Style Imitating Art: “Blush & Blue”

Style Imitating Art…

Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. I am this week’s curator with this beautiful piece of art. I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.

How it works…

Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. I chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why I chose it here. Please send your photo to me by Tuesday, September 10th by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, here, and here.

About the artist…

As you know, I travelled to Ireland and Scotland with a friend. I knew her daughter was an artist who worked with silk. What I didn’t realize was the scope of her talent! My friend showed me her daughter’s website, and I was gobsmacked! I asked if she’d contact her daughter to see if I could possibly use one of her pieces of art as an inspiration. I am thrilled to tell you all about Laura Fox Wallis of Rooted Expressions Studio. I wish I could tell you I’ve taken one of her classes, but I haven’t had that opportunity…yet! Laura was born in Terre Haute. The family moved to Brownsburg, Indiana (where I live now) when she was in third grade. She graduated from Brownsburg High School and received her degree in art education with a minor in ceramics.

A little more…

Laura says she developed her art because of her Gramma who introduced her to watercolors and her Grandma who taught her to sew. It wasn’t until she was in her 20s that the two converged. Laura began her teaching career in Greenwood. At first, she was a ceramics teacher but became involved in fiber arts because of a need for another teacher. Wallis would observe the fiber arts teacher and then teach the same lesson to her students. She says:

“She (Ms. Shake) had already stretched a crisp white silk scarf onto a frame and was talking about how dye bleeds, spreading on the silk fibers. At the time, I was only somewhat paying attention. Then I swear magic happened. I watched as she touched the brush to the silk and then the most vibrant, beautiful magenta flowed out onto the silk. I was hooked. The following week I made my first silk scarf alongside my students. Within just a few months, I walked away from clay forever and then started painting on silk (source).”

Still more…

Laura taught art in junior high and high school for more than 15 years. Eventually, she began creating as a full-time artist. During the pandemic, Laura pivoted and began offering “self-paced” online courses. You can still sign up for those at her website, Rooted Expressions Studio. You will receive all necessary supplies (I think these are sold separately) as well as video instructions on how to create your own silk masterpieces! There are several different courses offered. This fall, Laura (and her mom, my traveling companion) are teaching “Beyond the Line: The Sistek Sizing Technique” on Monday and Tuesday (10/1 and 10/2) at the SPIN Festival 2024. This will occur at the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. I couldn’t really tell, but I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the classes are already completely booked.

Even more…

Laura continues to teach classes in Austin, TX, where she now resides. In addition, you can take her many online classes if you are interested in learning this gorgeous way of making beautiful pieces of art as well as wearable art. I was lucky enough to take a class with Laura’s mom. I was amazed at the beautiful things that can be done even though I didn’t do all of the different things. Painting on silk truly is magical! I think, once you try it, you will be hooked! I’m eagerly looking forward to trying different techniques. Laura is one of only 35 Master Silk Painters as designated by the Silk Painters International Organization. Earlier this year, she was an artist in residence in France! Talk about a dream come true (though I know Laura got there through hard work and lots of practice at her craft).

Finally…

If, like me, your walls are full, you can purchase so many other beautiful goods on Laura’s website! You can buy silk scarves, hat bands, and greeting cards. Just check out the “Gift Shop” tab on her website. I’m thinking I may have some Christmas shopping to do! Also, here is a website where you can see a little of the process as Laura creates a work of art. You can also find her on Instagram here. I know I seem to be bombarding you with information, but here is another website with an interview! I just think this brilliant young artist has so much to share with us!

About the art work…

“Blush & Blue” is steam set, French silk dye on 100% Habotai silk. The silk portion measures 26 in x 37 in (66 x 94 cm) which is then mounted on a 30 x 40 x 1.5 in (76 x 102 x 3.8 cm) gessoed canvas. This gorgeous piece of art is currently for sale and can be purchased on her website as well as several other silk masterpieces.

My interpretation…

For some reason, I thought this work was primarily blue so I’d planned to work with that color. I was so pleasantly surprised when I looked back at the art work to discover greens were the predominant color. I chose this vintage (at least to me) April Cornell dress. I’ve worn it previously on the blog for a Songful Style challenge (seen here). It is a lovely shade of aqua with small blue flowers on it. It’s also cut on the bias which makes me feel like it’s twisting all the time. The thing is that very bias cut that creates such a swirly effect when you walk. As for the blue, well, let’s just call the tips of my hair blue, shall we?

The Lewk!

These Leighton boots would have been perfect for last month’s Ageless Style “splurge” post. I decided to add another pair in brown for when my Born boots wear out. Hahaha!!! Nope, I bought them because they are gorgeous, and I wanted them! I thought they were perfect for the dead and dying leaves in the art work. I added these pink topaz earrings and necklace to pick up on the lilies in the painting, too.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

Can you tell I was more than a little thrilled to present Laura Fox Wallis to you? I was so excited to be able to feature an artist I can halfway say I know. Laura has conducted events at our church for our Women’s Ministries, and I’ve never been able to go. I will definitely go the next time (if she does it again). So, can we talk? Have you ever painted on silk? Are you a fan of watercolors? What strikes you most about this kind of art? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.

Don’t forget…

If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send me your photo by 10:00 pm EST Tuesday, September 10th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on my blog on Wednesday, September 11th! I honestly think this is one of the best pieces of art we’ve shown. There are so many ways to approach the challenge…the colors, the lines, the muted aspects of the painting. You could have lots of fun creating a look! Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!

Thank you!

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Affiliate links, discount codes and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

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