First Thursdays: Eclectic Knights III

First Thursdays at The Orlando Museum of Art

Pioneer of Passion: Alexander McQueen

Last Saturday I visited the wonderfully imaginative Alexander McQueen Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and it was worth every minute of the three hour long wait. The classically timeless collection of works by the revolutionary designer was absolutely fascinating. His mysteriously genius creations expressed such a vast vocabulary of creative expression, welcoming you into his world of fantasy, dreams, horror and beauty. The designer's disturbingly dark yet brilliantly beautiful garments honor centuries of victims, vixens and queens. McQueen's obsession with exposing the ugliest elements of humanity are brought to light on elegantly feminine forms. The romantically tragic poetry of Edgar Allen Poe narrates the surreal world of dream-like visions. The winding gallery spaces were completely transformed into a capsule of McQueen's mind, enticing visitors with the welcoming words, "I am going to take you on journeys you've never dreamed were possible." 

Traveling through the galleries of magical imagination was an incredible experience. I explored an intimate maze of rooms with rusted mirrors, reflecting fabric masterpieces from every angle and beyond. I was particularly drawn to the 2008 collection "The Girl Who Lived in the Tree." McQueen found inspiration for these sculptural, organically embellished garments on his trip to India as well as an ancient elm tree in his garden. The collection features feathery flowing skirts with peacock embroideries made of Jem Palace Jewels, painstakingly sewn beadwork, and layers of leathers, feathers and lace. McQueen tells the tale of a girl who lives in a tree but emerges from its leafy oppression to discover the warmth of love and sunshine . Her newfound freedom manifests the mood of the designer, who embraces the light after an extended dark period in his life.

In 2010, I created a series of Tree House drawings, featuring a young girl suspended in voluntary solitude from the world. She is seemingly lonely and melancholy from the outside, but finding only stillness and peace within. She lives high above the world in a tree house perched on pointed wooden legs entwined in ropes and vines. Surrounded by empty bird cages, blank canvases and silence she experiences an evolution of emotional growth. The moment she feels whole again she would reenter the world, leaving her meditative healing state behind. I have been incorporating this theme back into my work with birdcages, tree houses and botanical, living organisms. My work continues to evolve and grow as I embark on this journey of visual discovery.

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Photo of runway show found on: http://www.fawngehweiler.com/blog

Under The Bodhi Tree

“Under the Bodhi Tree” is a limited edition of 10 screen prints. The Bodhi tree is the sacred tree under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. It takes 100 to 3,000 years for the tree to fully grow. The blossoming lotus flower has many layers of symbolism, appearing in creation stories, enlightenment stories, and in association with the chakras. The ultimate meaning is that it represents awakening to the spiritual reality of life. The pink lotus is the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity, the Great Buddha.

Drawn By Music

Etching/watercolor. © Rochelle Fox 2002

After staying up all hours of the night drinking countless forms of canned caffeine, I stepped back from my etching and braced myself for a critique. I was barely awake and hoping my work would speak for itself.  My fellow classmates and I stood around the table waiting for the first person to be questioned, scorned, appraised or embarrassed… it was always an unpredictable and scary experience with Robert Rivers, the boot camp professor of printmaking. He's an extremely intense, dedicated, obsessive artist and he doesn't have the patience for anything but hard work. 

Rivers, with a pensive look on his face, had a serious question for us,… "What is your favorite music, band, or song?" Naturally, I was confused by the relevance of the question, blanking completely and struggling to think of the right answer. It had been months since I played a song over and over again, feeling that same strong emotional connection to the lyrics and melody. As Rivers went around the room listening to people reluctantly answer the question he seemed disappointed. We had been so focused on the artwork and perfection that we forgot about the passion that goes behind it. It's what fuels the creativity and gives it substance. The creative process is a multifaceted one. The more we develop and nurture all aspects of our lives, the richer our  work will be. 

If you find yourself in a paper-crumpling, seemingly dead-end rut, perhaps other things are being neglected. As artists we often find ourselves delving into a secret world of imagery, theories and grandiose ideas. It is equally as important to connect with other forms of creative expression and passions. Travel, eat delicious foods, listen to your favorite band and let it take you back to a sweet moment in your life. Keep a journal of all things inspiring; a collection of thoughts, colors, sketches, dreams and music lyrics.

The Sketchbook Project 2012 

Sign up to join the 2012 Sketchbook Project. Each participant receives a blank sketchbook that will be exhibited on the 2012 tour and cataloged permanently in the Brooklyn Art Library.

La Dolce Vita

I recently broke my 5-years-without-a-vacation period and went on an amazing trip to Italy! I decided not to do too much research (which I left to my boyfriend) and simply discover something new each day. It was the most incredibly inspiring 9 days I’ve had in a very long time. Walking the streets of Rome, eating delicious hazelnut gelato, pizza by the pound and perfectly cooked pasta... I took in every sight, smell and sound from the city. The energy is simultaneously, unbelievably alive and relaxed. A perfect balance of passion, joy, beauty, determination and attention to every delicate detail. A stroll through the park in the morning, a glass of Merlot in the afternoon, and all the random things that happen in between... Enough to feed the soul and rejuvenate the creative juices. After walking through the surreal, polished marble-covered walls of the Borghese Museum we walked down a winding path of the greenest park. We found a cool, shady spot under the trees and spent hours watching people walk by. A perfectly sunny, yet breezy Spring day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A small piece of heaven.

I continued working on a pen and ink drawing that I had started before we left for our trip. Simply creating a beautiful shape that becomes a flower that spirals into a leaf and blossoms into a branch. By allowing this organic process to develop I have discovered the balance of obsession and playfulness in my work and life... La Dolce Vita (the Sweet Life)!

Follow Your Botanical Bliss!

My nature-inspired designs and yoga wear have an element of restorative, healing energy and vitality. From sunny daffodils of Spring to enchanting lotus flowers in bloom, my work is intended to bring a little bit of harmony and balance into your everyday life!

Decorations and inspirations for your wardrobe and home! My black and white, pen and ink drawings (all drawn with a tiny .005 micron pen) come to life on each item in this whimsical shop. From shirts to scarves, blossoming botanicals and dreamy daffodils are transformed into wearable works of art. Some of the designs wrap around the body as if adorned with a delicately detailed tattoo. These organic, dreamy patterns and prints transcend the paper and find a new home to incorporate into your life. I create a vivid rainbow of hybrid flowers, taking you on a journey through a world of swirly, feathered petals and my signature striped clouds.

Lady Lotus, the goddess of beauty, fortune and wisdom brings good luck and celebrates the bounty of nature in my work. I often features the glowing Buddha, surrounded by the delicate balance of nature. Each color corresponds to feng shui elements, attracting all good things into your life! Whether it’s love, prosperity, balance or healing there’s something for everyone.

I am inspired by carved marble walls of Indian temples, Indigo Isnic tiles of Turkey, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Rainbow cookies from New York bakeries, camping adventures, getting lost on long walks in the city, yogi tea fortunes and all things creative. In the words of Bill Cunningham, “Those who seek beauty WILL find it”

Silk Scarf on Etsy

What are you inspired by? What's your favorite 80's love song, children's book, and ice cream flavor?

Go "Green" for Mother's Day

 Check out my latest print on the Etsy shop. Add a little splash of Spring to your home or office with this vibrant, floral screen print! This beautiful bouquet of daffodil and hibiscus flowers blossom on intertwining vines of foliage, reaching up through Rochelle's signature striped clouds. The ethereal green sky is symbolic of growth and healing. Green is the feng shui color of renewal, fresh energy and new beginnings. Give the gift of Green this Mother's Day!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73354928/spring-floral-screen-print