Elanthian Vogue/Jastatos 5119
This Month's Edition
Editor-in-Chief: Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l
Editor's Thoughts
Phoenatos and Imaerasta kept us busy with FashionCon 5119 in the Shining City of Ta'Illistim, the reopening of the Duskruin Arena in the less salubrious Bloodriven Village, and the engaging gargoyles hosting us at Windfellow's Retreat on the Isle of the Four Winds. With the excitement of Ebon Gate now upon us, the team at Elanthian Vogue thought it might be appropriate to produce a bumper edition that gives festival goers something interesting to read and discuss while playing games, chasing merchants, and shopping on Caligos Isle during the month of Jastatos.
In the recent Duskruin Supplement, we gave you a hint as to the theme of this edition and I hope you were all able to pick up some of the items mentioned so you are ready to demonstrate your bohemian nature this fall in both the way you dress and your knowledge of art.
Art plays an important role in our lives in that it expresses individuality, creativity, and feeling; it is what visually enhances our world and our existence in it. This month, we take a closer look at how much we rely on it and ways in which we can make use of art to more freely express ourselves as individuals, for example, through the use of henna and tattoos. We have also been fortunate enough to persuade a few very talented artists to tell us more about the Elanthian art world from their perspective and I'm sure you will find their insights fascinating!
As always, don't forget to send us your comments on any of the articles in this month’s publication or suggestions for future editions!
Editor
Importance of Art
"Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate."
Art is usually associated with gallery or museum exhibits, whether it's a painting predating the Undead War or an illuminated missal dedicated to an Arkati, but towns and cities will often use sculptures and plaques to add interest to their thoroughfares and buildings to inform people. You have only to visit the Hanesyddol Museum of Ta'Loenthra - a major institution of the fine arts – to see magnificent landscapes, both old and new, or simply wander the weys and vars of Ta'Illistim to view its many memorials.
However, there is so much more to art than what you see on display. Without being aware of it, we are surrounded by art and use it on a continual basis. Most people don’t realize how much of a role it plays in our lives and just how much we rely on it in all of its forms.
Chances are that you own some form of artwork. The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, a painting or tapestry on the wall of your home or shop. Even if you don't own a home, you would be surprised at how much artwork you actually have. Art is not purely for looking at and admiring, a lot of it is functional too. Everything from a picture locket around your neck to a decorated teacup or a magically imbedded figurine in a looted treasure chest can be considered a form of art.
Art is evident everywhere; its importance and value in our daily lives very similar to that of music. While it's not vital to fulfill our basic needs, it can have a huge effect on our mood and emotions. Inspirational art, such as a tattoo or a crest, is often used to represent something such as a significant life event or family history. There may be a piece of art that you own that you personally find motivational. Perhaps a piece of jewelry that engenders joy or has a quote beautifully scrolled on it with a positive affirmation. It might also be a postcard of a picturesque scene of where you aim to visit one day or evokes a fond memory.
Of course, some art is very dark and can cause disturbing emotions, anger or even depression but we can choose what kind of art we want to be surrounded by to make us feel good. All kinds of art can affect our mood in a positive way, making us feel happier, calmer, grounded or even inspired to do something.
Art is also controversial. Anyone embroiled in the recent events in Ta'Illistim concerning the trial of Master Paerys Velethuil Loenthra couldn’t fail to be influenced by its ability to draw people in. His portraits relied on the power of flattery and ego to persuade the onlooker to not only look but touch – at their peril. The lesson to be learned from all of this is that we must show caution when it comes to interpretation – never assume to know the artist's motivation without first consulting the artist themselves.
Lifestyle: Bohemianism
Understanding art and the bohemian lifestyle by Rohese Bayvel
"Quote."
On the Spot
Every now and then we take the opportunity to put someone "on the spot" with 5 random questions to gain a quick peek into their lifestyle choices. This month we are delighted to put Ysaeril Illistim, Founder and Curator of the Caeruil Atelier, "on the spot".
Where and when were you born? Answer
How has art affected your life (especially your childhood)? Answer
When it comes to art, who or what are your strongest influences? Answer
Do you have a favourite painting or series within your own collection of works? Answer
What next for the Caeruil Atelier? Answer
Tools of the Trade
When it comes to body art, there are several options available. One could resort to the permanence of a tattoo and live with the potential regret of having your ex-lover's name forever inked on your arm or a rather graphic battle scene displayed for all to see on your back. While it is possible to remove the offending artwork by literally cutting it off your skin with a blade, one wonders if it is worth having to resort to such barbaric methods when you could consider the more elegant option of temporary henna and paint to make a statement.
Often found at festivals are pre-made sticks and jars of ink that allow you to daub another in a variety of creative ways from bold patterns of overlapping spirals to elegant florals. Some paintsticks are more versatile than others, offering a range of designs, while the more readily available tend to offer a simple pattern that can be applied to various locations of the body. Henna and body paint naturally fade over time thereby allowing you to either reapply it or change the design, dependent on your mood at the time.
The application of ink to the body is a great way of expressing your artistic flair and enhancing a particular look. It is certainly one we endorse because, after all, the motto of The Looking Glass - patron of Elanthian Vogue - is "Fashion is art and you are the canvas."
Bohemian Fall Fashions
Fall sees the return of shabby chic with the emphasis on recycled materials and shades of white.
Bohemian-styled clothing tends to be loose fitting on the body and free-flowing – consider vintage-inspired layered garments to evoke a subtle feminine feel with razor-frayed hemlines on gowns and shifts worn with knotted pearl necklaces, floral pendants, chain-link belts and earrings.
Alternatively, consider pairing light linen shirts or tunics with distressed leather and buffed suede or adding touches of lace to collars and cuffs beneath classically dark-toned velvet coats and jackets.
Don’t be afraid of ruffles and flounces!
Dressing in shabby chic also means wearing the perfect combination of new and old pieces of clothing and jewelry. Before you rush out to harass a merchant for alterations, consider artisan-crafted pieces such as knitted shawls, bags and hats, as well as cobbled shoes and warrior sheaths using readily available materials. Try making your own jewelry made using a Daxela jewelry box – if you don’t have access to one, then visit the souvenir shops in either the grounds of the Veythorne Manor or out in the Saewehna Jungle.
In addition, why not rummage through your lockers and just dig out the old frilly blouse that you haven't worn in years and the must-have pair of leather pants we all own. Then drop by the pawnshop to grab a cheap weapon from the table and hunt down a master cobbler with the right tools who can turn that blade into a set of natty buckles for a pair of new boots. Finally apply some metallic-henna art to your skin for the ultimate in bohemian style!