Hibernation! Adventure?

Wearing: Faux fur by ASOS marketplace, turtleneck by Acne Studios.

Starting something is easy, but following through gets a bit more complicated.

That spontaneity which drives us to the beginning of something potentially magical is always exhilarating. But it's a rush that eventually fades. I am admittedly guilty of often times abandoning tv shows with rave reviews, and books that I swore I was going to devour its pages as soon as I get home. 

It happens without us knowing. 

There always seems to be more things to do, more things to see, and more things to know about. And next thing you know, the initial spirit of curiosity we started with had somehow quietly slipped away.

But I do believe all it takes is one moment to get re-inspired.

Mulberry Iconic Magazines was always a spot that lit up at night with colorful covers in its windows. On my walk home everyday, it has always drawn in my gaze for a brief moment, but then off I go towards home and take out for dinner! It wasn't till last week that I finally stopped in to check out what this place was all about. 

Completely unpretentious, Mulberry Iconic Magazines is a mini bodega and magazine shop all in one (you even find some adult magazines and tapes in the back against that fridge full of sugary beverages). But its selection of various independent publications had seriously intrigued me. These are biannual or quarterly publications who dedicate themselves to preserving the art of print. In this rapidly digitalized world, feeling the paper pages in your hand is another kind of human experience. With featured stories on artists, designers, multidisciplinary creative types, every word and photo of these magazines reflect thoughtful curation. And did I mention passion? Few things feel more satisfying than helping passionate people tell their stories. 

And it feels pretty good reading about it too.

It's strange but refreshing to think about living in this revolutionary time - as print becomes a more obsolete form of media, it is the big money backed businesses like Details Magazine making its exit, while independent publications remain relevant. People are now willing to pay $20 for a thick book of authentic stories and photos that aren't airbrushed to the max, rather than spend $6 reading about Rihanna's thoughts on her latest hookup.

The adventures in this little corner spot was different from the rest. It's a compilation of poetry, beauty, and romance compressed into two dimensional form. There's something to be said about living vicariously through others in photos and story telling, and these are adventurous I would not abandon half way.

& Special thanks to magic behind the lens! Nuno Da Silva

Look Right, Look Left

 

Wearing: Top & Belt by The Kooples, Faux Leather Shorts by Urban Outfitters

A few weeks go, via my usual walking path home from work, I was stopped by white pages lined up along the walls inside a curiously deep space. 

It was black ink, white 8.5 x 11 paper, and all different handwritings that filled this exhibition. As the wind picked up and swept up the tips of these pages, they waved for my attention, as if craving to be discovered by the rest of the world.

The Strangers Project is exactly what it sounds like. Anonymous stories collected in Washington Square Park, freshly air dried ink and soul revealing stories. People from all walks of life shared their each of their unique journey, struggles, and revelations. There is the mother of a 20 year old son who left her life in the midwest behind to start anew in NYC, and the girl who struggles to find lasting relationships in the height of her wanderlust years. 

I was inspired by every story in a different way, and as a reader I was brought to an introspective place to also reflect on my own life. This exhibit felt like the epitome of life in New York. The never stopping motions of this big city drives us towards speed, efficiency, and an ever so goal oriented mind. As we are running from one destination to the next every single day, we are passing by and perhaps completely neglecting these stories and the people who create them. 

 All of this circles back to my conversation with my creative partner in this post, my photographer Nuno. As we talked about the source of our creative fuels, there was a common passion for discovering the overlooked beauty in unexpected places. Nuno told me that he truly discovered photography after recovering from an accident, which became a turning point that led him to pursuing the work he's doing today. It leads me to think that pain and misfortune at the moment can be turned into blessings in disguise, and I guess this is what continues our resilience in this big, crazy world. 

So in short - slow down, focus on the journey, and when in doubt, always wear black. 

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