Transformer

So this is what I missed....after 1 1/2 years in LA it all comes together.

From the standard vistas and horizons of the city.

To the transformation to

white, whitE, whiTE, wHITE, WHITE.

So beautiful.

Posing Beauty by Deborah Willis

Black is Beautiful!

So the slogan says. It must be true I even have a mug with those very words emblazoned on it.

But is it really true?



Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. But I think really beauty is reflected outward and not in.



And to that end how are we doing on this one?

Well maybe I should wait to get to all of that. Deborah Willis in the new book of photographs she has edited called Posing Beauty, serves up images of African Americans from the 1850s until now.

The book respresents a change in one sense the violent, struggle images so closely associated with the Black experience in America is not the focus. I welcome that.

Once in Kenya I was called a "cotton picker" yes imagine, an African woman told me this. I told her that although I never picked cotton I am eternally grateful for all of the people who did. She did not understand, but then her statement to me revealed she would not get it.

For me I am eternally grateful for all of the Black folks who showed the grace, elegance, determination and will to be Beautiful - even when some said they were not even human.



Yes Black is Beautiful. And so are we all, everyone.

"...and when Betty Carter sings a song...

ain't nothin' going on, but simply good music.

And you won't refuse it, she is taking her time making the nuances rhyme."

- Gang Starr "A Jazz Thing"


Late one night or early one morning, I was up watching re-runs of the Cosby Show. And beautiful Betty ended the show with an amazing song.


"Look What I Got"

If you harbor any doubts on love, just listen...

http://popup.lala.com/popup/432627043554352420

Best Dressed of the Week

Oh Michelle, my belle, encore, bien sur!

Boots: Oh why oh why, can't I?

Photo: Debra McDuffee

He knows how to have fun with boots!

I was lucky enough to have found my winter coat in storage. While I take care of my paintings, sculptures and artwork very well. I tend find broken plates and glasses when I unpack. And my clothes? I am embarrassed to say they tend to be stacked very unceremoniously in black garbage bags.

It reminds me of the time I gave a presentation to some fashion students in Amsterdam, this was about 2 years ago. I was carrying my thesis collection in a huge duffel bag (well I was traveling). Anyway when I began the presentation in a very un-elegant manner of unrolling my clothing I exclaimed: "Never do this!"

'Ah yes do as I say not as...'

So back to boots. I have two-three pairs of booties with platforms. One pair of 4" platform desert booties. And a pair of vintage army combat boots. But I imagine in Upstate NY your girl is going to need some serious winter, capital W boots. And I found a pair they a perfect:

Image: Sorel

Sorel Maverick's. Just the right balance of new and old. Sexy and sturdy. With Thinsulate or whatever it is called to keep my toes warm. Oh I love them.

I can just imagine myself walking in the breathtaking white in New Paltz in February. Can't you?

Photo: Monhonk Mountain House

I also imagine gathering the mail with just these on my vintage men's white pajamas with my parka. Can't you? Oh and in the spring wearing them with a white organic cotton gown. Lovely.

Image: Idia'Dega

Yes I am romanticizing the move from warm sunny LA to cold grey New Paltz - my timing is always impeccable.

But the problem is, well there are two:

1. They are men's style. Which is not a problem for me I love to wear men's clothes.

2. They don't make them in my size.

Oh what to do?

Inspiration: Greer Garson

I love the wide-eyed open heart she exudes on film and from what I have read about her, in life.  

Her voice her face everything says, yes talk to me and yes I will listen.  Also I am very alive and happy to be so.  There is a thrill of creation but I also admit times when I simply cry - looking at a pattern that I know could work, should work but does not.  Fixing that said pattern only to make a muslin that does not translate they way I expected.  More tears.

So I keep prying my heart open (because it is love that is making me do this, to createt) in spite of the kicks to gut I receive.  

Ms. Garson is an inspiration. 

Enjoy.

Best Dressed of the Week

Oh me oh my, they are just so beautiful!

This Thanksgiving holiday next to being home with family I am most thankful for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Thank you.