#allure 2012

[celebratingwomen]

Morena Baccarin for Allure Magazine, 2012

[kinderes]

half the time when my brain brings me a new interest it's actually just minecraft roleplay again

[meowziie]

Credit to all original CC owners I did not make any of this CC!

(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ Here are some of my favourite custom outfits made by the wonderful CC creators linked below:

https://anubis360.blogspot.com/2014/03/sunset-caramel-kawaii-mini-dress-for.html

2. https://anubis360.blogspot.com/2012/12/dawn-allure-dress-with-collar-and.html

3. https://www.tumblr.com/nemiga-sims-archive/648785491934740480/all-credits-goes-to-gorillax3-original-here?source=share

4. https://www.tumblr.com/rollo-rolls/684901123115679744/rollo-rolls-belaloallure-analiese-dress?source=share

6. https://www.tumblr.com/ninaaposts/676265777056415744/request-from-a-dear-friend-of-mine-teen-to-adult?source=share

7. https://www.tumblr.com/rollo-rolls/743877376999669760/sifix-este-dress-4t3-polycount-9k-young-adult?source=share

8. https://www.tumblr.com/simstifulccfinds/654871090781421568?source=share

9. https://www.tumblr.com/keibea/672576349216587776/this-is-my-contribution-to-the-ghibli-collab?source=share

[teaboot]

why do u think there are so many autistic people on tumbler? or is it just that we're all following each other

I mean I initially joined in 2012 to find more art and shit about my OG obsessions at the time so I imagine that perk was rather alluring for those of us who fixate

[psikonauti]

Zhongwen Yu (Chinese,b.1984)

you are the alluring time which passed me by, 2012

Oil on canvas

[solanasreality]

†⠀⠀ㅤֺ⠀ INTRO 2 DESIRED REALITY : FAME DESIRED REALITY .

﹒MARIJOSIE YURI LANE — a burst of color on the hollywood scene, she is everything you’d expect in a modern-day serpentine and more, a mesmerizing blend of mystery, allure, and unapologetic individuality.

﹒physical characteristics — with the delicate sharpness of a sculptured dream, her face mirrors the haunting delicates of twilight, as if painted by the softest brushstrokes of shadow and light.

── AND ACTION!

﹒marijosie got her start on the broadway film of annie (released in 2004), the groundbreaking production that reimagined the classic story with a urban twist. as part of this trailblazing moment in cinema, marijosie brought a luminous depth to her role, standing out with a presence that was equal parts raw and magnetic.

﹒in 2012, we had the chance to catch her again, starring as herself in a comedy skit on the cult-favorite show loiter squad. known for its offbeat humor and unpredictable antics, the series provided a glimpse into marijosie’s playful side, showcasing an ability to cloud her bucket of humor behind an ethereal mystique with sharp comedic timing.

﹒by 2019, marijosie had fully cemented herself as not just a performer but as a visionary artist, stepping into both starring and directing roles with the release of K-12. the fantastical, dreamlike musical film showcased her ability to weave surreal visuals with poignant storytelling, tackling themes of self-expression, individuality, and societal critique.

﹒at the age of 29, she appeared on the stage, firmly establishing herself as one of hollywood’s most compelling talents with her portrayal of claudia in interview with the vampire. she brought a rare intensity to the role, effortlessly balancing the character’s youthful appearance with her centuries old wisdom and turmoil. with this role, marijosie once again demonstrated her versatility, proving she can command both the screen and the audience with every nuanced gesture.

﹒in 2024, marijosie took on the iconic role of elphaba in the highly anticipated wicked film adaptation. with her undeniable presence and captivating vocal ability, she brought a new dimension to the beloved character, imbuing elphaba with a mix of fierce independence and vulnerability that deeply resonated with the audience.

── DISCOGRAPHY.

﹒ marijosie’s musical journey began in 2011 when she joined the provocative and genre-defying collective odd future. her entry into the group marked the beginning of a career that would never conform to traditional expectations. that same year, she released Z, a debut album that immediately turned heads with its blend of ethereal vocals, experimental beats, and raw, emotionally charged lyrics. Z was a captivating exploration of self-discovery and introspection, setting the tone for marijosie’s distinct sound—a blend of haunting melodies, intricate production, and deep, often surreal storytelling.

﹒ in 2012, she released speak for yourself, an album that propelled her further into the spotlight. with this sophomore effort, marijosie began to refine her unique style, weaving themes of defiance, independence, and vulnerability into tracks that resonated deeply with fans. the album’s raw energy and poignant lyrics showcased her growth as both a vocalist and a composer, with standout tracks that blurred the lines between soul, indie, and alternative rock, further establishing her as a trailblazer in the music world.

﹒ after a few years of experimentation and self-reflection, she returned in 2015 with crybaby, an album marked by a darker, more melancholic tone. the project explored themes of heartache, emotional turmoil, and personal transformation, with a gritty edge that was both haunting and cathartic. crybaby cemented her status as a bold, uncompromising artist, pushing boundaries with its raw emotion and unapologetic approach to vulnerability. the album was praised for its lyrical depth and sonic complexity, capturing the chaos of personal upheaval while embracing the beauty of the struggle.

﹒ in 2019, marijosie released K-12, a groundbreaking album that tied into her film of the same name. with this album, she fully embraced her vision as both a performer and a director, creating a concept album that was as cinematic as it was sonically diverse. K-12 became more than just an album—it was an artistic statement, blending surreal, dreamlike soundscapes with poignant, socially conscious lyrics.

﹒ in 2021, marijosie released preacher’s daughter, an album that delved deep into the conflict between spirituality and rebellion. Infused with religious imagery and a sense of existential reckoning, preacher’s daughter was a personal exploration of faith, family, and the search for truth. with a more stripped-down sound, the album highlighted her vocal prowess, while the lyrics explored the complex relationship between divine love and personal autonomy, striking a balance between vulnerability and empowerment.

﹒ her latest album, alligator bites never heal, released in 2024, marks another evolution in her musical journey. the production itself mirrors the album’s themes—lush, unpredictable, and occasionally jarring—echoing the internal chaos of a woman trying to navigate her pain while asserting her power. it’s a sonic tapestry that feels as jagged as it does beautiful, reflecting marijosie’s growth as an artist who refuses to fit into any one box. the project is at once a battle cry and a healing mantra, blending dark, moody undertones with glimmers of hope.

── AND, YOUR PEN NAME?

﹒ another aspect of her artistry lies in her writing. an author of three books, her prose mirrors her music—haunting, poetic, and deeply evocative. her debut novel, a haunting tale of a teenager navigating war, burdened by the past, a god that feeds on grief, and a country’s fate tied to the history she’s running from, has cemented her place as a rising star in the literary world. with a TV adaptation (by yours truly) in the works, she’s poised to step into yet another creative realm, embodying the characters and world she’s crafted with perfect authenticity.

[dancingdonatello]

hi guys i wanted to share some of my favorite ongoing tmnt x reader fanfics on ao3 ❤️

Not a Fan of Mystics by DoodleBiscuit

- soulmates au!!! ITS SO GOOD … possessive don. possessive don.

- rise donatello x reader

Mirage by TemmTamm

- 2012. leo. x male. reader AND karai. x resder.

- need i say more? …. yes VILLAIN READER 🎉

Everyone Hates Geology by nhachi

- so fun… so… soft… at recent chapters..

-rise donatello x reader

Contract in Wax by TheJudiciousNeurotic

- don’t even get me started. oh my god !

- bayverse leo x reader. shut up. ‼️

Road Work Ahead? I Sure Hope it Does by darn_eggs

- this absolutely sucked me in. love

- rise leo x reader

Under Streetlights by Spoopyblues214

- all rise turtles x reader

- LOVE ! FLUFF there is sm I HEART

alternate allure by Spill_da_Tea_TvT

- 2012 don x reader

- reader switches placed with april CUTE !!!!!!!!!! gives me sm inspo to write

raising your world from the ashes by misou_soup

- 2018 leo x reader

-KID OID KID KID KID KID KID!!!!!!!! KID FIC ! 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 did i mention… KID !

Passion and Pastries by FunkyFrogFridays

- 2018 don x reader

- casually hot don. oh let me just… catch you. casually !

there are much more but some have updated in a HOT minute,,, just go through my bookmarks 😭😭

did u know commenting makes people update more. do it. send love. (so that i can read more turtle fanfic pls pls pls pls pls pls pls )

if anyone wants me to tag their tumblr too (i put ao3 account names) lmk 😋

[a-state-of-bliss]

Allure Russia Dec 2012 - Edita Vilkeviciute by Raymond Meier

[warningsine]

Good post op.

For those interested, here are some such films to know herstory:

"Mädchen in Uniform" (1931)

"Anna and Elizabeth" (1933)

"All about Eve" (1950)

"Olivia" (1951)

"Mädchen in Uniform" (1951), dir. Géza von Radványi

"Girls in Uniform" (1951), dir. Alfredo B. Crevenna

"No Exit" (1954)

"The Girl with the Golden Eyes" (1961)

"Walk on the Wild Side" (1962)

"The Nun" (1966)

"Persona" (1966) (yes, I'm including it)

"Belle de Jour" (1967)

"Les Biches" (1968)

"The Killing of Sister George" (1968)

"Baby Love" (1969)"

"The Exquisite Cadaver" (1969)

"The Vampire Lovers" (1970)

"Daughters of Darkness" (1971)

"The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant" (1972)

"The Beguines" (1972)

"Successive Slidings of Pleasure" (1974)

"Twice a Woman" (1979)

"Desert Hearts" (1985)

"I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing" (1987)

"Betty" (1992)

"Les Voleurs" (1996)

"8 Women" (2002)

"Nathalie…" (2003)

"Night Fangs" (2005)

"Backstage" (2005)

"Pretty Persuasion" (2005)

"Loving Annabelle" (2006)

"The Page Turner" (2006)

"Notes on a Scandal" (2006)

"Bandaged" (2009)

"Chloe" (2009), American remake of "Nathalie…"

"Cracks" (2009)

"Gigola" (2010)

"Bloomington" (2010)

"A Perfect Ending" (2012)

"Concussion" (2013)

"Nymphomaniac: Vol. II" (2013) (going controversial with this one)

"Tru Love" (2013)

"Clouds of Sils Maria" (2014)

"Sand Dollars" (2014)

"The Duke of Burgundy" (2014)

"Unexpected" (2014)

"4.48" (2014)

"Carol" (2015)

"Freeheld" (2015)

"Summertime" (2015)

"AWOL" (2016), dir. Deb Shoval

"Bird of Prey" (2016)

"Foreign Body" (2016)

"Allure" (2017)

"Atomic Blonde" (2017)

"Daphne du Maurier: In Rebecca’s Footsteps" (2017)

"The Party" (2017)

"You, Me and Him" (2017)

"Lizzie" (2018)

"The Favourite" (2018)

"Suspiria" (2018)

"The Bisexual" (2018)

"Clementine" (2019)

"Greta" (2019) (anon's* choice ❤️)

"Saint Maud" (2019)

"Ammonite" (2020)

"I Care a Lot" (2020)

"T11 Incomplete" (2020)

"Take Me Home" (2020)

"Parallel Mothers" (2021)

"Vigil" (2021)

"Benedetta" (2021)

"Anaïs in love" (2021)

"Eileen" (2023)

"May December" (2023)

Some of them are subtextual, some of them explicit, some--to use Tumblr's favorite word--problematique, some do not revolve around romance, some are cinematic masterpieces, some utter trash.

*Edit:

Ok, I laughed out loud, but on second thought? #valid

[squirmydads-creations]

My kids know I'm terribly amused by mimics in D&D, so my youngest picked me up and Outhouse mimic miniature. Which motivated me to paint this treasure chest and attacking chest mimic from the 2012 Reaper bones Kickstarter. This lineup almost looks like the evolution of a mimic; from simple and alluring chest, to attacking chest, to alluring and attacking Outhouse in the middle of the dungeon. 😁

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Also I totally forgot about this until I saw something on FB but…

Ryan and Blake had a plantation wedding in South Carolina way back in 2012 when it was cool and chic to do that. The old slave cabins were even part of some of their photos. 🤦‍♀️

And remember when Blake tried to launch her own form of Goop? I think she called it Preserve, something uppity like that. Anyway, the lifestyle brand had a newsletter that she called…wait for it: Allure of the Antebellum, in which she essentially romanticized female slave owners. Here’s a good recap from Vox:

🤦‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️

So people immediately started calling Blake out for her casual racism and she shut down Preserve not much longer after citing lack of interest (because her products were ridiculously overpriced…sound familiar?) but an ad analysis brand found that Blake lost her audience because she was so tone-deaf in that newsletter. (And also just last year, in 2023, Blake made comments loaning about how “hurtful press coverage” made her shut down her company. Jeez, it’s like looking in a crystal ball.)

Anyway, she and Ryan were able to sweep this under the rug for a lil bit. Till Ryan made his own tone-deaf comments about Black Panther, something to the effect of “congrats on being the first blockbuster with a Black superhero” and got slammed for it on Twitter with a bunch of people calling him out for having had a plantation wedding.

So then fast forward 2 years. It’s the summer of George Floyd protests and privilege (or the lack thereof) is being reckoned with. In May 2020, they make a $20,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, along with a statement saying "We're ashamed that in the past we've allowed ourselves to be uninformed about how deeply rooted systemic racism is.”

But they get dragged for filth about having a plantation wedding and finally, three months later in August, Ryan issued a formal apology saying:“It’s something we’ll always be deeply and unreservedly sorry for. It’s impossible to reconcile. What we saw at the time was a wedding venue on Pinterest. What we saw after was a place built upon devastating tragedy.” He then went on to say they got married again at home some years later because “shame works in weird ways.” 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

I don’t know. Here’s a thought. Maybe if you’re planning a wedding whose photos you’re going to sell to magazines later, maaaaaybe you should’ve done a tour of the place you found on Pinterest to see the warts they don’t talk about on social media before committing. Just a bit of advice for next time, Ryan.

So yeah. This has been, I’m sure, a great few days for Ryan and Blake, with all this dirt coming up.

All because Blake decided to make her movie’s promo tour Barbie 2.0. You know, I saw a thing on social media this afternoon that she and her squad were telling people to have a girl’s night out to see the movie and dress up in florals and bring flowers to share like they’re Taylor Swift friendship bracelets. 🤦‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

And this is on top of Colleen Hoover deciding to make a coloring book companion for her novel. A coloring book, y’all. Thankfully she listened to the backlash and canceled it.

Also, putting a tag on these posts now so if anyone is uninterested, you can block and mute it.

[writingwisterias]

Could I request Piers nivans x European BSAA captain? Where they’re in some way romantic. I don’t know how but let just your creativity run.

As a fellow Brit...I've done this with a British Reader! In mind. Even though us fellow Brits aren't part of the EU anymore...let's not get political tho 👀 I hope you enjoy it! ~ Mads ❤️

You both met on a mission where he was sent to the UK to help clear up a new lab that was recently found. The two of you instantly click and find comfort as you face the living nightmares together.

However like all things your time together came to an end but you kept in contact mainly using Facebook to message (don't hate me there wasn't many options to Dm back in 2012😭)

Eventually he plans to surprise you, booking a spontaneous trip to the UK during winter. Where you proceeded to drag him to all of the winter events

Boy did he pack wrong though! Nothing could have prepared him for the British rain during the winter months. Ended up buying a large coat and other things to keep warm, using you as his stylist

Treat you to dinner at your favourite and expensive restaurants...falling in love with all the British takeaways as well

Lots of movie nights with snugging - this is where you finally admit your feelings for each other

A night full of the best sex you have ever had (I know he's secretly a kinky bastard)

Whilst he's on this trip you are both planning a trip to America, looking online at all the things you could both do whilst you are there

He spoils you rotten, buying to gifts or pretty much anything you touch

When you fly to America he's treating you like a princess, taking you to his favourite restaurants not even caring about the price

He would lay out a red carpet in front of you if he could

Find your accent alluring and hot af (yes even the northern accents 😉)

Once you had been together for a while he offers you to move in, understanding it's a big change and you might need to think it through first

Practically has a heart attack when you agree before you finish the sentence

Constant arguments over what things are called "honey have you washed all my pants?" "No there's some in your drawer with the socks" "no no that's underwear" "Ohhhh you mean trousers! Yes they were all dirty"

You cook for him all the time after being disgusted by the state of American cuisine

Teaching him how to make a proper tea after he absolutely fails the first one he's ever made you

Making him watch British Television with you constantly (Strictly Come Dancing is secretly his favorite)

Mimics your accent if you begin to irritate him

[tthatsonme]

Twilight.

by molly

_ As summer slowly but surely creeps into fall, you feel nothing but comfort surrounding the topic, you feel completely immune to seasonal affective disorder (depression when the seasons change) because you love seeing the world turn from green to orange to white and blue, life feels more and more comfortable as fall arrives and the summer gets cooler and cooler, your life feels how the songs Roslyn by Bon Iver and St. Vincent, Waste by KxllSwxtch, Cardigan by Taylor Swift, Master of None by Beach House, Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood, and Possibility by Lykke Li sound, your life and world seems to be shifting into your desired lens colour from the movies, the weather changes when it’s fall to always be rainy, darker, and foggier, your life feels extremely nostalgic like the Twilight movies and it almost feels like it’s 2008-2012 again, no matter what or where your life or what your environment is like; life feels nostalgic again and like the Twilight movies have come to life.

_ Now only is your soul beautiful but your physically beautiful too, you’re just like a vampire with the way that you’ll probably never look older physically, and when the time comes where you do start to look older physically you still look as beautiful as you were when you were younger, even when you get wrinkles or grey or white hair you don’t feel the need to get fillers or dye your hair or anything because of how beautiful you’d look naturally, as of right now you think that you’re beautiful or handsome, you have no insecurities when it comes to looks or your body because even if you don’t like it it’s easy for you to change but you still love and accept yourself as is, even though basically everything about you is beautiful/handsome and perfect the most notable thing about your physical appearance is your skin, your skin is like the moon, not in terms of colour but more because of how naturally glowing and alluring your skin is, your skin almost looks sparkly because of how flawless it is, celebrities and rich people can try all they want to get skin like yours with their expensive treatments and serums or whatever but no one can seem to replicate the naturalness of your perfect skin.

_ You don’t even need to say a word and people like you and want to be with you whether it be in a romantic or platonic sense, it seems like you’re never alone because of how much people flock towards you, everyone talks about how beautiful and attractive you are, even if you seem like a “loner” you still have people who talk about you and how much they love you and admire you, even if you do happen to be someone who’s more quiet and uninterested in having an intense social life of partying and trying basically everything you have no problem being social, (unlike Bella lmaoo) you’re not awkward and even if you are people find it interesting rather than immediately judging you for it, no matter what your personality or life is like people still like you, since you have pretty or handsome privilege people are always coddling, pampering, spoiling, praising, and just overall loving you because they find you so cute (ib Aleya ofcc), you just scream Twilight vibes because of your aesthetic and the way that you dress, you’re always finding Twilight-esque clothing (whatever that may be to you).

_ You find a partner/significant other who is just like your desired character from Twilight, regardless of who that is; the quote from Edward to Bella where he says “You’re like my own personal brand of heroin” is exactly how they feel about you, they seem to always be looking out for you + the of the affirmations from my “Can I show my love for you?” subliminal.

Extras I added

_ Manifest people into your life that are like/look like the characters that you want from Twilight

_ When winter comes around, it’s never too cold for you, you’re immune to freezing + you’re always warm even in -50 or colder (I’m Canadian so)

_ If you want to move towns/cities to have this aesthetic, you suddenly have an opportunity to do so

_ You’re never on your phone/social media because of how interesting and adventurous your life has become

_ You can manifest any of the things in this subliminal for other people

[momentsbeforemass]

Politics

A friend of mine is a pollster.

He specializes in local and state politics. He understands the dynamics of legislative districts and statewide elections. He’s got a real gift for independents.

When we talked a few weeks before the election, I asked about his secret to understanding independents. His answer?

“There are no independents. They may not want to tell me, but everybody’s got a side.”

I had to ask him how he figures out which side an independent is really on.

“The follow up questions. Here’s one of my favorites – What comes to mind when I say the words ‘Roman Catholic?’ Sometimes I change it to ‘evangelical Christian.’ It depends on the district.”

What does that tell you?

“A lot. Because the answer is usually political.”

This is the part of the conversation that stuck with me. Something about it bothered me. Still does.

I think what bothers me is that the Faith is being regularly described in terms of politics. That people routinely thought of Christianity in political terms. And not much else.

As if Christians were just another interest group, another voting block for politicians to play to.

It sent me back to Philip Yancey’s 2012 essay “Christians and Politics: Uneasy Partners.” And this passage, one that reads like it was written this morning,

“The confusion of politics and religion is one of the greatest barriers to grace…Politics, which always runs by the rules of ungrace, allures us to trade away grace for power, a temptation the church has often been unable to resist.”

That last sentence? It’s an indictment of too many of our hearts. We are all too eager to trade away grace for power.

Then add in the disconnects between both major political parties and the fundamentals of the Faith. Mix it all together. 

It means that if we really are “marked as Christ’s own forever,” our political decisions should make us think long and hard.

Our political decisions should leave us deeply uncomfortable.

No matter how we vote.

It means that while we might not go full Jesus-driving-the-money-changers-out-of-the-Temple-with-a-whip, we can never allow our Faith to be overtaken by our politics.

Today’s Readings

[blueiscoool]

Why These Imperfect Korean ‘Moon Jars’ Sell for Millions

Old, round, imperfect and beautiful — that’s how fans of Korean art describe the moon jar, or “dalhangari.”

These unassuming, plain white pots have entranced everyone from rapper RM, of K-pop sensation BTS, to philosopher Alain de Botton.

The former director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Beth McKillop, has called the moon jar an “icon of Korean identity.” And if price is any indicator of popularity, one recently sold for over $4.5 million at a Christie’s auction.

This month, a rare example from the late 17th or early 18th century will go on sale at Sotheby’s in New York, where it’s expected to fetch more than $3 million.

“A large moon jar has always been expensive, but I think the big uptick in prices and value is… because their appeal is now global,” said Angela McAteer, Sotheby’s international head of Chinese art for the Americas and Europe, over video call. “You’ve got an international cohort of bidders competing for them, so it’s gone beyond the traditional connoisseur collecting community of Korean art.”

Huge price tags also result from the jars’ rarity. Although made for over a century in the royal kilns of Korea’s last kingdom, the Joseon dynasty, few are thought to exist today. Estimates for the number of larger ones (those more than 40 centimeters, or 15.7 inches, tall and wide) that have survived over the years range from 12 to 30.

Having passed through auction houses and antique dealers across the world, several of these are now in the collections of institutions like the British Museum and Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, as well as in the hands of private collectors.

‘Owning a piece of happiness’

The first moon jars were created in the royal kilns in Gwangju (a city just outside Seoul, not the larger southern city of the same name) from 1650 to 1750. They were made from pure white porcelain and kaolin clay, and, following the neo-Confucian fashions of their day, the pots reflected values such as propriety, humility, frugality and purity. They were likely used at court and in upper-class homes as containers for food and liquids, or as decorative vessels.

In the mid-20th century, moon jars began gaining international appreciation thanks to influential admirers such as Japanese folk crafts scholar Yanagi Soetsu and British potter Bernard Leach, who bought one from a Seoul antique store in 1935. Leach once said that having a moon jar was like “owning a piece of happiness,” and would later give his to fellow potter Lucie Rie for safekeeping during World War II. It stayed in her studio until her death and was later acquired by the British Museum.

Charlotte Horlyck, lecturer in Korean Art History at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, wrote in the Art Bulletin journal that after World War II the moon jar “caught the attention of an early generation of postcolonial Korean artists and scholars who sought to restore Korean art history and national identity,” as the pieces “resonated with the visual language of international modernism and minimalism of the mid-20th century while remaining a distinctly Korean work of art.”

The moon jar’s allure

When Sotheby’s announced its forthcoming sale, the auction house described its 44-centimeter (17.3-inch) moon jar as an object that inspired, astounded and soothed those who “stand in its presence.” It’s a funny thing to say about a pot, to speak as if it’s alive, but the jars’ visceral, emotional impact on people is something that comes up time and time again in the literature.

Choi Sunu, a former director of the National Museum of Korea, has described the museum’s moon jars as being like companions, or muses that have inspired his writing and stirred his creativity. Bernard Leach admired the pots for their “natural unselfconsciousness.” In 2012, South Korea’s then-Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik used the pot as a metaphor symbolizing a reunified Korean peninsula (moon jars are created in two hemispherical pieces and joined in the middle).

More recently the rapper RM, of K-pop group BTS, posted a picture of himself hugging a modern-day moon jar on Twitter, telling fans that the pots made him feel calm.

“It’s hard for someone to really comprehend how a pot can make you feel that way,” said McAteer. “It has this real meditative presence. If you’ve sat in front of a great (painting by US artist, Mark) Rothko and you feel this kind of palpable energy emanate from it, and you could sit for hours and just feel something in its presence — the moon jar has that too.”

“The more you look at it, the more there is to see. It looks different from every angle,” she added. “We had real issues with the photography and the catalog because it looks like a different piece every time you rotate it, or you change the lighting. The surface is just alive, you know.”

“You can see how the glaze coalesces; you see these spontaneous bursts of this blush color that’s happening in the firing. You can lose yourself in its surface.”

Modern masters

Modern Korean potters have been inspired by the jars, and a number have come up with their own homages. Ceramist Kim Syyong covers his pots with a black glaze, while Yun Ju Cheol’s versions look spikier like a pufferfish and Choi Bo Ram’s unvarnished, textured blue vases have a denim-like quality.

Others, like Kwon Dae Sup, have looked to closely recreate the process used by the potters of yore. The 71-year-old ceramist produces unadorned white jars and allows for all the beautiful imperfections produced to shine through. He works out of a studio in Gwangju, where the royal kilns that produced moon jars were once located.

There’s a great deal of preparation that goes into making a moon jar traditionally. It’s labor-intensive: washing, sifting impurities from the clay, kneading and rolling it to remove air bubbles, carrying around these large hunks, not to mention hand throwing the clay itself to that oversized bowl shape without collapsing, and the work keeping a pine wood fire burning for 24 hours while the pot hardens in the kiln. Kwon also built his own kiln to replicate the old process as closely as possible.

“I do this because it’s fun,” he said in a phone interview. “Every time I make something, it’s novel … The quality of the material is different every time. The conditions in which I make the pots is new every time.”

Kwon said he also feels an emotional connection to the moon jar. As a student he was so moved by a one he saw in a Korean antique store that he decided they would be his life’s work. “They feel alive,” he said.

In a 2019 book on his work by Axel Vervoodt Gallery the potter is quoted saying he tries to produce art that needs no addition or subtraction. “I wish to create work that has an imposing presence but harmonizes with its surroundings regardless of where and when it is displayed. It should give peace of mind and a sense of comfort to all who look at it.”

By Christy Choi.

[mlleclaudine]

Artist Transforms Discarded Books Headed for the Landfill Into Enchanting Portals

by Elizabeth Beiser - My Modern Met, July 1, 2024

Tribute to a Full Moon, 2024

Artist Isobelle Ouzman first started making altered books in 2012 after coming across a box of water-logged books sitting on a street in Seattle. Little did she know that those first early experiments with cutting and gluing pages together would lead to what is now her full-time focus. Ouzman has built a career transforming discarded, unwanted books into portals to magical worlds.

While these worlds inspired by folklore and fairytales are alluring escapes from reality, Ouzman notes that art is “like a mirror—it either reflects what we already feel, or the feelings we try hard to avoid. Art extends a hand to your heart, an embrace for your soul, and sometimes adds salt to the most tender cuts.” The imaginative artist considers herself a lifelong bookworm and is fascinated by the way stories shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Unsurprisingly, Ouzman has a deep interest in psychology and at one point aspired to be an art therapist. In a way, she is one, building connections between herself and viewers through shared consideration of the role of storytelling. “I only hope for people to see how transformative books and stories can be to our sense of self and belonging in the world,” Ouzman tells My Modern Met.

This message of using external stories to recalibrate our interior lives fits perfectly with her medium of books. They are small in scale compared to murals or installations; but, as any book-lover knows, they contain multitudes that often bear repeated examination.

In addition to considering the role of stories in our meaning-making, Ouzman also hopes to encourage a slower, more deliberate pace for both our lives and our consumption habits. “Not everything needs to be so fast-paced, so rapid, and easy to consume,” she says. “The world moves fast enough as it is, regardless.” Most of the books Ouzman works with now are donations. By turning them into art, she’s essentially saving them from going to a landfill. Through her meticulous cutting and detailed illustrating, she turns her art-making into a meditation on meaning and patience.

To stay up to date on the artist’s work, you can follow Ouzman on Instagram.

Cultivation, 2024

Soul, 2024

Soul, 2024

Fade, 2024

The Interval, 2024

Constellation, 2023

The Fox, 2023

Messenger, 2023

Home, 2022

Squirrel at Home, 2019

Isobelle Ouzman: Website | Instagram | Facebook