an ode to the moleskine

A timeless tradition of artists and writers, the Moleskine is a simplistic array of journals, diaries and sketchbooks.  They pay tribute to the sleek, durable notebooks used by many of the great thinkers from the past including Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.

A nameless black notebook carried throughout the world recording the thoughts, stories, sketches and ideas that would become the writings and art cherished today. Now, Moleskine artwork can be found throughout the digital world and fuses many mediums together - watching the progression of this paper bound book move into the virtual realm is quite intriguing.  

The Sketchbook Project is the newest chapter in this legacy.  A tour of thousands of sketchbooks created by anyone, anywhere in the world will go across the US on an exhibition in museums and galleries.  After the tour the books will make their final stop in a permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library where they will be available for public view.  Artists can track where their sketchbook is and how many times its been pulled off the shelf.  They can also have the entire book digitized to flip through online and have it viewed internationally.    

Artists must order their Moleskine by October 31st '10 and choose a theme.  Check out the site for details.

The Sketchbook Project

To get inspired and see how others fill up their Moleskine's visit the site.  It'll be sure to get the creative juices flowing. ;) xoxo love,

jolie

{photo sources: Extrasist0le}

Tweet

sunlit afternoon

{photos by Jolie Adele}

Tweet

burnt orange

As the leaves fall off the trees and the sunlight dims golden earlier each day I am reminded of how much I love the crisp, fresh colour of burnt orange.  Whether its a hint of the rich hue in a soft, flowing fabric or a touch of boldness in a bright white room it is lovely any time of the year.

Channeling the darling Miss Anna Karina in a spread long ago for Mean Magazine, Kate Beckinsale adorns the classic orange button-up and striped stockings.  This shoot is one of my favourites.  A tribute to 'Roller Girl' from 1967's Anna (written by Serge Gainsbourg).  This was the first colour film made for French television and the colours are bright, vibrant and vivid.  If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Roller Girl (or even if you have) - you must watch it now!

 And how can I talk about orange without mentioning Hermes?!  This past Spring while I was in Paris walking along the Seine I encountered two striking, dark horses and a carriage overflowing with orange Hermes gift boxes.  They were shooting this fall campaign.  The horses rested while waiting for night to fall along the river for the perfect, mystic setting.  Ahhh what a moment! Only in Paris.

{photo sources: 1. Mean magazine, houzz.com, Harper's Bazaar; 2. Mean magazine, Mean magazine, Garance Dore; 3. Hermes S/S 2011, Mean magazine, Pottery Barn; 4. Hermes}

Tweet

Sunny Sundays

 Spending a day off in Toronto's Kensington Market is the perfect way to leisurely get ready for the week ahead.  Shopping at the organic markets, browsing (and perhaps buying) a little vintage and maybe even doing a little laundry.

 It always makes for an intriguing day of delicious treats, spontaneous adventures and lots of fashion inspiration.  A must for everyone visiting the city!

 xoxo love,

jolie

Tweet

the wilderness downtown

 The Wilderness Downtown is an incredibly creative, interactive film designed to watch online (preferably with Google Chrome).  It features the beautiful Arcade Fire song "We Used to Wait."  The concept harmoniously blends the audiences past experiences using a very unique idea (I don't want to spoil it) with emotive imagery.  If you haven't already watched it ~ you must check it out! And be sure to make a postcard!  Some postcards received will be used during Arcade Fire's tour and if you are lucky enough to come across one then be sure to plant it ~ it will grow into a tree.

The Wilderness Downtown

{image: my personal postcard}

Tweet

Sofia

Endless talent, delightful intellect and completely gorgeous on top of it all! Marie Antoinette is one of my all time favourite films but Sofia's entire body of work is wonderfully humanizing.  She is able to capture the sweetest, truest moments on film.  She is one of the great directors of our generation.  Now that's inspiration!  Her latest film Somewhere opens in December 2010.  Sofia Coppola by Peter Lindbergh for L’Uomo Vogue September 2010

 {photo source & more photos of the spread: Fashion Gone Rogue}

Tweet

Artists Books

Artist's books:  from inspiration to conception the artist's book is a unique piece that involves its audience by engaging their sense of discovery and exploration.  From the textile sensation of the book to the journey through images, words, objects - it is part book, part sculpture and an all-encompassing experience.  I have always had a fascination with books, strolling through old book shops for hours on end but this artform has made me appreciate books in a very different way.  Often taking for granted the process of producing a book, I now find myself wondering about the binding techniques and papers and inks used as I touch and turn each page. 

 

Artist's Books can be done in a series, produced multiple times or as one-off pieces.  The creativity is endless - sculptural pages, materials like clay and lucite, precise cut outs and folds.  This book above, "Nietzsche 'Beyond Good & Evil' altered book", by Steve McPherson was created for a Newport, Wales exhibit entitled 'Rich & Strange' where they allowed the public to check all the books from the exhibition out on loan.  Allowing them to explore and familiarize themselves with the piece so that they may gain true insight into the artists' vision but also to develop their own interpretations.    

It is said best by book artist Clifton Meador who explains that "a book (or at least the book I am interested in making) is portable, creates its own context, has an intimate relationship with its reader, and exists in multiple. The reader becomes immersed in the book, an act of willful self-hypnosis that is unique in art. The reader experiences this immersion in the book over time, allowing for complex, layered meanings to accrue. I am very interested in the development of an idea over time, from the accumulation of small details, hints, tiny nuances, broad gestures, and overwhelming contrasts. Every part of a book presents interesting possibilities for expression, discovery, and meaning."

... And so I begin etching out my first artist book.  A recent trip to a fantastic exhibition has left me inspired to create and combine a million ideas into one unique piece.  Stay tuned ~ I will post more details and inspiration as I go.

xoxo love,

jolie

{photo sources: 1, 2&3. 100 Layer Cake, 4, 5&6. Steve McPherson, 7. Visual Arts Network, 8. Steve McPherson}      

Tweet