Emma Portner

January 15, 2014November 11, 2014Leave a comment

There are some people in this world who are so wholly beautiful and themselves that it can inspire you in such a profound way, but also make you feel so inadequate. Emma Portner is among those people. Not only is she one of THE MOST brilliant dancers that lives and breathes on this planet, she is also an incredible photographer. Some people are just mean’t to share who they are, and nothing can hold them down.

I have known Emma for years. Hailing from Ottawa, she moved to New York City to live out her dreams, but you could argue that she is a gypsy-nomad of sorts. She travels all over North America sharing her dancing brilliance, and documenting some beautiful moments along the way. I feel elated knowing someone who stays so true to their art, and really lives and breathes it every day. There is nothing disingenuous about this young girl with an old soul. There is something to be said about a person who is fearless, and so unrelenting in all that they do.

If you haven’t checked out her work, both in dance and photography, you should. You will not be disappointed.

The Vacant North

November 12, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

I’m so excited to be sharing The Vacant North with you today. It’s dear to my heart because it’s a project started by two people who have been a big part of Larkspur – Meaghan Kelly (yes, my old partner) and Kira Cronin (Larkspur Vintage look books). Kira left us not so long ago to marry her love, and start a new chapter of her life in Chicago. The Vacant North was partially created as a way for Kira and Meaghan to stay connected through creative means, but it blossomed into a larger project.

The Vacant North is a (mostly) photo project that focuses on exploration and travel, while encouraging others to do the same. Described by them as “the desire to move past the city limits and into the greater unknown”, forgetting your map (or iphone) and allowing the road to be your navigator. With photography by both ladies and words by Meaghan, they share moments sometimes lost in a world so driven to move forward, reminding us to stop and take a breath.

Not only will they be sharing a selection of photo series as they continue their journeys, but they have a corresponding blog featuring their favorite brands, art history, and a few other gems in the works. I’m also really excited that they recently opened their own shop selling exclusive Vacant North products, where Kira can put her awesome design skills to work and share them with the wonderful people of this world.

Ginger Entanglement

October 1, 2013November 11, 20142 Comments

This series by Amanda Charchian entitled “Ginger Entanglement” immediately struck my attention when I first happened upon it. The pale skin, rich ginger hair and sea foam backdrop compliment each other in such an immense way. I wish I could describe how perfect this series feels to me. It’s so simple really. And yet, it seems so complex because of her use of the female form. The models become abstract with the entwined braids, and caressing bodies, with arms coming from what seems like nowhere, free floating across each other – entangled, much like the braid. It’s refreshing to see someone using the human body as an actual object of art. Forming shapes, making you forget that these are actually 6 ginger headed adult women. Without faces, we feel a disconnect. Faces can be too real, too obvious. They are the cause for human connections. Our eyes. When you take that away you can create something that feels otherworldly. And apparently all it takes is some long hair, ivory skin, and extremities (oh, and obviously Amanda Charchian).

No Dumping

September 17, 2013November 11, 20144 Comments

Well, I think it’s safe to say Fall is officially here. I pulled out my Fall coat from the depths of my closet this morning, and was so glad to have it wrapped around my body, as there was a distinct chill in the air that even a wooley sweater couldn’t thwart. It’s a bit disappointing really, this Summer felt like it didn’t exist. Winter lasted so long here in Toronto, and Summer was so mild, and so pleasant (and so short), I wasn’t ready for the crisper weather just yet. But alas, I have no say in weather conditions. However, there is something so lovely about bundling up in my warm apartment, with a cup of chocolatey chai tea (and a splash of almond milk), reading a good book, or watching a silly tv show. Winter does have it’s positives, but they mostly exist indoors, under warm blankets, and my ridiculous pup clothed in a mouse outfit because the cold weather is not kind to his skin.

This is a bit of a (huge) photo dump. Mostly film pictures I recently got developed from the Summer that didn’t really find a place in any posts, but I still felt I wanted to share. Some are taken by Meaghan, and I have listed those at the bottom of the post.

*The ones taken during our lookbook shoot with Kira are taken by Meaghan, as well as the one with the camera in front of me face and the back of Kira and my head! Thanks Meaghan!!

It’s the house telling you to close your eyes

August 26, 2013November 11, 2014Leave a comment

It wasn’t until I started this blog that I really felt interested in photography again. It was always something someone else did, and I thought it was fascinating, but I didn’t feel I had a place in that world. I have always felt more comfortable in front of the lens. I took a course in high school, but I really wasn’t that great. Mostly because school always bored me, and there were many constraints. I mean, this is high school, there isn’t a lot of room for artistic freedom and personal growth. After that, I kind of put away my SLR and told myself, well this is not your strong suit.

The internet is full of inspiring people. This blog has opened up another side of my creativity, next to dancing, that I wouldn’t have tapped into otherwise. Because, at the end of the day, I love having a place to share.

Matt bought me a Pentax K1000 for my birthday. I had been dying for a great SLR camera. So I did my research, and found most people raved about this one. I did a lot reading up and re-teaching myself, and then passed on that knowledge to Matt so we could shoot some images together. This here, is the first roll of film. Quite a number didn’t turn out, either because I was making a horrendous facial expression, or we didn’t quite get a harmonious aperture/shutter combo. But this is quite all right, it’s a learning experience, and one I am excited to further dive into.

First oufit
1960’s nightgown: Larkspur sleepwear

Second look
1920’s silk camisole: Lawrence
House coat: thrifted vintage
1960’s high waisted undies: Skomoroki

I’m off the Ithaca, NY tomorrow to do some camping in the Finger Lakes with Matt. The blog will be a little quiet for the week because of this. Larkspur is still having a 30% off sale until Aug. 31st. Anything purchased between today and Aug. 30th will be shipped the following Monday. Have a lovely week all!