The Creative Process

A great movie on the facts behind the creative process and what motivates us.

Snow, snow, snow!

I am such a child and absolutely love snow! It's probably down to the fact that it is a very rare occurrence in Ireland and so I've not seen so much of it over the years! This year though, the photos from home are making me want to jump on a plane and share in the magic! They're having record amounts of snow and are properly snowed-in!!! Ooooh the excitement. I'm hoping for some more when I'm home for Christmas. Here in southwest England we've had slightly more than a light dusting though it's bitterly cold and I'm crossing my fingers!

Eilis Boyle

10th collection from Eilis Boyle on Vimeo.

I'm thrilled to be participating in the simultaneous online video launch of the stunning new collection from Irish fashion designer Eilis Boyle.

The whole feeling of the video is at once ethereal and haunting and yet calmly beautiful. There's an almost dream-like quality to the styling, a world of shifting meanings and possibility. Ruffles, lace, rouches and layers.... and layered meanings. I love the paring of exquisite pieces of fashion design with thick socks and boots and the hair and make-up styling really appeal to my aesthetic. I think my favourite is the full length patterned gown in the indoor shot. Covet, covet, covet!

Intrigued by design processes and the creative mind, I'm very happy to bring you a few words from Eilis herself:

Jane: Do you glean abstract inspiration from Irish cultural and historical references or is your creative process driven more by the physical touch, look and interaction of the fabrics? What sparks a thought?

Eilis: Inspiration is ongoing and not figurative... so I'm inspired by everything around me and experiences. Fabric is a huge factor in specifics of the design process and it usually dictates how a piece will evolve.

Jane: Regular readers of your blog will know that you greatly value the support of fellow designers, artists and other members of the creative community in Ireland and further afield. As someone who likes to hold back my creative ideas in the hopes of reaching perfection before showing them to others, and thereby often missing out on such support, have you any words of wisdom for people like me on learning to let go and letting your ideas sing and allowing them to thrive without fear of having them hijacked?

Eilis: That is such a common symptom of creative people. I think after a few years you become less concerned.. but the day before I reveal a collection I'm usually depressed and nervous because there are a million new ideas I wasn't able to put it into it...

My best advice is just to put your work out there...most talented designers are perfectionist and are never happy with their work

Don't to be shy and show it off...even if it's work 'in the making'...feedback is always encouraging.

Jane: In the new era of multimedia, blogs, twitter, videos and viral advertising, have you a quick word of advice for other designers and crafters nervous of dipping their toe into the magic of online connections?

Eilis: Be true to yourself and try not to be self absorbed... most of the people who like your brand/work want to know what defines you as a creative person. Your stories and inspirations so a constant showcase of your work is not really what blogging about.. blogging really is about telling stories and secrets

Stories and secrets, I love that ~ thanks Eilis! Good luck with the launch!

Arrested #1

Concept photography by Noemie Goudal, London

Arrested ~ a haphazard series for stimuli that stop me in my tracks, as and when they arise.

Seasonal Delight

I miss asparagus already... all coming from Peru again. Such a short season locally - it seems on the one hand so archaic and almost mystical and yet so frustrating - grrrr food miles!

A Thing A Day

The results of my hoarding tendancies have been pushing me a little off-centre lately and I've been craving a less cluttered home. So, while I won't even attempt the ambitious task Bindu Wiles has set herself I did find this more manageable option via Susannah Conway - the A Thing A Day Challenge. And while I might not manage to get rid of one thing every single day, now that the intention is there I'm hoping for great things!

Cresting a wave

I always feel that Thursday morning is like cresting the wave of the week. Sometimes being on the home straight is a miracle.
This week ~ I'd like more time.