"The Dream" by Henri Rousseau
Rousseau claimed he had “no teacher other than nature”
Rousseau’s flat, seemingly childish style gave him many critics; people often were shocked by his work or ridiculed it. Many observers commented that he painted like a child, but the work shows sophistication with his particular technique.
more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Rousseau
I love henna. I love the scent of it, the feel of it, the beautiful, temporary, painless design it leaves on my skin for myself and others to admire. Though in America henna has become just another body art, in India it is an important aspect of the marriage ritual. A bride’s hands and feet are covered with intricate henna designs as part of her wedding outfit, the designs often containing sentimental or auspicious symbols, calling for the gods’ blessing.
Henna, if mixed and applied properly, can last up to four weeks on the hands. One tradition allows that a bride will not be required to do any housework until the last traces of her henna designs have vanished from her skin. Seems like a good reason to make sure that henna paste is mixed very well.
Another henna tradition that is practiced is for the henna artist to hide the groom’s name or initials somewhere within the henna designs done on the bride. On the wedding night, the groom must find his initials within the design, allowing the couple to be physically intimate and comfortable with one another before the marriage is consummated. My research has given me different explanations, but from what I gather, if the groom does not find his initials, he must either give his new bride a gift, or it’s a bad omen for the marriage.
I have heard of a few rare cases in which a bride was crazy enough to have henna applied all over her body (which, believe me, would be a chore!), and somewhere within the design had her groom’s name hidden. Now that would be an interesting hunt! Plenty of close-up, detailed exploring required to get the wedding night started…
No “say cheese!”
No performance anxiety.
No uncomfortable smiles.
No ‘fixing’ you in Photoshop.
No bright white backgrounds.
A range of props to play with.
A wardrobe of clothes to try on.
A make-up artist, if you’d like one.
A chilled out, easy-going atmosphere.
A shoot in the studio or in your own home.
A portraiture shoot – whether laid-back and natural, striking and colourful, classic black and white, a more boudoir-style or even a horror shoot (seriously, they’re awesome fun!) – makes a perfect gift for someone you love. As an open-minded and experienced female photographer, I’m happy to work with individuals and couples so whatever floats your boat will make a fabulous photo, whether its you and your other half having a pillow-fight or a close-up of your gorgeous face.
Prior to any shoot, I like to have a chat on the phone or by email to begin the process of working with the client to create the pictures they desire. I believe that people are beautiful as they are and while it’s understandable for a client to want a scar, a spot or a couple of little lines removed, I would never dream of airbrushing anyone into a fake plastic version of themselves. A RockstarVanity photo shoot is always a fun and comfortable experience resulting in you being, well, you!
If you would like to give a portraiture shoot to someone as a Christmas gift, I would be happy to provide you with a personalised gift certificate. Portraiture shoots start at £125 and last approximately an hour. For longer shoots, inclusion of numerous concepts and HOME shoots for clients outside of Edinburgh (my studio is in Edinburgh city centre but some of my equipment is portable for home shoots), prices will be higher. A make-up artist can be arranged too, although this isn’t included in the shoot price. Please get in touch for a quote before booking!
Finished, fully processed, images (a print-resolution set AND a smaller set, perfect to use online or send by email) will be provided on a CD within two weeks of the shoot. I can recommend a print service which I have had only positive experiences with or am happy to handle printing for a small admin fee.
BOOK NOW FOR A SHOOT IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY!
You can view a selection of my work at RockstarVanity.com
If you would like a reference feel free to request contact details for previous clients.
For further information or to book a shoot, you are welcome to contact me by email at Tanya@RockstarVanity.com or by phone on 07737 549 774.
It’s a chilly Sunday in New York, and I’m feeling a little run down, probably a result of the rambunctious singing, dancing, and piñata-smashing from my niece’s birthday party yesterday. She’s seven! And Olivia thoroughly revelled in her role as girl of the hour, at Rosa Mexicano on Columbus Avenue. It was a great party! Even greater guacamole
So now I’m heading over to my mother’s house to help her hang an enormous Christmas wreath, and I do mean enormous. Definitely a two-person job. After that I’m coming back home to stretch and do some exercise so I’m in tip top shape for my new week-long gig which starts tomorrow. Five days of painting and drawing, one continual pose I believe. Better strengthen up, and hopefully make a good first impression.
This will be my last full week of work before the holiday break. After this I have just a few jobs here and there at individual groups, a private session, and one booking at Spring Studio. But overall my schedule will be light until after new year’s, and I’m more than ready for it. I’m pretty tired physically. If there’s any group of people who need time off to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge, it’s professional art models. Besides, I want to finish my holiday shopping, clean the house, and go out, hang with friends and have some social fun <– now there’s a novel idea! A social life
Here’s a video with some really terrific life drawings. Watching them inspired me for my new job. Hope they inspire you too . . .
Who am I as I walk this life striding with bold steps as I move towards my destiny
I am a Stone Golem to those that see me unnerving and imposing creating a path before
None venture close enough to see the cracks in the stone that have appeared over the course of life
Imperfections in design leave me weakened but they go unseen by those that fear someone unknown
My soul is Gemini through and true representing the good and bad that comes with that fame
I introduce you to one whose heart is as black as night and cares for only himself
To one who gets a job done no matter the cost or sacrifices that have to be made
He is one who commits statutory crimes with parents consent and leaves security hell bent
He’s your friend till you are no longer useful and is a danger to all around
Seducer, adultrer, women married or not ride the rod when it stands
Disciplined and sturdy overly brave and looking to have Satan fear him in his home
He is the one whose needs out weigh the many and with cold logic he makes his stand
Meet the twin that keeps him in check through sheer force of will
The one with a sick yellow fire burning in his heart barely keeping the dark one away
It is not strength of character but fear of loosing himself that represses the others desire
Inteligent, studious, well read, mental challenge is his favorite fun
Is willing to be the sacrificial lamb to make sure family and friends are safe
He is positive and radiates good will like golden rays of sun
He is loyal, but will stand with you ou of fear of him loosing face before you
A Poet, Lover, Musician, Singer, an artist, a tru disciple of what it means to be Gemini
A man who understands God is the only way
Together they are me and I am they no one indvidual
they fight to exist not knowing that becoming one would mean there salvation
To be a drunk then help a drunk is a the way of two souls
To prey on the weak then pray for the weak is a sign of contradiction in soul
To steal from a man then feed his child may seem like compassion from my soul
A soul that dosen’t know whether it is pleasant or evil but lives on any way
I have played in Paris and been shot at in da ‘Grove
I have tasted wines in Germany and drank beer from dirty backroom glasses
I have climbed to the top of mountains in triumph heart filled with pride
I have climbed down ladders illicit goods in hand and tears in my eye
To see me is to see contadiction and loose yourself to it
And to leave me alone in the twisted caverns of my soul
