Give me a glimpse of a black and white image and I'm mesmerised. There's nothing straight forward about the medium. Colour is absent, so my eye isn't distracted. Shades of white, grey and charcoal prompt me to stay focussed: "I'm not quite what I seem, go on, get closer, have another look".
Of course, life in colour is rich and exhilarating. But the emotional depth of black and white evokes pause and reflection on the medium's ability to subliminally manifest mystery, melodrama and tragedy peeking through its in-between shades. Facial lines, textures and movements are put under a microscope in black and white. There's no escaping the intensity and the emotion.
Film images from Federico Fellini's Otto e Mezzo (8 1/2) and Ingmar Bergman's Gycklamas afton (Sawdust and Tinsel)
People who have a debilitating illness can't plan on how their day will unfold and those that love them are on constant watch for the signs of strain and fragility.
The grey areas.
The pain, emotion and trauma.
Do you suffer from chronic illness? Do you have a much-loved one who lives in pain? Get your black and white going and join the party.
In another bit of news for you, VOGOFF's June issue is hot off the press and it's HUGE!!!
Shelley of Forest City Fashionista is this issue's cover girl and you'd better be sitting down, it's a bumper issue and careful you don't burn your retinas: HOT!!!!
A seven-month hiatus from visiting the West End Vintage and Designer Markets ended today when The Stylist and I trundled down for a joyful poke about. A great way to start the weekend! I think the most amazing thing for me was the discovery The Stylist has grown so tall since our last visit, she can fit many of the gorgeous second-hand bargains. She now has some fabulous new-to-her clothes in very small ladies sizes. I just know I'm not the only mama to get excited about future second-hand adventures with a growing wee lassie.
Last September I had my first market stall at this fabulous bar, which on the first Saturday of each month, turns into an Aladdin's Cave of second-hand, vintage, handmade and designer treasures. Such a great vibe, awesome music all day long and loads of chatty, enthusiastic artists and sellers.
Even the loos are awesome.
I love these painted cushion covers by Japan-influenced graphic designer and illustrator, Tiffany Atkin.
This beautiful cotton frock had me swooning with desire!
As soon as I find out the name of the very clever designer, who works with bright, sturdy cottons to create fabulous, original clothing, plus makes witty jewellery, I'll put up a link for you.
I bought myself this necklace for five bucks. You are going to get soooooooo sick of seeing me wearing it. Of course, I had to wear it straight away.
Shopping is extremely hungry work and next door to the market is a Greek Yiros restaurant which makes the best and freshest platters! Mmmmmmmm ... melt-in-your-mouth calamari drizzled with lemon and olive oil. Slurp!
Free entertainment, watching the boyz having a jam with passers-by stopping to share a tune or two.
The burgundy-coloured frock is a 1940s hand-made rayon crepe number, which has been waiting all summer for an outing.
It has an adorable blue sequin hand-sewn motif on the bodice and ruching on the sleeves.
It was sent to me in a parcel of joy several months ago from the top-billing act of Helgastock, Helga von Trollop herself.
She was a bit put out about the hacked and raw hem, but as I love all things shredded, worn, chopped and tattered, I certainly won't be changing a thing.
The Stylist was so happy with her "new" cotton jumper (sweater), I'm so lucky to have a die-hard second-hand shopper as my partner in crime.
These two chickies caught my eye with their gorgeous outfits and were pretty chuffed about having their pic taken. "We've been admiring your outfit and what an awesome mum you are," they breathed. "Are you in the fashion industry?" Me (very droll-like): "No I'm just a vain old bag". Cue high-pitched cackling right up until I was out of earshot. Hell it's good to get out of the house. Thank you all so much for your kindness, we always hope and keep trying to get better health care for The Phoenix. We're all lucky to be here, to wake up each day. Molti baci, Desiree xoxoxo
