The Magic of the Black Mirror and Other Optical Devices

{A Claude Glass, or Black Mirror}

My love for antique optical devices started with my discovery of the Stanhope, and it has snow-balled into a mini obsession. The Victorians certainly found clever ways to fulfill their need for visual stimulation with a plethora of odd optical toys and fascinating illusionary devices. The names of the devices alone are enough to make me giddy with intrigue. For example, doesn't the Black Mirror sound like something straight from Grimm's Fairy Tales? Despite its sinister-sounding nickname, the Black Mirror {also called a Claude Glass} was a small pocket-sized mirror used by landscape artists in the 1700's and 1800's. The slightly convex mirror had a dark surface, and when held up, it would abstract the scenery reflected in the surroundings. The image would have a soft, slightly painterly quality, which the painter could then use as inspiration for his work.

:The Camera Obscura {aside from being the name of one of my favorite bands} is an optical device that projects the image of its surroundings onto a screen using a hole. The earliest know account of a camera obscura being used was from 5th century BC. They became popular devices during the 19th century when they were installed at tourist destinations and seaside resorts -- a precursor to movie theaters!

:Like the Black Mirror, the Camera Lucida was used as a drawing aid by artists. It creates an optical superimposed image of the subject being viewed on the surface the artist draws upon. A bit like cheating, no?

:The Magic Lantern was a very popular form of entertainment in the Victorian period. Magic lantern shows were the combination of projected images, live narration, and live music. Some lanterns had up to three lenses, which allowed for the creation of various special effects. I'm certain I would be totally mesmerized by this even today!

:The Phantasmagoria was probably as terrifying as it sounds...particularly to unsuspecting old ladies! This was also called "Pepper's Ghost Effect" and it was often used in theater productions during the 1800's. Victorians were notoriously obsessed with death and the supernatural, so clever theater managers began using a modified magic lantern to incorporate images of ghosts and skeletons into their productions. The projectors were mobile, so the operator could create the illusion that the ghost was moving around the stage.




:The Zoopraxiscope was an invention by the photographic genius Eadward Muybridge. The zoopraxiscope projected images from rotating glass disks in rapid succession to give the impression of motion -- an early precursor to film!

::If you find these objects as fascinating as I do, you really must treat yourself to a visit to The Richard Balzer Collection to see an amazing collection of optical devices in action / And how about this fascinating tidbit: In 2001, artist David Hockney's book Secret Knowledge: Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters argued that great artists of the past, such as Ingres, Van Eyck, and Caravaggio did not work freehand, but were guided by optical devices {via}. Shocking!

I Wanna Be a Gibson Girl, and You Can Be My Gibson Guy

My hair is finally growing out {it's almost past my shoulders now}! My layers are practically gone, and my hair feels so thick. I'm recalling all of the fun things you can do when you actually have hair to play with. I have recently been experimenting with Edwardian/Gibson Girl styles: big, soft, feminine, and pouffy. Though I need to figure out how to get even MORE volume. I love the idea of offsetting this old-fashioned hairstyle with some very modern-looking clothes. Do you know who is an expert at the neo-Edwardian look {and insanely beautiful, to boot}? The lovely Harps from House of Harps blog. I don't even begin to do her justice, but her style is SO inspiring! And speaking of inspiration, here is some more Gibson goodness for your Monday...

{via Style Alchemy [left]}

Current Obsession: Dreamy Chiffon Dresses

{All dresses via Net-a-Porter}

If the new spring selection at Net-a-porter is any indicator, the general vibe of spring/summer is going to be a combination of Stevie-Nicks-ethereal and edgy-Greek-goddess. I'm not typically a flowy dress kind of girl, but after a few seasons of seeing hard edges, zippers, spikes, and uber-body-conscious looks everywhere, I'm ready for softer lines, longer hems, and CHIFFON -- lots and lots of chiffon! Stevie would approve...

Now, I just need to find some options that are a bit more price-friendly -- any suggestions?

::And what about you, dear readers? What trend are you ready to say "au revoir" to, and which are you ready to embrace?

Friday Mood Board

{::I really can't stop dreaming of summer: particularly the divine retro swimsuits at Anthropologie right now}.

I've become so prolific at posting links on Twitter lately that I haven't felt like doing a "Weekend Links" post for a while. I'm sure the mood will strike soon. If you usually like my links and you're on Twitter, head over there and and have a peek...

What do you have planned for the weekend, my pretty peaches? Tonight we are celebrating my boyfriend's birthday with man food [chicken fried steak] and man activities [shuffleboard and pool]. I'm afraid the rest of the weekend will be spent grading papers and doing "work."

Today, I thought I would just do a little mood board with some of the things swirling around in my head. What have you been reading/watching/dreaming of lately...?

::I might not have ever mentioned how big of a sci-fi nerd I am, but the cat's out of the bag! I just finished watching Battlestar Galactica, and I'm looking forward to the new spin-off series: Caprica.

::Hayv Kahraman is a new artist I recently discovered: her exotic mix of Middle Eastern influences with an Italian Renaissance vibe is so captivating!

::I am in love with this fashion history book I received for Christmas; I want to frame every picture...

::I have been watching old Pixies videos online with my boyfriend and arguing for their status as the greatest band of all time. What is your vote?

Current Obsession: Chris Benz's Circus Chic

One of my most surreal childhood memories took place at the circus. When I was 10 years old, I won a radio contest and the prize was a night in the circus {not at -- in}. I was declared "The Princess of Barnum & Bailey's Circus," and I was dressed up in a spangled, be-ribboned costume and paraded around the rings in a horse drawn carriage. It was truly like a dream {or like a weird Italian film from the 60's}. Ever since then, I've had a bit of a secret fascination with all things circus-related. This is undoubtedly why I am so drawn to Chris Benz's Spring 2010 collection: there is something vaguely "cotton candy-meets-sequined acrobat-meets-clown" about his pieces. Feel like a night under the big-top??

::For the circus-obsessed: gorgeous book; one of the best shows ever; creepy film.

{Find more Chris Benz at style.com}

Holiday Wishes and Red Velvet Dreams...

To be fair, I know Santa is already bringing me a few of the items on my wish list...but no one has claimed the velvet dress or the satin PJ's yet!

• Amazon Kindle: I was uber-skeptical about the electronic book idea for a while, but when I realized I could download a ton of classic literature for next to nothing {and save room on my bookshelves}, I was sold.


• Betsey Johnson Satin PJ's: Winter has a tendency to make you feel a little less than seductive {due to erratic shaving habits and more layers of clothing}, but I think satin nighties might help.


• J Crew Annalise Ruffle Cami: the color and the face-framing ruffles just make me smile, and this would work well layered or worn alone in the warmer months.


• Toast Silk and Velvet Dress: A perfect party dress for fall and winter...plus, I cannot stop obsessing about velvet.


• Cuisinart Coffee Maker: This is a sign I'm officially a grown-up. No sir, no more $20 appliances for me!


• Marc Jacobs Lola eau de parfum: such a gorgeous scent...and an equally pretty bottle.

::What is on your wish list this year????

Current Obsession: Photographer Jan Durina

"With this sense of the splendour of our experience and of its awful brevity, gathering all we are into one desperate effort to see and touch, we shall hardly have time to make theories about the things we see and touch." ~Walter Pater

The erotic/neurotic photography of Jan Durina seems to capture the aftermath of these moments Pater speaks of: moments of utter ecstasy...moments when the toll of decadence and sensuous experience push us over the edge of rational thought...of consequence.

Such exhausting, beautiful darkness...

Design Finds: Vintage Tally Cards

If you love vintage collectibles, but lack space and endless funds of money {like moi}, collecting paper ephemera can be an excellent option -- it's often reasonably priced and perfectly suited for framing and hanging. Over the years, I have collected vintage paint-by-numbers, postcards, and advertisements, to name a few.

I recently discovered the beauty of vintage tally cards -- these were popularly used for keeping score during Bridge parties and other social card games. Some of the designs are strikingly beautiful, particularly the ones from the early 20th century. I'm just imagining the interesting ways these could be put to decorating use: gift tags, Christmas tree ornaments, hung as wall displays, or simply framed...they would also be great for invitations, place cards, and party favors.

Etsy sellers Carmen and Ginger have an amazing selection; the art deco designs are particularly lust-worthy!

Current Obsession: {Everything from} Nadinoo

I have to thank Caroline over at Greedy Girl for my new obsession: Nadinoo. Seriously, peacock print blouses and fur-collared silk dresses!? If I were a clothing designer, this is what I would create: pretty, vintage-inspired, decadent perfection!

Current Obsession: Melissa Dixson, Taxidermist Extraordinaire

According to Freud, the "uncanny" is "the class of frightening things that lead us back to the known and familiar." Taxidermy is a perfect example of the uncanny -- it appears alive, but is dead; it is familiar, yet completely unfamiliar. We want to touch it, but we are utterly repulsed...

I have always had a sincere admiration for people with very unusual and particular skills that takes years of practice and devotion to perfect: the profession of taxidermist definitely falls under that category. I recently discovered taxidermist Melissa Dixson's shop on Etsy...then her website...then her blog. Now I have an undeniable fascination with her work, albeit a somewhat uncomfortable one.

Interestingly, Dixson views her work as the ultimate form of re-cycling. She uses only furs that have come from licensed trappers and hunters {who help aid in population control and disease-prevention}. She is active in wildlife preservation and very much considers herself an animal lover.

Her work is oddly sweet -- she creates full-size taxidermy, using animals such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, and deer. She also makes dainty decorative items out of horns and tails.

I think Freud was right -- as an animal lover myself, I find something endearing and attractive about taxidermy, but it is this very affection for animals that also makes me want to instinctively take a step back out of fear. Why is it often the things that make us feel a bit conflicted that are the most intriguing??

::What are your thoughts on taxidermy and animal re-cycling??