RENAISSANCE
A REBIRTH
Contributors
Dajana Gotal
Lola Braut
Sandra Nexeus Stanic
Maia Rosenbaum
Johanan Viljoen
Victoria Grace
Rosalie Ferguson
Jhazzy Jhane
Robert Ward
Laurel Osmer
Riley Camden
Tebo Ndlovu
About Botticelli’s Painting
Some of the submitted work throughout this issues speaks to the goddess, Venus, and Botticelli’s Painting, Birth of Venus, which you can see on our cover page. The composition shows the goddess of love and beauty arriving on land, on the island of Cyprus, born of the sea spray and blown there by the winds, Zephyr and, perhaps, Aura. She is met by a young woman, who is sometimes identified as one of the Graces or as the Hora of spring, and who holds out a cloak covered in flowers. Even the roses, blown in by the wind, are a reminder of spring. The subject of the painting, which celebrates Venus as symbol of love and beauty, was perhaps suggested by the poet Agnolo Poliziano.
It is highly probable that the work was commissioned by a member of the Medici family, although there is nothing written about the painting before 1550, when Giorgio Vasari describes it in the Medici’s Villa of Castello, owned by the cadet branch of the Medici family since the mid-15th century. (This info was taken directly from Uffizi Gallery webpage regarding the image.)
Cover Page Attribution: "Sandro Boticchelli, Birth of Venus (Uffizi)" by ancientartpodcast org is licensed under CC BY 2 0
Dear Readers,
LetterfromtheE.I.C.
I am thrilled to welcome you to the second issue of Three Panels Press (3PP), where we embrace the theme of "Renaissance." This theme resonates deeply, not only as a historical period of rebirth in art and culture but also as a metaphor for renewal in our own lives and creative pursuits.
In this issue, we invite you to explore the multifaceted nature of renaissance from the revival of classic ideas to the innovative expressions that define our modern era. Our contributors have crafted a diverse array of written and visual pieces that capture the spirit of transformation and discovery.
You will find pieces that reflect on the timelessness of creativity, as well as those that challenge us to rethink our perspectives and embrace change. Each work serves as a reminder that, like the great masters of the past, we too have the power to reinvent our narratives and shape our futures.
As you delve into this issue, I encourage you to reflect on your own moments of renaissance—those instances of inspiration and reinvention that have enriched your life. We hope you find joy, motivation, and a sense of connection within these pages.
Thank you for joining us on this journey Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of rebirth in all its forms.
Warmly,
Jhazzy Jhane Editor-in-Chief
CONTENTS
Panel 1: Poetry and Prose
Awakening
I was awakened by the whisper of the leaves, fluttering in the breeze.
Awakened by the touch of the sun ’ s rays, shining through the open window today. It is aspects of nature, like these, which have taught me to appreciate rebirth. Each morning the moon gives way to the sun, allowing her the opportunity to shine, to begin again.
Some days, she chooses not to take this opportunity, Preferring instead to hide behind darkened clouds
Some days, I choose to hide under my blankets, afraid to face the world.
In this, we the sun and I are the same.
And yet, I long to begin again.
On days when a rebirth feels impossible, I remember the sun. And how she always, always returns.
Rainy, fog-filled days may extend into weeks,
As we fear she will never come out of hiding, But those days eventually give way to warm sunshine. Perhaps she needed those days to recover
From the bright, cheery display she puts on most every day. Perhaps, it is okay for me to take time to recover, just like the sun, whom I admire.
Hunkering down, hidden in restful slumber,
Until once again, I am awakened by the whisper of the leaves, fluttering in the breeze
Awakened by the touch of the sun ’ s rays, shining through the open window today. Today, I take the opportunity for a fresh start.
Encouraged by the sun, my renaissance has begun.
Note from the Poet
I wrote this piece with prompts shared on 3PP's Instagram, specifically with the intent of submitting for this issue. For me, when I think of Renaissance, I think of rebirth. And what came to mind for me was nature
Victoria Grace|@writetoreconnect
Shattered Seaglass
She is born of both the sea and sky, Of ocean ' s wave and Heaven’s tears, Father's blood and Mother's fears
Perhaps that is the reason why, Her seafoam eyes and sun-kissed skin, drive from my chest my every breath
Drowned beneath the untold deeps, as an ocean mourning, untethered weeps, The heavens try to blow away, the depths of sorrow, the twice-deep hurts, Creating instead both salt and spray: A fragrance on the breeze that sweeps my heart away.
As wind-swept waif holds in ring-clad hands, dreams she cannot fathom, To her, I am but a phantom, for what is a poet to a goddess, and what is a lord to a poet?
But in the night when she is unaware, she comes down from celestial plain, a wind-blown daughter of the sea
And presses rosy, sun-chapped lips to scars left by life unfurled; Leaves me in her tresses curled
The silent cacophony of an ocean breeze, blowing over desert shore, sweeps away the visions, leaves me wanting more, Books and tables, friends and love, fade into bitter day, my morning star takes our life half-lived, and tucks it all away
Her scent on my lips, but not on my pillow. Her touch on my cheeks, but not in my bed. My Aphrodite and her seaglass eyes, her broken heart, and tragic smile. The goddess who does not see the man.
As the stars are wont to do, she tears each day my heart in two
First her beauty, then her loss.
And like her namesake, with the dawn, she leaves the Earth alone, forlorn.
Johanan Viljoen|@johananvpoetry
Venus from Underground
Hissing subway doors birth her forth from the husk of the A train, tattoos of lilies on her bare shoulder, and dog hair on her dark clothes, bleach-blonde pixie cut matted by the sweaty gusts of the Jay Street station. She wears a nose ring, battered Brooks, and the scent of asphalt, but her jawline is a swan ' s neck: perfectly curved I have never seen anything more beautiful.
Note from the Poet
This poem depicts a modern Venus coming out of a subway car as opposed to the sea It connects the imagery of modernity to the foundational elements of the classic painting by Botticelli.
Riley Camden|@thelastsundog
Ode to Botticelli
I see that his cheeks are full with hot air
I see that there are limbs wrapped around him, lapping at a fleeing love
I see that blooms of fidelity fall to the sea and the world stirs at the birth of new beauty
I see that her existence attracts disdain that her radiance even when modest calls forward matrons attempting to guard her youth before they can give it away
She treads with purpose while all throw assumption at her feet, losing their minds at a sun that dares not set, dares not hide
I see that they reach out for her And all she wants is herself: love.
Note from the Poet
This is my interpretation of Venus's birth as an individual brought to life on her own terms amidst definitions assigned to her by her keepers. The poem is in direct response to Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus'
Head Held Over High Water
Head held over high water, looking down and looking back. Let it sleep. Let it slip through fingers worn thin, and relish the moment we forgot, aching to do it again. Our buckets dredge the bottom of that merciless current. Tying handkerchiefs around our heads and under our necks, no white flags left to wave.
Wading into deep water and looking back to shore, at all the boats that remain unmoored, ropes dragging in the shallows and anchors dropped into moving sands.
Hoping weight to bring stillness, as the tide washes over us all, again.
Note from the Poet Renaissance, rebirth, doing it all again, except never actually differently, the human condition too cynical or too stubborn to think change would ever actually be The Great Difference. No, so we just do it all again, and maybe this time we will gild it with sentimental love for a past we never lived, under the aloofness of noses we upturn over things we obviously know better, like love and loss, and yet, all we can do is express it all the same, 100 times over
Maia Rosenbaum|@amomentforus
Bright yellow as I glide through flowing waters
Bright yellow as I glide through flowing waters. Lavender blows in the wind, next to me, no words are needed. Our warming skin open to the sun ’ s embrace, flowing, growing and we just want to pause in that love. Grass and green and good days ahead, as much as they are behind, and we brush the shores and trudge through sands.
The dunes extend endlessly when we turn our heads, only to turn them back again to see them meet the ocean, down below but not far away Waves crash but don’t crush the rocks, a playful exchange of the immutable and inconstant. Maybe we should stand right in the middle, let the waves push us into their support, looking to the side and laughing, the spray stings our eyes. And that was inevitable but we never seemed to mind. Extending a hand into an already waiting grasp. Always glad we did together, tracing the lines with careful fingers, oh I can’t wait to see your skin grow old.
An Acrostic Desire
I have not lived I have not scoured
To drink upon the wilting hours, Loutish knots upon your Locks of hair, I feign not to feel Your heart’s burdens Of despair.
Oh my darling, How I wish
To ascend your doleful cares So that you may glide Above all traps and snares
And if and when Your heart ascends, I’ll use its song Like a lighthouse, To gather in my sleeping sails
Note from the Poet I wrote this back in 2017 after reading about acrostic poetry in an old book about poetry that I bought at a pawn shop
Robert Ward|@r.ward_
Physiology of Marriage
Monday finds me deserted
Middle-aged
Thickened around the waist
In love with Tom Hardy
Cracked open before the former youth and
Singularity of the evenings
I am calling old friends
Their houses have carpets
Rocking horses
When you ask how they are
They send photos of children
Recipes and foreign faces
Of women in brown skirts
And their husbands with noses in their phones
Gluttony instead of eyes
Oh
Faceless women
spineless men
Bloodstream of human relations
A waste
the background of that life drips sultry
A pulse before which I close my ears and eyes
Faceless women
Should reveal their thighs
Loose hair and
Desire desire desire
In My Father’s House, There Are Mansions
Sometimes I dream of heaven
Incandescent and innocent
Striking fern-green pastures
Graceful coruscating brooks bespattering glitter
Just to caress my weary soul
Colossal breathtaking redwoods billowing with
Intoxicating floral perfume mixed of peonies and lavender
Where sweet-water whispers to plants
Plants speak softly to animals
And animals mimic all of this to me
And I miss that place
Have I ever been there and so
I’m yearning to go back
Or am I just imagining my safe space and
Hoping I’ll be going there one day soon
My Father keeps me safe in his big old wise palm
He holds me there when I feel
Alone
Misunderstood
Heartbroken
I’m all tucked in
Sheltered from the unforgiving world
Free to cry, rest in grief, pray, give up
Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo
These days I’m pondering life
Under the firmament
And its mysterious and obvious ways
It’s going to be delightful to get rid of this
Earthly suit when the time covertly knocks thrice
Abandoned and defeated
Strong and victorious
It won’t matter
Because I’ll be going home
And this lifetime will be a distant Painstakingly charming and fading memory
When my life shows up on the big flashy screen
I’ll be able to say:
God, I lived well, I tried my best, I was blessed
Panel 2: Photography and Art
Cottage House
iPhone 13 Pro Max
July 2022
Co. Kerry, Ireland
Bramante Staircase in Vatican Museums
Vatican City
iPhone 13 Pro Max
June 2022
Dajana Gotal|@i_am_goofy_ghost
Quin Abbey
Co. Clare, Ireland
iPhone 14 Pro July 2023
Dajana Gotal|@i_am_goofy_ghost
Northern Magic
Central Minnesota
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra September 2024
Note from the Photographer
I am an amateur photographer. My first photo is of the beautiful Northern lights in rural Minnesota. It's absolutely amazing experiencing them first hand The second photo is of Hadrians Wall in Northumberland, UK. It was built in 122AD.
Rosalie Ferguson|@rosaliea29
Timeless Harmony
The viewpoint called Steel Rigg, Northumberland, UK
Canon EOS Rebel T3
February 15, 2019
National Wharf Walk
District Columbia iPhone 14, April 2024
Note from the Photographer
This beautiful tree has small flowers that protrude the old crusty bark, demonstrating how beautiful new growth can emanate from dilapidated items
Laurel Osmer|@poetswadminlo
Hike in Shenandoah
Shenandoah iPhone 14, Spring 2024
Note from the Photographer
This photo demonstrates how greenery sprouts through the dew and rainy mornings The mountains continue to live and grow!
Laurel Osmer|@poetswadminlo
After the Storm
Decatur, Ga iPhone 12 Pro August 1, 2022
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
Chicago
Chicago, IL
iPhone 12 Pro
June 7, 2022
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
Paris Opera House
Paris, France
iPhone X May 30, 2019
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
53” x 38” (135 cm x 96 cm) Acrylic, oil and pigments on duck canvas
Panel 3: ASpecialdditions
EARLY RENAISSANCE feat. BOTTICELLI
The Italian Renaissance was a pivotal period in European history, marking a significant cultural transformation following the end of the Late Middle Ages The earliest phase of this era, known as the Early Renaissance, is debated among historians regarding its exact starting point. Some place its beginning around 1348, aligning with the end of the Black Plague in Italy, while others suggest the year 1400 as a more definitive starting date. Despite these differing views, it is widely agreed that the Early Renaissance emerged in the latter half of the 14th century, eventually giving way to the High Renaissance around 1495.
The term "Renaissance," meaning "rebirth" in French, accurately captures the essence of this era, characterized by a profound cultural and intellectual revival. During the Early Renaissance, artists began to move away from the Byzantine style of religious painting, instead seeking to achieve greater realism in their depiction of the human form and spatial environments. This shift towards realism was pioneered by artists like Cimabue and Giotto and was further refined by early Renaissance painters such as Andrea Mantegna and Paolo Uccello, who mastered the use of one-point perspective. Their work demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of spatial representation, appealing to an audience wellversed in artistic concepts
In addition to stylistic advancements, the Early Renaissance also witnessed significant changes in subject matter While religious themes remained central to daily life and continued to drive much of the artistic production, a newfound interest in "mythological" subjects began to surface in painting Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is often considered by scholars to be the first panel painting to depict a Classical scene. This tradition likely evolved from cassone (marriage chest) paintings, which frequently featured scenes from Greek and Roman mythology as well as romantic literature. The emergence of panel paintings with mythological themes opened up new avenues for artistic patronage and thematic exploration, enriching the creative landscape of the time
Lola Braut|@lola bea xoxo
The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, c 1438-45
INFLUENCERS OF THE YORE
Florentine humanists proudly regarded their city as a " new Athens " The remarkable artistic flourishing that took place in Florence during the early 1400s cannot be compounded to one event that inspired it, but the contributions of Brunelleschi in architecture, Donatello in sculpture, and Masaccio in painting had a profound and enduring impact on Western art. They are considered the three fathers of the Renaissance
Brunelleschi journeyed to Rome to study ancient buildings, developing a deep understanding of the harmony found in classical proportions. He reintroduced classical architectural elements such as the columned arcade and applied his engineering genius to design the enormous dome of Florence’s cathedral. Additionally, he pioneered the system of one-point perspective, revolutionizing the depiction of depth in art
"There are thickheaded and ignorant types who, whenever they hear of some new idea or invention that they never thought of before will at once call the inventor crazy and his theories ridiculous But don't be browbeaten by those who speak ill of you out of envy and ignorance to waste the talents God has given you. Pursue them, exercise them in such a way that you will be held wise by the wise through your virtue and your mind."
Brunelleschi's advice to artist and engineer Mariano Taccola
Donatello, who accompanied Brunelleschi to Rome, created some of the first large-scale, freestanding sculptures since antiquity, reviving the classical tradition of depicting figures in the nude His works were groundbreaking in their return to ancient forms and techniques, setting a new standard for sculptural art
The Annunciation by Donatello, Dimension 6 feet, 8 inches (2 03 meters) tall
Location Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence, Italy, Dated c 1435
The Pazzi Madonna by Donatello, Dimensions about 4 feet, 7 inches (1 40 meters) tall
Location Berlin State Museums, Germany Dated c 1420
In Florence’s Brancacci Chapel, Masaccio painted a series of frescoes that were revolutionary in their use of light and shadow to give figures a robust three-dimensionality He applied Brunelleschi’s perspective techniques to create a convincing illusion of depth, expanding the painted space beyond the flat surface of the wall.
Together, these artists and their innovations shaped the trajectory of Western art, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Renaissance
Yet, in this issue, we turn our focus to another influential figure of the time Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, better known as Sandro Botticelli
SANDRO BOTTICELLI (1445-1510)
Born in Florence, died in Florence, hopefully visited other places in between We won’t dwell too much on bits and bobs of his early life nor is this his biography so let’s dive into a particular fraction of his life
Western art history might have taken a different course without the influence of Sandro Botticelli. As a favored artist of the powerful Medici family, Botticelli secured numerous prestigious commissions, many of which are now regarded as some of the Renaissance's most significant accomplishments. In the latter half of the 15th century, he created secular portraits of Florence's elite alongside religious and mythological scenes that marked a new era of artistic excellence
The Tribute Money, Fresco by Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, Italy, 1425
The Medici family played a crucial role in shaping Botticelli’s legacy By the mid-15th century, the Medicis had solidified their political and financial dominance in the Republic of Florence, becoming the region’s de facto rulers. Botticelli’s rise to fame coincided with the reign of Lorenzo the Magnificent, who fostered a circle of humanist scholars, art patrons, and bankers. Botticelli was one of several Italian painters chosen to decorate the Sistine Chapel, a commission that came from Pope Sixtus IV This opportunity was likely the result of Lorenzo de Medici’s diplomatic efforts, which some historians view as an attempt to forge a strong alliance with the Pope.
During the 1480s and ’90s, as Renaissance artists gained greater recognition, Botticelli created two of his most iconic works: Primavera (ca 1480) and The Birth of Venus (ca 1485) Both paintings feature mythological themes that reflect the values emerging in Italy at that time. Many of these values were rooted in humanism, an intellectual movement that emphasized classical literature, philosophy, and science as a means to achieve a purer form of Christianity.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek art, The Birth of Venus showcases a central female figure based on the Venus pudica sculpture. The painting famously depicts the goddess Venus arriving on the shores of Cythera, surrounded by white-capped waves and floating flowers While many of Botticelli’s figures are anatomically precise and naturalistic, in this work, he chose a more expressive approach by slightly elongating Venus’s torso, using her form to convey a sense of ethereal beauty rather than strict realism.
Birth of Venus, tempera on canvas, Sandro Botticelli, in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence c 1485
Around 1482, Botticelli completed the allegorical masterpiece Primavera, believed to have been commissioned by Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici a cousin of the prominent politician and arts patron on the occasion of his wedding to Semiramide Appiani in May of that year. The figures in Primavera are inspired by the classical works of the poet Lucretius’s De Rerum Natura and Ovid’s Fasti, a Roman festival calendar. In this painting, Venus once again takes center stage, symbolizing marriage and fertility. Her son Cupid is depicted blindfolded, aiming an arrow of desire toward the Three Graces, who embody the virtues of Chastity, Beauty, and Love
On the far left, Mercury is shown dispelling winter clouds with his staff, signaling the arrival of spring. On the far right, Zephyrus, the west wind, chases Chloris, initiating her transformation into Flora, the goddess of spring. The painting skilfully blends elements from Gothic religious art with the classical themes favored by humanists during the early Renaissance As scholar Lilian Zirpolo suggests in Botticelli’s Primavera: A Lesson for the Bride, the work may have been intended as an instructional piece for a Medici bride, illustrating the ideal role of a woman in marriage. Both Primavera and The Birth of Venus are housed in breathtaking Uffizi Gallery in Florence, where they remain two of the museum ’ s most celebrated attractions.
La Primavera, Sandro Botticelli, in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, c 1477–82
And finally, I’d love to end this with one of my favorite details from Botticelli’s fresco which was a deciding point for me when choosing what to write about in this issue. I was thinking Impressionism, which I’m hopelessly fond of, but these two graces look over me every day in my living room, not to mention coasters adorned in this detail follow my every move from the coffee table, and then pins on my little backpack (yes, I was left in Louvre’s gift shop unattended)
This masterpiece has managed to oversee the 21. century in its beautiful and still vibrant form, and is kept safely in the Louvre, Paris. Please, enjoy it. May the Graces be with you.
The fresco comes with a rather long name Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Woman, a wers from Venus... (take a
Detail from Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Woman, Fresco; detached and mounted on canvas, Dimensions 211 cm × 283 cm (83 in × 111 in), c 1483-1486
‘Blooming’ by Let the Stars Align
I recently had the honor of reading and reviewing this stunning anthology by Let the Stars Align Poetry.
When I read and review a poetry book there are three things I'm looking for. I'm looking for relatability I want a connection with what I’m reading, some kind of link to the common human soul, to the shared experiences that lead us to new heights and take us to deeper lows.
I also want the book to make me feel. Whether it’s anger, joy, sorrow, peace, or triumph, I want to experience a depth of feeling and emotion.
Finally, I want to feel seen, like I'm not alone (no matter how strange or unusual my feelings and experiences may seem to me). While that may seem like basically the same criterion as the first, it is entirely possible for poetry to be relatable, while still leaving you feeling like you ’ re looking in through a frosted window while standing outside in the cold.
This book didn’t just meet those criteria, it absolutely crushed them. Blooming is a star-studded collection of pain, hope, resilience, and recovery caught with ink on paper. This book will resonate with each and every person that has known what it is to take one staggering step after another on the journey to recovery after heartbreak and trial
The author’s vulnerability, authenticity, and turns of phrase left me shattered more than once. I’d absolutely recommend this book to anyone on a journey of recovery and self-discovery. Even if you ’ re not broken and healing, but you have been in the past or you simply appreciate heartfelt poetry, this book is for you.
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Johanan Viljoen|@johananvpoetry
‘A Place No Flowers Grow’ by Cheryl Cantafio
There are books that haunt minds, that shatter hearts, that shift perspectives, and this book has the power to be one of them. If you were to take the essence of a romantic, yet sometimes stygian, author like Edgar Allan Poe and combine it with the well-kempt realism of someone like Elizabeth Gaskell, you might come close to capturing the spirit of this book.
But, in the end, the essence of the story itself, and the message itself is entirely that of the author. “A Place No Flowers Grow” is a mesmerizing yet haunting tale of love, loss, joy, sadness, and consequence.
It has all the poetic flair of epic poetry like “Beowulf” and “The Odyssey” while standing entirely in a class of its own. If I had to describe it in a nutshell, I’d call it a eulogy for innocence, or perhaps a study in contrast
If you love to feel deeply, to explore the interconnectedness of life and loss, joy and sadness, fear, ambition, emptiness, and completion, then this is a book that you’ll definitely want to read. As with the characters in the story, this book is an iridescent flower in a stark wasteland.
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Johanan Viljoen|@johananvpoetry
Meet Fashionista and Creative, Taylor Perkins
Allow me to introduce you to Taylor Perkins, a woman I adore She is a fashionista, creative, and super smart and talented human.
Q: Taylor, tell us about you! Who is Taylor Perkins?
A: Hi friends! I’m Taylor Perkins, a 24-year-old Kentucky native with a passion for fashion, data analytics, and making new connections. You might not guess it right away, but I’m also a proud Army veteran!
These days, I channel my creativity and love for style through my fashion blog, where I share tips, outfit inspiration, and all things chic. When I’m not shopping or styling new looks, you’ll probably find me exploring data trends, planning my next travel adventure, or meeting new people. I love blending my love for fashion with everything else that inspires me in life!
Q: You love fashion and I love your sense of style and seeing you pull a look together. What got you interested in fashion? Is this a part-time passion or something that you hope will grow and turn into a career?
A: First off, thank you so much for the compliment! I really enjoy putting outfits together and just going with the flow. I think my interest in fashion has always been there. Growing up in the early 2000s, we were exposed to some incredible designers like McQueen, Westwood, Van Noten, Ralph Lauren, and Diesel honestly, I could talk about them all day, but I'll save that for another time
For me, fashion is a lot like art; it's deeply personal. Every day, you get to wake up and create a story through what you wear, and fashion is just a tool to help us explore those chapters or brushstrokes. Right now, it's more of a part-time passion, but after I graduate with my finance degree, I'm hoping to move to a major city like NYC or Chicago and work my way into the fashion industry.
Q: I am so here for you moving to one of these cities. What is your favorite accessory and why?
A: Oooooo this is a tough one! I'd honestly say my favorite accessory I own, currently, is my Prada Saffiano Galleria Double Zip Tote Bag. I purchased this second hand from Fashionphile back in 2020 and I can promise you I don't think I've gone more than 30 days without using it.
This was my first ever luxury purchase and I acquired it partly because of how many celebrities who I look up to own or have worn this bag (Dana Delany and Sigourney Weaver to name a few). It holds so much and I am obsessed with Prada as a fashion house.
Q: You have a blog where you talk about all things fashion. When did this start and which article is one of your favorites that you ' ve written?
A: I started Thatstotallyfashion on Substack back in March of this year (2024) right after I went to Chicago and right before I went to NYC again I have always been interested in fashion and just decided maybe someone out there wants to hear my opinion or, if they don't, maybe they know someone who does.
I like to think I'm somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to a solid outfit. My favorite article, so far, on my blog would have to be my most recent one about the fashion brand Dries Van Noten.
Q: This was a great read! Do recommend. You mentioned that fashion is a lot like art, how are they connected?
A: For those who don't know me, I am a HUGE art fanatic. Claude Monet has my whole heart and his home in Giverny is something I'll never forget and hope to tell my children and grandchildren about one day. But back to the question.
Absolutely! I think art and fashion are deeply connected. Fashion is essentially a wearable form of art. Just like in traditional art forms such as painting, sculpture, or photography, fashion involves creativity, expression, and emotion.
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
Art, like fashion, is so incredibly personal. Designers use clothing as their medium to convey ideas, tell stories, and challenge norms, much like artists do with their chosen mediums. The way colors, textiles, and patterns are used in fashion mirrors techniques found in visual arts as we have seen with Dries Van Noten and Issey Miyake.
Both art and fashion allow for individual expression and identity. It’s all about using creativity to communicate something meaningful that people can interpret in multiple ways.
Q: Love your answer to that! I 100% agree. Switching gears a bit. You recently started making press on nails for people. You've made several pairs for me, which I love! How did this interest come about? What's your favorite part of designing nails? I truly feel like this is a form of art in and of itself.
A: Honestly, I was so tired of going to salons and paying $65.00 for a set of press-on nails that I hated. We all work very hard for our money and when we get something we don't love, it can be frustrating. So, like any normal person, I went on pinterest, found a few sets I liked and said, you know what I can paint on canvas like a mini Bob Ross.
Maybe I can do it on nails, also. So, I tried it and it worked haha. I think my favorite part of designing the nails would be the challenge of the designs themselves. I recently made a tortoise shell inspired set and I love them. I'm actually putting them on this weekend. I'll drop a picture for reference haha.
Q: I am obsessed with the tortoise set and will be hitting you up for a pair. Back to fashion. You love New York, which is the fashion state. Do you have a favorite fashion trend that originated in New York? Have you ever been to any fun fashion events there?
A: Ahhh New York! I could talk about it for ages! I can't wait to live there one day or be an adopted part-time resident haha. I wouldn't necessarily say I have a specific fashion trend that originated from there that I love, but I would say I love the classic New York "old money aesthetic". No flashy labels, all monochromatic with a few statement pieces thrown in.
Classic New Yorkers always look put together; they look fresh, clean, and ready to talk business which, to me, screams elegance in its purest form. I have yet to attend a true fashion event there, but I hope to very soon. Next year, I'm planning to travel there during NYC Fashion Week, so I might get lucky
Q: I can’t wait to hear all about NYC Fashion Week. What's one of your favorite items you ' ve thrifted? What are the pros of thrifting versus buying from different fast fashion brands?
A: Great questions. Keep them coming haha. I love a good thrift trip. My favorite items I've thrifted would have to be costume jewelry or oversized mens dress shirts. I have this massive ring I purchased for probably about $5.00 and I wear it all the time (including a picture of me with all my jewelry that I've thrifted, minus the watch). For sure a costume item, but it works and I always get compliments on it.
Thrifting has a lot of advantages over buying from fast fashion brands First, it’s much more sustainable environmentally. When you thrift, you ' re giving clothes a second life and reducing the demand for new production, which helps cut down on waste. Plus, you often find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that you wouldn’t come across in typical stores, giving you the chance to create a more personalized style.
Most stuff in the thrift stores are practically brand new and a fraction of their original cost. Vintage and well-made items are often more durable and last longer than fast fashion, which can fall apart quickly due to cheaper materials and construction.
I won't say I never shop fast fashion because it would simply be a lie. However, I do try to limit my consumption of it If that's all you can afford, heck yeah work your stuff and take pictures and live your life. I'm not one to judge because I have items that would fall into the fast fashion category.
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
Q: So fair. Love your response to this. I love talking about slow fashion and thrifting. What's your favorite piece of wearable art? Why?
A: One of my favorite pieces of wearable art has to be a statement jacket like the one I just purchased second hand, designed by Dries Van Noten. It’s adorned with bold colors and a very unique pattern, making it a true showstopper.
I love it because it tells a story and adds a unique flair to any outfit. Whenever I wear it, I feel like I'm making a statement without saying a word. It perfectly reflects my style, while also reminding me of the thrill of discovering something special and one-of-a-kind. Plus, it’s a conversation starter, which is always fun!
Q: Why is art history important today? I love asking people that I interview this question.
A: Art history is incredibly important today for several reasons. First, it helps us understand cultural and historical events, both current and past By studying art from different periods and regions, we gain insight into the values, beliefs, and experiences of those times and it can help us in our own experiences.
This understanding fosters empathy and appreciation for diverse cultures. Secondly, many modern artists draw inspiration from historical movements, techniques, and themes, creating a dialogue between the past and present.
Knowing this history can enrich our appreciation of current art and the situation. Art history encourages critical thinking and interpretation and it teaches us to analyze and critique visual information, skills that are valuable in our media-saturated world.
Putting it simply, art is a reflection of society, often addressing social, political, and environmental issues. By studying art history, we can better understand these challenges and the ways artists respond to them, helping us engage with and shape the world around us. It is a secret language and another form of communication.
Q: I couldn't have said it better! Is there anything else you want to share?
A: I'd just love to share how empowering fashion and art can be for the consumer Finding the right outfit for the perfect thing at the thrift store can completely change your mood and boost your confidence.
It is truly magical how much fashion allows us to express our individuality and creativity much like painting or drawing. If you find joy in something, keep doing it regardless of how silly others see it. You're not living life for them, you ' re living life for you so keep doing it the best way you know how.
Q: Where can everyone find you, follow you, keep up with you?
A: Substack is my blog. I post at least once a month, sometimes more, on That’stotallyfashion. I'm also on Instagram @toomuchtitos and TikTok too @toomuchtitos!
I love to connect and talk about just about anything art/fashion related, so hope to hear from you all soon!
Thanks again for this amazing interview and I'm so incredibly honored to have been asked to do this.
Thank YOU, Taylor! This was a load of fun. For those reading, please follow Taylor and her fashion/art/creative journey.
Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane
JHAZZY JHANE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LOLA BRAUT, CO-EDITOR
JOHANAN VILJOEN, CO-EDITOR, DESIGNER
CORINNA KASPAR, DESIGNER
GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES
