Beauty

| karlysix

I stared thinking about a video I saw on YouTube called ‘Creating the PERFECT WOMAN!’ Basically this YouTuber uploaded a video of what the “perfect woman” should look like according to public opinion. The Photoshopped image combines features such as Angelina Jolie’s lips, Keira Knightly’s cheekbones, etc. Long story short, some people thought the results were beautiful, others did not. Regardless, the artist did a really great job as far as showing Photoshop skill. 

In my opinion, the image didn’t look too bad, but there was something a little scary about it! All of the women who’s features were used for the image are all beautiful women, but their features fit them and only them. Putting them onto a whole new face jumbled together looks odd. This proves that there is no one true standard of beauty. Imagine how bizarre it would be if all women made it a goal to look like this particular image! Having our own unique features is really taken for granted. Society has a mindset of, “This woman is the ultimate beauty and no one else matters.” When in reality it makes more sense to think, “Oh, she’s beautiful! And so is this woman, and this other woman!” Celebrating the many forms of beauty really takes the weight off of womens shoulders.

Clash or Classic?

| karlysix

Although yesterday was Throwback Thursday, there is a particular throwback outfit I’d like to discuss. The outfit that Taylor Swift wore to this year’s Grammy’s. In my opinion, the style of the dress what flattering to her figure. However, the color choice was not my favorite. I feel as if the bright orange an bright pink clashed with each other. They were both too bold to be paired. What are your thoughts? 

To Plant or not to Plant

| karlysix

For the past several months I’ve started watching HGTV religiously. And of all the shows on HGTV, Fixer Upper is my absolute favorite! Joanna Gaines has been a big inspiration for me. Her creativity and style amaze me! For anyone who isn’t familiar with the show, Joanna and her husband, Chip Gaines, transform run down fixer uppers into beautiful homes that are absolutely stunning. Chip’s main role is construction, while Joanna’s main role is the interior design and decorating. With that being said, Joanna incorporates plants in most of her home stagings. Adding plants are wonderful finishing touches to decorate a new home. However, that brings us to an important question. To plant or not to plant? Are plants right for you in your home? Whether you are on board with the idea of plants or hesitant, here are some things to consider:

1. Allergies 

If you have bad allergies but still want to decorate your home with plants, consider finding a store that sells fake plants. To give it the best look possible, find a store that sells the most realistic fake plants as possible!

2. Bugs

If you have a phobia of bugs (bees in particular) live plants might not be a good choice. You might have to go the same route as those who are allergic to plants, and invest in fake plants.

3. A Busy Schedule 

If you’re constantly on the go, whether you’ve got business trips or school events with the kids, fake plants might be the best option. It’s a great way to still have a fabulous home and save you the trouble of not being there to water them when needed.

4. “What a lovely scent!”

If allergies, bugs, travel, etc. don’t get in your way, live plants might just be for you! The smell of fresh flowers is so refreshing! Just to name some other examples, aloe vera is a lovely addition to your home decor and is good for your skin! Also lavender is an excellent form of aromatherapy. If you ever need to relax and unwind, lavender is the way to go. 

5. A Splash of Color!

Whether you decide on real of fake plants, when placed accordingly, plants can add a vibrance to your home that you never thought you’d come to know! Pick plants that coordinator with your style. Not sure what to buy? Talk to a local florist, interior designer, or interior decorator. They’ll get you where you need to be!

Our Role in Society 

| karlysix

Artists. We are the painters, the fashion designers, the interior designers, the writers, the animators, the singers, actors, dancers, and so much more. I’ve always hated the fact that drawing and painting are my only real skill. The whole “starving artist” thing haunted my thoughts for years. Art is often negatively perceived. They say, “Get a real job.” Apparently in our society you aren’t making a contribution unless you are a doctor, lawyer, or politician. People need to understand that the arts are underestimated. We artists are the foundation and the fabric of society. Without us, lawyers wouldn’t have designs for their business cards (Graphic Designers).Without us, doctors wouldn’t have a hospital to go to (An architect has to design buildings!) Without us, no one would have anything to watch on T.V. Without us, food would look bland and unappetizing. Without us, clothes would all be the same. The list goes on and on. Artists give beauty and meaning to the world. Unfortunately, we often times don’t get credit where credit is due. So listen up world, the next time you view someone’s work, don’t take it for granted. Hours of time and energy go into entertaining the world. As for you fellow artists, know your worth. Our role in society is keeping society human. Use your talent to create bodies of work that make people forget their troubles. Our role is to remind them that sometimes you need to just let go and free your mind.

Artist’s Block

| karlysix

I was nearly done with my first post, getting into detail about artist’s block and what not. And then it all got deleted. So I’ll take that as a sign to keep this first post short and simple. Anyone who’s an artist knows the feeling of artist’s block. It’s like writer’s block, and it drives us insane. So with that being said, what do you do when you’ve tried everything and still can’t get back into the swing of things?