Saw these on Beach Bungalow 8, and naturally no one liked them. To each their own.
Of all the comments this one, left by Anonymous - 10:24 AM PDT, struck me in particular:
I actually feel ill after seeing these. One can only wonder what the person who would have this in their home or shop wish for this to convey about them?
Now, I can't help but wonder if they are in fact interested in a genuine response or if they are really just looking for some sort of validation of their opinion? Experience, and the opening line, tells me it is the latter. Regardless, here is the opinion from one who has not only sold such lamps, but also has one of these very lamps in their own house.
As difficult as some may find it to believe, there are people who recognise that the world is a less than perfect and pristine place. Rather than live in a sanitised version of the world, we embrace it in all its hideous splendour. We strive to find beauty in that hideousness. Our lives are filled with chiaroscuro. We are passionate about who we are and what we do. While one may see just two vulgar lamps made from detached feet, we see how nothing is wasted. We find beauty in that. We try to understand the need/desire to create them.
Most of us start this journey by acquiring these things. These things that others find distasteful — so offensive to their delicate sensibilities. Initially we are drawn to them because they are bizarre. Later, we fall in love with them because they signify to the world how we are not like you.
Baudelair said it best, In art, only the bizarre is beautiful.
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Now playing: Afrika Bambaataa - This Is Time Zone
via FoxyTunes
Friday 23 May 2008
Just couldn't resist this one
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13 comments:
Sublime.
Mrs. E. and I once had a vegetarian to dinner. In the bar room she stood shock still on our zebra rug, "Lulu." Within minutes I was regaling her with tales of the bullfights in Ronda and Madrid. It was a short evening.
We, like some things -- zebra leg lamps for example --, are an acquired taste.
E&EL - Ooh, must remember that little trick should one get past our threshold ;-]
I should relate my father-in-law's trick with getting rid of evangelical missionaries.... Priceless.
I have a carved elephant tusk. I am on one hand glad this is no longer acceptable to do. On the other hand I am in awe of the beauty of the material and marvel at the skill of the artist who did the carving and very subtle coloring in areas. I consider it a treasure.
I read the post on BB8 also. And funny enough, I thought of you. I did not comment on the post, because truthfully, I am ambivalent about these particular lamps. On the one hand, I also love the bizarre, have appreciation and curiosity about things like this, and find that there are many people out there that are just a tad hypocritical about such things. They would not hesitate to wear expensive designer shoes or handbags made from some exotic leather, and yet cringe when they see that same leather attached to the original deceased owner. On the other hand, I am just not sure I like these particular lamps. I think it may have something to do with the movie "A Christmas Story" and the leg lamp. I keep imagining a lampshade that looks like a fringed skirt on top. Then again...
stljoie - You are right it is a treasure. While one can not rewrite history, one can appreciate it.
katiedid - it is the whole smug superior attitude that gets up my nose. The news must wreak havoc with this particular commenter's delicate system. Please!
Most of these are so badly done, they are a complete tackfest. Naturally, the one I have is fabulous, but it didn't start out that way. It just seems such a waste not to refurb these things.
Of course yours is fabulous! I call it recycling. That's not to say some "trophy" pieces can't be a little disturbing. I.E. Someone once brought a baby cub rug complete with baby cub head in to my store. It didn't disgust as much as make me sad that it didn't get to grow up. On the other hand, I'm still collecting and selling vintage alligator bags and just guess who is probably buying? Well said THOBAC.
Lisa & Alfie
Lisa & Alfie - Hope all is well. Your new space looks great. It may not be a cub, but a just a small specimen. Leopards in particular have no predetermined adult size.
Once it is made into a bag or shoes all bets seem to be off ;-]
Brauva! Well said HOBAC. My pieces/collections may disgust people but at least I love them and they're interesting, bizarre, and beautiful in an out-of-the-box type way. The day I start buying things inside-the-box shoot me (and you're allowed to mount my head or bottle me for display). :)
Oops! I guess I forgot to mention it was a baby bear cub. Take care,
Lisa & Alfie
J'adore!
Am I mad or would these lamps look splendid on a dressing table?
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