Taste of The Week 11/25/23
Kenneth Blom, Art Objectives, The real real shopping list, blue tights and much more
Winter mornings are the quietest time of the year. The temperature has dropped below freezing in the past week, immediately putting me into survival mode (romanticizing winter is hard when the top priority is to survive more than anything). Getting myself out of the apartment has become a chore when the fresh air pierces my lungs every single breathing second (times like this make me grateful that my two-year-old Australian Shepherd was trained to know how to use his doggy toilet at home). I’ve been preparing myself, collecting a reading list, hot drink ideas, lots of writing, and many sparks, inspirations, and fantasies about spring to help me get through seasonal depression. So, here is the list of the week; it’s a short one. My fingers warmed up while writing this, and I hope it helps you in some ways as well.
ART
Two really well designed dance choreography, and so much emotions within. Please check out COME HERE and THIS DANCE FROM B UNIQUE CREW.
Norwegian artist Kenneth Blom has a consistent and recurring theme and technique in his paintings. The more time I take to look at his work, the more I capture the tension and transcendental connection between the interior and exterior. Talking about how art makes one feel is hard as the experience can be extremely personal. My comment about any art that shared will probably only make sense for a few, so I encourage you to take time to look at them yourself.
(A few of my favorite pieces from Kenneth Blom)
READ
Talking about the art of “looking at art”, I find myself revisiting the book "Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery" by Jeanette Winterson (also one of my favorite authors) probably at the beginning of every season. I read the e-book version for the first time about two years ago while I was writing a novel about a museum security guard (not yet finished) and immediately purchased the paperback. I've read it so many times and also brought it to the beach with me that the paper has turned yellow and wrinkly. The book aged with me. If you want a copy, you can thrift yours at thriftbook.com for $4.
LISTEN
Lofi Afrobeats. I’m obsessed with Afro music.
Everything Everywhere All at Once” soundtrack by Son Lux. (Can’t believe I haven’t seen the movie).
FASHION
I almost want to put a disclaimer on every post where I talked about beautiful objects that THIS IS NOT an invitation for you to purchase (although you are welcome to do so). It is solely where I document pretty things and share my struggles in understanding my relationship with shopping.
I love browsing, but shopping is never my thing. Clicking the checkout button is like exposure therapy for me. Sometimes it heals, and sometimes it further enhances the past traumas I had around money. The act of purchasing forces me to look at the things I own, the things I will never be able to own. Does my purchase do me justice? Does it do others justice? (It’s a whole new essay, and I will talk about this another time).
This holiday season, I’m trying to prioritize shopping from small businesses or buying second-hand. A little The Real Real find for you:
(Celine Blazer $265, Balenciaga City Bag $465, Gucci Turtleneck Sleeveless Top $245, Tibi Crew Neck T-Shirt $56, Celine Big Bag $1595, Jil Sander Leather Mules $247, Gucci Sunglasses $263, Celine Handcuff $400, Ulla Johnson Sweater $246)
I’ve pinned this necklace inspo on my Pinterest for a while, and finally get to purchase the Flower Necklace from Brooke Callahan. It reminds me so much of summer.
(@louisaballou styling the necklace)
Colored tights brings me joy. I love blue tights the most; it is giving the 80s corporate Siren. The second the temperature goes up to 50°F, you will catch me in blue tights, a linen skirt, sheer top, and lots of layering.
What inspires you this week? Please leave it in the comments. I love reading emails and comments from you. Cyber connections helps me get through the winter.