coup de foudre

Light up the Dark!

2012-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

V Magazine

photographed by Mario Testino

model Natalia Vodianova

issue #58

Get this, the issue actually glows in the dark!

Ellen von Unwerth

2012-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

FRAULEIN

Fräulein, Rouilly les Bas, 2002

Mannequin, Paris, 1998

Pucker Up!, New York, 2001

Double Trouble, New York, 2008

Laced Up, Rouilly le Bas, 2002

The Vamp, New York, 1994

Marquise, Paris, 1993

Keys To Heaven, Rouilly le Bas, 2002

Bubbly, Paris, 1992

Don’t, Paris, 1996

For more information go to Staley Wise Gallery

560 Broadway

New, NY 10012

T + 212-966-6223F + 212-966-6293

photo@staleywise.com

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) - official video

2012-01-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

I love the song, but this video makes me so uncomfortable I have to laugh...yet i can't look away...

Hedi Slimane

2012-01-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

THE RENAISSANCE MAN

All photographs by Hedi Slimane

California girl, Venice, 2010

Liza Thorn, November 2011

Ed Ruscha, November 2009

Frances B Cobain, July 2011

Phoenix, May 2011

Amy Winehouse, 2007

The Kills, February 2009

Paris Night at the opera, 1999

Georgia May Jagger, September 2010

To view more:

Hedi Slimane.com

FIRST AID KIT - Emmylou

2012-01-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

For the people who like folk music...I'm sure you've already discovered the Swedish duo,First Aid Kit, sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. They have just released their new song Emmylou and I love the sweet sound. "This song was recorded at Joshua Tree National Park, a truly magical place, on Gram Parson’s birthday. The song is a tribute to some of our favorite country musicians – Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, June Carter and Johnny Cash. It’s about the power of singing together with someone you love. Check it out!"

Play FIRST AID KIT - Emmylou

John Steinbeck on Falling in Love: A 1958 Letter

2012-01-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Nothing good gets away...."The Nobel Prize winner and author of The Grapes of Wrath on the importance of waiting for love. Among his correspondence is this beautiful response to his eldest son Thom's 1958 letter, in which the teenage boy confesses to have fallen desperately in love with a girl named Susan while at boarding school. Steinbeck's words of wisdom—tender, optimistic, timeless, infinitely sagacious—should be etched onto the heart and mind of every living, breathing human being." (Via Courtney Flint, The Atlantic)

New York
November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First -- if you are in love -- that's a good thing -- that's about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don't let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second -- There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you -- of kindness and consideration and respect -- not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn't know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply -- of course it isn't puppy love.

But I don't think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it -- and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone -- there is no possible harm in saying so -- only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another -- but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I'm glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens -- The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,
Fa

Photographs, by artist Alphonse Mucha

2012-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Alphonse Mucha was an artist and graphic designer, and his creative catalog stretches from paintings to graphics, from jewelry design to the decoration of luxury houses, theaters and stores. He designed stamps, advertising posters, and packaging. Alphonse Mucha became famous - as it often happens to people who are not only talented, but also lucky - thanks to an accidental encounter. One night, when he was still rather unknown, he went to a trustworthy printer, who was also the producer of the posters for Gismonda, the show that was soon to be staged in Paris, with divine Sarah Bernhardt. It was late at night, the artists in the laboratory had already gone away, therefore the printer assigned the job to the young artist: the poster wasn't appreciated by everybody, but the actress was enthusiastic...bringing success and new collaborations. His visual language immediately became an eternal symbol of Art Nouveau. (Article source: Vogue.com)

Mucha is better known for his graphics, but below are a few of my favorite photographs, which he took of his models to use as references for his theatrical pastel paintings.

ALPHONSE MARIA MUCHA

Self portrait

Celebrating Poppy

2012-01-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Last night I found an article that made me smile, Secret Life of a Senior Sigh Guy written about my grandpa when he was at Hollywood High. "Describing David Nelson is like trying to tell people why they feel good in the warmth of the sunshine…he's quite a guy." In memory of the coolest and best man I've ever known, here are my favorite all time family photographs with my grandpa.

In a tribute to our poppy and his way of life, my sister and I also put together a guide to living like the ultimate Gentleman!

A Guide To Living Poppy Style:

Cocktail hour starts when you need a drink and alcohol is taken on the rocks, vodka preferred
"Sweetheart" endearing word to call the women in your life
That being said, be a one woman guy who only has eyes for the love of your life
This is an impossible one to learn…have a sense of humor, comedic timing, and a quick wit!
Be humble with your accomplishments and talents
Don't be "affected," be kind
Go above and beyond the duties of a gentleman. When a women walks into the room not only take her bags, but coat as well. Don't just walk a women to the door, open it and walk her to her car or taxi and wait until she has pulled away.
Demonstrate through your actions that family is the number one priority.
Develop passions in life and fearlessly devote yourself to being the best you can be at them.
Take pride in your work (and your fishing!)
Have the courage to be yourself, and stay loyal and true to what you believe in.
Be not an attention seeker…at a large or small gathering observe and listen
Speak when you have something to say
Reserve all judgements. Accept people unconditionally and express concern with their actions only if their behavior is hurting themselves or other people.
Be unapologetic about what you like. (He wore the same simple Timex watch with an army green nylon strap for years!)

David Nelson

(October 24, 1936 – January 11, 2011)

Favorite picture of my grandparents

Poppy and me in Laguna

With my sister Courtney

My grandpa (left) with his dad and brother

On the set with Connie Nelson

Me and my grandpa

Yvonne Nelson, Harriet, and my grandpa

Poppy and his brother, Rick

Football days

At work

Courtney and I making him smile

My mom (with the grandparents)

His second love (after my grandma, Yvonne Nelson)

NOWNESS.com presents: Trixie Whitley's "A Thousand Thieves"

2012-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

The online magazine, Nowness, just posted the following entry and video shot by Matthu Placek...enjoy...

A Thousand Thieves

Filmmaker Matthu Placek's Tempestuous New Video for Trixie Whitley's Soaring ballad

A heartbroken but defiant Trixie Whitley faces a storm of emotions in the video for her new song, “A Thousand Thieves,” directed by filmmaker Matthu Placek. The daughter of blues legend Chris Whitley, Trixie grew up between Belgium and New York in a family of passionate musicians, artists and writers, learning drums, guitar and piano at an early age. For the past two years the singer-songwriter has been recording and touring with Black Dub, the band of super-producer Daniel Lanois who worked with Brian Eno on U2's The Joshua Tree and has produced records for artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Currently soloing across Europe, Whitley caught Placek's attention with her soulful, smoky vocals and sensitive tunes while performing at New York salon Le Poisson Rouge. "All of a sudden, she lets out her voice and I just flew against the wall," says the former V magazine and Vogue photographer. They bonded that night, and soon Whitley was standing in a Balenciaga dress singing into four high-powered fans over a 14-hour day to the single take. "She really knows what she wants," says Placek. "You'd think she's this shrinking violet—and she is––but she is strong. She's very true to herself."

Source: NOWNESS.com

Robert Mapplethorpe, curated by Sofia Coppola

2012-01-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be in Paris this week go see the exhibition on photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe. The exhibition, curated by Sofia Coppola, is taking place at the Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Paris.(7 Rue Debelleyme 75003 Paris, France.)

Below are a small selection of Mapplethorpe's black and white images taken on his Hasselblad camera.

I wish I was in Paris to see this!

Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation

Patti Smith, 1975

William Burroughs, 1979

Andy Warhol, 1986

Isabella Rosellini, 1988

David Hockney, 1976

Flower, 1984

Marissa Berenson, 1983

Deborah Harry, 1978

Self portrait, 1980

Charlotte Rampling

2012-01-05T15:40:00.001-08:00

I must explore desert ground and see what can grow. But there are limits. I know in my heart what I would never do....It's very simple. I'm actually very straight.

In all areas. Funnily enough.

But my straightness allows me to be incredibly daring in where I'm prepared to go.

~ Charlotte Rampling

The Enigma

Sam Waterston and Charlotte Rampling

Photograph by Helmut Newton

2012-01-05T15:36:00.001-08:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Nine types of light

2012-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

2012-01-03T11:41:00.001-08:00

Think bright

2012-01-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

2012-01-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

Fashion Factory

2012-01-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

Source: American Harper's Bazaar, 1995

Photographer: Peter Lindbergh

Mexico

2012-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

2011

2011-12-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. ~ John 15:2

2011 reflections...coming to peace with loss. Don't be so stubborn that you can't let something go with grace. You have to let go of the old to take on something new. Don't have fear to discover the new... Stay willing to change.

All Natural

2011-12-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

ADIOS 2011

John Lennon, 1969Mississauga, Ontario

Jimi Hendrix

Paul Newman and Robert Redford

Jane Birkin

Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris

Stevie Nicks, 1975

Photo source: Endless me, Tumblr

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T13:02:00.000-08:00

Marilyn Monroe

Jimi Hendrix

Clara Bow

Ava Gardner

Jean Harlow

Elizabeth Taylor

Steve McQueen

2011-12-20T17:39:00.001-08:00

Sticks + Stones

2011-12-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH

Photographer Roxanne Lowit

2011-12-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

2011-12-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

Me + 10 days = Mexico

Girls on Film

2011-12-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration's shove...to take a photograph is to participate in another person’s (or thing’s) mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt.

~Susan Sontag

Brigitte Bardot

2011-12-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Smile

Spike Jones: Mourir Aupres de Toi

2011-12-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

Go to NOWNESS to watch the complete short film

and read an interview with director Spike Jones. Everything takes place in my favorite bookstore in Paris, Shakespeare and Company!

Harvest by Haroshi

2011-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Material Girl Magazine

2011-12-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

It's as if the photographs are plugged into electricity...

Courtney Vogler by Elliot and Erick Jimenez for Material Girl Magazine.

MALIBU

2011-12-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Don't Mess

2011-12-09T09:20:00.001-08:00

The McCarthy's

2011-12-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

Life is what you make it...

The Beatles (Paul McCartney) - Blackbird

2011-12-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe

2011-12-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Deborah Harry, 1978

Louise Nevelson, 1986

Grace Jones, 1984

Finding the calm

2011-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

2011-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

"Human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and can't really get rid of it." ~ C.S. Lewis

Steven Meisel

2011-12-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Magazine: Vogue Italia
Editorial: Vogue Patterns
Models: Lara Stone, Meghan Collison, Kinga Rajzak, Maryna Linchuk, Hanne-Gaby Odiele
Photographer: Steven Meisel

Yoko Ono, An Invisible Flower

2011-11-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

It just made me choke up re-reading “An Invisible Flower.”
I thought of the drawing of two people on horseback John made in 1952
(the same year I made “An Invisible Flower”).
The two people on horseback look very, very much like John and Yoko.
And the date, 18th February, was my 19th birthday.
It seems like we both knew in 1952 that we would fall in love with each other in 15 years time…
yoko

“I just couldn’t believe my mother wrote this before she met my father. It’s like a timewarp. Surely “Smelty John” is my father? But it couldn’t be. Could he have slipped unnoticed into the world of my mother’s book while she was looking the other way?”
From Sean Lennon’s introduction

“Some 10 years after I wrote the story, I met a John who could smell. He wrinkled the tip of his nose, sensing my scent in the air. When I saw that, I immediately knew he was the only one in the world who could see the invisible me.”

From Yoko Ono’s afterword

Erin Wasson for ELLE France, June 2011

2011-11-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

If I could put the vision of my life into photographs this would happen...

Debbie Harry

2011-11-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm gravitating towards all things Rock & Roll right now. While I was looking through photographer Bob Gruen's archives I stumbled across these images of Debbie Harry. I met her once, and she is everything you would imagine...irresistibly confident, tough yet sexy, and she has the best style EVER. I want the T-shirt below that reads, "Camp Funtime."

“Hi, it’s Deb. You know, when I woke up this morning I had a realization about myself. I was always Blondie. People always called me Blondie, ever since I was a little kid. What I realized is that at some point I became Dirty Harry. I couldn’t be Blondie anymore, so I became Dirty Harry.” ~ Debbie Harry

Los Angeles, California, 1977 -Chris Stein, Jimmy Destri, Debbie Harry, Gary Valentine, Clem Burke. Photographer Michael Ochs

1978 photographer Martyn Goddard/Corbis

Coney Island, NY, 1977 photographer Bob Gruen

1970 Booty-Bumpin a beater, photographer unknown

Bob Gruen

2011-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Photographer Bob Gruen was John Lennon's personal photographer and is one of the most respected Rock & Roll photographers of all time. He has photographed musicians from Bob Marley to Bob Dylan and toured with Led Zepplin, Sex Pistols, Blondie, The Who, David Bowie...just to name a few.

The Fahey/Klein Gallery at 148 North La Brea in Los Angeles is having an opening reception for the artist this Thursday, December 1st at 7pm.

ROCK SEEN

2011-11-29T09:17:00.001-08:00

Brigitte Bardot

2011-11-29T09:16:00.001-08:00

Vogue, 1970

2011-11-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

More images from photographer Norman Parkinson...

Norman Parkinson

2011-11-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

British fashion photographer Norman Parkinson (1913-1990). I can't stop looking at his photographs...they are lively, spontaneous, with a touch of elegance. He was responsible for bringing models from the studio in the 1940's to more exotic outdoor locations.

You can see the adventure, curiosity, and life in each photograph...they make me smile.

LANA DEL REY

2011-11-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

2011-11-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

"il ne faut pas croire l'homme qui a vu l'homme qui a vu la bete".

Don't listen to the man, that saw the man, who saw the bear.

More Kate Moss

2011-11-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Road Trip

2011-10-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

I can only note that the past is beautiful

because one never realizes an emotion at the time.

It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present,

only about the past.

~ Virginia Woolf

Marilyn Monroe photographed by George Barris

2011-10-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

"I could see a sadness in her eyes;

she had learned to smile, laugh and clown, even though her heart was breaking"

~ George Barris, on their photos at the beach.

Santa Monica Beach, 1962

2011-10-21T14:48:00.002-07:00

Ellen Von Unwerth

2011-10-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

"It's good to shock. It's not always good to be careful.

It's good to disturb a little"

Ellen Von Unwerth

The year of the woman

2011-10-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

Women in the 1050's were tough and beautiful.

More La Croix

2011-10-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

La Croix in Venice

2011-10-19T16:25:00.001-07:00

Given Goodwin, Israel

2011-10-19T12:56:00.001-07:00

2011-10-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

lol

2011-10-13T14:39:00.001-07:00

2011-10-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

Alexa Chung, Paris

2011-10-10T17:52:00.001-07:00

Surfing + Fashion

2011-10-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

"Remembering I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure-- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

..time is limited, so don't waste it living somebody elses life. Don't be trapped by Dogma --which is living with the result of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."

From Russia with Love

2011-10-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

DEVENDRA BANHART

2011-09-28T10:26:00.001-07:00

Photographs by
Neil Krug

George Harrison and Pattie Boyd

2011-09-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

TV On The Radio - Second Song

2011-09-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Terry Richardson

2011-09-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying Terry Richardson's post on his Tumblr:

http://www.terrysdiary.com/

Willem de Kooning

2011-09-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

At the MoMa, de Kooning: A Retrospective

from September 18th, 2011-January 9th, 2012.

This is the first exhibition devoted to the full scope of the carrier of Willem de Kooning. To read more about the exhibit at the MoMa CLICK HERE.

Below are some of my personal favorites...

Untitled (Man and Woman), 1947/48

Rosy-Fingered Dawn at Louse Point, 1963

Judgement Day, 1946

Women, 1950

Henry Miller and Anais Nin

2011-09-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Man will come face to face with himself and see himself as a substitute for the real thing. He will have to surrender his narrow conception of life, his unreal desire for security and peace, for a protection from without, a protection wholly artificial and created out of fear. He will have to learn to live, not only with others, but with himself.

~ Henry Miller

Linda McCartney and Paul McCartney

2011-09-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

Love and Loyalty

"Every song I write is for Linda."~Paul McCartney

Chrissie Hynde about Linda, "Unlike other girlfriends who might take the opportunity while their old guy's out of the house to really lay in, I always felt like Lina never broke rank. She would never say anything to me that she would not have said to Paul if he weren't there."

Quote above taken from Tears and Laughter, USAWeekend.com October 30th, 1998.

Follow me!

2011-09-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

Check out my new Tumbr page...enjoy

http://jenniferoconnorhill.tumblr.com/

Slim Aarons Christmas card

2011-09-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

This Slim Aarons Christmas portrait of his family got me excited for Christmas...is it too early?

George Harrison and Pattie Boyd

2011-09-12T17:51:00.001-07:00

Pattie Boyd set up her camera to take a self portrait in the backyard of their house. George Harrison became impatient when the camera did not go off in time, and looked away. I love this photo.

Washed Out - Amor Fati

2011-09-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

La Croix

2011-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Sunset walk...

2011-09-08T17:22:00.003-07:00

2011-08-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

Check out my new Tumbr page...enjoy

http://jenniferoconnorhill.tumblr.com/

The GOASTT - Bonnie & Clyde LIVE HD Serge Gainsbourg Tribute @ Hollywood...

2011-08-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday

2011-08-28T12:59:00.001-07:00

2011-08-15T11:18:00.001-07:00

Who can know the heart of youth but youth itself? ~ Patti Smith

2011-08-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

I don’t believe in dogmas and theologies. I just believe in being a good person.

We used to laugh at our small selves, saying that I was a bad girl trying to be good and that he was a good boy trying to be bad. Through the years these roles would reverse, then reverse again, until we came to accept our dual natures. We contained opposing principles, light and dark. Where does it all lead? What will become of us? These were our young questions, and young answers were revealed. It leads to each other. We become ourselves.

— Patti Smith on Robert Mapplethorpe, Just Kids

Jackie O. in Capri

2011-07-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

2011-07-20T15:05:00.001-07:00

Corinne Day & Kate Moss

2011-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Kate Moss but only one woman can take the credit for discovering her, Corinne Day. There is an instant chemistry and youthful playfulness I love about these first images...

Hunter S. Thompson

2011-07-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

My favorite photograph of all time.

Sandy & Agar I, Big Sur, California 1961. By Hunter S. Thompson

Lara Stone

2011-07-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan McGinley: Life Adjustment Center

2011-07-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

2011-07-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

2011-06-30T19:18:00.001-07:00

Rihanna - Man Down

2011-06-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

2011-06-23T19:43:00.001-07:00

Brigitte Bardot

2011-06-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Prince William, Kanye West, Sean Combs

2011-06-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

2011-06-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up. - Mae West

Thanks Yvonne!

Form and Fashion

2011-06-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Kurt Markus

Hoyningen-Huene

Kurt Markus, Louise for FLAIR magazine, Moab, Utah, 2004

Kurt Markus, Kristen Owen, French VOGUE, 1989

Kurt Markus, Cynthia Antonio for Mirabella Magazine,

Flathead Valley, Montana, 1994

Kurt Markus, For Sonia Bogner, New York, 1993

Kurt Marcus, Louise for FLAIR magazine, Moab, Utah, 2004

Kurt Markus, Olga and the Cowboys, Little Bear Ranch, Montana, 1994

Kurt Markus, Lisa Marie, Flathead Valley, Montana, 1991

George Hoyningen-Huene, Divers, 1930

Current exhibition on display at Staley Wise Gallery

560 Broadway New York, NY

June 10 - August 12.

Staley Wise Gallery.

Lessons From Khlomar, by Sara Riff

2011-06-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sara, thank you for always keeping things light while still teaching me life lessons. xx

Lessons From Khlomar

Big Sur

2011-06-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

2011-05-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Apologizing doesn't always mean that you're wrong & the other

person is right. It just means that you value your relationship

more than your ego.

Jacque Henri Lartigue

2011-05-17T11:25:00.001-07:00