Let's Just Dance

Sure, this world is full of trouble-

I ain't said it ain't,

Lord! I've had enough, an' double,

Reason for complaint.

Rain an' storm have come to fret me,

Skies were often gray:

Thorns an' brambles have beset me

On the road, but say,

Ain't it fine today!

What's the use of always weepin',

Making' trouble last?

What's the use of always keepin'

Thinkin' of the past?

Each must have this tribulation,

Water with his wine.

Life it ain't no celebration.

Trouble? I've had mine-

But today is fine.

It's today that I am livin',

Not a month ago,

Havin', losing', takin', givin'

As time wills it so.

Yesterday a cloud of sorrow

Fell across the way;

It may rain again tomorrow,

It may rain-but, say,

Aint's it fine today!

~Douglas Malloch

I hope you enjoy your weekend, sweet readers.

May you find joy in whatever you do and

in whatever circumstances you find yourself in.

May we all find a moment where we can just dance it all away...

and enjoy the beauty and purity of the moment.

Let's just dance...

xo,

Christina

Svenska Elle
Photographer:
Sandra Freij

Stylist:
Ellen Af Geijerstam

James M. Graham Photographer Of "Some Of This Is True" Book and Insightful Interview

This week I would like to take a look back at the favorite posts during the last six months of Fabulous Finds Gal's inception. I so appreciate if you have been following along and still come to visit . I have grown as a blogger through these past months and I have a way to go. But, I am so grateful for the new comers that may not have been here the whole way as I have grown, but motivate me to keep typing and sharing. You all are incredibly inspirational to me and really make it all worthwhile.

I am going to share my favorites and the posts that got the most commentary. Sometimes these are the same and sometimes not. I grow quite fond of anyone that would give me time for an interview, so let's start with the fabulously talented James Graham with some of my favorite photos and my most fun interviewer that speaks it how it dang is... Well, that's James for you. This man tells it how it is.


James Graham specializes in portraits and narrative imagery in fashion, fine art and erotica. He works in both film and digital. James has spent 20 years as a filmmaker, at various times producing, writing, directing and shooting. He has worked on a variety of projects ranging from a Guns 'n' Roses video to the 2004 Natori Lingerie Campaign. He was a nominee for Black & White Spider Awards for the category of professional fashion photography. His work has been published internationally, including in the Taschen book, "The New Erotic Photography".

His Artistic Aesthetic:
I like darkness. I like contrast and I like juxtaposition.

By darkness, I mean the full definition of the word: low light, shadow, but also something sinister. Something unsafe. Something unexpected.

Contrast, I mean in the photographic sense: sharp whites and blacks.

Juxtaposition, I think of as a means to take contrast into the emotional. Something here is not quite "right" is my preferred working style.



My work comes from my 30 year study of motion pictures. Intense study - like, I seek out who the cinematographer of my favorite David Lynch film is (Freddie Francis). I went to NYU in order to be a cinematographer and came out the other end a Producer.



How do you decide when to use color versus B&W?

If I decide to shoot color there is an aesthetic reason- a hue I want, the color temperature of the light, a piece of clothing, lipstick, hair... and when I shoot color I always shoot black and white too. Not as a back-up, really, but as a way to see the same thing the color sees differently.

What does color do or reflect in the shot versus B&W?

It's a different mood. It triggers different emotions. It looks like real life, but not really.

Can you share with us how you get the models "eyes" to be so present in each shot?

When asked what my work is about, I always say "the subject's eyes". They are what I am drawn to when I look through the lens. They're what I automatically want to bring into focus. It's a cliche', but there is something to that "windows to the soul" adage. Then there's also the connection between the model and photographer. Many times while I am lighting a subject I will ask them to look right at me. This is practical (I set the light to kick off of their eyes) and directorial (by looking right back at them I try to give them something to hold on to- trust, calm, a certain seriousness-something). What the subject does with that something is what makes the photograph "them".


Do you choose a model or location differently for a color shot versus a B&W?

Not normally, but I suppose it depends. On everything...



James has a book being launched shortly called "Some of This is True". The compilation of photographs in the book are surprisingly half nudes standing on chairs and the other half are sad playboy bunnys. Strange juxtaposition? No, not really. See a few sad and sexy bunnys below. They are fascinating, sexy, expressive and dark. The sharpness and contrast of the black and white is his signature. He also makes women standing on chairs look amazing from such a unexpected and unique position. Standing on chairs? Who would have thought that would be sexy or even vaguely interesting? James did...

A few questions regarding your upcoming book, "Some of This is True".
When is it being launched and where to purchase?

It is coming out this Fall on Luxxus Press, a small fine art imprint here in NYC. It will be available in a limited edition hardback edition as well as in softcover. It will be available online at http://www.luxxuspress.com/ and in several photography bookstores here in New York.

How did you come up with the sad playboy bunny concept?

I was struck with the fondness that that particular era and lifestyle are remembered in. You know, oh, the good old days. The good old days where women were treated like sh.., taken advantage of and made to serve. It was just a simple thought about the irony of that.

How on earth did you come up with nude ladies standing on chairs?

I don't really know. I was shooting a plus-size model and asked her to stand on top of an old wooden toolbox with wheels on it. I mainly wanted to push her limits. So that shot was interesting. Then I was shooting another model and asked her to stand on a chair, but shot her from the waist down. Then I was shooting a porn star and asked her to stand on a chair-again, don't know why, but obviously something was cooking in my head. After seeing that shot, I sat down and made a list of rules for the series, and went to work. I've heard some interesting interpretations of it from different people

How did you decide on the cover picture out of all available?

There are actually two covers as it is a "flip over" book- one series to each side. My editor/publisher suggested both shots and I agreed wholeheartedly. He's got an amazing eye.


Interesting title for your book... What about the book is "true" for you?

Naming your work is the hardest thing in the world to me. I suggested all these random titles that in retrospect were completely and utterly terrible. Most of them sounded like Morrissey reject song titles! Laughably bad. My editor/publisher surprised me with this title when we went through the first test pressing. As soon as I read it, I loved it. He said that at a previous meeting I had said something like that and he remembered it. So, technically it can be attributed to me, but really, it was all him. What about the book is "true" for me? I created all the photographs.

What Inspires you?

I think my biggest inspiration is to create. That and to leave some evidence of me in the world. I would like to be appreciated by an audience and perhaps inspire someone else, but mostly it's an inner drive to create.

You can view his complete portfolio on his website. His stylish and thought provoking blog is worth a look, as well. You can view my previous post regarding some of his amazing black and white editorial fashion photography here. James is available for commercial, editorial, fashion, and portrait assignments. He grew up in North Carolina, but resides in Brooklyn, New York.

I can't help but love his honesty, passion for being creative and his work. The eyes...oh... the eyes. I am lucky enough to have my website with James's photography (you can't see me, but I'm pinching myself) . I feel like one lucky fabulous finds gal.

What do you think of his work or what does it conjure up for you?

SNEAK PEEK Into The New Tony Duquette Book Called More is More~ More Over-The-Top Style

More is More!! Nothing says more, more and more than Tony Duquette. The new book that can be preordered now at Amazon should be quite an over-the-top feast for the eyes.

American artist and design legend Tony Duquette (1914-1999) was known for his over-the-top style in interiors, jewelry, costumes, and set design. His clients included Elizabeth Arden, the Duchess of Windsor, and Herb Alpert. (This image and the following are from the Tony Duqette's previous book called Tony Duquette)




The multi-talented Duquette designed sets for MGM musicals with Arthur Freed and Vincente Minnelli, and designed Tony Award-winning costumes for the original Broadway production of Camelot. Duquette was the first American to exhibit a one-man show at the Louvre in Paris.



I can't wait to get my hot little hands on this new book.

What do you think of Tony Duquette's style?

More is More book cover found at Amazon.com

Additional images found at From Betsy with Love

Interior Design Inspiration and Home Tour with Vicki Archer, Author of 'My French Life' and 'French Essence'

Come on over... sit down and relax... Welcome to Vicki Archer's magnificent farmhouse in the South of France. Have you ever wondered how to get the "most bang for your buck" in home decor? Or, where to even begin when decorating? How to choose colors? Vicki shares all...

Vicki Archer, author of My French Life and French Essence, has so very kindly agreed for share a few interior design tips with us. Many of her blog followers, like me, have seen her luxurious and stately farmhouse in France in her posts and have loved following her through her life vicariously on her blog French Essence. Her book My French Life was a APA Book Design Awards-Illustrated Book Winner- 2007. Her second book called French Essence (click on highlight to view book details) is a celebration of life in Provence, one of the most charming regions in France. Vicki reveals the underpinnings of that famous French ambiance and sense of style, and offers inspiration to all of us who want to understand the beauty, experience the lifestyle and emulate the interiors of this exquisite part of the world. Ten years ago, Vicki bought and restored a seventeenth-century property in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and told the story in her book My French Life. Now, in collaboration again with celebrated photographer Carla Coulson, she shares with us her love for Provence. The book is Published by Penguin and available in Australia at the send of September. The dates are pending regarding it's release in the UK and U.S.A. So, I was so pleased to hear she would take time out of her busy schedule to share with us her design philosophy.

So, the premise was she was to assume a guy or gal is starting out in life with nothing and hasn't made any design decisions for their home. So, here we go...

Where do you think they should start?

The most important thing for me is to know what you like. I know that is a very simple statement but many people don't know what they like or if they like something they don't know why it is that they like it. I don't for a moment think that everybody can be a designer or have knockout personal style but with enough time and energy we can all learn. Before starting a project I think research is the key. Read every magazine available, borrow books, wander antique fairs and contemporary exhibitions- learn what you like and why you like it.

Do you have any advice regarding the design style or philosophy?

My design style is eclectic and I change my mind on a daily basis. I re-arrange my furniture endlessly and I pour over design magazines, blogs and interior books in my quest for new ways to reinvent my comfort. Home should be the most comfortable place in the world and I think sometimes people forget that. Comfort is easy to create it just takes time and a little thoughtfulness.

Where can we skimp?

Skimping can equal clever.

Do loads of things yourself and search out interesting objects in flea markets and on your travels. Fabric is one place to save money; there are many inexpensive materials that look wonderful as long as there is lots of it. But never skimp on flowers... the best rooms always have a personal floral touch- even if it is a few leaves from the garden artfully arranged.

Where to splurge?

I recently wrote a post entitled 'all stars no chorus line' and what I was trying to say is that for a room to be great it only needs one 'star' and the rest 'chorus line'. A room needs an anchor and a major piece should do the job. For example, nothing looks more interesting than a beautiful antique commode with an unknown artist hanging above. Splurge on one thing and have fun with the rest of the shopping.

What to look for in the major investment pieces of furniture that may stay for years?

The same rule applies; only buy what you love and those things that you can't live without. I waited until I could afford the sofa I wanted because it is an investment that will last forever. I think the shape of the sofa is also important- a classic, simple shape will work in most rooms and can be covered and recovered as moods change over the years. A sofa should be generous of proportion and above all comfortable- a sofa should invite you to sink into it and make you want to curl up and stay cosy forever. My bed philosophy is the same- don't spare expense when it comes to comfort- find the best mattress, pillows, duvets or blankets. There are a lot of waking and sleeping hours that we spend sitting on our sofas or lying on our beds, we need to make the most of them.

Would you suggest tackling the design "room by room" or take on the entire house in the beginning?

I think it is possible and practical financially to take on a house room by room, but I think to have an overall plan to work with at the outset is best. When we renovated our farmhouse we had an overall plan but we tackled it in three stages. A thorough and well thought out plan can be the difference between a great result and a disaster. Planning saves money in the long run and enables you to turn the house that you have bought into the home of your dreams.

How many colors do you recommend to use in each room or in the home?

I guess there are many schools of thought on this; I prefer a single palette with tonal differences rather than a different colour in every room kind of look. I do believe the style of house/apartment and the climate dictate what works best. I live in an open plan style of house where it is very hot half of the year and very cold the rest of the time. This presents major decorating challenges and I am still trying to figure out what works best. My wall colours are neutral with lighter or darker hues depending on the sunlight in the individual rooms. I love colour and tend to add that by way of soft furnishings and art works. In winter I bring out the rugs and the throw blankets and in summer I roll them and fold them away again.

How do they decide on what colors to use in their home?

The first thing is to go with the colours that you are familiar with and that you love. Pick a base colour for the walls, whether it is paint or wallpaper and accessorize them from there. Experiment with different colours- be brave, buy sample paints and don't rush. Remember that colours change when they dry and that they alter in the shade at certain times of day. If you have any doubt or concerns that the colours you have chosen aren't working then it is not the right choice. Never settle for what you think is just ok; take the time, start again from the beginning and your colour will appear.

What to expect as a timeline in creating a home?

About double the time that is estimated (and double the cost)!

Any other bits of advice to give?

Trust your judgement above that of others. You are the one who has to wake up every morning and live with your handwork. Have the courage of your convictions; you will be surprised how clever you are.

Vicki doesn't actually have a formal design background, but studied History and Psychology. She says "I guess I just know what I like and secondly I really care about my surroundings. As for fashion- I don't know if loving beautiful things is a curse or a blessing..."

~~~I could leave the rat race behind and live in this in this farmhouse. How about you? Are you inspired? Learned anything new?

xo,

Fabulous Finds Gal

Lily Cole Is Ready For Her Close-Up and "Womans Love" Poem

Woman's Love

Man knows not love-such love as woman feels.

In him it is vast devouring flame~

Resistless fed-in its own strength consumed.

In woman's heart it enters step by step,

Concealed, disowned, until its gentler ray

Breathes forth a light, illuminating her world.

Man loves not for repose; he wooes the flower

To wear it as the victor's trophied crown;

Whilst woman, when she glories in her love,

More like the dove, in noiseless constancy,

Watches the nest of her affection till

'Tis shed upon the tomb of him she loves.

~Anonymous

Don't forget to enter in the Urban Spark Jewellery Giveaway!

Photo credit: New York Times

Chic Camping in France at the Les Ormes Campground~ "Thank God for the Country" by Mrs. Major Arnold

Thank God for country, the vast stretch of land,

Sun kissed and by Heaven's sweet breath ever fanned;

Blue skies overlooking the grass and the trees,

The singing of birds and the humming of bees.

'Twas man made the skyscrapers, towering so high,

That shut out the sunshine from all who pass by;

The fields and green pastures, the brooks and the flowers,

Were fashioned alike by omnipotent powers.

'Twas man built the tenements, crowding the poor,

Where women and children foul air must endure;

But God gave the open, the fresh country breeze,

Where children may frolic and play as they please.

'Twas man made the city, apartment and street,

Where riches and poverty closely now meet;

But, God gave the country, the rich fertile soil,

And the fat of the land for all who will toil.

Thank God for the country, the quiet and rest,

The peace and the plenty with which it is blest,

The ground and the grass for over pavement-tired feet,

The honey and cream and the good things to eat.

Thank God for the country, thrice blessed are they

Who bathe in its glories and beauties to-day,

Oh, short is our span in the city's fast life!

But hoary heads crowneth the farmer and wife.

~Mrs. Major Arnold

This place truly seems like a little heaven here on earth.

You can find out more information regarding this magical camping place on their website at the Les Ormes Campground. I found all photos and information from the lovely blog Belle Maison 23.

I must add this special place to my bucket list. Anyone else with me, been here or another camping ground that is similar in flavor?