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Inspiring Images

May 28, 2009 in Inspiration by wendren | No comments

Neville Trickett has an amazing talent of finding the common thread between two images that make them stronger together, and as one image. He has put together ’series of composites’ and I find each one as inspiring as the other however, to keep this blog post short and reader friendly I put myself through the terrible process of choosing a my favourite collection(s) and of each, a favourite pair of images.

The RenaissanceI love these images becuase they are so elegant, subtle, and the sense is of harmony. I love what Neville explains as the essence of Renaissance design: “Reducing the clutter in favor of the meaning.”

Soft and PowderyI love these images becuase they are wonderful. The colour, texture and facial expression on the little girl is so expressive yet plain. Love the juxtaposition.

Neo RealI am a fan of botanical drawings so how could I NOT love these images above. So delicate and I love the translation into glass with the wrought iron twists. As Neville puts it: “…inspection of the most microscopic of detail with the touch and feel of the familiar.”

Dress CodeI had to add this collection in because when I was a little girl I dreamt that for one day everybody would have to wear ‘big’ dresses, like in olden-day-times. The one on the right is made from Shweshwe and I would LOVE to wear it.

Nature of PrintThe purple-dipped butterfly is too gorgeous for words placed together with the image on the left.

Escape to RealityI  love how the aloe on the left radiates out and the textile on the right creates a lovely flowing feeling that compliments as an opening flower.

Natural History of ThingsThis collection is probably my favourite. The leopard placed with a old autumn leaf could not be more beautiful. Simple, the correlation between the two is obvious and yet precarious.

As you can see there are an abundance of beautiful pictures on Sain Verde Digest.

Feel good by spending a little.

October 24, 2008 in Conversational by wendren | 5 comments

I once read that when times are tough women buy lipstick. It is a small item that (usually) costs next to nothing and can make the world of difference to how you look and subsequently how you feel.

My favourite example is during the war (both WWI and WWII) and money was short: Women replaced their stocking/pantyhose with eyeliner lines drawn down the back of their legs and wore lipstick to feel feminine, desirable and poised- both affordable make-up items. The same happened after the wars (especially after WWII) when the men returned and were unable to find jobs and again, budgets were tight: Christian Dior’s “New Look” (see images below) was introduced and bright red lipstick became the popular accessory owned by most women. I love how fashion is a mirror image of society and social economics.

Here are a few other things to do and buy that can make you feel like a million dollars for under very little:

  1. Underwear. It does not have to be fancy, just new.
  2. Bring ‘n Braai. Rather than throw a dinner party, ask your guests to all bring something.
  3. A nice soap or bath salts. There is nothing nicer than relaxing in a bath of luxury.
  4. Going to the movies on half price night. In all transparency, it is simple escapism and for one hour you can forget about your worries and for the small price, it is worth it.
  5. A new pair of earrings. A little bit of bling goes a long way.
  6. Buying a new nail polish (but again this is a cosmetic). It is cheaper (and more fun) to spoil yourself by asking you sister, daughter or best friend to give you a manicure with your new nail polish (and the deal usually means you have to do it back so you both feel great).
  7. Go for out for an ice-cream instead of a supper. The funny thing is, I have even done this unconsciously in the last two weeks. This could also be related us getting some summer weather finally though …. um
  8. An interesting one is getting your car cleaned. I had this discussion with a friend a few days ago and we concluded that whether it is a luxury is decided by your gender. He argued that he enjoys washing his car becuase he is proud of it, whereas if I had the extra money, I would (without a doubt) pay for somebody to clean my car. To me getting it cleaned is a luxury but to him, not.
  9. Buy a single rose instead of a bunch. …I’m going to head out and buy one right now becuase just the idea makes me smile and feel special…