Friday, November 15, 2013

Art, Fashion and Creativity


     Hello everyone! This week I'm giving you a window into my life. These pictures are taken at my studio where I work and I've included some art to give you a flavor of what I do at my job. I just purchased this burgundy leather skirt (here) and I'm wearing it casually with several sweaters for this post. The picture below is a mechanical sculpture by Dean and me where a bird lands in the girl's hand, flowers bloom and she looks down in surprise. We have devoted our lives to the quest of capturing mystery and wonderment. 




       As those who follow my blog know, I adore accessories. I've been looking for a pair of riding boots this season and found these Tahari boots (same brand, similar here) while outlet shopping. They are leather in the front and stretch fabric on the back. I like that they fit snug to my leg and the fabric back makes them a bit cooler to wear. 
      Next spring I'm planning on wearing this skirt into the warmer weather. In the below pictures I've added some unusual accessories just for the creative challenge. 









      I have had these last two sweaters for years. This one is a Missoni piece (see collection) I purchased 25 years ago for 90% off retail before they became as well known here in the US as today. I thought it was a work of art in it's craftsmanship and pattern. The other sweater is from Anthropology (sweaters) and I just didn't have the right thing to wear with it until this skirt. 

location--my studio

links
not dead yet style
monday mingle
style sessions
my thrifty chic
the pleated poppy

67 comments:

  1. What a beautiful life you lead, surrounded by art. Each outfit is lovely.Im a sucker for a great skirt and turtleneck ;)

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    1. Skirts, sweaters and leather jackets are speaking to me these days. Thanks for the sweet comment.

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  2. I love your art, and everything about this post is a feast for the eyes! Art, photography, fashion and space all together - it's gorgeous!

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  3. This is such a great post! I love that you shared a glimpse into your beautiful artwork. You paired this skirt so well in all these photos. And that bracelet is such so pretty that I thought it was an art piece.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlfie.com

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  4. This is breathtaking, the sweaters on it's own is already a work of art, but you styled it so beautifully, you are very talented and have great flair with your subjects in display, lovely post, adorable skirt!!! The faces in the artwork are very captive!
    FF

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  5. First of all I would thank you for giving us the opportunity of knowing more about your world! Your artistic work tells us about your personality. . .I find it is wonderful and sweet. Living in Italy I am sourronded by old expressions of art so I am interested in learning something about your contermporary art!
    Your skirt is beautiful and burgundy is a versatile colour so I think you will wear it often. All the sweaters go well and my favourite is the white one with splash of colours.I am not surprised that the sweater by Missoni is 25 years old: they are a very high quality brand.I love the black shoes!

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    1. Do you like Missoni? I'm thinking you might and do have have any pieces?

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    2. The fact is that I like everything which is beautiful and made with care. It can be a crystal glass or a scarf... Missoni makes clothes that are famous for colours and patterns, I have seen some pieces that are really wonderful. Until now I have never bought any. ( the prices are very high and the pieces aren't so easy to find in outlets ) But in future...you can never know!

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  6. What a fantastic post, Ann! I love Dean's sculpture, it is unique! Please keep on sharing your art with us, as it is a part of you.
    Your first look is my favourite - your leather skirt is breathtaking and your boots a great purchase.
    Amazing photos!

    Annette | Lady of Style


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    1. When I saw the black sweater with this skirt and boots I thought of your style! I could see you wearing this too. If you look at my clothing, this post covers the full spectrum what I wear, from classic to artistic.

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  7. What a wonderful insight into your charmed world. Now I understand your eye for the finer detail. Thanks for sharing!
    Di
    xoxo

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  8. Thank you for sharing a little of your world with us. Your artwork is just beautiful and it gives i sight I to your personal style. That skirt is beautiful,and I just love that you have some garments that you have had for years. Dare I ask just how big your wardrobe is:)

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    1. My wardrobe is big, too big. I live in a small house built in the 1940's. It has reasonable closets but oh I would love a walk in closet. Plus I keep things for a long time. It's hard for me a recycle my items because I like almost everything I have and buy quality pieces.

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  9. This is so cool that you work here...how much fun! I am in love with this skirt and everything you did with it! What a great piece to have in your wardrobe...I particularly like it with the boots. Keep sharing the artwork...its great! This is my favorite post of yours so far!

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    1. Thanks Pam, I had fun making this post and thinking about how to share my life with all of you! This skirt goes with so many things in my wardrobe. I may buy another in a different color!

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  10. Thank tou for give a look in your life and art studio. The art´s and the sculpture is so beautyful. I`m impressed.
    I´m in love with your skirt, what a great pieces. I like all yout styling-combination with these skirt. My favorite is the first one with these fantastic boots. Dear Ann, you have such confidently style.
    Have a nice weekend

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  11. That leather skirt is gorgeous.

    I am in total awe of your studio space. (Jealous!) I love all the details in your pieces. Did you do the sculpture or did your husband? Incorporating movement to your pieces really takes the viewer to a magical place beyond regular pieces. They seem to have an antique quality about them.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. This is a sculpture we worked on together. We both carve and paint although Dean does the mechanics of the piece. All of our pieces have a nostalgic feel to them. This studio is new for us. Our old building was converted to condos which seems to be happening to so many artist spaces these days. This space was a welding studio for 25 years and it was filled with grease and grime. We spent a month cleaning and painting to make it be a nice space to work in.

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  12. The artwork is amazing! I love how you approach style as art too, very inspiring!!

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  13. Magical! I can see the lovely little bird in the bottom left corner, and to know that she flies onto the girl's hand is marvelous. You and your husband take the phrase, bringing art to life, to an entirely new level Ann! The wood carvings of the men appear magically born from the branch! I have done some soapstone carvings, and I always get chills when the animal reveals itself in the stone. I'm sure you and your husband feel the same.

    I don't think I have a foot fetish, but I apparently have a thing for boots and shoes...totally love those riding boots, and the burgundy booties!

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    1. Thanks Sue, carving is fun and enjoyable isn't it! I use balsa wood for small things. It's easy to carve with an exacto knife and when painted it hardens. Hey I'm a shoe gal myself. Seems like riding boots are everywhere this season. Do you have a pair?

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  14. I can't deicde which I love more...the outfits or your studio filled with such wonderful work!

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  15. OMG!!! Ann, what impressive pieces of art. I love your life and you style of course. If I ever travel to your area, I will must definitely visit your studio.
    Mysmallwardrobe.com

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  16. I knew you were pure art, but now I see it I understand better your wonderful style.
    I want you skirt in every attire, my dear Ann.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  17. Thank you for a glimpse into your creative life, Ann! I am glad that I know someone (though not personally but through blogging at least) who can create such beautiful pieces of art. Your artistic nature is seen in your outfits too, always there are wonderful colour and texture combinations and amazing choice of accessories in your outfits.

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  18. wow thank you for sharing! I love all those shoes

    passionateturban.blogspot.com

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  19. Wow what a fantastic studio!

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  20. Beautiful - your studio is a visual feast. And you shoes and boots are just glorious. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!

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  21. Love your outfits the boots are amazing i am your new follower please follow me back :*

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  22. I can feel the warmth and energy of your space, and it's wonderful that now I can see how that artistic eye we see in your apparel is expressed in other media. Truly, beautiful works. More impressive is how you and Dean can work together to create to create magical mechanical pieces.
    The Missoni piece does my head in in the best possible way. Great find on the skirt. But I admit, your studio captured most of my attention in this post. Thanks for showing us!

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    1. Thanks Melanie, yes this post is more about the studio than the clothes. Several people have been asking to see more of my art, back to a clothes post next week.

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  23. Your skirt is gorgeous and although I love all your shoes, I prefer it with the tall boots! Beautiful artwork by the way :)

    REGARDS FROM DUBAI xxx
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  24. Beautiful artwork! The space is really beautiful! I love both outfits and those 1st pair of shoes are fabulous! Stopping by from Monday Mingle. Happy Monday!

    ~Whitney
    www.whitneynicjames.com

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  25. This is a great blog! I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award; you can
    see more here: http://inmyprimetime.blogspot.com/
    All the best, Mimi

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  26. What nice place to do a shoot
    I love how you took advantage of the space to showcase your accessories -

    Arianexo

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  27. This i fabulous. Can we follow each other on GFC, Bloglovin, FB and Twitter? Love
    New Post Fashion Talks

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  28. Thank you for sharing your studio with us Ann, a perfectly inspiring location! I adore your skirt and riding boots (I am obsessed with anything leather and also with riding boots!). I especially like it with the pattern turtleneck, great look :)

    Hugs,

    Beata

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  29. Oowwhh what a lovely post again. It must be so much fun to work in such an inspiring environment. Much, much nicer than the dull office I am in. But then again, I am not very creative. We all get what we deserve haha.
    Your skirt is beautiful. All your combinations work fine, you have demonstrated that. For my personal taste I would go for the first and last one because I like to see your waist. The yellow bracelet is making me a little jealous. (Note to self: must speak to myself I should not think like that haha.) The black boots are such a good buy, I bet you will have lots of joy from them. The strappy sandals are too cute.
    Greetje

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    1. Don't be to jealous over this bracelet! I just purchased it on the end of season clearance for $20. It's from Kenneth Cole and I've been watching it and the matching necklace all summer. I think it looks really expensive and unique like something from an art show. It's an interesting color. I seem to like many things others would just pass by. Are you the same?

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    2. Greetje I'm trying to get to your site but it won't load. I will try again tomorrow.

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    3. The bracelet looks expensive, indeed. Like art, as you say. I don't think I have such a good eye for things as you have, no. My luck is that I like colours nobody dares wearing.
      I hope my site loads again. I hate it when this happens. Please let me know if you encounter further problems (greetje.kamminga@gmail.com)

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  30. Wow, all those outfits are amazing and I love those shoes.

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  31. Beautiful post, I love your looks, especially the plaid jacket. A wonderful art.

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  32. I'll never get over seeing you in front of the gold leafed wall. You're art, in front of your art. I'm such a big fan, I can't tell you.
    That's a grand, grand skirt ... perfect with your sweaters. Vinage Missoni? Hell, yes! Shoes ... OMG, Really, OMG.
    What a treat this post was for me!

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    1. Ah Jan, you are too sweet. I have to admit, your encouragement to share more art pushed me over to do it. I'm a nut for gold and silver leaf. We did some silver leaf on furniture at home. I will share some of of house when the snow piles up!

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  33. Great photo spread! The strappy sandals might be my favorite.

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  34. Great combo's with that beautiful skirt. I love the close-up photos of the shoes and accessories.
    Daphne.

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  35. I love the leather skirt mix. And shoe pics arrangements! Sabina Styleblog Only in Frankfurt

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  36. Inspiring photos, tops are great ideas with the skirt, I specially adore the turtle neck one.

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  37. Great photos and lovely outfits. Love the red suede booties. Thx for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

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  38. Seriously? Who but you would come up with so many unique and inspiring combinations with one leather skirt? I always look forward to pulling up your weekly posts just to sit back in awe and wonderment. The art and creations of both you and Dean says volumes about the two of you. Thank you dearly for sharing these. By the way, I'm really loving the combination with the anthropologie sweater.

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    1. Oh thanks Trina. I've had that anthropologie sweater forever and this skirt is just right for it as you said. I'm going to wear it often.

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  39. First off, I love your blog! Secondly, I love that sculpture! Could you possibly make a video of it in action and post? Would love to see that. Thirdly, I've been looking for that Anthropologie sweater on eBay for years! Lucky girl!

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    1. Hi Sonia, thanks for stopping by and commenting. There are two video clips of our work on the blog. One is a September post called "Black Lace on White" and the other is a August post called "Mint Green".

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  40. Very interesting elements in this post, Ann. Your art is fabulous and I can see you creating more and more. It reminds me of the toys my Mom had as keepsakes when I was young. You are always stirring memories in me with your posts. Oh, and don't get me started on the set of World Book Encyclopedias, either. Those were my Mom's pride and joy in the late 60's. We still have them and the set of Encyclopedia Britannica, too. Fashion isn't just about clothes, is it?

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    1. Ah yes Renae. You have described one of our purposes with our artwork, remembering how you felt about objects and loved ones in the past. You are so right, fashion isn't just about clothes!

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  41. The studio looks great, I love your skirt!
    new follower here,
    xo
    About women and not only Blog

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  42. What a wonderful place to work and thrive!! Your artwork is magical and so are those shoes!!!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  43. Your studio, art and outfits truly "capture mystery and wonderment." The bracelet is very unusual and somewhat mysterious, though beautiful. Love the boots! Classic and timeless.

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  44. Great post! really likeing your outfits and love those shoes with the buckles!

    lifeisashoe.blogspot.com

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  45. Oh Ann, how did I miss this gorgeous post? I love the sense of quiet emotional weight in your and Dean's work, and your use of colour, and how you balance patterns / detail, and solids (goes for your outfits too!), and what a wonderful space! All of your outfit combos with that excellent red skirt are so beautiful, I can't pick a favourite!

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  46. Thx for your comment on my Blog!
    I'm following you now via Bloglovin - hope you like my blog too and you'll follow back <3

    XOXO Sandl

    Follow me via Bloglovin! -> https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11326217/prizmah-fashion-blog
    www.prizmahfashion.blogspot.com
    https://www.facebook.com/prizmahfashionblog

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  47. I found your blog through "Late Blooming Sparkle" and I have to say that your photos are so well done - great backgrounds and angles! You have a very clean, chic style and we obviously share a love of coats! I am very intrigued by your mechanical sculpture and the wonderful art on the wall behind you. You're a double threat - extremely creative and very stylish!

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  48. This is one of the very first posts I've seen when I discovered your blog. I am still in amazement, Ann - what a beautiful space you've created, truly magical and sacred. I can see you coming to your studio and work on your beautiful art every day. It is especially dear to my heart that you and Dean work together as a team. You create fantastic pieces! So much heart and love in them. And your blog is another collaboration with Dean, as I understand, since he is behind the lens all the time. :) You both are very talented artists who seem to really get each other. Your blog was and still is one of my favorite findings, not just for style - for all with what you present us, your readers. It is always such a treat! Thank you for it! Sincerely, Natalia :)

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Thanks for visiting my blog. I enjoy hearing comments and input.