https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:24:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-519466 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:43:39 +0000 ManidipaM 519466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many wonderful stories and such great points in this thread. Nancylee, such a though-provoking topic!</p> <p>Speaking of which, it made me think a little deeper about my own style definition of eclectic/creative --- what elements I see as expressing this and, more to the point, WHY. I realized I see aspects of style that stand out -- because they are either challenging norms and expectations, or simply unexpected (the whimsy of mismatched earrings) --- as being 'creative'. It's not just about novelty or creating something new, making something different. For me, I think it relates to my understanding of the social role of the 'artist' or 'creative' personality --- one of the functions of the artist, the writer, and the philosopher is the provocateuse, as I see it. I associate the unexpected or unconventional as signalling that role or that questioning/provocative mindset, and thus a sign of engagement with 'art'. </p> <p>Personally, I am often the one who asks 'well, why not?' in social as well as work discussions. That personality trait, for me, relates to the provocateuse element too, and despite being a bit of an introverted wall-flower, I like to play with that from time to time. Does that make me a little bit 'arty'? I do wonder what people see when they look at me.</p> <p>Thank you, Nancylee --- for a suitably engaging and provocative question! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518911 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:12:42 +0000 Aida 518911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow this has been a fantastic read! The insight here is incredible, not just into what Nancy initially asked but on so many other levels as well.</p> <p>I totally agree with what Angie said ("You don't need to look arty to express your creative side"), and what Tara said ("I think being an artist, at its core, means being yourself, and expressing that to the world... What makes NancyLee NancyLee? What do you want to say to the world?"). Especially Tara's allergicness to the word "artist" (perhaps the little rebel in my head).</p> <p>I know that most people here think I am an engineer/scientist primarily, but in truth that is my secondary nature; I am 100% artist first, scientist second. But I never introduce myself as an artist, and even when I was doing art primarily (music, in my case) I rarely called myself an artist. These days if people ask what I do for work, I simply say I'm a programmer, but my field is typography and language; the bulk of what I do is far more art than science (I like to say I solve artistic problems with scientific methods) and actually I am only programming perhaps 20% of the time.</p> <p>Do I want to portray myself as a programmer? Not really, I would say the way I dress is quite atypical of most programmers. Do I want to portray myself as an artist? Perhaps a little, though I wouldn't call my style "arty". My goal isn't to look like an "artist" but just look "creative". To me, and to others as they've said above, style IS an art, a way to be creative, and I treat it as such. I definitely use the way I dress as a form of artistic expression and I do think my creativity comes through in my outfits. Jean's comment "I think about many of the same things when I dress that I do when I paint" really resonates with me :)</p> <p>It is interesting to me, though, that people who meet me in person are often surprised to hear that my degree is in science, whereas most people I've "met" through text first (here on YLF, email discussions with others in my field, etc.) are often surprised to hear that my true background is in art. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518659 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:40:25 +0000 Aziraphale 518659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoa! There are a lot of responses here. Not sure if I have anything new to add, but I'll answer your question as best I can, Nancylee, since I'm an illustrator and I suppose I do have an arty element to my style. How to go about adding an element of 'artist' to your look (try any or all of these - *wink*):</p> <p>1. Wear things that your friends aren't wearing<br /> 2. Wear things that make you happy<br /> 3. Add details, like interesting hats or belts, that you don't get from the local mall<br /> 4. Wear silver or leather jewellery made by local artists<br /> 5. Wear awesome shoes/boots<br /> 6. Wear a fitted waistcoat (for some reason these always look arty)<br /> 7. Don't be afraid of items that look well-worn or used, in true RATE style (but don't overdo it -- one 'distressed' item is enough)<br /> 8. Get an edgy haircut<br /> 9. Have paint splats on your battered Converse sneakers<br /> 10. Manage to look utterly confident no matter what you're wearing</p> <p>I say this semi tongue-in-cheek, but there's an element of truth to it.</p> <p>BTW I've been a scientist and an artist, and I'm a caricature of neither. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518611 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:39:56 +0000 MsMary 518611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't felt like I've had much to contribute to this duscussion, but... yes. My clothes and my house are the way I express myself visually. They don't just express my artistic side, they, like, ARE my artistic side! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518607 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:37:23 +0000 Suz 518607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been such a fantastic discussion. Thank you all so very much. And yes, it is true, we are all capable of creativity, in our work and our lives. YLF is evidence of that. The site itself is an expression of creativity and the energy it generates is also deeply creative. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518213 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:58:49 +0000 nancylee 518213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the record, I think science is a HIGHLY creative field. All those original thoughts, theories, and discoveries! </p> <p>It is so unfortunate that some professions almost demand that you cultivate a purposeful lack of style in order to be taken seriously. That whole mindset that says you can't be thinking serious thoughts--or be very intelligent--if you look good should be kicked to the curb once and for all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518199 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:30:58 +0000 Isabel 518199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I really like what you said. I started thinking, after the scientist chimed in, that scientists DO have to be creative....they need to design experiments and come up with ideas as to how things might work or not work. Hmmmmm.....I also think, now, that coming up with strategy is creative.</p> <p>Isis, boy do I agree with you. It is somewhat historical that women who care about there looks are vapid and couldn't possibly be smart. It is almost as if there are two brains and if you get the "vain" one, it crowds out the "smart" one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518152 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:39:27 +0000 Laura 518152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating thread - I just want to add one thought. We are ALL artists. </p> <p>We all express our selves in the way we dress, in the way we decorate our homes, in the meals we cook, in the friendships we cultivate - we are all artists of our own lives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518123 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:57:56 +0000 goldenpig 518123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my what a fascinating thread! I haven't had time to read all the responses yet but it looks like great reading to savor when I get the time to pore it over. I find it interesting to think about my preconceptions of "artist's uniform" in the same way lawyers and bankers are expected to dress a certain way. In my mind I always think of someone wearing asymmetrical cardigans or boho blouses, scarves, lots of jingle jangle bangles, colorful patterns etc. but of course my stereotype is not true! I agree with all the ladies that have been mentioned as having killer arty style and I love to look at their WIW's. </p> <p>I think Diana is my style idol for the artistic scientist! BTW I love Audi's blog too!</p> <p>I myself have zero artistic talent and work in a non-artistic field so it's nice that I've discovered a little creative outlet for myself in YLF and fashion. I don't think my style would be considered "artsy" at all but I am having fun putting outfits together nonetheless! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518120 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:38:06 +0000 rachylou 518120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! A lot of food for thought! </p> <p>I will say it's sometimes weird being a technical writer. I'm not "a creative", but often enough I can be the artiest person around. Not to mention one of the few females messing about in the lab or with the equipment on the fab floor. So I do and I don't have permission to be "expressive"; it is and it isn't a mistake to take advantage of the leeway I've got.</p> <p>One thing I think about people who pursue the arts, in whatever manner, is that you are supposed to have a developed, reasoned aesthetic - a personal voice - and you're supposed to be able to put it on show at will. One of the most interesting exercises I ever did, while studying writing, was mimicking the voices of other writers.</p> <p>I like the picture of Georgia O'Keefe and her distinctive costume for that reason. For me, what makes her outfit artistic is the strong sound of her voice coming through, her aesthetic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518111 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:54:19 +0000 keruchina 518111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread continues to be such a wonderful read and such rich material for someone who is interested in these topics! This board is such a rich community of interesting people.</p> <p>Sarah, your comments really resonated with me. As a graduate student, I am constantly reminded that I am "in training", that my writing needs tightened-- stripped of frills, self-involvement, and repetition. I hadn't paused to think about how that training might be affecting my expression in other areas. On the other hand, I may have selected science because I like to think about concepts and am uncomfortable with all of that sticky self-expression. </p> <p>I also find it really fascinating that people seem to turn up for style renewals when they have somehow stopped, or never started, dressing in a way that authentically expresses who they feel they are. They turn up for help because there is a disconnect between how they feel and how they look to others. </p> <p>The other theme seems to appear is that people experience a conflict between their self-expression through fashion and societal or environmental norms, or sexism. Obviously, you can be a writer or a visual artist or a fashion designer and wear boring tops, but it violates people's expectations (and maybe also your expectations of yourself). Or, alternatively, you can be a SAHM and wear heels and dresses, when the other moms are in Lulu gear. </p> <p>I feel like a grateful fly on the wall to have been able to observe this discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518039 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:01:30 +0000 taylor 518039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW, fascinating...love everyone's thoughts<br /> I don't have anything remotely as intelligent or deep to say as everyone else here:)<br /> But just to add .... I am not an artist, but like Vix, I am paid to be creative...I always say ~more art than science~ in my field , I think artistic(creative) and those of us who are able to express and live it daily through our work, or other creative outlets, tend look at things a bit different and that is reflected in clothing/styling choices:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/3#post-518008 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:27:44 +0000 Jaime 518008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add that this thread is fascinating. I am not an artist, more of an analyzer and critic, but I totally identify with so many aspects of this discussion, particularly the idea of juxtaposition of different roles and the impact this has on how you dress. The main take away point for me is that there is no predetermined way an artist should look and just as there is no one way their art will look. Fantastic discussion that I will reread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517983 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:59:23 +0000 nancylee 517983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. I am overwhelmed by the conversation this little post has generated. I so appreciate everyone's contributions, and I particularly love how it's branched out to include those of you in the scientific community and your own particular style concerns and challenges. Please forgive me for not commenting individually on everyone's comments at this point. This thread has taken on a life of its own--which is fantastic--but I just can't keep up! (Angie, kudos once again for your magnificent and constant handling of all our concerns. I'm exhausted just keeping up with one thread!)</p> <p>So many great observations added today. Helen, I love your photos of writers and corresponding analysis of their looks. I think you're right to conclude that most writers chose a low-key classic style. This type of look is what I've settled into (after my all-black phase). I didn't want to look flakey, so I just fell into a conservative mode. There was no need, I rationalized, to scream "I'm an artist!" Just do the work and be modest in your dress. *sigh* The problem is an all-classic look doesn't quite satisfy me.</p> <p>Angie's recent post on the modern classic look really made me stop and think. My closet is full of modern classic basics...the "glue" of a functional wardrobe....but there is very little "fun" or creativity to spunk up those basics. Like Suz, I've tried to spark up the drama in my own little ways: wearing scarves and necklaces and boots, mostly. But I still don't really feel like I'm projecting "me" fully. I've never experimented much with color or texture, and always err on the side of understated for fear of looking OTT. I moved tentatively into some trends last fall: booties, skinnies (daring for me!), and a fur vest. But I don't want to fall into using trends to define me just as I don't want classic pieces to limit me. I think what I'm looking for (and this thread has helped me SO much) is a way to move forward adding the right type of creative touches for me and what I want to project. I don't want to become a slave to trends any more than I want to lazily rely on a strictly modern classic look. Like many of us, I want to project a more focused and intentional image.</p> <p>Suz, your idea of translating your own writing style into your look is intriguing. You love the juxtaposition of different ideas, whereas my writing favors thematic development, repeated patterns/echoes of events, and symbols. Interesting. I can actually see this reflected in my newfound love of bookending, which offers me a chance to repeat/echo themes within my outfits. This is something I'll have to think about more...and play around with!</p> <p>Artists are as different as snowflakes. You have the Louise Nevelsons of the world: bold, bigger than life, and outspoken. And you have the quiet ones. Certainly a big part of expressing who you are as an artist...or as an individual...starts with knowing yourself. </p> <p>Many thanks again for this enlightening and therapeutic discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517982 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:59:07 +0000 Isis 517982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, I didn't realize you were a scientist too!</p> <p>To address Sarah's point about not wanting to stick out. Part of it may be that women are still vastly underrepresented in tenure track positions in science. At faculty meetings and other faculty gatherings, I defy the environmental norm just by my gender, and I don't necessarily want to add to my conspicuousness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517901 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:05:14 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 517901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a cool conversation. I too have struggled with feeling like my outsides didn't reflect my insides especially as my career has shifted. I have a science background and ended up in tech, and then slowly moved toward more creative writing. But I still think of myself as more of a left brained person and not your 'typical' writer (as if there is such a thing). </p> <p>You all at YLF have seen me struggle trying to find some outfits that have some flair and edge to them for writing events, as that kind of dressing doesn't come naturally to me, especially given my current size. I've had several incidents where people have said once they got to know me that I was very different (less uptight, more flexible, more interesting) than what they thought I was like when they first met me. I don't know if that's my way of interacting with people or my dress style or some of both, but apparently I come across as the most square boring Republican ever, which I am not. It does distress me whenever it happens because I think it must turn people off that I'd get along with but never get the chance to really meet. </p> <p>Diana, I thought of Audi too as you mentioned the tension of dressing as a scientist. The gals at Academchic talked a lot about sartorial norms and identity construction in academic while they were blogging - I believe the site is still up for browsing. </p> <p>Here (the San Francisco area) there are a lot of ladies who never really got past their hippie years (or like to pretend they had hippie years), and dress in that flowing tunics, lots of black and jewel tones sort of way. It suits some of them and not so much others. It's not something that appeals to me, personally, aesthetically, and I think for most people's figures it's not the best look. But it is a nice shorthand for saying "I'm this kind of person," and I wish I could find an analogue that worked for me. I think there's a younger coterie that's doing it with very mid-century vintage looks, but whenever I wear something like that I feel costumey and ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517872 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:25:03 +0000 HelenInCanada 517872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amazing discussion, still going strong! :)</p> <p>MNSara - you are funny. No shame in a direct and honest response! "I really like it!" sums it up well and lets the recipient know her efforts are appreciated! :)</p> <p>Many helpful revelations here. Among them, one that really caught me was that the defining elements of an artist's work can inform their personal style, consciously and subconsciously. Juxtaposition, rebellion, subtlety, boldness, etc were some artistic approaches mentioned. This is highly personal, unqiue, artistic. Much food for thought.</p> <p>And I have to add that I'm LOVING hearing the insights of the scientific minds here. I am of the belief that most people - regardless of how they earn money and are predominantly viewed - have an artistic side, and one way to unleash it is through style. For some who are in very conservative environments, it's almost a compulsion so that a bit of fun is added to the day to day! We can name many ladies on the forum who don't have a typically "creative" job, but who are very creative dressers! (This side can be also reflected in activities like cooking, home decorating, playing an instrument/writing music, makeup, woodworking, dancing, teaching style, etc.) Diana, I enjoyed checking out the two "science nerd" blogs. (Lol.) They certainly have a wonderful appreciation of aesthetics! :)</p> <p>About the pictures, perhaps "classically elegant" wasn't the most accurate way to describe the artists' styles that I posted (it was my first impression, though.) I noticed a certain tasteful restraint and modesty there, and as Suz said, each look seems to represent each lady's output! These are not "poseurs" in any sense of the word (we'd heard concerns about "costume") - but real lauded artists. We saw flashes of uniqueness - Judy Blume's jewellry amidst the denim and blue button down, Maya Angelous's unmistakable tribal print on a very classic jacket, Georgia O'Keefe's beautifully tailored black dress punctuated with an eye-catching belt. </p> <p>ETA: Jonesy, what a striking sculptor. With her very flamboyant style and personality, I think her extreme presentation is what other artists here might characterize as alienating or intimidating. Hers is the sort of style that somehow triggers an identity crisis among other working artists, and I feel it shouldn't. A fun read and viewing, though|!</p> <p>I have to say, too, sometimes an individual's personality and culture can be an even bigger influence on personal style than career (though it's a chicken-and-the-egg debate about whether career is chosen by personality...) Hmmm. Onwards! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517864 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:08:51 +0000 greenglove 517864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is fascinating and I am so impressed with the thoughtful responses and journeys shared.</p> <p> I think about many of the same things when I dress that I do when I paint. When principles of art are the driving force, usually the style becomes "arty".<br /> I have many more thoughts on this but wanted too keep it simple since so much wisdom has already been shared. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517859 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:56:15 +0000 MNsara 517859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful question, Nancylee! I'm so glad you *did* ask </p> <p>I'm blown away by everyone's profound thoughts and insights, and touched by the life experiences shared by our artistic and scientific members!</p> <p>I don't want to interrupt the flow of such beautiful thoughts, but I just wanted to comment on how surprised I am at the number of members here whose profession involves writing, whose hobby involves writing, or whose passion includes writing. </p> <p>It actually explains a lot for me -- how the thoughtful, eloquent replies just flow out of so many members. It always puts my basic "I really like it" comments to shame. . . ;-)</p> <p>Anyway, now back to our regularly scheduled commentary (and I'm taking notes!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517849 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:33:31 +0000 crwilson 517849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What at timely thread - I've been pondering these very ideas. Suz - your posts resonated so much for me, partly because my experience writing has followed a similar path as yours and partly because, like you, I've always wanted to incorporate a more creative element in my clothes but haven't been sure what that would actually look like.</p> <p>I think that one of the reasons I've tended not to do so is because I've been afraid to take the risk of sticking out or having people actively dislike what I'm wearing. (Not coincidentally, these are also the same reasons that I didn't write for years). People are too often surprised when they get to know me, saying that I look a lot different. I don't think that I look bad, but I would like my exterior to represent my self more, however fluid and shifting that self may be.</p> <p>One way that I'm trying to move toward integrating my more creative side is by wearing more items that are handmade and have meaning to me. My grandmother recently knitted me some infinity scarves. I don't know that they look arty or creative to anyone else, but I know that sewing and knitting is one way that my grandmother expresses her creative impulses, so what she made for me feels creative to me. </p> <p>I'm going to be going through archives of WIW of all of you who have said that you aspire for this in your own wardrobe for inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517768 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:18:06 +0000 Diana 517768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I already talked a bit in my earlier post (up above) about how being a scientist in academia has influenced my sartorial choices but I wanted to add a couple more points.</p> <p>Scarlet makes a really good point about a perceived dichotomy between being interested in fashion/style and being considered a serious scientist. I do think this is true since science is one of the few fields in which you can look like an utter and total slob and still be taken seriously. This perception mostly just really annoys me and so I feel that, in some small way, I am making a statement by dressing the way I do. </p> <p>I don't feel the need to tone down my style in my daily life where i go to lab and interact with basically the same people day in and day out. They are all pretty used to it and don't really bat an eyelash and don't judge me negatively because they know me better than that. I even get compliments on occasion, usually from the younger women, which gives me hope that as more people like me rise in the ranks (hopefully!) the perception of stylish as being flaky or not serious will change. </p> <p>I do admit to toning it down when I have to give an interview or a big talk or something where a lot of people who do not know me may be present, but I will only go so far. Put me in a button down shirt or conservative suit (or for that matter,something like non-PPL pants), and I feel uncomfortable, so I will not be confident when giving my talk, which completely defeats the purpose of trying to appear competent and serious.</p> <p>Anyway, here are a couple of blogs by fashionable ladies in science:</p> <p><a href="http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/</a> - I want to be Audi when I grow up. She is both the epitome of artsy dressing AND a scientist (albeit at a biotech company rather than in academia). </p> <p><a href="http://www.befabulousdaily.us/" rel="nofollow">http://www.befabulousdaily.us/</a> - Cynthia is a science professor at a research university, and also dresses in a rather arty (although more mainstream than Audi) manner and is interested in belly dancing and other such artistic endeavors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517763 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:13:54 +0000 sarah 517763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good grief, this is quite interesting and raises so many other issues besides the one that Nancy asked about directly. It's especially interesting for me to hear the academics and scientists weigh in here (Scarlet, I didn't know that you are also a scientist). In contrast to what Jonesy said (a bit), I feel as though in much of my writing I am working hard to remove myself from the writing, since the norm in my discipline is to focus on the results and the work, and not the writer. I love to write, and I love to edit. But, the norm is to write about the research in an objective way, and therefore the scientist is not the focus on the writing. I wonder if that's in part why I feel so self conscious sometimes in expressing my style. And of course that reinforces the whole issue of not wanting to dress too outside of my environmental norm. Honestly, even getting my hair cut has been a bit traumatic, as I feel as though I'm intentionally drawing attention to myself. Artists, on the other hand, are rewarded for their individuality and originality of expression. Not that scientists aren't rewarded for creativity and individuality, but it's more about the originality of their work, and not about themselves per se. Hmmm... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517745 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:23:29 +0000 Jonesy 517745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to add these pics and this quote from Louise Nevelson, an influential sculptor who also had tons of style.</p> <p>Here's the quote, from an interview with her that was later published in a book Dawns and Dusks:</p> <p>"I don’t think of myself as a strong woman. I never even heard that word about me until recently. I always thought bluntly that I was a glamorous goddamn exciting woman. I didn’t want to be strong at anything. I wanted to have a ball on earth.[…] I could have played the role of the down-and-out artist, but I wanted to have fun, and not only fun, I think I fed on it. It was exciting. I always used to dress with a flair. And I liked to swear and I liked to drink and have romances. Well, little did they think that I’d be the one to arrive. I knew it, though. I was very sure of what I was doing. I believed in myself and I was utterly satisfied with what I believed in." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517742 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000 Suz 517742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The visuals are very interesting; we see a range of styles represented even in just a few photos. Judy Blume looks casual and approachable, which fits her identity as a writer for young people. Alice Sebold looks restrained yet dramatic; she is a writer of literary books for adults. Maya Angelou looks dramatic and dignified, as befits her status. Georgia O'Keefe looks striking and dramatic, like her work. </p> <p>Very interesting, Helen. Makes me think again that each of us could look to our work (or our work's intentions) for clues about how to identify the artistic elements that will suit us best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517729 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:02:06 +0000 Meredith1953 517729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This topic got me to thinking about one of my favorite modern female artists. Georgia O'Keefe. When I look at any photographs of her she is usually wearing black and white and strong jewelry. The clothing is comfortable, practical and organic looking and her jewelry is sculptural and simple but striking. Even her hats are fun. And of course her face is very striking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517714 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:12:46 +0000 Jonesy 517714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread. I really relate to a lot of the comments here. I don't even know where to start :). I am a social scientist with a creative bent; writing (creating, reading, editing others' writing) is a big part of my job and an important part of how I identify myself. I also really enjoy artistic expression, in the fine arts, through writing, in home design, fashion and style, etc. So I find that to feel the most like myself, I like to dress in ways that reflect all of these aspects of me. Suz, when you wrote about juxtaposition, I found myself nodding along, because my most thrilling writing comes when I am connecting dots others haven't connected before, and juxtaposing different elements to come up with something new. This gives me great pleasure and satisfaction. I can see now that how I dress is related to this.</p> <p>I agree with Scarlet that if you are an academic and a scholar, there is definitely the perception that you should be consumed by your work (love the long fingernails bit!). To show other interests, especially ones associated with women to be blunt, is to risk being taken much less seriously. I do think that many of my colleagues think I am somewhat suspect because I obviously put some thought into how I present myself. I hope that my work speaks for itself, and that I can be a model for graduate students--it *is* possible to be a serious thinker and writer, and have a family life, and enjoy pursuits like fashion! Also, I take heart in thinking that this is sort of changing. I remember hearing somewhat recently about a female scientist who was tenured at an Ivy institution, and has also worked for years as an aerobics instructor. I love these kinds of stories!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517710 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:10:31 +0000 Patty 517710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz--it's blog writing time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517709 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:09:43 +0000 Patty 517709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a great thread and I am enjoying your discussions---I hope it carries on for a while.</p> <p>Isobel--I want to jump up and down with joy for you dancing with your daughter!!! You go girls!! You are doing a great thing for her and she will only benefit and so will you!<br /> I have artistic kids too--have had to deal with many a school principle/teacher about it too so the more you know them and what makes them tick the better it is all around! </p> <p>I have worked with many artists in the animation field---it's amazing how you can see their drawing styles in their personal style and I don't believe they do it intentionally initially--it just is--the obvious arty stuff is just punctuation.<br /> Me--I like to think I'm a comic strip artist --I dress pretty main stream I guess but like goofy stuff like mismatched socks. I am pretty reserved and that shows in my drawing style. My hubby is a fine animator and technical artist--he likes graphic ts and cut off shorts/track pants but is surprisingly classic in his formal wear, personality--I see this in his drawings too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517708 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:09:31 +0000 HelenInCanada 517708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree that there are distinctions in expectations between visual and writerly artists. I think writers tend to be more analytical, hence their often more "proper"/classic/conservative way of dressing...?</p> <p>I thought it might be fun and helpful to look at photos of established Professional Artists that we may be familiar with - and check out their style. You'll notice none of them are particularly outlandish or wacky at all - just tasteful and classically elegant! Interesting.</p> <p>Photo #1: Novelist Alice Sebold<br /> Photo #2 &amp; 3: Novelist for young people, Judy Blume<br /> Photo #4: Poet Maya Angelou<br /> Photo #5: Painter Georgia O'Keefe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-dressing-like-an-artist/page/2#post-517672 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:16 +0000 Suz 517672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel, that's so beautiful. You are a wonderful mother to your daughter and she is so lucky to have you. </p> <p>And I agree, Scarlet, it's very interesting to hear a scientist's take on this, as well, and it would be really great if the science types on this list would write about their particular style challenges and joys. </p> <p>Janet, thank you SO much for your post. It resonated with me on so many levels. I, too, have sometimes felt that someone else was "the real deal" and I was not. At the same time, until YLF, I've never consciously dressed to look more "arty;" I just WISHED that somehow I COULD look that way, magically. And sometimes I would try this or that piece that was supposed to give the look...but it did not. Since YLF I think I have been much more conscious that this is an element of the look I want. But in my own unique way, not in any stereotypical way. </p> <p>That's why I LOVED what you said here: " I can see some themes in my work that also come through in my style." </p> <p>You're right that it might be tougher for non-visual artists to recognize those themes but at least one leapt immediately to my attention. In almost all my writing (and all the pieces I'm proudest of) juxtaposition is crucial. I like to braid different stories, or bring contrasting images together, or place texts of different kinds next to each other to see what kind of energy that generates. </p> <p>In terms of my style, it then makes perfect sense that I would feel most at home in looks that mix high and low; casual/ soft with more structured; quiet with more dramatic. </p> <p>Thank you SO much for that insight. It is precious!</p> <p>And thank you again, Nancy, for raising this discussion! </p>