Inspirational Imagery

Hans Belmer

Hans Bellmer (1902-1975) was a surrealist sculptor/photographer. He's known for his dolls, which he started constructing in 1932.

I think we can all tell who was seriously inspired by Hans Belmer – Devo!!

This poster is for when the Clash did a residency at Bond's International Casino (now Bond 45, a restaurant) in Times Square in 1981. They played 17 shows in three weeks to support "Sandinista", which, by the way, is one of my favorite albums of all eternity; so as you can guess, I would just about die to be around at that time!!!! And to top it off, the opening bands included the Fall, the Slits, the Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, and Bush Tetras – all the goods.

It's worth mentioning that all the shows were sold out and they caused fire hazards, riots, police intervention, etc.

For VERY extensive details about the residency, check out this site. It has scans of all associated news articles, set lists, photos, and a timeline of events.

Steven Miesel, "Red Alert", Italian Vogue 2004

With models Missy Rayder, Jessica Stam, Karen Elson, and Elise Combez

Franco Matticchio

Franco Matticchio is an Italian illustrator and painter. His works are so funny and strange, and they make me giggle a bit when I see them.

David Armstrong

David Armstrong is a New York-based photographer. The images below are from his late 70's-early 80's color series (with a book of the same name) called Night & Day.

In addition to his fine art photography, he has shot commercial photography for Zegna, Rene Lezard, Kenneth Cole, Burburry, Puma, and Barbara Bui.

Claudia on Bench at Dusk, Asbury Park, Fall 1979

(title missing)

Danny Rosen, Mudd Club, 1979

French Chris and Bruce, Truro, 1979

Patti Astor (title missing)

Luc and Lisa, New Years Eve, 1979

George Sowden

George J. Sowden is an English designer who was a participant (with Ettore Sottsass and others) in the 1980's Memphis art and design movement. In 1981 he started Sowden Design, through which he has collaborated with Alessi, Bodum, Steelcase, Swatch, et al.

I like his drawings/plans; the cities are especially of interest to me because they remind me of some of the drawings I would make as a child. I guess it's kind of funny, but I liked to draw a series of pastel post-modern Memphis-style strip malls. Of course I knew nothing of the academic aspect of Memphis style (or even what it was called) but I was certainly able to recognize it, and I was enamored even then.

The Coolest Girls

WOWZ!!

Clockwise from left: Chrissy Hynde, Debbie Harry, Viv Albertine, Siouxsie Sioux, Pauline Black, Poly Styrene.

Shot by Michael Putland in August 1980 for New Musical News (or probably NME)

Fendi Heels, Spring 2014

I have been holding on to these shots for a while, not realizing that I haven't posted them yet! I'm not sure if they're still in stores or not, but if they are, I'm sure it's getting pretty close to clearance time.

Anyway, I definitely got really excited when I saw them, because I am always overwhelmingly attracted to materials like lucite, rubber, plastic, PVC, and lacquer in fluorescent/transparent colors. I also love the architecture of the heels and of course the double straps. I just know that when Fendi sent these out, they were seeking out and expecting my approval. I just know it.