Renaissance: A Rebirth

RENAISSANCE

A REBIRTH

Three Panels Press

ISSUE 2 November 2024

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.

Letter from the E.I.C.

Dear Readers, 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 PAGE 1 Panel 1: Poetry and Prose

PAGE 12 Panel 2: Photography and Art

PAGE 24 Panel 3: Special Additions

PAGE 1

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

PAGE 3

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'.

Tebo Ndlovu|@anauthorshome

PAGE 5

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.

Maia Rosenbaum|@amomentforus

PAGE 7

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

Sandra Nexeus Stanic|@littleapartment

PAGE 9

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

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

PAGE 11

Panel 2: Photography and Art

Cottage House

Co. Kerry, Ireland iPhone 13 Pro Max July 2022

Dajana Gotal|@i_am_goofy_ghost

PAGE 13

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

PAGE 15

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

Rosalie Ferguson|@rosaliea29

PAGE 17

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

PAGE 19

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

PAGE 21

Paris Opera House

Paris, France iPhone X May 30, 2019

Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane

Persephone/Anxiety

53” x 38” (135 cm x 96 cm) Acrylic, oil and pigments on duck canvas 2023

Sandra Nexeus Stanic | @littleapartment_art

PAGE 23

Panel 3: Special Additions

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.

The Annunciation by Fra Angelico, c. 1438-45

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

PAGE 25

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

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

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.

The Tribute Money, Fresco by Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence, Italy, 1425

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.

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

PAGE 27

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

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

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.

La Primavera, Sandro Botticelli, in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, c. 1477–82.

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.

Lola Braut|@lola_bea_xoxo

PAGE 29

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, also known as Giovanna degli Albizzi Receiving a Gift of Flowers from Venus... (take a well-deserved breath).

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.

Buy the Book Goodreads Profile Instagram Profile Johanan Viljoen|@johananvpoetry

PAGE 31

‘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.

Buy the Book Goodreads Profile Instagram Profile

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.

Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane

PAGE 33

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.

Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane

PAGE 35

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.

Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane

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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

Jhazzmyn Joiner|@quotedbyjhane

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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