Been Instagramming up a storm in November. Follow me at @lucianacorrales
Artist Profile – Sarah Jane Lightfoot
I have been meaning to publish today’s post for a very long time. Around a month ago I met up with Melbourne artist Sara Jane Lightfoot for breakfast. I’ve known Sarah for some years now. I studied Textile Design with her at RMIT, and not only is she a gorgeous and kind lady, but also a very talented Childrenswear Designer, and Artist.
I was flicking through instagram a little while ago when I came across one of her watercolour paintings and had to snap it up before anyone else got their hands on it. And so we met up for some much-needed catching up and an insight into her studio space, inspirations and dreams.
You can get your hands on one of her playful & colourful (not to mention affordable) hand painted works by visiting her store HERE or contact her to get your very own custom artwork.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you into painting illustration?
I live in Northcote with my boyfriend Eugene which I love and work in Hawthorn as a children’s wear designer which I also love. I really love kids graphics and illustrations I never grew out of loving picture books. I started painting and illustrating to practice and to try and develop my own style so that I can hopefully create my own children’s book one day.
How would you describe your work?
At the moment I’m aiming to create really colorful bright illustrations that are calming to look at but are also fun and cheerful.
Can you give us some insight into your artwork? What mediums do you like to use and why? Do you plan each artwork or do you work more intuitively?
I love using inks and watercolors because the colours are vibrant and I love the fluid look. I generally make a very rough plan for colours, though while painting it becomes far more intuitive and I never know how the end illustration will look until its finished.
What inspires your illustrations and designs?
Everything! Nature, fashion, textiles, photography. Pinterest and instagram are great places to find inspiration too. so many beautiful images at your fingertips.
Who are some of the people who inspire you and why?
Graeme Base.. he needs no explanation he’s just amazing! Sign of the Seahorse is my absolute favorite book. The creativity and imagination in each illustration is phenomenal.
Charley Harper, he has such a beautiful and unique style. I love animal illustrations especially stylistic ones like his.
I also love the work of Melbourne illustrator Emma Leonard. Her drawings are breathtakingly beautiful and so relaxing to look at.
If you could create an artwork for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Id like to ask David Attenborough if he could be any animal in the world what would he be and then paint a portrait of him as that animal. That would be rad fun.
Also Katy Perry! ha ha. I just love how colorful and fun she is. she would make a fantastic character in a picture book. maybe with a longer skirt and cape though.
What would your dream project be?
A children’s story book! the dream! It’s what I’d like to be doing full-time one day. that’s why i started drawing and painting regularly, so i can practice practice practice.. one day ill find the time to put something together and it’s going to be rad, can’t wait!
Your favourite place in Melbourne?
Victoria street, Abbotsford is pretty rad. Any street with Pubs, Pho and a Daiso has to be good.
Cameo
Cameo, another of my absolute favourite Australian labels, has released a visual feast in the form of a lookbook showcasing their new spring/summer collection. I love the beds of kangaroo paws, bottle brushes, banksias and other Australian native flora which frame and compliment each garment. Such strong visuals, and a beautiful way to celebrate Australiana!
Check out their new spring/summer collection “The Grand National” here.
Double Pearl Earrings
I do love a bit of lady-like with a twist, and I’ve been absolutely lusting over these Dior earrings, but unfortunately they are nowhere near my price bracket. Thank goodness for the very clever and crafty Geneva from A Pair & a Spare who has done a tutorial on how to make your own version of these beauties. Check it out HERE.
Lounging About
I spent most of this past long weekend lounging around the house and catching up on some much needed rest. Wanting to find maximum comfort, it dawned on me that I don’t really own much loungewear. I own gym gear and pyjamas, but nothing in between the two for those days when I want to feel as comfortable as I would in bed…but actually get things done…like lay on the couch and watch an entire season of Breaking Bad for the third time (because I am having withdrawals).
So here’s a little board I’ve put together to get me thinking of some lounging essentials which will definitely come in handy, during the upcoming holidays.
What are some of your lounging around the house essentials?
Pelican Sleepwear Dressing Gown / Seed Heritage Amber Sneaker / Glasshouse Marseille Gardenia Candle / Metalicus Port Pant / Skin and Threads Linen Pocket Tank / Country Road Odiele Throw
Secret South SS13
Secret South has been a favourite Australian label of mine, since back in the day when we they were known as “Secret Squirrel”. Their Spring Summer 2013 collection has so many gorgeous pieces I am struggling to decide which ones I want to get my hands on. Which is your favourite?
You can check out their current collection HERE.
LiLT Instagram – October
October Instagram snaps. Follow me at @lucianacorrales
Edward Steichen & Art Deco Fashion Exhibition at NGV
The 1920’s is one of my favourite era’s in fashion history. It is the time when fashion and design entered the modern era. Sportswear was born, skirts became shorter and clothing became less restrictive.
There is something so exciting about the dramatic change in fashion and culture at the time, and although the fit of garments were not really the most flattering for a women’s figure, It is the modernity, glamour, and theatre of the 1920’s which seduce me to the point of considering sequins and drop waists.
So you can imagine my excitement when a friend mentioned that NGV was currently exhibiting the work of American photographer Edward Steichen, who from 1923 until 1938, was chief photographer for Vanity Fair and Vogue. A man who really helped to revolutionise fashion photography in the Art Deco era.
The exhibition is absolutely stunning, and showcases over 200 of Steichen’s photographs, as well as a selection of garments and accessories of the time. What impressed me most about the images was Steichen’s modern use of lighting techniques, which would have been quite avant-garde at the time, and capture the sophistication of his subjects so beautifully.
I am by no means an expert on art or photography, but I am an avid appreciator of beauty, and really suggest for anyone who is in Melbourne to go and see this exhibition which is running until the 2nd March 2014.
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Style Icon – Natalie Joos
Talking Style Icon’s again today, and another lady who I always look to for fashion inspiration is Belgian, Casting Agent and Consultant, Natalie Joos.
A regular of the fashion crowd, and always making an appearance in the street style world, it is Natalie’s brave choices of colour & print which I admire so much.
Natalie runs one of my all time favourite blogs Tales of Endearment which not only chronicles her personal styling, but also takes a peek into the homes of some very stylish people, in the form of interesting interviews and beautiful photography.
In spite of feeling silly for wearing so much black when flicking through her images, Natalie’s bright ensembles and big smile always make me feel inspired, courageous and ready to try new things in fashion.
Images : Tales of Endearment / The Sartorialist / Jak & Jil / Tommy ton for Style.com
Trend Spotting – Spring Leather
Leather made a big appearance at the Spring/Summer collections this year. To make it work for the warmer weather pick softer, slouchier pieces, add a sandal and avoid strenuous activities.
T by Alexander Wang / Saint Laurent / Helmut Lang / J.W Anderson / Rag & Bone / Jil Stuart / Kenzo / Dion Lee
All images from Style.com