Inspired by Cindy Sherman with Rosegal & Link Up On the Edge #56

August 10, 2017 / 84 Comments

I have been enamored with the artwork of Cindy Sherman for more than half of my life. I was first introduced to her work by a college professor in one of my Philosophy classes back in the late 90’s. I was embarking on a quest to complete my first very large research paper, the requirement being a minimum of 30 written pages. Egads. That was a daunting assignment for a teenager.  Even more daunting, I decided that I was going to tackle the concept of voyeurism.

*This is sponsored post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I had no idea where to begin. I just knew that I was fascinated with idea of voyeurism. (Apparently, I was pretty risqué even back then). My professor handed me a copies of The Post Card: From Socrates to Freud and Beyond by French philosopher Jacques Derrida, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon) by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, and a collection of self portraits by American photographer Cindy Sherman.

The Post Card by Jacques Derrida
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso
Retrospective by Cindy Sherman

I had no idea what lie within all of these pages, but what I found fascinated me even more than my initial idea. I found myself writing pages and pages of interpretive material giving my voyeuristic perspective on reading post cards written by others, viewing a painting of masked women in a brothel, and gazing upon the self portraits of one very fascinating woman. And what inspired me most and stuck with me for all these years was Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Still #48.

Untitled Film Still #48 by Cindy Sherman

This photograph, featuring Sherman herself dressed in vintage clothing standing on the side of a barren, seemingly never-ending highway, with her suitcase in tow, spoke volumes to me. It was haunting, disturbing, romantic, and empowering…all in one moment. What was her destination? Where was she going? Was she leaving something behind? Was it something good or a something very bad? As I wrote my paper, the words poured out of me asking these philosophical questions and posing possible answers. But the questions and answers seemed as endless as the highway in the picture.

And since my first introduction to this photo over 20 years ago, I have always wanted to create my own interpretation with myself as the subject. Now I didn’t do it as a self-portrait as Ms. Sherman has, but I invoked the assistance of the fabulous photographer Melissa of Sarissa Melissa Photography. (Remember my recent post revealing the first photos from this session.) When I received this vintage inspired dress from Rosegal, I knew it was perfect for what I wanted to accomplish. My version does not have the quite the same darkness that seems to permeate the original, but that’s not my nature either. I am, however, over the moon happy with the results!

We also did lots of photos in color…bright and cheerful…that’s more my vibe! Check them out.

Makeup by Anna’s Chop Shop Hair Studio
Hair by Chantel
Hair by Chantel

Outfit Details
Dress: Sweetheart Neck Retro Floral Print Vest Flare Dress c/o Rosegal. (Unfortunately, this dress has sold out. Check out these other fun vintage dresses: Music Pattern Midi 1950s Dress, A Line Butterfly Print Dress, and Vintage Watermelon Pin Up Swing Dress).
Cardigan: New York & Company (Old. Similar here and here).
Shoes: Payless (No longer available. Similar here and here).
Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory.
Necklace: Thrifted.
Eyewear: EyeCrave Optics.

Photos by Sarissa Melissa Photography.
Hair by Hair by Chantel.
Makeup by Anna’s Chop Shop Hair Studio.

I hope you enjoyed my little walk down memory lane! And I want to send a huge thank you out to Sarissa Melissa Photography for helping create these images that I have been wanting for over two decades!

Also, Cindy Sherman, a pioneer of selfies long before social media existed, has added a new twist to photography on Instagram. She has recently made her Instagram account public and she is being praised, criticized, and scrutinized for the mysterious altered images she is sharing. (Just type in a Google search “Cindy Sherman Instagram” and you will find piles of articles on the topic.) You can also follow her on Facebook.

And now onto your favorite photos and posts from last week’s link up!

Johanna of One Hundred and One Things I Love shared the cutest pink festival dress in her post What Are You Wearing to Lolla? Her floral crown is so much fun!

Johanna of One Hundred and One Things I Love

Tina of Tina’s Pink Friday is looking so stellar in yellow in her post Kohlenhydrate Auf Der Flucht – Gelbes Wickelkleid (Carbs on the Run – Yellow Wrap Dress).

Tina of Tina’s Pink Friday


Inspired on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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