MOXVOX

One week ago today I went to bed early, so that I could awaken at 2.45am, dress and make my way to ‘THE BASE’, Spencer Tunick’s latest installation. It took place on the steps of the opera house forecourt as well as inside the concert hall.
I still feel extremely priviledged and lucky to have been involved. It was truly a profound experience. People came from all walks of life and in all shapes and sizes, although as soon as they got their kit off, none of this mattered. In the mass naked sea of people, no-one could judge each other, we all had our flaws, we were all completely vulnerable. But as soon as we all removed our clothes, it was as though the taboo of nakedness was also removed. Clothing suddenly seemed heavy, the simple act of dressing yourself each day seemed like it was a burden. I had always believed that self expression through fashion was very important, now my thoughts were being challenged. What we chose to wear each day is so much more than just self expression. Like armour, it protects us, what we wear affects how people may see us, how others may judge us. Whether or not we wish to blend in or make a statement, express our personality or pretend to be something we are not…there are soo many layers to why we wear what we wear. And even though I will not stop expressing myself by means of fashion, I will never forget the liberating feeling of being naked (and I am not entirely sure if this same feeling will be achievable again, as I can only imagine a nudist beach or resort when no doubt have some kind of sleazy element to it)…it transcending the physical act so to speak….for 3 hours I was not bound by any notion of what others might think of me or the need armour myself. Fear is definitely conquered when you allow yourself to be vulnerable…….

Lately I have been thinking a lot about ‘the self’ and self portraiture. During September, my 30 new things project got me thinking a lot about the celebration of ones self/image… hmm self and image! How exclusive are these two of each other, really? What do these two things mean in popular culture right now? With the bombardment of social networking and celebrity scandals and imagery, it’s almost like a race to be seen. What is my part in this circus? At times I truly feel that life is too short and one should have no qualms in the excessive portrayal of one’s image. But it this excess just for the sake of it?

Whilst under going my 30 new things project I dare say I indulged (for lack of a better word) in a few self portraits tinted with narcissism. Many may see it as nothing more. No doubt some may say this about many of my facebook photos also. So why have I found myself at this place…slightly obsessed with portraying ‘me’….perhaps it’s as my friend Robstar so kindly put it the other night…I am evolving! Am I subconsciously fearfully of the change being so constant that I need to attempt to document this change. Each self portrait being a slice of time. I will never be that person again. I kind of like this idea. I also like the idea that it push people’s buttons…but that’s maybe another story.

When I think of all this I can’t help but think of Cindy Sherman. Since studying photography at University I have always been interested in her work. Cindy uses herself as the subject in her photos, although they are far from being considered self-portraits. Always a different character in her work, Sherman communicates her views on women in society, their depiction in the media as well as raising questions regarding the modern world in general. Her photos have a distinct style and no matter what the message are always theatrical.

Although much more humourous and lighthearted, I guess my Tankgirl series touched on a similiar thing. And what girl doesn’t want to be Tankgirl!

…..and then there was my Dali-inspired attempt at being a man….

So OK maybe I’m no Cindy Sherman…but she no doubt influences and motivates me to not only feel at ease with using myself as the subject, but also use this medium as a valid form of art. It’s not narcissistic!! (ok maybe just a tiny, tiny bit ;]) presently I am devising an idea/project that will take this concept further.

I really love the daily self portrait projects people undertake…and 09h09 often makes me laugh. It’s the blog of Jean-Michel Gobet…he takes a photo of himself everyday at 9.09am…no matter where he is..the caption is in both french and english…an added bonus for people like me trying to learn french. And..he has been doing these daily arms length self portraits since 2002….Wow!!

Stay tuned for new MOOKIE adventures containing high amounts of narcissistic tendencies and cheap arms-length snapshottery!

I just designed and made some New spat/ankle cuffs. They are available to purchase here I am busy making lots of new stuff at the moment and will be adding it here soon.

My latest work in leather. Available to purchase here shortly.

I am currently studying french online. It is a challenge, but I am really enjoying it. I am also thinking of doing one of these courses on DESIGN BOOM.

Design Aerobics:
Courses 2009
30 lessons are published online over the duration of the course allowing you to study from
wherever you like – whenever you like. participants also have access to the ‘discussion area’
a blog / forum where lessons and other topics can be discussed with an international audience
of designers, architects, and numerous other backgrounds.

Paper:beyond a writing surface, paper can be used for so much more. furniture, lighting, packaging – from the planning stages to finished works,we will explore the infinite possibilities of this material…

Food: from its packaging to the surroundings in which it’s consumed and everything
in between. this course gives you a good taste of design in the food sector.

Now to choose!!

I was listening to The Knife today. I really love the song ‘Bird’ from their self-titled first album. Searching for a possible clip on you Youtube, I found this little gem. Anyway I really dig all three of these clips and I think it makes a nice little set.

Reulf from Charlesque on Vimeo.

1. Fact: lounge is comfy
2. Fact: studio is cold
3. Aim: after coffee…I will work
4. Theory: writing this in my blog will make it happen
5. Mission: make coffee, find glue and primer and go to hardware store
6. Result [still only a theory]: Canvases primed, lamp revamped and fixed, wall marked out and ready…..pattern altered and cut!!

Let’s do this shit!!!

I love a good fancy dress party! My good friend D is having a birthday party on Saturday. It’s an Alice in Wonderland themed day, with Croquet games etc. I am in the middle of designing some new dresses, my son is home, sick from school and I still need to work out an outfit (poor time-poor me!!). My friend M suggested a female Mad Hatter, as it is not typical. So, as I am always up for a challenge, I will see if I can make this work..

• Quirky trademark MadHatter top hat (make it)
• Waist coat (already have it)
• Bow tie (make it)
• Tailored pants or Shorts (already have a pair)
• Fishnets or coloured tights
• Ankle boots
• Shirt or top to go under waist coat (IDEA: basic boobtube top under waistcoat paired with a detachable ‘upstanding’ or frilled collar)

Ok….so what I am thinking is to use a few things I already have and combine with a few newly made items.. I will definitely have to make the hat. And in my mind it needs to be a miniature top hat.

Tutorials for more elaborate designs can be found here and here

I want basic…definitely no lace and frou frou…YUK!! I have studied Millinery a few years ago…so should be relatively easy for me. Better get started…or else I’ll be late for a very important date!! See already Mad…just need the hat