Style Imitating Art: Lotus Pond by Ray Morimura & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #275
About Style Imitating Art
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Terri of MeadowTree Style, and Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge. 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 Shelbee 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 chosen by Salazar. You can read why she picked this work here.
Lotus Pond by Ray Morimura (Woodblock Print)
About the Artist: Ray Morimura
Ray Morimura is a Japanese artist who was born in Yamagata in 1948. He graduated from Tokyo Gakugei University in 1970 and began his career as a painter using primarily abstract, geometric forms. He later turned his artistic focus to woodblock printmaking. His earliest employment as an artist in the 1970s and early 1980s was with various Tokyo based newspapers and publishing companies. He then launched his freelance career as a book designer, printmaker, and illustrator.
His later works exhibit a strong influence from his earlier non-figurative approach to art. This influence can be seen in the forms of the trees, fields, houses, and other elements through his prominent use of geometric shapes. He frequently offers an unnatural or flat perspective in his drawings which usually depicts the image from a high vantage point thereby rarely distinguishing the figures from the background. The use of different textures and hues are of great importance in his works and each element appears to be given the same weight in their corresponding compositions.
Ray Morimura is well established as a printmaker who continues to hold regular solo exhibitions in Japan and the United States.
About the Art: Lotus Pond
I am struggling to find any detailed information about Morimura’s “Lotus Pond” other than that it is an example of his woodblock printing which follows in the tradition of mokuhanga, a technique best known for its use in producing single sheets of art as well as printing books during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. The technique is similar to woodcut in Western printmaking except it uses water-based inks instead of the oil-based inks used in Western woodcut prints. Water-based inks provide a wider range of vivid colors, glazes, and transparencies than oil-based inks giving the Japanese woodblock prints a more vibrant appearance.
“Lotus Pond” depicts a lotus pond with a pagoda and a mountainous landscape in the distance. The perspective for the viewer is from a higher vantage point which is a classic example of Morimura’s preferred perspective giving weight and prominence to the elements in both the foreground and the background.
The lotus flowers are given weight in their situation as not only the primary element in the foreground but they also take over about 5/6 of the entire image leaving only 1/6 of the image for the pagoda and mountains. Yet the pagoda and mountain landscape appear just as important to the viewer’s eye as the abundance of lotus flowers floating on the pond. The primary color palette in the work is shades of mint green with lots of black and white. There are hints of pink as well as the rusty orange color of the pagoda.
References/Resources:
- Artelino: Ray Morimura – born 1948
- Artworks by Ray Morimura
- Artnet: Ray Morimura
- Unnatural Perspectives by Morimura Ray
- Woodblock printing in Japan
- Woodcut
About My Outfit Inspired by Lotus Pond
When I shared the artwork for this week’s challenge, I mentioned how perfect my outfit from the day before was to represent this work. I could have taken the easy way out and just used that outfit but I decided instead to restyle this amazing mint green duster from Zara that I scored on a recent thrifting adventure. In fact, that thrifting adventure was prompted by the Thrifty Six ballerina challenge that I shared yesterday.
The one thing my first outfit is missing is something pink. So I decided to pull out those icky polyester pants that I got from Shein last year that are ever so pretty but just don’t cooperate with wind or humidity and they makes lots of static cling, too. But they are so good for this style challenge and so good with my new mint duster. I also really wanted to incorporate some sort of floral print even though I don’t have anything with lotus flowers. These pants provided flowers with hints of pink just like I wanted. I accessorized with black to represent all of the heavy black lines throughout the woodblock print.
I photographed this outfit on the same day that I photographed my ballerina outfit and you can see that I kept on the same top, scarf belt, necklace, and earrings. Since my hair was already in a top bun I just switched the hair scarf to a coordinating mint one. Although the pink floral one from my ballerina outfit may have been just as good. I like how my hairstyle worked for both a ballerina theme and Japanese woodblock art.
Other than the ridiculous amount of static cling that was going on between my duster, my pants, and my legs, I really liked this outfit. But if I have to fight that much with my clothing, it’s not really worth it to me to keep wearing. Maybe I’ll try it again on a less windy day and see!
Be sure to check out Salazar’s interpretation of the painting as well as Terri’s take on it. And please visit Salazar on Wednesday to see her round up post of outfit submissions. I can’t wait to see all of the interpretations of this work together in one place. The colors are so soothing to me and I just know it is going to be a feast for my eyes!
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked): Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Fashion Favorite: Shauna of Lipgloss and Lace
Other Favorite: Mitch of Gay NYC Dad
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Duster (Zara)-Thrifted / Top-Ralph Lauren-Thrifted / Pants-Shein / Shoes and Scarf Belt-Target / Necklace-c/o Happiness Boutique / Earrings-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
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.
40 Comments
Christina Morley
Beautiful art and gorgeous colors – both the art and the outfits! You really did match it well. I was thinking it’s sage but I see you mentioned mint green. It’s a beautiful color and I remember reading how it’s used in homes as a calming color. Thanks for hosting! Have a great week!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Tina! It could be a sage color, for sure. I am terrible with proper color names! But whatever we call it, it is definitely a very soothing shade and I would love to paint my whole house in it but my husband said I can’t cover everything in shades of green. Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
Oooo love the inspiration! What a fun challenge. You did a great job with it! Love that you created an outfit inspired by this artwork but still kept it true to your style <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Lizzie! I am really into these soft pastels right now and I love pairing them with black to keep my Shelbee edge! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I always enjoy this series, Shelbee—love your interpretation of the print!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! This is absolutely my favorite series!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
Oh I do like this outfit too but know exactly what you mean about the static cling; I tend to chuck pants that do that! LOL.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Joanne! I don’t recall the static when I wore them the first time. I am not sure if it was the wind or the duster against the pants that caused so much static. But even in their ickiness, I still keep coming back to wearing these pants!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Love, love, love this outfit…staticky pants and all! Sometimes, I think about skipping all of the research part and just using your posts! Your google skills are incredible! I thought I’d done a pretty thorough job (even though there wasn’t much to be found), but you found so much more! I do wish there was a picture of the artist, though! I really liked this challenge even though I didn’t use what I had set out to use!! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Marsha, thank you so much! When I write these posts, I flash straight back to middle school research reports when we only had the encyclopedia to rely on. I have fun pulling out the tidbits of information that intrigue me and I also enjoy searching for it online. I would really like to know more about this artist as well. He doesn’t seem to have a website either. I will come read all the other SIA posts today. I caught a glimpse of your minty green dress and it is so pretty! I can’t wait to read your post.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
A beautiful backdrop Shelbee, and great that those Shein pants came into their own! I love those gentle, refreshing colors.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gail, thanks so much! These colors are really appealing to me as well. I feel like I want to wear them all the time and paint my house in the same!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I love those pants!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I just wish they weren’t so static clingy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica - Away From The Blue
Those pants look lovely on you and you look great in mint! This is the perfect outfit to meet the prompt! 🙂
Thanks for the link up! Hope you are having a good week 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I really appreciate that. I am really liking this minty color right now! I hope you are enjoying the week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
You rise to these challenges with so much originality!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Michele! I really appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
You nailed this look! I love how you brought the painting to life with your interpretation! Such a pretty combo!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! That means a lot to me! I do put a lot of thought into these challenges!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
The mint duster is such a perfect pieces for this challenge. And you’re right, the previous day’s outfit would have worked just as well. Pulling out the SHEIN pants to add a bit of pink was the icing on the cake in the latter outfit. You nailed it!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I was really happy with both outfits! These minty colors are really appealing to me right now.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
It’s such a shame those trousers are so clingy and staticky (made up word there lol)! because they look absolutely fabulous on you, Shelbee.
You totally nailed this outfit. I’m loving the colours on you.
Unfortunately, I had to sit this one out because I’ve been unwell with Covid 🙁 ‘m finally all clear now but I’m absolutely shattered. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some photos done soon though as I’m all out for the blog at the moment!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! I think it was the duster causing the static on the pants because I don’t recall that happening when I wore them before with just a tee shirt. I am absolutely loving these minty colors right now, too. You know me and any shade of green!
I am so sorry to hear that you have Covid! Gah! That’s terrible. Nobody has time for that! Take some time to rest though. Your body needs it! Sending you lots of positive healing energy, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Terri Gardner
Gorgeous, gorgeous, and more gorgeous! That blue is just so dreamy. This has to be one of my favorites of what you’ve done for SIA. Love it,
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Awww, thanks so much, Terri! These minty green and pale blue colors are so soothing to me. I can’t get enough of them! I want to paint my whole house in these colors but my husband won’t allow it! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Again, you nailed it. Very nice. Love how you took the pics by the pond. So very perfect.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw shucks, thanks, Patrick! You know how much fun I have playing dress up!
xoxo
Shelbee
carmen
This outfit is a very pretty interpretation of the artwork. There’s a real Japanese vibe and I love your top knot hairdo and the pond backdrop!
❤️carmen
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carmen, thanks so much! I have always really liked Japanese influenced details including wearing chopsticks in my hair! I was going to wear hair sticks with this outfit but my hair seems to be too long for them now. But I do like the messy top knot, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sally in St Paul
It’s utterly wild that you styled that first outfit just before Salazar announced the artwork. I hope you are using your powers of precognition on the side of good 😉 I love all the little Japanese style touches in the second outfit too.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, thanks so much, Sally! I am always using any powers that I may possess on the side of good! The world needs all the good folks to really start doing some Care Bear Stares or something before this whole place falls to shit. So this serendipitous styling for an SIA challenge has happened to me 3 other times! Aurora Borealis, Lady Macbeth, and Sky Above Clouds were all styled shortly before I saw the artwork. I guess I am just really in tune with my creative art muse! Keep shining your beacon of goodness into the world as well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I always love these and you do so well represending the painting through your clothing! I love the colors in your duster and pants. When I was in France ages ago, I got to see Monet’s house and lily ponds. It reminds me of this (even tho it isn’t Monet!)! So beautiful!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carrie, thanks so much! These art challenges are my favorite. I really get so creatively inspired in so many ways. How awesome that you visited Monet’s home! Maybe one day I will do a European tour and visit all the places where the great creatives lived! That would be a super cool focus for a European tour!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Oh how cool to be “most clicked”! That doesn’t happen for me that often. I love your outfit! It’s so hip, and those pants are fabulous. Thanks for the party.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I felt pretty great in this outfit. Isn’t it such a wonderful boost when you are most clicked?! I always get such a rush when I see myself featured on another blog! I am glad that I could give you the same rush! Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cathy Lawdanski
I can totally see how your outfit was inspired by the painting. The mint green duster is gorgeous!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Cathy! These art challenges really push me to look at my clothing in a whole new way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Your True Self
Hi, Shelbee – Your outfit definitely hints at Oriental style and lotus flowers! The slippers top it off since they’re like Oriental footwear AND they’re a style presently being embraced. I have a pair of black corduroy clogs that are so huge and cushy, they always make me laugh. But I think, hey, they’ve been on the runway so what the heck. Lol! For static, I spray Static Guard on my clothes. Water spray helps, too. Other than that, I sometimes put silky stockings on underneath. That is, if you want to keep the pants. They look great with this duster, that’s for sure! Your hair has a bit more volume now that it has less weight. That is giving it movement, too; I can tell by these photos. I think this is a beautiful length for you. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Angie, thank you so much for this wonderful comment. I really appreciate that! I don’t remember the pants being so staticky the last time I wore them. I think it was the duster rubbing against them that was causing it all. I will try them at least one time before I give up on the pants! I honestly do really love my hair this way, too. It feels so much healthier and is much easier to manage. I got a little sad that my side braid doesn’t work as well as it did, but it’s not terrible! I need to get better about hair maintenance and getting it trimmed every few months. But I am officially finished with coloring it so that will definitely help the health of my hair as well. I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee