Wednesday 13 January 2010

Thinking aloud...and an epiphany!

By Jove, I think I've got it.

Art Nouveau!

"The Art Nouveau style appeared in the early 1880s and was gone by the eve of the First World War. For a brief, brilliant moment, Art Nouveau was a shimmering presence in urban centers throughout Europe and North America. It was the style of the age--seen on public buildings and advertisements, inside private homes and outside street cafés--adorning the life of the city."

It fits perfectly with the period I'm trying to evoke (late 1880's) and with the quintessentially French style I have in mind. Also it's contemporaneous with the gorgeous Jumeau style dolls which will be on display inside the shop.

The cherry on the icing on the cake is that Art Nouveau fonts are really rather lovely and immediately evoke La Belle Epoque at a glance.

So, the hunt is now on for ideas for suitable architectural features which I can incorporate into my boxy-looking little shop.

I feel inspired.........

6 comments:

Kim said...

This is my Mom's absolute favorite style- I look forward to watching you progress- I'm going to have to show her what you are doing next time I visit her.

Sandra Morris said...

It's a good idea....just hope I can bring it to fruition!

TreeFeathers said...

I love Art Nouveau, can't wait to see what you do with it! That door is fabulous, where is it?

- Grace

DollMum said...

I think you might even get away with using the black gloss enamel with Art Nouveau.

rosanna said...

Sandra, go and have a look a Gaudi's works in Barcellona. Palau Guell, Casa Battlò, the Sagrada Familia, la Pedrera and Park Guell. They are incredible! have fun Rosanna

Sandra Morris said...

Rosanna, yes I've been checking out Gaudi but I think that might be a bit too ambitious!

Grace, the door is somewhere in Paris, spritiual home of Art Nouveau. Gorgeous isn't it...?

DollMum, I have the bit between my teeth and the black has to go. I don't think it will show up the embellishments well enough.