Style Imitating Art: Cows in Landscape by Gunta Stöltz & Link Up On the Edge #263
About Style Imitating Art
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks, Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, and Terri of MeadowTree Style. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday, one of the hosts, acting as curator, selects an inspiration image that they will each post on their blogs. The following Monday, each host shares her art inspired outfit. Participants are invited to submit their art inspired outfits to the curator by 10:00 p.m. EST on the Tuesday following the hosts’ art inspired outfit posts. The following day, Wednesday, the curator will share all of the submissions on her blog.
You don’t have to be a blogger to join! You are invited to share your images on Instagram or other social media platforms! Just be sure to tag Salazar, Terri, and Daenel or use #TeamLOTSStyle and #StyleImitatingArt so the hosts know you have joined. Go have some fun in your closets and join the SIA challenge next week!
The Inspiration Artwork
The inspiration artwork was curated by Terri of MeadowTree Style. You can read why she has chosen this specific piece as her inspiration artwork here.
Cows in Landscape by Gunta Stöltz (Woven Tapestry, 1920)
About the Artist: Gunta Stöltz
Professional Life
Born in Munich, Bavaria, Gunta Stölzl (March 5, 1897-April 22, 1983) was a German textile artist who played a fundamental role in the development of the Bauhaus School Weaving Workshop.
As a young student in Munich, Stölzl attended a high school designated specifically for the daughters of professionals. She graduated in 1913 and was accepted into the School of Applied Arts in 1914 where she studied glass painting, decorative arts, and ceramics. She temporarily left her art education in 1917 to volunteer as a Red Cross nurse serving behind the front lines until World War I came to an end in 1918. After the conclusion of the war, Stölzl returned home to her art studies at which time she first encountered the Bauhaus manifesto.
She joined the Bauhaus as a student in 1919 and became the only female master at the school in 1927. When she joined the Bauhaus, textiles were wholly neglected and Stölzl single handedly revived the textile and weaving arts within that institution. She reopened its dye studios in 1921 and became the weaving director in 1925.
In 1920, she received a scholarship and full acceptance into the school. Due to her influence in the weaving workshops at the Bauhaus, the weaving department became known as the “women’s department.” In an effort to eliminate the connotation that weaving was solely women’s work, Stölzl began moving towards designs that were more industrial in nature in 1928. Her weaving workshop became one of the Bauhaus School’s most successful.
In 1931, Stölzl was dismissed from the Bauhaus for political reasons and the Bauhaus was officially dissolved on July 19, 1933, under pressure from the Nazi Party. Upon her dismissal in 1931, Stölzl returned to Zurich where she and two of her Bauhaus friends created a private hand weaving business that focused on creating textiles mainly for interior design. After a few different iterations of hand weaving businesses, Stölzl eventually dissolved her design company in 1967 and devoted her time primarily to tapestry weaving which she continued to do until her death in Zurich in 1983 at the age of 86.
Some of Stölzl’s textile arts are currently residing in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Busch-Reisinger Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Personal Life
In 1929, Stölzl married Israeli architect Arieh Sharon and lost her German citizenship because she married a Jewish man. They had a daughter Yael together and eventually divorced in 1936. She then married Willy Stadler and became a Swiss citizen through that union. They had a daughter, Monika, in 1943.
About the Art: Cows in Landscape by Gunta Stöltz
Cows in Landscape was Stölzl’s first woven wall hanging created during the 1920 summer vacation from Bauhaus School. She used the Gobelin technique with in part slit formation. The warp, or the long yarn that runs vertically in a roll of fabric, is made from cotton fibers. While the weft, or the yarn that passes horizontally across the fabric, is made from wool and fine mohair. The tapestry measures 30 cm x 50 cm (approximately 12 in x 20 in) and is currently part of a private collection.
The imagery on the tapestry features exactly as the title describes. There are cows in the foreground of a beautiful mountainous landscape abundant with color and texture. Interestingly, the colors appear more vibrant on the backside of the tapestry than they do on the front.
References/Resources:
- Gunta Stölzl: Wikipedia
- Bauhaus: Wikipedia
- The Other Art History: The Forgotten Women of Bauhaus
- Gunta Stölzl: Bauhaus Kooperation
- History of textile art: Gunta Stölzl (1897-1983)
- Gunta Stölzl, Teacher and Director of the Textile Workshop of The Bauhaus
- Women Artists: Cows in Landscape
- Tumblr: Cows in Landscape
- Bauhaus Weimer 1919-1925: Wall Hangings and Carpets
About My Outfit Inspired by Cows in Landscape
When Terri shared the curated piece for this week’s SIA prompt, she used the more vibrant reverse side of the textile. This Aztec printed wrap immediately came to mind because the tan, black, and teal seem to be the predominant colors on the tapestry. My eyes were also drawn to the shades of burgundies and purples in the weave and so I went with this old wine colored maxi dress. This outfit came together in my head and when I assembled it all on my body, I was so happy that every element worked just as I had envisioned.
This dress is a tad big on me so I belted it with a reversible leather obi belt, allowing both the brown and the black to be visible to pick up on more colors in the artwork. I got a very ranch-like feel from the imagery of cows in landscape so I went for a full on cowgirl on the ranch style with my leather wrap necklace, cowgirl boots and hat, and leather earrings. I added bits of purple with my earrings and my clutch and grabbed my teal blanket to sit on for some photos set in front of a landscape!
This was another great style challenge and I had so much fun putting this outfit together. The colors and the bohemian cowgirl style really suit my mood these days!
To see more outfits inspired by Gunta Stöltz’s Cows in Landscape, please visit Terri’s post for the complete roundup of submissions. You can also read the details of Terri’s own inspired outfit here, Salazar’s here, and Daenel’s here. Have you joined the Style Imitating Art challenges yet? Be sure to check for the next prompt on Monday, September 27, 2021.
I am going to start my Friday link party early since I am publishing this post a day later than normal. And also because I cannot seem to get ahead of anything around here these past few weeks so I need to take a little breather for the weekend. I must also apologize to all of my blogging friends for my lack of interaction recently. I just can’t get all the things done that I used to do. I hope you will continue to visit my little internet space anyway as I fumble around trying to figure out a more efficient routine. Have a fabulous weekend!
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Jaymie of Everyday Style by Jaymie Ashcraft shared her post, Friday Favorites, featuring a really cute cardigan for a beautiful fall outfit.
Fashion Favorite
Ellie of Ellibelle’s Corner shared her post, Fashion Over Forty: Too Old for a Tiered Mini Skirt? featuring the prettiest little thrifted skirt. And to answer her question, No, Ellie, you are never too old for a tiered mini skirt and I absolutely love this look on you!
Non-Fashion Favorite
Debbie of Your Styled Story shared her post, The Unsexy Truth About Procrastination, featuring some really valuable tips for breaking that very bad habit of putting things off. If you are a master procrastinator and maybe don’t want to be anymore, do go have a read! I definitely need to implement these tips.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress-Target / Poncho and Necklace-c/o Zaful / Boots-c/o Country Outfitter / Hat-Tractor Supply / Belt-c/o Chico’s / Earrings-Good Life Gift Shop / Clutch-Old
66 Comments
Marsha B
Oh, Shelbee! This look is gorgeous! I know I say that too much, but I love all of the textures and colors you used to make a cohesive look. The color of the dress is perfect for you. Love seeing your hair flowing like this, too!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thank you so much, Marsha! I was really pleased with how this all came together as well. The colors made me really happy and I love these flowy boho looks so much. This is how my soul dresses! Hehe. I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
I love love love this look!! Such a fun flowy ranch outfit.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks so much, Tamar! I really love this outfit, too! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
What a great challenge. Love your outfit, Shelbee. Your boots are amazing, love them 🙂
Thanks so much for hosting.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Claire! These boots are definitely favorites that get worn often! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
I feel like you killed it, Shelbee! 🙂 I absolutely love this dress, and the whole look just goes perfectly together with your inspiration.
Hope you have an amazing day!
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! I had a really great time with this one! I get such a kick out of creating outfits inspired by art! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
What a beautiful look – and these photos are so good! I love your hair, the boots, the dress, the tapestry – EVERYTHING!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! I was really happy with this outfit and the photos, too! They make me smile! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
This look is gorgoeus! Even without imitiated this stunning tapestry! I love the southwestern vibes and you nailed it with every piece. Thanks for the link up Shelbee!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I was really pleased with how this all came together. It made me very happy and that is the best kind of outfit! I hope you have an amazing weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
Oh Shelbee I ADORE this outfit!! I’ve always had a soft spot for an Aztec wrap or poncho, I have something along those lines but in pink and blue (not exactly traditional colours but I love it all the same). Thank you for the fabulous outfit and thank you for hosting… have a lovely weekend!
Catherine x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Catherine, thank you so very much! I was uncertain about the Aztec print when I got this wrap 4 years ago but it has proven to be a very versatile piece. This is the third time it has appeared on my blog. You can see the other ways I have styled it here and here. This series is so much fun and really pushes me to look at my wardrobe in new and different ways. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I can definitely see the likliness between your wrap and the art! You always do such a good job!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I had a lot of fun with this one and really loved the final outcome! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
I agree! The boots are great!
It’s hard to find great boots!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michele! These boots are definitely top 10 favorites in my closet!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
What an amazing western outfit, you are styled perfectly head to toe. I love that dress, and your hair!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Amy! I felt magnificent wearing this outfit! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
This has to be one of my favorite outfits on you! Such a pretty mix of colors and textures! Loved learning more about the history of the artist!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jill! I think this might be one of my favorite outfits, too! I really did feel magnificent wearing it! Happy weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
This dress looks fabulous on you, Shelbee! LOVE the color! And the Aztec print wrap is such a great finishing piece, a perfect pick to go with the art inspiration!
How nice to see my tiered mini skirt look featured from last week’s entries! Thank you!! I really do struggle with styling skirts so it’s good to know that all is not lost!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Ellie! I was so happy with how all of these pieces came together for a perfect representation of this artwork. I wasn’t certain how all the colors would work together, but it turned out to be a brilliant combination. I really felt beautiful in this outfit. And I love your tiered mini skirt, too. It looks great on you. So keep playing around with it for different styling options. Maybe tights and booties when it starts to get cooler! I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
That poncho… Love the turquoise in it and it is the perfect topper for the outfit. I am glad that you found a way to wear the dress even if it is too big, it’s such a gorgeous color. I added a similar hat to my cart this summer but never bought it so before summer next year, I will buy one! The perfect finishing touch.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, thanks so much! I have had this wrap for a few years and it has proven to be quite a fun and versatile piece! I believe this is the third time it has appeared on my blog. I wore it 4 years ago with leather leggings when I first got it and then 3 years ago for a Fab 40’s Western theme. I look forward to seeing your new hat when you get it! Happy weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Shelbee, what a beautiful way to interpret the inspiration of the tapestry wallhanging! The outfit you chose is so true to your style. Love the colors and those fantastic boots! The picturesque landscape for the background is perfect, as usual. Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for the link up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Di! I absolutely loved the final outfit once I had this all put together. This is one of my favorite styles to wear…boho cowgirl! And I do love searching for the perfect photo locations! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
Your outfit is soooo western chic! I love it. And I’ve told you before how much I love those boots!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Lauren! I love this style and you know these are my favorite cowboy boots! Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
You are just so spectacularly good at this! Style creativity is art! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks so much, Lucy! I really am quite good at this! Ha. I get so excited when I nail these challenges!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I always enjoy this series of yours, and the cowgirl look here totally suits you—the shot of you from behind with your long cascading hair is gorgeous!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl I definitely feel most like myself in outfits like this! And I really loved that picture as well with my hair flowing down my back!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
Ooo I love this style on you!! The color is just gorgeous!! You styled this to perfection.
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie! I was so pleased with the outcome of this style challenge!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I love your outfit. This is such a fun series and I love seeing how you interpret the art into an outfit.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! I was really pleased with how this all came together!
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
Love the gorgeous artwork that you selected for this challenge! Your photos and outfit look amazing! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Katie! I was really happy with how this outfit came together. I felt wonderful in it! Have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Love your interpretation of that amazing textile, Shelbee! Cowgirl is one of my favourite clothing genres – it’s so much fun and so empowering! That deep red is a GREAT colour on you. You hair looks fabulous!
Thank you so much for the link-party!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sheila! Cowgirl is one of my favorite genres, too, since I was a little girl! I was really happy with this how this outfit came together. I felt really very much like myself wearing it…I think my soul is a cowgirl! Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa DeArmas
Wow what a gorgeous piece with such great colors and textrures!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lisa! It really is a very beautiful intricate piece of textile art. I have so much appreciation for art!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle,
While this whole outfit is fabulous, you are stunning in that wine colored maxi. Well done! And as always, I appreciate the bio on the artist.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I felt really great in this outfit! I love the way the colors all came together. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Shelbee
I love that you took a prominent color in the tapestry and are wearing it in your dress and cowbow boots! Very cool. These colors are so good on you and they certainly have a western vibe. I am envious of people that can wear any hait- love the cowgirl hat on you! I have a petite face so it doesnt always work for me. I need to say that your hair is looking gorgeous!
Have a great weekend! Fall is slowly getting to NC
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedndstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jess, thanks so much! I really loved the way this whole look came together and how well it reflected the tapestry. I have so much fun with this series. I remember loving cowboy hats 20 years ago and being so self conscious about wearing them. It’s funny how much confidence one gains in 20 years because now I love wearing all of my hats! Ohhh, speaking of hats, I just ordered some really cute winter ones! I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
Such a great look. And I love that you describe it as boho cowgirl. The textures and colors are just stunning.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Daenel! I was so freaking pleased with how this turned out! Boho cowgirl is a good combination, isn’t it?! I read a thing a while back (and I know I’ll never be able to find it again) that talked about the similarities between cowgirl and bohemian attitudes and lifestyles…like they are both kind of badass free spirits…so the styles sort of make sense together, too, and I relate to both. It is one of my favorite styles to wear!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
I love that you capture both the western vibe and the bold colors in this painting! Great job!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Laura! I have so much fun with these art challenges!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You always nail it. Looking so very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
This is such a lovely outfit on you! That dress is a great colour and layers so well with the poncho. It works perfectly to meet the theme too! 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂 We had a fun day at the playground yesterday.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I was really happy with how this outfit came together. This poncho has proven itself quite versatile over the years! I am glad you are enjoying the weekend! It has been a fairly relaxing one here.
xoxo
Shelbee
Terri Gardner
You did such a wonderful job. Thank you for being so inspired by this art work. Gunta Stöltz was so important to women artists, especially in taking weaving to the forefront.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Terri, for introducing me to yet an another inspiring artist. I remember loving my intro to art history class in college but I never really pursued art past that point. It is so fun for me to revisit this interest from my youth so I am very grateful to you, Daenel, and Salazar for continuing this series and pushing me outside of my comfort zone while also giving me new opportunities for educating myself about influential artists.
xoxo
Shelbee
Imogen Lamport
You look fabulous Shelbee!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Imogen!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
I love this series and you’re so creative with putting outfits together and adapting them to fit. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzanne! I really appreciate that. I have such a great time with this series!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
This outfit and the whole inspiration- breathtaking! You are so creative and your outfits are always to die for!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lucy, thank you so very much, I really have such a great time with this series. You should see how excited I get when I create the side by side photos of my outfits next to the corresponding artwork. I literally jump up and down in excitement when they come out really great! It really is my creative outlet and brings me so much joy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Lovely to see a tapestry as the SIA inspiration. You’ve captured beautifully those vibrant saturated colors. The background is a perfect foil for the color.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Gail! These art challenges are so inspiring for me! I get really excited about them and even more excited when I create a fun outfit because of them!
xoxo
Shelbee