Barenaked Ladies - One Week

Music Appreciation

Barenaked Ladies, the Canadian alternative rock band, released their hit single One Week on September 19, 1998. The song, notable for its catchy tune and pop culture references, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there, coincidentally, for one week.  

The music video was directed by Jesse Dylan, the song of legendary musician Bob Dylan, and features the band performing the song in a bright-lit room, with the band members partaking in humorous scenes.

The video's fast-paced editing style perfectly matches the frenzied tempo of the song, with quick cuts and transitions that keep the viewer engaged. The camera work is also impressive, with several long takes that showcase the band's energetic performance.

via Barenaked Ladies (Official)

Terence Donovan

Photography Appreciation

Terence Daniel Donovan, born on September 14, 1936, in Stepney, London, made his mark as a celebrated fashion photographer renowned for encapsulating the true essence of his subjects. His photographic legacy remains an enduring source of inspiration, leaving an indelible influence on successive generations of photographers and creatives.

Donovan developed an interest in art and photography from a young age and studied at the London County Council School of Photoengraving and Lithography. 

Growing up amidst the transformative aftermath of World War II, Donovan ingeniously incorporated the scarred industrial landscapes into much of his fashion photography, thus establishing a trend followed by photographers.

The 1960s marked Donovan's breakthrough, a period characterized by profound societal shifts and artistic exploration. Alongside contemporaries David Bailey and Brian Duffy, he formed the iconic "Black Trinity," a group that would redefine fashion photography and play a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant scene of Swinging London during that era.

Throughout the 1970s, Donovan's lens graced the pages of various fashion magazines, and his creative talents extended to directing TV commercials and even the feature film "Yellow Dog."

Further demonstrating his versatility, Donovan directed two iconic music videos for pop sensation Robert Palmer's chart-topping hits, "Addicted to Love" and "Simply Irresistible." These videos featured models in identical attire, characterized by pale faces, dramatic eye makeup, and vivid red lipstick—an aesthetic reminiscent of Patrick Nagel's distinctive artwork.

At the heart of Terence Donovan's signature style lies a candid and authentic approach. His innate ability to capture the natural beauty of his subjects remains his defining trait, leaving a mark on the world of photography. 

Naomi Campbell, Elle, September 1989

Elvis Costello, 1985

Twiggy, Woman's Mirror, August 27, 1966

Diana, Princess of Wales, 1990

Cindy Crawford, 1988

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com

https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/terence-donovan-portraits/

https://www.terencedonovan.co.uk/

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG9636166/The-fashion-photographs-of-Terence-Donovan.html

https://www.phillips.com/detail/terence-donovan/UK040212/22

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6696854/?ref_=nm_knf_c_4

https://mydadsalbums.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/simply-irresistible/ 

The Paul Family Quilt

While perusing the pages of Smithsonian Magazine (vol. 52, no. 06), I stumbled upon an article showcasing a remarkable quilt crafted by Catherine Paul between 1830 and 1835. The article details the journey of Catherine and her family as they relocated from Greenwich, Massachusetts to the frontier town of Solon, Maine.

This embroidered masterpiece, crafted from wool, weaves a captivating narrative of the family's history and their connection to their newfound home. It is adorned with intricate depictions of people, animals, floral patterns, and geometric motifs. What's particularly intriguing is the quilt's distinctive shape, purposefully tailored to snugly adorn a four-poster bed.

 Source:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/american-history-quilts-180978586/

https://thepointsguy.com/news/history-quilt-exhibits/

https://collections.mfa.org/objects/462617

Anselm Feuerbach

Art Appreciation

Anselm Feuerbach, the renowned German painter born on September 12, 1829, left an indelible mark on the world of art with his neoclassical brilliance and innovative creations. Operating in an era of artistic transformation in Europe, Feuerbach's work continues to enthrall global audiences, showcasing his dedication to the realms of beauty, mythology, and the human form.

Growing up in a family of intellectuals, Feuerbach inherited a deep appreciation for classical aesthetics from his father, an archaeologist, and his maternal grandfather, a celebrated classical scholar. This early immersion in ancient culture and art profoundly influenced his artistic sensibilities.

At the age of 16, Feuerbach embarked on his artistic journey at the Düsseldorf Academy, which conveyed a blend of linearism and Neoclassical drawing techniques. However, his tenure at the academy was relatively brief, as he ventured forth to Munich, then Antwerp, and ultimately found himself in Paris, where he became a pupil of Thomas Couture until 1854.

Italy became Feuerbach's creative sanctuary for the next two decades, where he drew immense inspiration from the Italian masters. In 1862, a fortuitous encounter with Count Adolf Friedrich von Schack, a distinguished German poet and art collector, led to a significant commission. Schack entrusted Feuerbach with the task of replicating Italian old masters. One hallmark of Feuerbach's artistry was his commitment to the classical ideals of beauty, form, and harmony. Drawing from the works of Roman artists, he strove to resurrect the grandeur of antiquity within his canvases. His masterpieces often wove together mythological and historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on Roman mythology from the vantage point of the 19th century.

In 1873, Feuerbach took the position of professor of history painting at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. His mentorship extended to several notable pupils, including Ludwig Deutsch, Rudolf Ernst, and Jean Discart. However, in 1877, he chose to resign from his post and relocate to Venice.

Though Anselm Feuerbach's life was relatively brief, concluding in 1880 at the age of 50, his legacy endures as a testament to the eternal allure of classical artistry. His works continue to be cherished for their evocative storytelling, impeccable technique, and timeless resonance.

Self-portrait (1873)

Remembrance of Tivoli (1866)

Hafiz at the Fountain (1852)

Nanna (c. 1861)

The Judgement of Paris (c. 1869)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://celestialvenus.wordpress.com/2017/09/23/anselm-feuerbach/
https://www.artworkonly.com/famous-art-pt-4/paolo-and-francesca-by-anselm-feuerbach-famous-art-handmade-oil-painting-on-canvas

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dusseldorf-school

https://www.meisterdrucke.ie/fine-art-prints/Anselm-Feuerbach/1324267/Hafiz-at-the-Fountain-(oil-painting).html

Body Art: Claudia Kraemer - Julie Boehm

Artist: Claudia Kraemer

Model: Julie Boehm

via Julie Boehm 

Sarah McLachlan - Possession

Music Appreciation

As you probably have figured out, after following this blog, you kinda get my type. Although I do have a soft spot for blondes, and reds are intriguing, its the brunettes that do it for me, like Sarah McLachlan. :) 

Released on September 10, 1993, Sarah McLachlan's Possession was the first single from her album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. Written and composed by the Canadian singer-songwriter McLachlan, the iconic song's lyrics deals with an actual stalker. Supposedly, some lyrics are from the stalker's letters he left McLauchlan. 

The music video for "Possession" is equally powerful. Directed by McLachlan, the video features herself wrapped in white cloth. The video has biblical reference depicting vanity, deceit, corruption, intimacy, and taboo. 

Source:

Wikipedia

https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/5760/

Cosplay is an Art: Otakon 2023 Washington, DC

via Justin Cosplay