More I think about simplicity, the more beauty I see in it all. More I travel, more I think of simplicity as a necessity for a healthy planet. This post is the last post of my simplify series. I will no longer incessantly talk about decluttering and downsizing. I hope to consume less and inspire by example than put out theoretical concepts. I reached THAT point. A few things worked for me and my closet :
1. Consume less
You need not give anyway everything you own. You do not even need to declutter. Need not only wear neutrals. Need not count things. Dont need to stop shopping for a year. Dont need to start a blog. The easiest way to simplify one’s life is by conditioning the mind to want less.
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2. Simplify Choice, but have options : Uniforms
This was the favorite part of it all. The process of finding my personal uniform was very fulfilling for me. I like a few silhouettes and colors. And I am very happy sticking to them. Why complicate a perfectly good thing ? I have slight variations of the same thing to keep it exciting for me.
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3. Simple, not sloppy
” Look, I own 2 pairs of yoga pants, 5 oversized t-shrits, one hoodie and one pair of flip flops. It all fits in my hand luggage.”
– Anonymous relative of mine.
I have my definition of sloppy and try to stay way above it. I have not given up on all the wonderful elegances that are a part of the civilized society. Thoreau is my idol but I wont eat rice and beans everyday. He had a cause that justified giving up everything and living in the woods. I don’t. I like the civilization as it stands today and very much want to be a part of it.
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4. Minimal Aesthetics
Color has nothing to do with minimalism. Nobody can accuse the Buddhist monks of excess because they wear saffron orange robes. But let me justify the cliche. I don’t like print and bright colors. I was born with this aesthetic and could never fit into the Indian color scheme. Wearing plain blue clothes makes me happy. In the past, I actively tried to expand my color palette and silhouettes because I was told that I looked boring. I no longer listen to such advice. I don’t need to buy things I don’t like to fit in. I learnt to say ‘no’.
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5. Pursue quality and craftsmanship
I am in it for the long run. I will pay for durability and for expertise. Yes, making clothing requires expertise. I took my Stella McCartney dress to a bespoke tailoring boutique. Tailors huddled around to notice the construction details and were impressed. I never had to worry about the dress loosing its structure because she fused the lining, used a certain woven wool for the fabric, used extra panels, added two hidden zippers so that the design needn’t be compromised to enable my getting into a fitted dress. Its a craft and I highly respect the designers that are good at what they do.
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6. Let go of the unessential. I define the word – essential.
Minimalism is not defined by what is not there but by the rightness of what is, and the richness with which this is experienced. — John Pawson
Forget the numbers. There is discussion on how much is necessary or how much one should buy per year or how much to spend. 5. 18. 20. 30. 33. 100. 333. There is no one size that fits all. These decisions are very personal and should be kept that way. I know what I don’t need and I took on a declutter mission. I could be frugal and hold on to it all hoping for a way to use it. But donating unused stuff made me happier. I stored a few items for backup. The end result is physical space, tiny home and mental clarity.
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7. Understand and adopt the idea of ‘chic’
The idea of ‘well done casual’. Wearing well made, beautiful and simple garments everyday. I refuse to waste resources on things that get used very little. I refuse to buy expensive party clothes that get worn twice a year. But I will invest in high quality sweatshop free denim that get worn everyday or a durable woven wool dress designed by Stella McCartney or well constructed black ballet flats. I am not adept at dressing-up the basics for evening wear but am trying to learn it.
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8. Signature Style
I am not a fashion blogger. I don’t need to make unique innovative outfits. I optimize my life around getting the most out of my time. Some folk achieve this through finding a unique dressing formula that takes out all the decision making. I have 3 formulas instead of one. Its makes shopping a breeze : Go to an online store that sells sweatshop free clothes. Click on dresses. Apply the blue filter and look for size small. Do they have a shirt dress or a shift dress ? Is it in natural fabrics ? Do I like any ? If yes, buy. This process takes a few minutes. It simplified the shopping process for me.
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9. Develop a personalized system
I have a capsule wardrobe system in place. Warm weather dressing. Cold weather dressing. I have it down to colors I will wear, fabrics I like and silhouettes that are weather appropriate. This system of rotation prevents me from falling into a rut or getting bored of what I own. It helps me shop better. It makes sure I never have “what should I wear” moments that lead to impulse buys. I took the time and effort to figure it out and am now reaping the benefits.
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10. Minimize Wardrobe turnover
I am hardly doing myself a favor if I am constantly buying and culling. Durable items negate the need for me to constantly shop for replacements. Finding ways to not get bored of durable clothing requires some creativity. I am trying.
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11. My Failures
Shoes.
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12. Learn that style is more than clothes.
Improve posture. Eat for glowing skin. Exercise for toned body. Dance is all about the silhouettes you make. It teaches poise and grace. Read on a wide range of topics and have fascinating conversations. A red lipstick can be a mood changer. A dark berry lipstick can be seductive. A smile can do the same. Body language helps. Fragrance is pleasure. Learning to pair my clothes in different ways encourages me to be creative. Clean and pressed clothes look good. Worn in clothes can be charming depending on how they are worn. Buy fabrics that age well. Accessorize.
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13. Save some iconic pieces for the archive : The 1-5 %
I sometimes tire of a few well loved pieces. I put them away for a year and bring them back in. They feel fresh again. Shop your own closet is an under rated concept. Our grandparents didn’t have attics because they were all hoarders. They did because they were frugal and wanted to be self sufficient in the long run. We live in the age of convenience and easy access. We dont need to hoard too much but 5% is acceptable by my standards.
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14. Stop chasing perfection.
This month, my husband accidentally chopped off six inches of my hair. It looked awful. I initially panicked and eventually gave in. And life goes on. Finding the perfect leather jacket is an endeavor. The leather on my brown satchel currently looks like a dead animal’s skin. Some of the things that I used to think matter a lot : the perfect aesthetics, the perfectly matched outfits, the perfectly toned down color palette, the perfect proportions, the Pinterest approved minimal accessories, the tumblr approved definition of Garçon, pristine clothing ….. don’t matter as much and drain energy that can be better spent. Make the effort, but don’t chase perfection. (Unless you are a fashion blogger, and making outfits is a end in itself.)
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15. On cataloging purchases
Being accountable helps. I highly recommend reading the book : Radical Simplicity. The author quantifies the world ‘consumption’ in terms of what you take from the planet. A house thats 400sft Vs 1000 sft Vs 2000 sft, comes with vast difference in carbon footprints. Every furnishing, every spoon, every wine glass, the lawn that could have housed trees, every gadget, …. comes with a footprint. Mindless consumption got me here. And I intend to turn the wheel backwards.
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16. Right-simplicity-wrong-simplicity
I wont get into the right-wrong discussion. My version may not be the ideal but its made me happier. It saves me time. I can pack up everything I own in 6 hours and move. It flattened the curve of my carbon footprint that would have been increasing otherwise. Its working for me.
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This blog post was 2 years in making. I am rather happy about how I re-wired my brain and detoxed some of my old habits. Going into the future, I want to become a blogger who advocates slow fashion and promotes craftsmanship. If you are reading this blog, I assume you have been on a similar path to mine. Were any of these points relatable to you ? Anything that I havent tried that worked out for you ? Please do share.
You stated so many things I’ve been thinking and feeling as I’ve read about minimalism over the past 10 years. It’s not about numbers or perfection, it’s about what works for that person. One of the many reasons I love your blogs – posts like this.
Thank you ! I will find ways to inset this message in a more easy to read format in the future.
Your post of the posts,Archana-I find it great. You’ve reached your goal in a very short time-brava!
I like the clarity and the consize way you summarized things/thoughts/feelings and it resonate with me
When I was a very young girl,my mother and me were shopping like that-a few beautiful,highly quality things a year. Our closet was not overloaded and we were always elegant. Purchases were planned,with an exception or two of serendipitious,lucky,”love an first sight” finds
Slowly,during the years, I deviate from this path but didn’t find it mine deep in my heart-it took me a couple of years to come back . It is not about numbers,it is about feelings and,as Ren Cullen said above “what works for you”
Don’t be so harsh on yourself-you are making a difference!
Dottoressa
Every time you say ‘Don’t be so harsh on yourself’, I feel protected. Thank you for this.
First, I want to declare my love and appreciation of your blog. As a someone, who tries to become more conscious consumer, your blog really provides with great tools to get closer to the goal.
Thrifting this year was unbelievably successful. I wish i could say that I did not spend too much though; but finding these items made happy (especially Ann Demeulemeester trousers). Hopefully, next year I will spend less, as I already see that I have truly great (not very modest of me though), wardrobe, that perfectly suits my lifestyle.
As a Russian, I do wish though to purchase 2-3 items from Russian designers nest time I visit my homeland. This year I found a new fashion label Botrois, that has great great silk pieces, and their silk top is definitely one of the most successful purchases this year.
Wish you all a happy, productive, peaceful and adventurous year!
I dont know what to say. Thank you. I am going to smile for days.
I own a book on Ann Demuelemeester. Everytime i open it, it has a hypnotic effect on me. So much beauty to get lost in.
My year of thrifting ( online ) has been quite successful too. The test of it : a drop in the amount of shopping the consequent year. I hope to pass.
Now that I am in India, I am looking into finding beautiful fabrics to make into scarves for a giveaway perhaps or for my closet or for my friend who is starting to build a wardrobe from scratch after baby.
I hope to continue to be helpful. My plans for posts in 2017 : How I found my essentials by category. Lessons I learnt from shopping second hand. Identifying quality. Outfits. etc.
Archana
Mother of all posts!
My innate desire for minimalism while Living in India with a lifestyle spanning work(salwars/indowestern tunics) +social(dresses/ tops) and cultural(sarees mainly) and with an innate love for colours – it seemed so unattainable just 4. years ago! Yet, I am almost there.. and 2 of your comments are so relevant for me…
1. choice but simplify= uniforms
I have this down to a pat.. even for sarees and salwars. I own gorgeous, well chosen Kanjeevarams( courtesy cousins marriages and mine) and so, that’s my cultural ‘uniform’… I admire Benaresi, Patola’s, Gota etx etx for their craftsmanship but will not buy them…I have the jewellery and potli’s sorted for them Kanjees and getting dressed for heavy Indian occasions is a no brainer.
Salwars/ Dresses: I buy on a replenshisment basis now, shop almost exclusively for craftsman quality material at crafts exhibitions etx and don’t grudge the many many many pennies I pay, to my tailor with whom I consider an hour spent discussing designs – -an investment. Not just her, I know her ‘masterji’ also well and communicate with him on crucial issues like darts, placement of pockets, treatment of edges etx directly. I own a few crafted dupattas for which I have then made salwars… again, expect them to last me the next decade at least..
Dresses- I still use Marks and Spencers for some basics but rely on a few indie type labels to add that occasional top/ dress. Since you are in a India, check out thesummerhouse, they design sense is spare, wonderful and they use twncel and surplus stock mainly…
2. Understand and Persue your own idea of chic
For me, craftsmanship is an integral part of my chic. Along with zero tolerance for tight clothes. The right accessory( jewellery + correct footwear+ classic bag, for the event and dress) every single day is also part of my chic. Practising kindness, daily and to people I don’t need to- is part of my chic. Having a booklist wish list that is invigorating for me is part of my chic. Definitively OCD-ish on cleanliness, having a clean and calm home and surroundings is part of my chic too!
Hasnt it been a relief once we discover a system and uniforms ? The noise ! I can filter it out so easily these days. Say no with ease.
I always found it easier to create a system for western clothing. Mixing and matching Indian clothing was something I always wrote off as a harder job. Giving up color is harder in India which makes pairing items together harder. But now that I read your account, its a first for me.
I have 3 of my wedding sarees that I wear to every wedding. And by some miracle, I fit into my clothes from 10 years ago before I left the country. Been using them for now. But the idea of having to buy an Indian closet for the one month a year I live in India per year is not an idea I want to entertain. I have been wearing my blue dresses with bottoms borrowed from my mum and scarves from my Fall closet.
I will check out your recommendations. I found a tailoring shop that imports fabric from Italy and does men’swear tailoring. And I have been eying their wool fabrics to get a scarf made. He has a plaid one with 10% cashmere which looks wonderful. If i want to spend the money, I will go there to get one.
Clean and calm home. I never thought if it as a part of the equation. But yes. Even writing these words makes me feel happier.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Archana,
Thank you for your blog posts. When I read that this is your last post on simplifying, I’ll admit to a feeling a little bit of panic. I don’t think the decluttering and plastic bags found in your cows stomach (I’m very sorry to hear about that) are mutually exclusive. This is why:
In my early twenties, I spent time in Africa and what you’re describing reminds me of that experience. When I became overwhelmed and depressed at what I saw, I eventually came to realize that we really, really, really have to do is begin examining our own lives in very great detail. I don’t think it’s about saving others, but rather more like saving ourselves. I think simplifying and decluttering is part of that process. Especially because what I saw overseas alarmed me: many folks aspired to live the consumable, American way of life (just look at the many globally located McDonalds now). But if everyone could take little baby steps, to care for themselves in a sustainable, ecological and compassionate fashion, I don’t believe we’d have the problems you’re describing. Does that make any sense? I get that not everyone is in a position to do that. They’re in survival mode. But living your life in the best possible way, provides the clarity and space for others to do the same. You’ve done that for me and I’m grateful. I’m not sure I’m explaining myself fully here, but I do feel that decluttering, downsizing, consuming less and using our purchasing powers to buy sustainable items change the world. Not a little bit. A lot. Not that everyone can afford it, or even have the luxury of writing and discussing it (which enriches my life in so many ways). This simplifying process gives us more time to evaluate, read, discuss and make better choices in our lives and the lives of others; to put the well being of people above profit and consumption.
Ack! I think I’m repeating myself at this point. I guess what I really want to say is that I hear you. You’re not alone in feeling confused, saddened and overwhelmed at the opportunities you’ve been presented with, versus the child scrounging for food in a trash pile. I’m not sure that that will ever make any logical sense, so I’ve learned to let that go and work on my own life so that I am a caring, more gracious individual. Simplifying helps me to be that person that I aspire to: kind, generous and patient.
Okay, so, after all of that, I am anxious to check out your book recommendation. Take care and safe travels. 🙂
Oh no, I wont quit blogging about simplicity. But I want to find a different way to tell my story. Being an academic, dumping some numbers, decluttering advice and my story can only make so much of a difference. I want to change the format a little to further my reach. Disguise sustainability in fashion posts or other easy on the eyes sort of content. Havent figured it all out as of now. But stop being academic about it is what I have in mind.
What hit me the most : I spent X amount on fashion purchases this year. And I could only donate a fraction of that X to Syria. I could have done fine without another blue dress. When the time came to do the needed, I was inadequately prepared. Makes me wonder if I really practice what I preach. This is a personal battle I have to work on.
I am currently a part of two weddings. All I see is opulence and conspicuous consumption. I write blog posts but seem unable to convince my own family that the money should be spent better. On the other hand, a friend on mine was going to marry her boyfriend this year. They cancelled the wedding, donated the money to Syria and she now is in Syria working for Doctors without Borders. People like her make me wonder if I practice what I preach. I can definitely do more.
About what you say my blog does for you. You guys do the same to me. I could write about things that matter to me and gain clarity. Having a discussion and different perspectives really help. I also feel protected. When I am hard on myself, the kind words come my way and console me.
” Simplifying helps me to be that person that I aspire to: kind, generous and patient.”
Thank you so much.
The easiest way to simplify one’s life is by conditioning the mind to want less.- wise words mate, wise words! 🤗
gee, … thank you lady Sarah 🙂
The inequality of this world hits me in the face every time I go back to visit my home country. It’s an unpleasant wake up call and like you, I am saddened by it. I always try to make the best out of it by living a more mindful life and donating money and stuff if I can.
Me too. Now that I am in India and its the wedding season, trying to see if I can raise some funds from the lavish weddings I am going to attend.
I am not sure if you have watched a movie called 180 degrees South. The founders of Patagonia are heavily featured in it. Yvon Chouinard said that the hardest thing in the world is to simplify your life. That really resonates with me. You should check it out if you haven’t. There is also a lot of emphasis on love of nature, adventures, conscious consumption, impact of capitalism and supposed progress on our planet. Pretty neat.
I particularly liked point 12 :).
I thought about your post and questions at the end: I believe the strongest influence in my loosing interest in shopping and ‘things’ was – yoga & meditation. The more I meditated, the more I began to seek longer lasting happiness rather than fleeting pleasures and ‘things’. It was not my plan, nonetheless, gradually my interest began to shift.
Ofcourse, the mental discipline and the calm-ness. In Krishnamacharya’s bio, they say that he would refuse any clothing when he would get felicitated by the kings and such. ‘Decorating the outer’ held no meaning or importance to him.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! For me it was a journey, too. Of letting go what did not suit me, my body or my activities. More simple means easier in lots of terms. Better for the environment but also for me getting up in the morning and having to dress. My uniform is pants with a shirt with variations in shoes and weather appropriate jackets and dresses/ skirts for special occasions and hot weather. As a landscape designer I am trained in simple aesthetics and it was a relief to apply these ideas not only in my job but in my clothes, too – how I dress, how I eat, which furniture I choose, how I live basically. Another idea that got stuck in my head was “Not buying“. Using what is or what I already have. I tried to make more stuff myself like cosmetics and home decorations even if it does not turn out as perfect as bought items and has no fancy package. And I am very lucky that my mom sewed 2 blouses for me 🙂 I really enjoy reading your blog. I love your analytical mind! My friends have different approaches when getting dressed. You actually inspired me to get better clothes second hand. I wonder if I can find good extras like jackets or dresses second hand. I have enough so there is no need to hurry.
You guys shower me with compliments. And all the bloggers complain about negative comments. How did I get this lucky ? Thank you.
The relation between profession and personal style is very interesting topic, to me. Someday, I will collect enough interviews and try to figure out the patterns.
I am in India currently getting mocked for my ‘not buying’ ways. Our society doesnt make it easier does it ! And online fashion inspiration is shopping links in disguise. I wouldn’t blame anyone for mocking me. Its become the way of life.
I never knew quality until I got my hands on second hand designer clothing. A dress made after a craftsman tried the design with 25 different fabrics is not the same as what I was buying from Zara. Tailoring is on my mind. I found someone in San Fran who used to work on Savaille Row. Someday !
It is a privilege being able to decide if one wants to buy something or not. I lived on very small money for some years and it still seems strange and good at the same time to be able to say “I could buy these but I won’t.” I am lucky to own a very good winter coat I got on ebay, made of wool and cashmere. The material and the cut are the best I have ever touched. I also own a high-end shirt with intricate embroidery or rather folding I bought second hand at another online platform originally just because I liked the colour. I got both for a fraction of the original retail price and both amazed me with their cuts and details. But I also like clothes that are well made but not too special so I don’t have to think about them or care too much while wearing them. While most of the Indian styles were just too different to bring them home I really liked the quality of the fabrics there. Enjoy the holidays ❤
You pointed out , in my opinion, the most crucial thing of all in a struggle for simplified wardrobe (and life) – conditioning the mind to want less. Yes and yes. Will try to apply this from now on, as I was quite good at resisting temptations until June this year (that the time when I discovered a certain local brand, which makes beautiful clothes, locally produced, but also quite expensive)- I need to stop wanting half of their products and start using my meagre financial resources in a better way. And yes, your comment on Syria hit home…
Its so easy right ? I had to write 2 years worth of blog posts to realize it. Or maybe writing those posts helped.
Ahem, how does one “accidentally” chop off six inches of hair???
So glad you asked. I want to vent. Here it is :
I was brushing my teeth before going to bed. I casually mention that I need a hair cut and I dont have a go to hair dresser after I moved to California. He asks why its a big deal. I tell him it isnt, since all I need is a trim. He volunteers and I say yes. Before I could finish brushing, he appears from behind and SNIPS my dry hair. I was wearing a hair clip. When I remove it, it looks diagonal. He volunteers to fix it. 5 more snips later, I have short hair and weird uneven length. This is not the end of the story. Next day, we were cooking. He says, ” this big looks uneven”. Pulls out the kitchen sheers and snips. That weekend, we were on a hike. He pulls out the swiss knife and trims one more uneven bit. I dont know why I let him. But in the end, I have terribly cut short hair.
“It took you 8 years to trust me with your hair”, he says.
Life goes on.
Thats doesnt count as accidental then!but hey, yeah you trusted him with your hair at the first place. I hope you will get accustomed to a new hair soon,I guess in India you may stand out from a crowd of long hair girls. But to console you, I tell you that during my one year stay in India the most beautiful girl I saw was a short hair girl I saw once on a local bus somewhere in Maharashtra’s countryside. To this day I remember how subtle she looked, and wonder how on earth this lady in the village managed to get a good haircut?and she must have been a brave soul, given the tradition of long hair in India. Have a nice rest of your holiday, Domi
Go to a stylist and get it cleaned up, if you can. I am sure you will end up with a chic do. 🙂
I think you offer some of the most realistic, balanced, introspectively-nuanced posts on simplifying and decluttering I’ve seen online. While you are right about the sufferings of much of the rest of the world in relationship to the pettiness our amassing of stuff followed by our attempts to minimize it, this is where our culture is at the moment. We can’t pretend it’s not by not acknowledging it, In my opinion, you provide valuable tools here not only for simplifying, but also how to do it thoughtfully and how to make better better choices in the future. Bravely revealing your own vulnerability on these issues makes it more relatable for me as the reader. You eloquently and humbly put into words the thoughts, concerns, and insights I myself consider which holds value for me – you help me confront my own consumerism and related perspectives by being so “real” about your own struggles, Honestly, I think it’s been my favorite part of your blog.
” relationship to the pettiness our amassing of stuff followed by our attempts to minimize it, this is where our culture is at the moment ”
The shame of it !! …. I couldnt have said it better.
I will not stop talking about simplicity. Just wont talk about decluttering as the biggest aspect of it. I did that all year, this year. Want to explore ‘consume less’ in depth this year. And hide it all in my personal style posts. I am from an academic background and tend to make all my posts wordy. Want to try a few new formats and force myself to be more creative.
After the presidential election, I realized that we only read articles that reinforce our views ( to some extent ). I want the other side to read me and think about the things I care about. I want to further my reach and get more people to converse on this blog. To do so, I have to be less ‘academic’.
About vulnerability. I read my posts and see sort of ‘semi professional’ posts written in a hurry. And somehow, you find them first handed. My husband thinks I write like how I talk to people. I dont know how this is happening but I am happy it is.
Its not just me. Everyone who comments share their struggles which makes me open up. I wouldnt have dared to say half the things online, a year ago. I read too many stories of minimalists who one day decluttered and lived happily after with their popular blogs and book deals. It made me feel like an utter failure to be honest. My journey has been a process and very ‘me’ – introspective, emotional and imperfect. This journey should be celebrated too.
Cheers !
Indeed. I look forward to following your exploration here of new paradigms and formats, Archana. : )
Archana, I cannot comment on your latest post – but thank you for this. Thank you for being honest with yourself and all of us about your thoughts on these hugely important issues of authenticity, privilege, minimalism, sustainability, reflection, living our lives in the best way we can. It seems like so many people either don’t want to talk/think about it – or haven’t thought about it?? (Though I find that nearly impossible to believe, it seems true sometimes) Your voice and blog remind me that I am not the only one feeling sick in this bubble of overconsumption and apathy – and simultaneously they refresh and re-inspire me. Likewise wishing you a restoring holiday and new year!
And to Lakshmi above – thanks for asking about the hair cut, I too was curious 😉 I have just (non-accidentally) chopped off all my hair and am quite liking it, perhaps with a bit further intentional chop, Archana, you will grow to like it!
I am having a hard time replying to comments with limited internet connectivity and travel. Feels rude to not reply for days. Hence closed them till I settle down a little.
Tara, thank you. You guys give me so much credit for speaking my heart out. Isnt that what a blog is for, in the first place?
I find it incredulous that a lot more people are not thinking of sustainability. “Are you living in a bubble? Dont you read the news ? Dont you read natgeo?”,… are the type of questions I want to ask. Now that I am in India, every conversation I have about simplicity has a “we are a poor country. Let us prosper without constraints” as the argument. Not everyone reads what I read. Not everyone cares about what I care about. If I talk about animals, they talk about poor people with no jobs. Then, there are emotions in play from our life experiences. Its frustrating for me to have a rational conversation. And its very hard for me to to have an argument because I know so little about the right solution. I want data science to find it instead of people, if i were to be honest.
I dont know the best solution to this but think us bloggers can make a change. Life style blogging has been reduced to what-to-buy and how-to-decorate but it can be so much more. Should get folks to put those wallets away and get the minds racing. Atleast we can try.
My hair grows so fast that it now looks like a mediocrely bad hair cut. And I am glad. i had no idea as to how to exercise when it wouldn’t pony up. By the time I get back to the US, it should look fine.
My comment on this post didn’t seem to go through earlier – I resonated a lot with this post because the focus of my work is largely social justice based, and how this combines with environmentalism.
I take an approach which looks at marketing or the social conversations which happen all around us, and which determine how a woman (or any person) should live. When it comes to beauty, Naomi Klein focused on how images of beauty were used against women in the past. And how the continual messages or images often created a deep sense of self doubt. I sometimes think it is these never ending voices which natter on so much and which make us feel we should be different to who we are (fatter, thinner, more made up, younger…). It’s hard work to find a personal voice within all of the chatter. Children, I feel, are often the most vulnerable members of an exploitative society. They’re both more open to the messages, and very often they live with very little as well. In South Africa, there’s a very high infant mortality rate because of poverty and a terrible history of oppression.
Within all of this, it can sometimes seem as though a sense of self focus can be ‘selfish’ but I’ve learned to see it as the root to dignity, to adding new voices into the system, and as a way of speaking back to mass consumption or production which is exploitative and unfair. In this sense, I think sustainability is so vital. And very linked to social injustice as well. The images from the (north) west can sometimes create such self doubt or poverty in other parts of the world. But consumption, according to Oliver James in Affluenza, doesn’t make westerners happy either, hence a high rate of depression in the developed world.
This is why I love the message of the deep ecologists, who share that reconnecting with nature and ‘other’ beings or voices, including the rustle of reeds at the river side, re-connect us to our selves, and to something larger and infinitely more intelligent. I think it brings a sense of peace, a space to get away from the constant chatter, and a space to reflect on our own lives.
I appreciate your posts on California, the beautiful photographs, and the posts on hikes too. I think it shows a deep sense of awareness and a very personal journey. Thank you.
Great post. And I absolutely love your use of illustration- Georgia! Accidently I have a photo of her house (the studio to be precise) as my computer’s wallpaper:). This lady had a style!
That lady is my style icon. This post did not have an image for the longest time. Nothing felt worthy until she came along.
I can imagine! And by the way, did you know there is an exhibition in NY dedicated to her lifestyle, open till July- I would fly from California if I were you!:) Check the link
https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/georgia_okeeffe_living_modern
Wait till Friday. Am cooking up something for the blog.
Ohh, cant wait! Good that Friday is round the corner;) I wish I put my acts together on time and went to see her big show in London last year. I only saw just one of the paintings recently and wish I saw all the stars of her work. Plus I dream of visiting her house in New Mexico:)