I’ve been luxuriating in the delicious world of “What Nowness?”. At times short bursts of anxiety come into my head like little meteor showers but I’ve been managing to let them pass and not get caught up in them. They are merely debris from the past I remind myself and if you just let them take their course they become beautiful shooting stars. Lately, I’m traveling through the world and taking photographs simply because I like something I see, even if it is the most mundane of subjects. I’ve been posting some of the photos on Instagram Stories and it shows a very different view of life than the ones that are on my main Instagram feed. One is increasingly commercial and one allows me to maintain and develop my creative identity. I’ve also been wandering with Calvin into stores, neighborhoods and new experiences, engaging with spaces, people and ideas.
Before, too tired to make myself go, I now make the time to attend events in order to experience something new. Last night I went to one that mysteriously only stated in the invitation that I would be introduced to a Japanese innovation. Both the mystery and Japan were intriguing so I wandered around Soho taking pictures until it was time to appear. Last spring I would have blown it off and gone home because I was exhausted. Last night I entered the all-white space already primed and open because of my photo taking and immediately became engaged with the product: mostly because of the story.
The innovation is actually an eyeliner but one that has a purpose and intent beyond makeup. One of the founders, Imamura Hiroshi sees the liner as, “A reminder that beauty is not something dictated by a privileged few. Rather, it’s something that exists in all people that only needs to be revealed.” The liner (in 14 different colors) becomes your tool to “open your eye” and take a creative risk whether that be large or small. The outcome will be different for each individual who decides to draw a line(s). For the purposes of “What Nowness?” I was captivated with the idea that drawing a single line could be the beginning of a new chapter. In a chance moment of serendipity, I had a wonderful lunch earlier in the day with a very successful artist who has written a book on making art with Sharpies.
I’ve been thinking about “eyes” recently. I will at times get compliments from followers on my Stories noting that I have a “good eye”. I’ve set myself the goal in my photography this summer of “developing my eye”. I’ve been using a darker liner and making my “eyes” the focus of my make up as I’ve been posting more photos without sunglasses. The eyeliner colors I chose last night were blue, pink and orange, I’ve been experimenting with color and why not on my eyes as well, they are my best feature.
The hand made brush, made by one of the seven remaining brushmakers in Japan from custom fibers, thoughtfully designed sustainable packaging and ergonomic case all combine to create a sense of luxury with an affordable price. This reminds me that the art forms I love to combine: photography and writing are both crafts and crafts must be practiced each day to flourish. True luxury is about thoughtful attention and craftsmanship. Coming to the business, knowing nothing about the space they were entering (reminding me of my own story), this creative, artistic conceptualization of something as “mundane” as eyeliner is the result of very deep engagement between the founders and their customers. Much in the way I am trying to live my “What Nowness?” right now. Practicing your art, your craft and engaging with others is what one does in the “What Nowness” while at the same time learning how to “manage the meteors”.
How are you engaging in your everyday life, practicing your craft and “managing the meteors” if they come?
Thanks to UZ Unframe the Beauty for inspiring me today.
Love you and thanks for being inspiring to those of us with ‘wrinkles’ inside and out.
Like you I am in my sixties, an academic (retired to travel round Europe in a camper van for a year)and a perpetual follower of fashion. There the similarities end. Unlike you I am not a blogger, model nor inspiration to women of all ages at home and abroad. Neither have I the funds for nor the access to the vast array of ‘clothing’ available to you nor a photographer partner. I can but dream! I have many ideas for starting a blog/twitter page basically ‘something’ where older women with limited incomes can both provide and receive information about fashion in all its guises. My academic background is in the Sociology of women and empowerment, Sociology, Art and Culture and Sociology and the City. I see fashion not (always) as a constraining and patriarchal force but as a liberating force. I am ready to write about this now, at the age of 61. What do you think?
I think this is brilliant. Interestingly, when I began 5 years ago I had exactly the same aspirations as you. I was you!!! So watch out what may happen when you start, I never could have dreamed that what has happened would have happened to me. So be prepared!
I really love this line and need to remember this:
“At times short bursts of anxiety come into my head like little meteor showers but I’ve been managing to let them pass and not get caught up in them. They are merely debris from the past I remind myself and if you just let them take their course they become beautiful shooting stars”
Thank you. And yes to eye-liner. That’s what my mum told me too.
I love those lines, as well. Beautiful.
Love your instagram photos.
You do have an amazing, artistic eye…composition, color, light, shadow…amazing.
Who is Calvin?
Many thanks, that’s encouraging.
Managing the meteors — a GREAT way to describe that sense that things are crashing down on me and there’s an entire plethora of them raining down . . . Thanks for this!!!
I was pleasantly referred to you by my web designer. I love looking at your pictures. I should be doing my own blog, though I use my face book business page mostly as I have so little time to devote to blogging. You are inspiring for sure.
Your tastes, your thoughts, and your style is so unique.
Shall look forward to getting to know you and perhaps you will inspire me to get on the ball and enter the world of blogging. Love to connect with women who love fashion and have an eye for unique tastes, and great textiles.
Thank you
Glad to have you!
tell us more about Sharpie art!
Here’s the link to the artist I mentioned and his book.
https://www.tgoodman.com/project/Sharpie-Book
I love your writing style. It’s what really draws me most, your creative writing about a topic I value but yet written in a way that intertwined our lives both in a very philosophical and relatable sense. I’m so grateful you offer this kind of discussion as I find fashion magazine very distracting when they are interviewing someone and interrupts or begin the story with what that person is wearing. I love your very being as a professor who loves to influence students in very empowering ways and you even got me to think about meanings and values behind advertising that I started to look at a few brands. I was most intrigued by Kenneth Cole and how he incorporate his own personal values about what matters and very witty ads at times. Thank you so much for taking the time to articulate your perspective on fashion and life. I like reading and rereading during my weekend coffee date.
Thank you for your encouragement as really focusing on my writing makes me very happy
Like the idea of lines and the eyeliner you mention. The colors are wonderful.
Do you know the name of the eyeliner product?
UZ Unframed. Click on the link at the end of the post.
It’s at the bottom of the post. UZ Unframed, you can click on the link.
Love your haircut, it has style! Would you be willing who does your cut? I’d be forever grateful.
Sure his name is Jun and he works at Tokuyama Salon in the Upper East Side.
I saw your post on TV commercial for GoDaddy and I love what you do for me and my way of thinking.i am 66 and gave up till now thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to seeing more of you and your teachings.and you’re remembering the person you are
Thanks for sharing the journey with me!
Always “on the hunt” for a great new eyeliner! Thank you! Love the colors! Sadly, they are out of stock of the Navy! That’s the color I really prefer. Thank you for sharing!
I used the lighter blue and orange and because of the beautiful brush, it is super subtle.
I’d love to look into the eyeliner and this Sharpie book!! ?
Here is the Sharpie book link
https://www.tgoodman.com/project/Sharpie-Book
At the end of the post, I thank UZ Unframed for inspiration click on the link and it will take you to their site.
I too will be retiring in September after almost 40 years in health care. I am looking forward to expanding my creative side the most but at times am daunted by all the possibilites of creativity. Sewing, quilting, photography, gardening, knitting, baking, needle work, weaving==you get my drift.
Your expression of What Nowness really sums up what I’m feeling.
I’m in the thick of it. When too many options are happening I know I have to step back leave it alone and just go out and see where I am inspired.
Thanks for reminding me about your stories! Your content never grows dim. ??dd
Thanks, I am really trying to find a way to express my creativity and my passion.
Hello Accidental Icon- i loved your pictures and stories when I first discovered you on Instagram couple months ago. I asked my friend to follow you and we talked about your style and boldness which is not at all new or courages to me since I live the expression through clothing myself. I always look for something interesting to catch my eye and let the imagination fly with this very new finding. Who knows where it takes me – usually into unexpected places. But I must say that couple of times I almost unfollowed your Instagram. I feel that commercial side took over and the style I saw and found interesting is no longer there. I hope it returns but am fully aware that it is you who expresses yourself in a given way, the followers may like it or not and that’s all just OK.
Thanks for your honesty. Yes, I have been thinking about this a great deal. I’m trying hard to find a balance and remain true to myself. One thing about me is that my style always changes. For example, I have gone from wearing only black and white to enjoying color. The outfit in this post is my own clothes, not this season in fact kind of old and the way I feel comfortable right now in my personal life right now. On the blog, I tend to be more myself. Your comment reflects the challenge of making a living and doing your art. To me dressing and what you wear is very performative and a kind of art. The commercial takes that away somewhat.
Delightful to continue hearing about your creative life process! Looking forward to seeing some creative lines around your eyes, if/when you share here.
Stay tuned, last night I wore orange and blue.
Practicing your art, your craft and engaging with others is what one does in the “What Nowness” while at the same time learning how to “manage the meteors”.
Yes!
crafts must be practiced each day to flourish , bingo yes!
It is funny that I really did not understand if you talked abouth makeup liners or was your story abstract but I enjoyed it.Thanks.
Yes it was about eyeliner and something more…inspiration!
I can connect with everything you say!!! Your style is amazing as well
Thanks!
I’ve been enjoying this blog. I am intrigued by these eyeliners with an affordable price coming in so many different colors. Can you send me to a website or somewhere I can take a look at them and possibly order some? I live in a very rural area so no chance of me going to any store to see them. Thank you!
At the bottom of the post, I thank UZ Unframed for inspiration. Click on UZ Unframed and it will take you to the site.
At the bottom of the post, I thank UZ Unframed for inspiration. Click on the link and it will take you to their site.
I love truly engaging with your posts ? I would really like to know the name of the eyeliner you write about!
UZ Unframed. There is a link to their site at the bottom of my post where I thank them for inspiration.
I didn’t read what eyeliner this is or where to purchase.
I don’t wear a stitch of makeup never have however, this makes me want to wear the eyeliner spoken of.
Click on the website link UZ Unframed at the end of the post.
Click on the website UZ Unframed at the end of the post.
I bought brown and burgundy and can’t wait to get them as I almost never wear eyeliner but this product pushes all the right buttons. I practice my craft of fiber art making rugs and bags, my mantra is“art in some form everyday”. I think this can include lovely new eyeliner!
Who is Calvin?
My life partner and photographer.
I find, as I approach my 7th decade, that I am still discovering who I am…today. That 5’9″, 120 lbs 20 year old no longer exists. As my edges have softened, so have my attitudes. Now I struggle to be seen as relevant. We all know that older people, and especially older women, are seen as passé. While I am much more assured than that 20 year old from 1970, I still want to be seen as relevant. While I may feel perfectly comfortable wearing no makeup (like I did at 20 years old), I am well aware that I am perceived as fading into the background. I am not ready to be pushed aside just yet (and may never be ready). So it’s a balancing act to be seen as relevant and being comfortable in my own skin. I have recently begun to wear makeup with a light touch. It’s important to be aware of your audience, whether giving a professional presentation in front of astute colleagues or going to Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. I live smack dab in the Midwest, Madison, Wisconsin. If I was to wear some of the high fashion I see touted for women my age in NYC, I would be something derisive. If I adopt the totally casual style of the West Coast, I become the aging hippie – not an attractive concept. I find myself taking NYC style and toning it down a little or a lot to find that happy medium. Then I am comfortably dressed up for special occasions but reverting to no makeup, cargo pants and a t-shirt to pick up mulch at Farm and Fleet. Yes, you and I do live in very different worlds but I still find inspiration in your blog and the women who follow you. Thank you.
Finally realizing I have more years behind me than before me! Visiting the past especially painful events is a waste of time … need to double up on making each day special, regardless of what it is you’re doing.
Thank you for your inspiration xo
Randie
Exactly.
You really look amazing. I always follow you. Thanks.
Great write-up, I’m regular visitor of your blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Interested your fashion sense
I too have been having those meteor thoughts, and they do provoke anxiety. Thanks for your perspective.