it interesting, I promise.

Photos by Nuno Da Silva

Inspiration. Freedom.

Photos courtesy of: Irving Penn, Guy Bourdin, C-heads Magazine, Tumblr, Pinterest, Interview Magazine, Francesco Clemente

Hello friends,

And I'm back! Since my ankle sprain two weeks ago, I haven't been able to do much moving around. So instead, I thought I'd share some inspiration with you all.

This is a mini collection of my personal inspiration curations. Everything vintage and retro had always made me tick, and with that came a deep appreciation for iconic photographers of the past. It's fascinating to see the way fashion photography has evolved, from the powerful simplicity of Irving Penn, to the rebellious colors of Guy Bourdin. These influencers continue to give creative minds new thoughts, even today.  

Along with some photos of style inspirations, this last photo I included is a painting by the Italian artist Francesco Clemente. His exhibit at the Rubin museum of art was one of my exploration destinations.. if my ankle hadn't been injured! I absolutely love his boundary-less exploration of mediums and styles, extending in many different directions, and undefined by a "title" of artistic categories. 

Hopefully my ankle heals soon so I can check it out before it's gone!

Last but not least, I want to talk about my latest inspiration. A graphic designer and an activist with a true voice. I've been watching James Victore on his youtube channel as he talks about creative courage, living life and doing work with a purpose. So much about this guy inspires me- his bold yet forceful design work, his own story of becoming who he is today, and his empowering philosophy of acting on our passions and having an opinion.

 I know I already think a lot. But listening to his words made me think a lot more about my own life and where I'm going with it. I am in a constant battle with myself about my ideal work, life, and the tradeoffs that come with it. So are my current foot steps taking me to an eventual journey that I want to be a part of, and are my burning passions are being given a chance by... me? 

It's not an easy answer.

But as I continue my creative journey on this blog (which is something I do have a burning passion for), his words about "freedom" will help me figure the rest of it out.

James Victore