nouveau mois / nouvelles inspirations [JULY]
Inspirations for a new month. We live with a desire to dive into every new month suitably bursting with good thoughts and inspiration. Firm believers in curating a life you want to live, here’s what we’ve been finding happiness in recently.
Watch: Shiva Baby
I adored this film. The entire feature (developed from a short) was set amidst a Shiva, a jewish ‘wake’ where dialogue, cringe and cultural authenticity rings through.
Beyond the credits you’ll find a really lovely interview with Director, Emma Seligman where she offers cute insight into the development of the story and characters and growing up within the jewish community.
“A truly unforgettable debut, Emma Seligman’s acclaimed Shiva Baby finds the sweet spot between distress and hilarity. Led by a commanding performance from Rachel Sennott, the film’s masterful formal construction heightens its darkly comedic, sex positive take on family, religion, and sugar daddies.”
Watch now on Mubi. 1 month free trial using the link below. I’ve been a paid member for 3 years and couldn’t be without it tbqh.
Meet: Juliette Fogra
A podcast recommendation from a friend (thanks Ross!) that is a vivid wonder through the life of Latvian artist & graphic designer, Juliette Fogra. Interviewed by clinical psychologist and intellectual phenomenon, Jordan B Peterson. The two met via a Twitter callout for artists who were interested in illustrating his new book, Beyond Order. The new found friends talk about artistic composition, photoshop, fine art, her childhood and chronic pain. It’s a beautiful listen that will remove you entirely from your tiny little #atthemoment world.
“I am forever puzzled by a simple notion that your life should be somehow reflected in your art. In my case art bleeds into my life until it becomes my life.”
You can also watch the interview on YouTube, which for this one I defo recommend. Juliette is such a warm and loving person — an artist driven by a desire only to create her truth. I, like everyone else in the comment section had the tissues out by the end and a newly discovered love of the Latvian accent.
Binge: Pretend it’s a city
Fran Lebowitz was the epitome of New York cool back in the 70s. She first made her name as a humorist with a column in Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine after her move from her hometown of New Jersey aged 20. Effortlessly making the cool crowd even cooler, Fran could often be found partying in Studio54 with the photographers, filmmakers, artists and musicians that have since become renowned.
She collaborated with her good pal Martin Scorsese on his documentary Pretend It's a City. With rare interruption, Fran introduces us to New York through her completely digitally disconnected eyes, explains (quite thoroughly) her absolute disdain for sporting events, her love of smoking and musings on everything from NY transport to feminism.
Fran Lebowitz is as authentic and fearless in her sharing her opinions. Her observational humor completely undercuts any potential grumpiness and her quick, logical arguments actually have you questioning the many points she makes.
Scorsese nearly falling out of his chair with laughter on the sidelines is the cherry on the cake and leaves me wishing for a hype man just like him.
**Okay, so update. My gorgeous friend took me to see Fran whilst she was in town this summer. She is everything I could have hoped for. Taking questions from a very broad Scottish audience, her ability to craft considered responses (not always answers) is a lesson many could learn from. Fangirling hard(er).
Listen: Quiet for Noisy Minds
While rediscovering who I am sans Delicate Rébellion, a project/love/obsession/abuser/shackle/guide/education that’s kept me both afloat and submerged for the past 6 years, I’ve not had the opportunity to catch my breath. One foot is still in pretty icky conversations with lawyers and landlords while the other is cantering along over here with gorgeous new clients and projects. All good of course, but the weight of the former has my mind doing cartwheels, mostly at 3am.
Anyway, I’ve reverted back to my favourite playlist which helps with shifting my thoughts and anxieties to the side and never fails to get my creativity flowing. It’s also quite nice to make up words to songs without any. Ólafur Arnalds feature frequently, of course. I’ve linked this incredible Tiny Desk Concert should you need any more persuading.
Shared here for you, keep it close for when you feel a bit lost.
Insiders Guide: Bucharest
Impeding freedom has had us diving into photo albums of past travels, desperate for a Joe and the Juice while waiting for our gate number to be called. In place of actually travelling, we’ve spent the past year not only watching far too many episodes of A place in the Sun, we’ve also been sharing city guides with our friends from faraway.
With restrictions beginning to lift, we’re starting to plan our escape because we’re craving enough culture to quench our pent up curiosity. Check out our insiders guide to Bucharest for vintage lovers, people watchers and cited as ‘one of the best cities in Europe for speciality coffee’ by our friend and writer Cristina Ioana Pasalau
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