Inspiration Monday: La Belle Époque & Art Nouveau

One of my favorite things to do is look through old photographs and admire the styles of the past. And like many of you, I have a favorite era I'm naturally drawn to - an era whose style and mood inspires my creativity. My era of choice is Paris' Belle Époque, also known as the “Golden Age."

La Belle Epoch was such a beautiful time in history. Gorgeous paintings, amazing jewelry and ornate architecture was everywhere. The art, the fashion, and just the city, as a whole, was so eye-catching. The Belle Epoch was a period characterized by hopefulness, a greater appreciation for literature, theater, music and the arts-- basically, all the things I hold dear to my heart. Visually, it was a feast for the eyes.

My favorite art movement of the Belle Époque era is Art Nouveau. I love the way the images flow with such movement and ease. One of my favorite painters of this era is Mucha, who incorporated beautiful figures, nature and lots of line work into his pieces.

I think that in one way or another, we all draw inspiration from history. It's hard not to be swept away by the beauty that comes from the past. Needless to say, a lot of the things I make are inspired by this era. If I could jump into a time machine and visit Paris in the late 1800s, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Do you have a favorite era that inspires you?

-Karlin

Inspiration Monday: Paris

Paris is called the city of light for good reason; its famously  beautiful boulevards and monuments are illuminated by electric bulbs strewn upon the trees that stand alongside the likes of the Champs-Elysees and the Tour Eiffel.  However, for me, the light of the city comes most from the sense of inspiration, education, and enlightenment it gives me. 

I traveled to Paris for the first time when I was 18 and instantly fell in love with the city, her people, and the abundance of art. If I could describe my perfect day, it would be spent strolling along a sidewalk within Marche Vanves (a fantastic Paris flea market) on a warm Sunday morning. I would then take the Metro over to the fabric markets at the base of Sacre Coeur, followed by an evening at a little cafe with a glass of wine, some dinner with a scrumptious sauce, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Everything about Paris inspires me: the architecture, food, markets, sounds, scents, and of course the art. I simply can not get enough of this amazing city and it influences many of the jewelry pieces I create. 

 


Just by looking around Paris you will see examples of Neoclassicism, Rococo, and Baroque design.  Doorways, balconies, and even the Metro signs are fantastic examples of Art Nouveau's flowing and organic style.  Lamp posts, park benches and doorknobs scream their Art Deco roots.  Paris also hosts some of the world's most amazing museums, containing a wealth of inspiration.

Thankfully, with all the resources of the modern era, even those of us not living in Paris can be inspired by it.  A simple Google Images search for Paris will pull up spectacular pictures.  For even more fun, type an address in Paris into Google Maps and click on "street view."  Then enjoy a virtual stroll down the street.   I will admit that I have done this on more then one occasion when needing a burst of inspiration.




 Once you feel fully immersed in what "Paris" means to you, you can translate that to your jewelry.  To me, when I close my eyes and think of Paris, the images of faded sepia-toned love letters, brass Eiffel towers, black and gold fleur de lis', and crystal chandeliers comes to mind. For you it might be the blue and yellow French Provencal fabric patterns, toile, and big bouquets of messy wildflowers. It can be anything you want it to be and that is what makes Paris so special. 

Below are a few of our free jewelry designs that were inspired by the beauty of Paris.  You can easily make these yourself, or use them as springboards for your own designs.

- Julie

Inspiration Mondays: Art Nouveau

When you hear the term "Art Nouveau", what images come to mind?  A vintage poster portraying a languidly lounging woman draped in flowing Neoclassical garb?  A floral brooch comprised of impossible looping and curvilinear symmetry?  Perhaps a building facade in Prague that is downright preternatural in appearance?

Alphonse Mucha's Four Seasons

All of these subjects exemplify the vision and philosophy behind Art Nouveau, a very stylized movement in the world of art, architecture, furniture, jewelry, and advertisement.  Even though its heyday spanned from the early 1880's until roughly 1910, Art Nouveau's unique aesthetic continues to inspire generation after generation of creative individuals... especially creative individuals in the wonderful world of beading and jewelry making.

Rene Lalique Brooch

We Beadaholics are no exception to this rule.  Over the years, our designers have created many projects with Art Nouveau flavor.  Incorporating elements like Czech glass cathedral beads, Vintaj brass stampings, and our own silver plated stampings, we often channel our inner Alphonse Mucha and Rene Lalique.

Check out our free project instructions here.

 Are you as inspired by Art Nouveau as we are?  Show us your nouveau-esque designs!


Happy Beading,

Andrea