Commercialism KILLS art

Project Runway sucks. Don't get me wrong, I still get inspired by it. The problem is that it's now a packaged product instead of a revolutionary and innovative idea. Of course since it is television it was always about getting money and ratings, but it has lost the magic because the contestants know what to expect. But that is what happens, when art and money collide. Money starts to dictate the art.
Remember when musicians and singers were normal looking nerds who made it big based on their talent? Janice Joplin? GrandMaster Flash? Back in the days where children still wanted to be doctors and lawyers and engineers and then you had those strange loners you made fun of who were artists because their spirits would not allow any other choice. People who suffered society's disapproval as well as poverty to show what was inside them. People whose work you could feel as well as see and hear. Seems like a lifetime ago.
These days people actually get real degrees in bellydancing, their parents don't scold them about becoming guitar players, and fashion design is taught at almost every school. While this is great for the artist it sucks for the art itself. I am happy for myself and other artists because we do not have to die penniless. We don't always have to wait our whole lives to be known. The problem is the art suffers and the viewers go on to the next thing because you are not their only entertainment. Talentless hacks with outgoing personalities will replace your moody, crazy behind in a minute! Corporations and industry giants are so afraid of missing or capitalizing on the "next big thing" that they will give anyone a chance these days. Even the true artists are scrambling to make money in this brave new world to keep their heads above water and keep the sharks at bay.
Personally , I wonder what Andre Leon Talley has to say on the subject. In 25 years, I am sure he has seen the greats and the "taints" in action. Jennifer Hudson is fortunate...
Hey money is not a bad thing, it keeps my computer on, but I am sure you know what I mean.

Stretched to the limit

Ok, NOW I get the fascination with knit fabrics. It's all thanks to the whole reconstructed T- shirts "revolution".
When I was taking classes for fashion design Paris was still the fashion capitol of the world and couture was still the goal. Clothing that cost $10 looked like it cost, with no detail. And Kate Moss was the last of the Supermodel era before every person that walked a runway started calling themselves that. Of course I am kinda telling you my age, but...
The whole point is I used to want to use only the best quality fabrics, use the most difficult techniques and be this snobbish, pretentious, person who adopted a sort of artistic accent saying crap that ordinary mortals had no idea about. Life happens around your intentions.
Now New York says that it is the fashion capital where everyone with an idea can be a designer, they are working those people from Third World countries to death trying to get us clothes that look like something, I have no idea the names of these "spoiled , stupid little stick figures with poufy lips who think only about themselves", and I am still trying to earn my respect as a designer.
Althought I learned quite a bit from the person I interned with after school, I always secretly snubbed my nose at him because he used to work mostly with knits. Now don't get me wrong he would work with silk and his favorite was double knit wool jersey, but I always thought he took the easy way out. Something that cost him almost no time to make (especially since he would take short cuts like a champ) would cost his customer at minimum $500. I could not understand it. Where was the art? Where was the craftmanship?
So many, MANY, years later after going on my local freecycle.org I picked up a couple bags of clothing from someone who did reconstructive T shirts and jeans. For those who don't know about the practice, teenagers have started expressing their inner designer through taking old t shirts and making something new with it in the same was some of us used to redo sweatshirts for years after the movie Flashdance. When I first recieved the free stuff I just thanked the guy and put the clothes to the side. About a year later I had some lingere I wanted to design and could not figure out how to do it. I remembered the lycra and knit fabrics I had in the basement and decided to use that stuff to work on since I ran out of muslin and did not feel like running to the store and I found freedom! I could do stuff with knit fabrics that I could never possibly do with that silk shantung I bought and it was way more forgiving! I could experiment and in ways I never thought possible and it took almost no time for me to do it since I did not have to worry about it. I felt like a guy who used to date an old fashioned debutaunte and learned how fun a street wise girl could be! I could do things to the knits that that cashmere wool would never let me do! And, I could do it in much less time! What more could one want?
Hey, I still have a love affair with the hand made imported linen or the egyptian cotton, but I now know not to poo poo the t shirts. Especially if they are the onces bringing in the dough!

Transferring your pain into art

I have never really transferred my pain into my art. I would shut down and not be able to do anything and use that as an excuse for not doing what I love.

A couple of months ago . after reading "The Game of Life" I started putting my spirit into my work, trusting my instincts and letting go. Second guessing myself based on what I thought others would like is no longer an option. I put my happiness, my seriousness, and my spirituality into my work. I never put in my pain or sadness and I was just put to the test.

"If I put it in my poetry , someone might read it" Or " I just don't FEEL like sewing. " or " I can't think". I have a million excuses. None of them bring me happiness, health , or money! So, for the first time I finally continued to work through the pain. I thought about how sucess and self accomplishment can be the best revenge for the hurt.

Besides, wouldn't it be delicious if those that hurt you were wishing that they knew you were going to have recognizable success and wish that they had it too? Too Funny. Thank you Frida!