Of course, Lady Ga Ga is Avant-garde!

Lady Ga Ga at British Awards

While having lunch with my friends, we went from talking about the “Dear John” movie, to I being asked the question, “What do you think about Lady Ga Ga?”  I replied “I think of  her as having a distinct style that represents free expression and a woman having  fun, with so much attention!   According to the look on some of their faces, my answer may have not been expected; all noting a lengthy discussion was about to begin!       

There are so many commentaries and news buzz about Lady Ga Ga!  Some good reviews, while others thinks she is simply C-R-A-Z-Y!   While yes, she can be considered way over the top and yes, it’s a bit outrageous!  However, I do admit, I find it so intriguing, that she is using her freedom to creatively express her vision, where people  just LOVE it!   Some could never see themselves caught dead in any of the outfits she wears.   I must admit, some of the outfits I just didn’t get!  I didn’t!  Until I listened in on her being interviewed, she took the time to explain what each outfit meant!  While watching, my reply was either OH!, OK! or you lost me on that one!”  : )       To me, Lady Ga Ga’s style is considered avant-garde!  Which means she pushes the button, she has no set boundaries for her art, she literally setting a spot in our culture and is giving her point of view; no matter what people think.   It  may leave people accepting the outrageous or others just shaking their heads with that  “What in the hell” disbelief.     

 The other thing is when seeing her in costume, the first thing that always, always comes to my mind, who will be that person sitting behind her when she’s at an award show or event, that person is really going to be pissed off! They won’t be able to see a damn thing! (Ha!)  Or how many stylists does she have; because I know when I get dressed for an event, it’s takes a lot of planning to get me out the door and be on time!  The shoes, the hair; etc.; it must take her at least 4 hours to get ready!    

 Looking past her costumes, the production work alone to make her vision alive on stage, you got to give it to her;  it’s pretty amazing.  The detailed props, the lighting, the video, the mechanics, the stage, and the performers… everything has to be designed, planned and executed to give each concert audience what is so expected; but really not.  It’s strange, but yet phenomenal!    

Lady GaGa – Blue

Years from now it will then be considered outstanding pieces of work by the same critics; who are saying  “Booooo” now!  The late Alfred Hitchcock, he was considered very strange, his movies are now and forever considered classics.  The late Andy Warhol’s pop art, his innovation changed what people thought was strange at first, now his works are a legacy!  We can say, the same about Picasso (I got rolling eyes at this point)!   I went on to say she is displaying an image and when not doing a performance, she can be found in a T-shirt and jeans, just like me or you!    Then I said this to tie it all together “There are interior spaces you know, which can also be avant-garde too!  Look at England’s history of design for past monarchies.  Yes, avant-garde” (with a devilish smile, I wanted to sound intellectual at this point).     Well this topic lasted for just one more second, 2 out of  4 of my friends disagreed, 1 made fun – saying I was Ga Ga for Ga Ga (stupid), while the other  just kept saying  the word “true” and wanted to turned the whole focus now on to dessert (I was so full, how could YOU possibly want dessert?)!    

 2 slices of strawberry shortcake, with whip cream, strawberry syrup and a squirt of chocolate were ordered; which I shared, if you call it sharing? My fork only hit the plate two times! LOL!    

 I really wanted to talk some more about the topic, not only about Lady Ga Ga, but people in our history which were considered avant-garde.   I guess it’s time to make plans to go to MOMA and look at Interior Design’s website to feed my own curiosity! ; )     

 Lunch is over, I don’t know if you can say that I am a die-hard fan, but it really got me to thinking!!!!!!   ; )

Be well – Letia

Videos, Photography and Lighting. Oh My!

 I made three videos with my digital camera and was preparing to set up blog information about them on The Latest… .  The videos were based on some questions received on decorating and to see how well I could do it!   I was so proud of myself (I really am); until my dear friend, Charles saw the videos!  He stopped by today to catch up (it’s snowing again), he laughed at me and said, my heart was in it  – but they could be better.

So, I poured him a glass of white Zinfandel and we talked about 3 point lighting, white balance, makeup, his love of infrared shooting, lenses and backdrops.  It’s quite interesting, my head was spinning, I guess I don’t need to tell you that he is a photographer.  He is British and whenever we talk, it reminds how much I miss London.   I have family there and need to make plans to get back there real soon.  

Anyway, so Charles is talking, I’m listening (thinking to myself) I’d better start writing things down, because if he is away doing a shoot, I won’t know what to do.   Hmmm, come to think of it,  I could also ask John questions also (lives in Miami), he’s a great photographer  too! 

As Charles is continuing to talk, he ends up going in my fridge, looks around, pulls out cheese, the LAST of my pastrami, pickles and rye bread, he really is making a sandwich (I’m thinking I should have eaten it the night before, damn)?  “Do you know how films are made, the frames is the key…” .  Here we go!  Now he is going to talk about the film, he started and has yet to finish!  Two sandwiches, a bottle of wine, ended up making spaghetti and some ginger snap cookies later,  I had to say a few key words to get him back to the focus on ME!   He is so passionate about his work!  To be honest, we were talking about other things too, but the film part, was about  an hour and a 1/2! LOL

So! What we decided to do is, Charles is going to give me some items.  I am also going to check out ebay.com and other sites to buy a few items for lighting to aid in making better videos.   My digital camera will do just  fine, for what I am doing.   You know, I am learning so much!  It’s not just “smile” for the camera, it’s so much more.   So far for me, when venturing into learning these new things, I’ve gained such an appreciation of people’s’ talents, expertise and knowledge.  I’m having so much fun!

So my videos will be coming soon!  And for anyone, who doesn’t think they could ever make a video, you can!  Hey, you can do anything you put your mind to…read about, ask questions, check the web.  The information is there!  So if it’s not a video, but something you really wanted to try… TRY IT!

Well let me go back downstairs (watching the Winter Olympics), I just wanted to write this quickly!  Wish me luck, I will let you know, how things turn out!!

Cheers to all you photographers!!!

Be well – Letia

Finally! Well Hello : )

As you can see,  Letia Mitchell LifeStyle and Design’s website is finally up!!!   I want to thank everyone who has contributed to making this possible!   I have so much respect for people and their talents, it is truly a blessing to work/meet with everyone.  

For those who are meeting me for the first time, I wear so many hats, great Mom, Auntie, dear friend, blog writer, IT Director and charity fundraiser; but my joy and passion is in decorating!  

I love making people’s spaces enjoyable and truly believe it can definitely be achieved for those who just don’t know where to start. One of my goals is to also help those who have a fixed budget as well,  get a little happiness in their environments; without spending too much money. 

What you will find out about me; I’m not one of those people who is stuck in one medium. I think that you can do all of it, as long as it’s the same dedication with whomever the client is and the goal is to change their surrounding with visual content; that makes them feel really uplifted.  It looks like we are going to be spending more time at home, due to the state of the our economy, it should be comfortable and enjoyable while we are home with our families and friends. 

So here you will find a vehicle to ask me questions, I will provide you with the answers and tips too!  You will be part of my adventures on shopping or I will even share my latest find!  See my takes on fashion..which I love!  It could even be an observation or something crazy that has happened to me (giggle), that I have to share.   Most of all, it’s a place where I can connect with people like you!  So we are going to have some fun and get inspiration for everyone! 

Letia