“For worldly wisdom what do I care?
I am sick of its prating mummers;
She breathes of the field and the open air
And the fragrance of sixteen summers.”
— Henrik Ibsen
This week’s edition of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere has coming of age photographs, people in vehicles, digital paintings and synchronized swimmin’.
Photographer Jack Radcliffe has chronicled his daughter Alison’s life in frank, moving photos. Looking at these pictures, it’s impossible not to feel bittersweet about the passage of time. Haven’t we all experienced brutally dyed hair and ruined pillows, painful partings, shaved heads and awkward bodies? As Radcliffe says, “When my daughter Alison was born, in the tradition of a new parent, I began to photograph her, initially in a separate and private body of work. However, in the process of documenting Alison’s growth, I developed a passionate interest in human relationships and capturing intimate moments in the lives of family and friends.” [Via Wolf Eye Brows]
A car is basically a mobile home. In its cozy metallic confines, traveling in a pack of other moving machines begins to seem comfortable, non-threatening and anonymous. However, you’re never really alone. Photographer Andrew Bush has documented his neighboring vehicles and their occupants for years, creating an enviable catalog of characters and scenarios. Where are they going? What’s their mood? It’s fun to imagine. [Via Public School]
These painterly images confounded me at first; I couldn’t seem to identify the medium. Were they knit, decoupage or three-dimensional topography? In fact, these are the result of developer Pierre Commenge’s app, Processing, which transforms regular photographs into textured, surreal images. [Via Today and Tomorrow]
Old age can be a scary prospect. Debilitating disease, dementia and — perhaps most frightening — loss of independence are candid realities for the elderly. The short documentary Aquadettes looks at the life of Margo Bouer, a seventy-five-year-old synchronized swimmer, overall fun lady and sufferer of muscular sclerosis, who continues to embrace the joy of swimming in the face of illness and unpleasant truths. [Via Beautiful Decay]
Do you know of a forward-thinking art, style or design blog? Post it in the comments! And make sure to check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!
Alison is Editor in Chief of the Etsy Blog. When she's not trawling Etsy for pottery, folk art, and vintage oddities, she enjoys exploring New York, historical nonfiction and thrifting. She loves a good cat video.
76 comments
Sign in to add your ownPaintBoxWearables says:
Great mix of photography here. I especially like the people in their cars- you think you are alone in there then someone snaps a photo and half the world can see you! Its funny. Actually what I really like is that the people aren't given the chance to do their 'photo faces' and put on a special act for the camera.
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
When you're in your car, it can feel like you're in your own world. Looking into the window of a stranger's car can almost be like peeking into the window of their home. Our differences are always fascinating.
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
Your article was so interesting! I loved reading the little stories accompanying the photographs! That's the secret, to choose one subject and see it evolve over time! Really great! Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
melaniepaulson says:
As a former wildland firefighter, that landscape of the burning field grabbed me right away! The first set, about childhood, reminded me how glad I am not to be a teenager anymore. =) The expressions remind me a bit of Sally Mann's work.
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
I just love the photographs of the cars. It's hilarious to see the old cars and fashions one wore :) Great article! Monica TheIdConnection
1 year ago
fbstudiovt says:
Aquadettes! Thanks for being so awesome, Margo! And thanks for a thought provoking post, Alison.
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
you have captured life in its many forms .. thanks for including the spirited Margo Bouer ....amazing post as always ~
1 year ago
BeaumontStudio says:
confounded was the right word ;-)
1 year ago
WatchWithDaDa says:
Oh I just love Jack Radcliffe's photography. Just snapshots of her as she grows up, but I'm imagining everything that went on between. And I love her cropped hair!
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
The car photos are great.
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
I always thought it was much easier to grow old in former times, when you (except rich people, who could afford to be painted) had no pictures of yourself as a young (and perhaps beautiful) person. It first ocurred to me, when I watched "Sunset Boulevard" for the first time. It can be quite hard to see time go by in your own feature.
1 year ago
crickethengineer says:
Jack Radcliffe's photographs of his daughter are striking, especially as she gets older, she looks like a starlett in them!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Haha, Andrew got Angelyne in her car! ..and if you have ever lived in LA, you know who I'm talking about :D
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Haha, Andrew got Angelyne in her car! ..if you've ever lived in LA, you know who I'm talking about :D
1 year ago
funktionslust says:
...and here i am boo hoo-ing about turning 38 in a few days...when Margo said she would go surfing if someone could help her do it, i felt so foolish! thank you Margo for embracing life and reminding us to relish and appreciate what we have
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
The textured images are awesome, the old lady in the bathing suit is a hoot, love the old cars, esp. the pink corvette~ another fine read with great eye candy allison..!!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
I just adore the way the cars match the people inside them, & I'm so glad the photos that exist of me growing up are confined to family albums!
1 year ago
TheClayShoppe says:
Inspiring as always! Margo is a pretty cool chick!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
this isn't an attempt to get people to click on the avatar to visit my shop. :) happy photos of youth always have a tinge of sadness esp. for parents and grown kids... angelyne. not sure what to say other than she's the original paris hilton.
1 year ago
aburfield says:
Thank you for the journey Alison. Your blogs never disappoint. I was mesmorized by the photos and loved the strory of Ms. Bouer...what a generous spirit she has to share her lovely story.
1 year ago
blueflowervintage says:
Love the car photos!
1 year ago
MootiDesigns says:
Love the pictures. Great blog.
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
So many stories told in one picture. I often wonder what people are doing and where they are going in their cars. Having an aerial view makes us look like a colony of ants. The texture in Pierre Commenge’s work is fantastic.
1 year ago
MerCurios says:
As parent I can relate. My son was born in 2006 and I find myself documenting every step. With the dawn of the camera phone, it's hard "not" to take those impromptu candid shots throughout the day. I find myself looking back to when he was born and cannot believe how much time has passed in only a few short years. Concerning the past, there is no one left on my mom's side of the family and I feel blessed to have the pictures that I do have. ...my grandfather & mom smiling at me from two separate photo's on my fridge. my aunt waving hello in the rain from the top of my staircase, etc... What can I say, I'm nostalgic.
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
One of my own favorite pastimes is to look at people and the cars they are driving, and see if I think they match. It's amazing what this exercise will do to the stereotypes hidden inside us.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Wow those textured photos are fascinating, I love the beautiful colours!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Great photographs and finds!
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Margo Bouer you are my new HERO ! Thank you so very much for sharing your life - truly inspirational. Lovely post Alison.
1 year ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
cool!
1 year ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
No matter what the phase is in life...it's such a sweet ride!
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
That's a really cool mix of photography. I really like all of them. thanks for sharing :) xoxo Hibou
1 year ago
TheWishingElephant says:
Heart those jeans!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
So glad I took the time to view the video story of Margo Bouer! Such an inspiration! Love seeing the ladies having so much fun and not worrying about how they look in their swimsuits :) Thanks Alison for keeping it real.
1 year ago
zenceramics says:
I really enjoyed photography of Jack Radcliffe When you look at his documentary style photos; it makes you realize how quickly the time flies. I can relate to his daughter's pictures as a mother and a grandmother. I look back in the past when my daughter was born and cannot believe that my granddaughter is now a teenager. Jack Radcliffe’s photos bring a lot of memories back.
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
Wonderful little film, Margo is an inspiring woman. Someday our children will look back and laugh that we took so long legalizing marijuana. A natural resource that could sure help our economy in so many ways.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Another great post! Indeed, time lost cannot be recovered. Make good use of it and be content.
1 year ago
blainedesign says:
The Margo Bouer story is completely extraordinary.
1 year ago
Tiffabulous says:
I really love that first set of photographs.
1 year ago
redzshadow says:
The video on Margo Bouer was beautiful. Very touching and interesting.
1 year ago
jungledread says:
Wicked photo of the red car. Looks like they're headded to a festival :)
1 year ago
handmadestringlights says:
Great photographs. Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
PutYourHandstoWork says:
That was a really fabulous selection of photography. I often find myself getting bored with photography these days but these artists are some surprising exceptions. Thank you.
1 year ago
knitfitt says:
So glad I took the time to watch the video. Margo Bouer is an inspiration.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great photos and video!
1 year ago
WalterSilva says:
nice!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Cool photos!
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great and cool photos
1 year ago
girliepains says:
I love the technique. and that's one cute baby above me.
1 year ago
joyinmystudio says:
Sending lots of good vibes to Margo - thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
OldMillVintage says:
Sooooooo many forms... as always, just GREAT !!!!!!
1 year ago
ChristinaRomeo says:
Love this blog post! Each and every story, so unique and interesting....I love Margo, she reminds me to look at the seniors in my life in a different light
1 year ago
thehouseofhemp says:
thank you for posting that video. a remarkable woman, and a great way to start the day.
1 year ago
yimmekedesign says:
What really impressed me is when Margo said : " I have a husband to take care of that I don,t want my children to have to take care of". How much stronger can you be? In all she has to cope with herself, she still keeps her children in mind as to not be a burden to them and to be a caretaker for her husband. Women keep on going even if all around gave up a long time ago. P.S The 2cv Citroen is my favorite car of all times...there is one rusty old 1984 one for sale (about a half an hour around the corner from me). I looked at it...and again. The price is well...almost affordable...should I get it ? What would Margo do....???
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Punch buggie Red! I love that photo. I remember the days when me and my friends would pile in a little car. Memories!
1 year ago
SilverSmack says:
I love the Margo piece. . .She rocks!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
go Margo!
1 year ago
SparkMiso says:
Awesome pictures...all of them from the child growing up to the cars to the painted pics to Margo...all truly inspiring, thank you!
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
Beautiful pictures and paintings
1 year ago
Suppliesjungle says:
Happy world :)
1 year ago
kmwatkins says:
These are all beautiful! Especially the chronicled photos.
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
I love each of these series of photographers' work. Very cool! Each evokes an emotional but relatable reaction. Thanks for this!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
i love jack radcliffe's photos. his daughter is truly beautiful. everyone evolves and changes and they grow and this is a wonderful way to document that.
1 year ago
ThePeachTree says:
Fantastic post. I especially love the first set of shots and the car porn :)
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
That coming of age series is fascinating. I wish I'd had the forethought (being a photographer myself), to photograph my own coming of age story... I love it.
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
Radcliffe's photos are amazing. Love how he has following her life one shot at a time....
1 year ago
JennasRedRhino says:
I love looking at kids who are passengers in cars. The other day I saw a girl drop her gum out of the car window. She got the angle wrong and the wad stuck to the door. She was horrified when she looked up to see me laughing at her.
1 year ago
LesleyWilsonArt says:
Really interesting photographs! I always watch other cars when I'm in traffic and make up stories for them, it helps pass the time.
1 year ago
VenusFashionServices says:
Interesting finds... Photographs, captivating eyes, smooth, action, humour, black and white story
1 year ago
girliepains says:
Awesome candles.
1 year ago
Becorations says:
wow what a beautiful collection of photographs.
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Great collection!
1 year ago
TandJsoaps says:
Moving collection of photographs. Makes you think about how we spend our time here.
1 year ago
winkink says:
Absolutely lovely photographs! I'm a sucker for a good portrait. c:
1 year ago
ITEMFACTORY says:
Cool Tips!! Thank you . I'm gonna give it a try
1 year ago
yogiodie says:
LOVE the car photos! Hilarious! The photos turned paintings are incredible! Synchronized swimming is something you should take up Alison! Thanks for sharing! You rock!
1 year ago
CarmensArt says:
Awesome photos! Black and white can't be beat for drama.
1 year ago