Dance: Ángela Aguilar - La Llorona

via AJQuest Videos 

Cosplay is an Art: GREATER AUSTIN COMIC CON TEXAS 2024

via Mineralblu 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2024​

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its much-anticipated return after a six-year break, and it was a total runway revival at the Brooklyn Navy Yard! Stars like Gigi Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Tyra Banks strutted their stuff, but it wasn’t just about the iconic angel wings and lacy lingerie this time. The show embraced a modern twist with sleek ponytails, bold smoky eyes, and, of course, a sprinkle of glitter. Chief Design Officer Janie Schaffer ensured the event stayed fresh, featuring plus-size and transgender models like Valentina Sampaio. A dazzling comeback with a diverse touch!

via Victoria's Secret

Sources:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a62612168/victorias-secret-fashion-show-hair-makeup-photos-2024/

https://nypost.com/2024/10/19/entertainment/transgender-victorias-secret-model-valentina-sampaio-fires-back-at-critics-after-her-debut-at-fashion-show/

https://www.allure.com/story/victorias-secret-fashion-show-2024-review

https://www.salon.com/2024/10/16/why-is-the-victorias-secret-fashion-show-back-and-whats-changed/

Teikō Shiotani

Photography Appreciation

Teikō Shiotani, born on October 24, 1899, in Tottori Prefecture, Japan, was a pioneering figure in Japanese photography, particularly noted for his contributions to the shashin (art photography) movement in the early 20th century. His upbringing in rural Japan, amidst the natural landscapes of Tottori, deeply influenced his photographic style, which often featured serene, poetic depictions of nature. Unlike many of his contemporaries who gravitated towards urban landscapes, Shiotani sought to capture the quiet beauty of the countryside, using soft, delicate tones to emphasize the emotional atmosphere of his subjects.

Shiotani's primary tool was the Vest Pocket Kodak (VPK), a compact and portable camera that became popular among early 20th-century photographers. The VPK allowed Shiotani to explore new, more intimate ways of framing his compositions. His work with this camera was groundbreaking in its ability to translate the ethereal qualities of his natural surroundings into visual art. The use of the VPK, despite its simplicity compared to other professional equipment of the time, was pivotal in defining his unique aesthetic, which often involved soft focus and an emphasis on subtle gradations of light and shadow.

Shiotani’s work continues to be celebrated for its quiet elegance and its pioneering use of minimalist composition in photography.

Boy Priest Sitting (1929)

Bird's-Eye View of a Village (1925)

Source:

Wikipedia

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: KiaraBerry Cosplay - Shadowheart

via KiaraBerry Cosplay 

N.C. Wyeth

Art Appreciation

Newell Convers (N.C.) Wyeth, born on October 22, 1882, in Needham, Massachusetts, was one of the most influential American illustrators of the early 20th century. 

Raised in a rural environment, Wyeth's early life was deeply influenced by the New England landscape, which played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. Encouraged by his mother, who recognized his talent, Wyeth pursued his passion for art, studying under esteemed illustrator Howard Pyle at his school in Wilmington, Delaware. Pyle’s guidance was crucial in Wyeth's development, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in visual art. This mentorship, combined with Wyeth's fascination with adventure and the American West, defined his distinctive approach to painting and illustration.

Wyeth's early influences were diverse and deeply tied to the world of adventure and exploration. He was fascinated by the Wild West and its mythology, and in 1904, traveled to the West for the first time, immersing himself in the landscape and culture. This experience inspired much of his work, leading to illustrations that exuded authenticity and vivid imagery. 

His illustrations for popular magazines and novels, including works by Robert Louis Stevenson and James Fenimore Cooper, brought him national recognition. The combination of Pyle's training and Wyeth's firsthand exposure to the American frontier made his work resonate with audiences looking for tales of heroism and discovery.

Among his most well-known paintings are "The Giant" and "The Last of the Mohicans." "The Giant," painted in 1923, illustrates the grandeur and mythic qualities of the American landscape, reflecting Wyeth’s fascination with the natural environment and its almost otherworldly character. In "The Last of the Mohicans" (1919), created as part of his illustrations for the novel by James Fenimore Cooper, Wyeth captured the drama and intensity of the American frontier, using a dynamic composition and vivid color palette. These works are celebrated for their storytelling power, effectively merging illustration with a painter's sensibility, and solidifying Wyeth's legacy as a master of both the adventurous and the evocative in American art.

The Last of the Mohicans (1940)

The Last of the Mohicans (1919)

The Giant (1923)

The King's Henchman (1927)

The Alchemist (1937)

Sources:

Wikipedia 

https://collections.brandywine.org/objects/10955/the-kings-henchman?ctx=4c96b92e-eee9-463e-9dad-44a8df24a59b&idx=0

https://www.nocloo.com/n-c-wyeth-illustrated-books-art-gallery/

https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/5t34sk21x

https://germanicmythology.com/works/WyethArt.html

https://collections.brandywine.org/ncwcr

https://www.americanartarchives.com/wyeth,nc.htm

https://youtu.be/CQBeSbGM3r4

Katie Vernola

Model Appreciation

Born on October 21, 1991, Katie Vernola’s journey began like a high-speed dream in Victorville, California. Even while in high school, she was booking modeling gigs, and soon after turning 18, she reached a major milestone—being selected by Hugh Hefner himself as the centerfold for Miss June 2010. This achievement made her the youngest Playmate featured in Playboy at the time, launching her into the spotlight with print publications and even a few acting opportunities. But Katie’s ambitions went far beyond posing for the camera; she had a true passion for something a little more rugged—off-road racing.

Katie’s love for off-roading took center stage as soon as she had the funds to fuel her dream. She bought her first Polaris RZR 900 and immediately turned it into a racing machine, ready to compete in the Lucas Oil Regional series. It wasn’t just about fun in the dirt; she was breaking boundaries as one of the few women in her racing class, determined to make her mark. 

Fast forward a few years, and Katie’s off-roading passion has only grown—she now races a Prolite in the Lucas Oil Championship Off-Road Series, participates in long-distance UTV events, and runs her own shop building and prepping race vehicles. Racing isn't just a hobby; it’s her lifestyle.

Beyond the track, Katie’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does. She spends her days building race vehicles and pushing herself physically to stay at peak performance. 

Sources:

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Katie_Vernola

https://twitter.com/KatieVRacing

https://www.instagram.com/katievracing

https://www.offroadexpo.com/industry-news/playmate-to-pro-lite-katie-vernola/