Andrew Wyeth 1917-2009

I was very sorry hear that Andrew Wyeth passed away today. I've loved his work for many years and it has provided  a strong influence on my photography. 

There's a rare quality in his work that is undeniably beautiful - a quiet intensity. For me the combination of simplicity, craftsmanship and soulfulness is extremely moving. 

Most of all I'm inspired by his obvious respect for his subjects, and his ability to show how beautiful everyday life can be. 

These images from his series of 'Helga' picturess are a perfect example of how powerful it can be to show a woman's natural, unglamorised beauty - I'm sure they will be appreciated by many generations to come.

The Art Of Bunions

We found these Dr Scholl posters in Brimfield Market, Massachusetts.  

I'm sure the designer never realised that one day, his rendering of callouses would be considered to be worth framing - but I find them enormously aesthetically pleasing. The photo-realist illustrations, the perfect use of colour, and the typography are all top notch.

My favourite part are the little graphic arrows - a very stylish touch (and most educational too). 

Isn't it nice to know that, in the right circumstances, even athlete's foot can be a beautiful thing?

Paris: Wild Sales Display

Pavement Pastels

These naive pastels were spotted yesterday on the pavement outside the Victoria and Albert museum.

The anonymous artist gone due no doubt to the freezing cold, passers by can appreciate the oeuvre until the forecast rain arrives

Sunday Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs

Home-Made Sunflower Bread

Vintage French Plate

January Sun

It's A Plaid Plaid Plaid Plaid World

Fun fact: The first tartans known to man probably existed before 100BC. And it's still fashionable. Pretty impressive.

I can't think of a fabric more versatile than plaid. You can wear it to a black tie gala, a Texan rodeo or a Hoxton rave, and look stylish in every situation. For me, there's nothing more thrilling than finding a really beautiful colour combination or an an unusual weave - at it's best, it can be a real art form.

These two treasures are from my (rapidly growing) tie collection. They're both from the 60's, and are, like all good tartans, Scottish. The green tie came from London's Broadway Market, the burgundy from Portobello.

Here are some close-up views:

I love the subtlety of the colour combination here - with the transitions between shades, it's like a tiny little Rothko that you can wear around your neck.

This one is a perfect mid-century modern palette - that jolt of yellow gives it just the right amount of 'kick'.

Curious Eye Charts

Let's make like Julie Andrews and start with some of our favorite things shall we?

Like these little beauties...

Eye Charts combine some of the elements that always excite me. Interesting typography, an unusual light fitting, and an aesthetically pleasing object, all wrapped up in one little box. Who could ask for anything more?

This one came from Castle Gibson, and is apparently from Germany, circa 1920. It's a particular favorite as it has a sort of soulful, poetic glow. 

On a more modernist tip, we have this one:

I'm guessing that it's British, and from the Sixties. It can be lit up in sections, and the 'OXO' wheel spins. Fun!

Myopia has never seemed so stylish.