Art Nouveau Obsession + Loish Live Interview

Art school has been amazing and fun so far. Even though I'm not studying the practical art, I heard that the students of the Art History department can join other classes from other subjects too -- which is awesome! But, for now, I'm just trying to ease into it and see what kind of chaos I'm going to deal with here. Still, I'm looking for one of those loopholes and tiny chances to travel, see some friends, blog and, maybe, get a job. Aside from that, I'm forced to realise that I'm apparently behind on my art knowledge compared to most of my classmates. Yikes! The other day, the professor asked us about Gustav Klimt's artwork, Beethoven Frieze. She asked us if there was something somewhat familiar about it. Apparently, she was referring to Art Nouveau. Klimt was inspired by it. And that was how I got back to my everlasting obsession for Art Nouveau.

Paintings by Alphonse Mucha (via Mucha Foundation)

Ever since the first time I figured out about Art Nouveau, I've been smitten with it. I wasn't sure what about it was so different and alluring until I read it up online and we talked about it a little bit in class the other day. Apparently, art nouveau is all about women and nature. The tender strokes of brush and strong outlines make them strong but elegant. The whole point of this style of art is women and nature, specifically flowers. Such a feminine touch, balanced by the strong outlines. I'm unsure how this style was invented but Alphonse Mucha was, surely, one of the renowned artists. I want to say he's the inventor but I just don't know. His style is so modern (of course, it was the end of the 19th century) and gracious, all the ladies he painted look like goddesses. People say this is the exaggeration of ladies and, maybe, he changed the meaning of beauty for ladies way back when. The last picture of his works up there is now taped to my wall.

All artwork by Lois van Baarle (via loish.net & deviantART)

One of the reasons I brought this up at all is because one of my favourite illustrators, Lois van Baarle, once said that Alphonse Mucha inspired her greatly. This was quite apparent by the amount of ladies she's painted as well. It's a different era so, of course, they look different from the impression Mucha gave. Unlike Mucha's impression, Lois's girls are more edgy, strong and varied. Maybe it is also a way of portraying her own characteristics. Recently, Lois has also delved into animation which she also rocks. I love the various touches of her style whilst still maintaining her style and uniqueness. Just last week's Sunday deviantART's Ask The Artist brought to the other deviants a live interview session with this talented lady. The interview was recorded and will be posted soon. It was such a liberating opportunity! Thanks for answering the questions, Lois (including mine)! If you happen to be reading this post, err...I'm not sure you will...but, anyway, I love your art and keep rocking on! Cheerio!

Room to Inspire

N.y.L.a. top // ONLY skirt // Primark chunky cardigan // thrifted tights // flea market loafers // gifted bag // C&A coat // Pieces scarf

One of my favourite things about being a college student right about now is the fact that my art campus is located just on the side of the park. So it's safe to say that the park is the backyard of my campus. And, because most of the building is glass anyway, when you walk from the south all the way through to the north wing, you can see a number of beautifully golden trees and the river. It's so refreshing. Maybe it was purposefully made like that so that the students can get more inspired to create awesome art and design projects. Plus, it's well-known that the whole park can be used for exhibitions -- like in documenta(13). Creative or what? Aside from that, it's also a great excuse to have BBQ parties in the backyard. Haha.

I'm sure, if you've watched the news or got at least one friend in Germany, you all know: it snowed lightly here recently. Since then on, the mornings and nights have been cold enough to make our breath clear white. So I definitely layered a whole lot...too much maybe. I ended up wanting to get into a room, sit down and both warm up from the cold and shed my layers to stop sweating. If you haven't noticed, this coat is my go-to coat since I got it last autumn and these loafers are from this flea market. Yeah, one of the 3 purchased items. Autumn euphoria has yet to end. To prove it, here's a gif of me twirling on top of wet, dead leaves.

Have a wondrous Tuesday! Cheerio!

My Closet is Up For Sale! + Facebook Update

Hello, dear friends! You might be interested to know that I am selling some stuff on my Shop My Closet for relatively cheap prices. This list will be updated monthly, if not weekly. The shipping price isn't listed because I still have to look it up first. Have a look and contact me over at alivegurl_3ple_as@yahoo.com if something got you hooked.

On another note, Alive as Always is now available on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account -- of course, you do -- hop on over and follow all updates there. There may be other updates that won't be appear on the blog. Also, for future references, just click the button titled Facebook on the right sidebar of this blog. (Sorry this facebook picture is in German!)

Thanks for stopping by! Cheerio!

Autumn 2011 Nostalgia

These are a few snapshots of last year's autumn. That was one magical season. I was having a bit of a rough time because I just moved out of my beloved Karlsruhe, away from friends and Firu, into a new town I didn't like very much. I did meet up with them three times last October. In comparison to chilly Halle, Karlsruhe was heaven! The first picture was of Halle. Look how misty it was! Thank God, Kassel only got to be like that one day. I went to Dresden and Halloren Chocolate Museum with the class, to Nuremberg with my buddies and to Karlsruhe to see my love. That was one bittersweet autumn, unlike this one, but these memories will live on. Thanks for peeking, guys! And for those people who's been there, thanks for being by my side. This weekend I'm going back to Halle to see some friends. See you guys there! Cheerio!

Halloween After-Life

Batik Keris top + skirt

First and foremost, happy Halloween, you crazy kids! Okay, this doesn't look much like a Halloween costume but I swear it is. I'm a Batik Samurai. No, I didn't carve pumpkins. No, I didn't go trick-or-treating. And no, I didn't go to any Halloween party. So yeah, Germany isn't all that pumped to celebrate Halloween. All my American friends were disappointed. Either way, I'm rocking this costume. I wore this to all the three classes I had that day. I've been planning this costume since August so dammit if it wasn't going to be what I wear on Halloween. I'm glad it definitely attracted attention, though. People kept looking at me on the streets -- some of them ain't so subtle, my roommate noticed the batik and a classmate complimented it. Thanks! Too bad I couldn't carry the sword around. It'd be awesome. November is already here. Well, happy November, all! Cheerio!