styling appreciation pt 2: Ashley R o s e Helvey

I really appreciate the subtle but strong influence that stylists have on the aesthetic of a shoot. although ashley is more than 'just' a stylist: she is a fibre artist and a maker in her own right, and the simplicity of her styled images is the result of the complexity of her talents.

surprise package from S h i l o h and what I'm listening to:

the red clover that Sono gave me is in full bloom. it first disappeared then started popping out of random pots of succulents.

spooky forest row

prantera power

aries and kore kosmou with the prantera sisters

c a i t l i n w y l d e

"Nature is spirit. It is the source of everything; life , existence, sustenance. It is my inspiration. I try and listen to the earth and the objects I collect from nature. There is a combining of things, a pattern that is right, a balance that I can't always find but I try and get my mind out of the way and just listen to the guidance of the energy of each object. It is a magical thing when it works."

"Being hands on is very important. For me it is part of the process. What is your art if it doesn't come from your hands? I guess if I would like to make a giant casting one day I could use someones expertise but on a smaller scale it is very important. That doesn't mean I don't have help sometimes. My friend Hugo has helped me build all sorts of things but he is a dear friend and someone I trust completely."

"I sometimes carry objects; rocks, crystals , feathers, bits of ash, that are talismans for me. I also wear pieces by friends like Kathryn Bentley that also have a serious energy to them. I guess things do have energy and what feels right just feels right. I feel like my whole world is a giant talisman!"

"I live in a neighborhood in LA called Echo Park. It does not feel like a city here. There are lots of trees and critters, hills and birds. my favorite spot is Elysian park. It is a great park with acres of hiking trails, hawks, owls, lots of neighborhood folks and dogs. It's where I find lots of things for my work."

thank you caitlin!

Cheryl wearing milena

scarf dyed with madder, view from my window . . . and a winter mix

win.ter from forest_Low on 8tracks.

anti valentine

I have some 'friendship tote bags' up for sale on etsy. the design is a collage of my best friends' hands in the shape of a love heart. email me or visit etsy if you would like to purchase one.

my artist friend conny prantera is doing a drawing sale to finance her next show. have a look at what is for sale here. and if you are in london on the 4th of march, come to the show!

yeah snow

we are snowed in. the forest way is beautiful and I like having excuses to wear a head scarf. it's supposed to freeze tonight and then we'll be properly stuck for a few days. I have a lot of sewing to do and I am looking forward to quiet times and no distractions (apart from the occasional visit to our local).

cosmic navajo basket

making. . .