Thursday, June 26

Selective Memories.

I've had this project in mind for a while now. I have this fantastic wire curtain rod from West Elm I've been using as my Inspiration Wire. But over my bed, was well, not all that peaceful for me. I love the idea of inspiration as you fall asleep, but it was keeping me awake with ideas, which is a blessing, and then a bit of a beast. So, inspiration is moving elsewhere (please standby for that) and I have hung, instead, a series of vintage family photographs. Most I can identify as distinct memories in my mind, but some, I have no recollection of at all. And yet, there they are, these people amongst my belongings, along with family photographs from vacations, special, intimate moments captured, and a few obscure candids. Regardless of their origin, I selected these very few, from the fray, and all for reasons that touched something inside of me. Some family, some not (well, not that I know of!).

I sorted through tons of the old family photos, and discovered just these. These stood out to me. So, I scanned 'em, warmed them up in Photoshop into some sort of damaged sepia, as I wanted them to reflect that cheesy, faded brand of San Fernando Valley suburban Americana. I then blew them up and trimmed them out, with faux, old white photo borders. I love the old white borders and some already had them so I went with ahead with that theme in mind, too.


And then, I hung them along my old Inspiration Wire. I curated them in a way that made sense to me, with the space, and with the images themselves and the memories they sparked in me. I like it, and it's all the selective memories I need to feel good about my family, where I came from, and the things that shaped me and built me. The good and even the not-so-great. All right before I go to sleep...and it's nice to think, it's not all half bad.

21 comments:

Sarah said...

I LOVE this idea. I need to wire up some of my photos.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

I did something similar with handspun yarn instead of wire. I hung polaroids up with wooden clothespins.

They make me happy every time I look at them. :)

Uncle Beefy said...

Lovely idea, V. And an even lovelier and thoughtful post. So sweetly sentimental.

(But loved the "cheesy, faded brand of San Fernando Valley suburban Americana" line...awesome! hee hee)

Missa said...

So lovely! What a wonderful idea!

Megan @ Pink O'Clock said...

what a great idea -- so lovely.

SimplyGrove said...

Love it! It makes life so personal and happy!!!

Alessandra Cave said...

Oh ! I'm going to check the Wets Elm wire ~ Very clever ~ I can't wait to see my colorful photos hanging across my studio... Thanks for the tip!

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

I absolutely *love* this idea and just might have to borrow it. I appreciate that you shared all that inspired this amazing project. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic idea -- and it looks just great, too!

Lori

Alicia said...

this is so lovely! there's nothing better than old family photos.

Anonymous said...

I too have my own homemade version of this idea. I fastened a length of seam binding to the eave (I think that's what the angled ceiling is called) above my bed and used small silver and pastel colored binder clips to attach some of my photos, magazine clippings, and vintage photos (as well as a small mercury glass ornament). It makes me smile and inspires me every day. Yours is so nice with such a great collection of family photos!

Anonymous said...

This is a really thoughtful and well-executed (love the white borders and sepia tones) project! It's fabulous.
Victoria (another)

Unknown said...

Great work!
Touching words!

Janet said...

Awww, the black patent mary janes, and someone at the happiest place on earth. I love the white borders on the pictures too, great idea.

Janis said...

Very nice photo wire... I love your thoughtful approach Victoria.

Unknown said...

that is too cute - what a good idea!
xo

Anonymous said...

Beautiful idea.

Anonymous said...

Great idea - looks sop retro, too! Love the seopia tone, that is what makes this so fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I've had this hanging, with lomo clips and yarn for the last year or so behind my desk... photos from the 20's and present in b/w, good inspiration for sure!

Anonymous said...

I want a verticle one. Is that weird? ;)

God bless-
Amanda

Jan Halvarson said...

Nice Victoria!