What Is Your Idea Of A Happy Ever After?

Stars Don't Only Come Out At Night  -  Collage

I admit I have a soft spot for classic film.  Everything about movies produced in the 1930's and '40's enchants me. I adore it all: life in shades of black and white, the beautiful settings, the incredible home decor, the impeccable hair and make up, the stylish wardrobes...but above all, the clever repartee between the characters always keeps me coming back for more.

Inspired by Old Hollywood, I set upon my collage. I found a selection of black and white photos of actresses I admire and lined them up with my own version of six degrees of separation. The map of Hollywood, metallic silver paper, art papers and vintage edit from "True Story" magazine completed  the piece.

I know that most information released through the Studio system was pure fantasy. But at times, this is what I long for. Is there anything wrong with "happy ever after"?

Have we lost the mystery and glamour of Old Hollywood? Does today's silver screen seem a bit tarnished? Do dreams and fantasy still shape your life and your creative endeavours? Are you still following your Muse?

May you always have a place for your own "happy ever after".

I Was A Love Cult Priestess...

"I Was A Love Cult Priestess" - ATC

Such drama...such intrigue...The Roaring Twenties. It was a time of change from the dramatic acting of the "Silent Movies" to "Talking Pictures"...an innovation that could make or break many a career.

Looking through an old magazine from the 1920's I came across this vintage photo. It was quite daring and I felt she need to be in an equally daring setting. From the various art and handmade papers I had on my work table, thoughts of Sheena, Queen of the Jungle raced through my mind.

That "come-hither" look, the exotic papers, it all directed me to a design of a woman who was "brave, bold, and brilliant".

The Artist Trading Card is on manila stock. I used hand made and art papers, tissue paper, inks, and dyes. The text was cut from various sources.

The Twenties, like today, was a time of innovation and striking change. Thankfully we have the Muse to nudge in the right direction.