In an article titled “Reading for Fashion,” Stan Tymorek writes of clothing inspiring poetry and of poetry inspiring clothing design. Near the end of the article he makes note of “… the elaborate Japanese geisha costumes that still manage to mirror nature.”
Well, the kimono robes that Zoe is creating as part of our collaboration do more than mirror nature.
Each geisha kimono is partially composed of nature photography — the images printed on acid free paper and then applied as dictated by Zoe’s overall design. Once completed, her two geisha will represent the span and overlap of all four seasons.
Here’s snow I photographed one winter in Newton, MA forming the belt of one kimono.
Here’s a shell photographed in summer off the coast of Maine fleshing out the petals of this kimono’s rose.
With each new image she shares with me, I grow increasingly inspired by Zoe’s unique expression of the geisha and the elaborate design of their attire. I consider myself a patient person but I am humbled by her ability to meticulously make her creative vision real … piece by tiny piece of paper.
View the completed artwork in just two weeks at Somerville Open Studios. Zoe will be joining me at my table, located in the Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. Who knows? We may be able to share highlights of our next collaboration. 😉
Below is the link for general visitor information. Hope to see you there.
http://www.somervilleopenstudios.org/visit/
A new article is available for viewing online at Creativity Portal on 
Words + Images 