Papaya Collaboration: Creative Process, Color, and Inspiration

The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.

Hans Hofmann 

A few months ago I was sent a beautiful box of goodies by Papaya as part of a fun collaboration. I shot a few self portraits inspired by the beautiful colors and women created by artist Anahata katkin. I have been a looong time fan of her work and Papaya so this whole thing was surreal for me.

I was given creative freedom with what to create so initially I had no idea what direction I would take. I was most inspired by the COLOR and positive vibes throughout the pieces. The quote above is one of the many beautiful and inspiring quotes that run throughout Papaya. In terms of color I was really feeling the pinks and teals surrounded by a darker backdrop. From there I started playing around with different shades in my makeup collection, and the patterns and textures in my clothing and accessories. I was also really inspired by the flowers in her work and wanted to incorporate those as well. These images show some of the initial play time I did. I will be sharing the final portraits in the next post!

XO
Feda

Technicolor Fall

I wore this outfit to the Carla Fernandez show and I really wanted to do an outfit shoot for the blog because I loved it so much. There is also an interesting story behind the jacket. A very sweet woman named Heidi gifted me this stunning piece along with a bunch of other garments she was not using/wearing anymore. She messaged me one day and said she kept getting this feeling like she needed to give me this stuff. I had never met her in person so it was nice to have lunch and chat. She has AMAZING style obviously and this jacket was actually given to her but she said it was a bit too colorful for her. Even I thought it was a bit too colorful but I knew I could make it work somehow and I did! I think?! It's actually handmade in Lebanon by a company called Atelier Nanou that creates pieces that take you "back to a space and period of time in the Arab world." Sounded right up my alley and it also reminds me of hippies which I love! I was in a witchy mood so I paired it with mostly black. I added the touch of pink at the waist and some colorful new rings I just got from Avizeh and Zamarut Jewel. I've been on an jewelry high lately. It's the only thing I ever splurge on because it's my weakness! Everything else is basically thrifted.

Have a wonderful festive weekend! I'll be staying in watching scarrry movies and eating food.

Much love and PEACE OUT!
Feda

Shapes of Light, Shades of Fall

Some of the pretty plants still in bloom in the backyard. Loving these shades magentas, greens, teals, and burnt yellows!

Canvas of Possibilities

For the longest time I thought I would never get this palette full of paint again. When I started painting as a teenager it was a dark time in my life. As much as it was a saving release for me as a teen, as I got older it was a reminder of a time I'd rather put behind. I picked up my camera and put my brush behind.

Lately I've been shedding a lot of layers and that core is starting to shine again. I'm seeing things in a different light. They say time heals but for me it's wisdom that has helped the most. That and determination. I keep dreaming of setting up my easel in a field and just letting that brush stoke every color within. I thinks it's time to come back to my home away from home. I'm ready to get my palette dirty again and stare at a blank canvas of possibilities.