Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Living Universe

My new favorite book (The Living Universe by Duane Elgin) puts science and cosmos in tune with the Mother Universe (Meta Universe) It's the best interpretation of our lot as homo sapiens sapiens, experiencing growing pains, as we transition from teen spirit into new found maturity. As the "we" makes friends with the "I" a collective compassion enables a world view revision.

The book reminded me of the immense flow and music of the spaces between matter. It reminded me to be mindful, to appreciate the beauty of natural rhythms and patterns that serve to inform the evolution. No longer isolated or apart, we as a maturing species are recognizing our place in the being/becoming, simple/complex universal whole; each of us unique and independent while simultaneously interrelated and connected to the all of the living universe.

Old distortions will be left behind as we act from our heartminds as well as our rational impulse to believe only that which we can observe. Senses enhanced by technology have provided us with enough information and questions to embark on this great journey. There appears to be a “just in time” mechanism that works on many levels of consciousness; aka a kick in the ass of biz as usual. Peace.

Mr Elgin does a far better explanation, trust me. See the "inside the book" feature at Amazon for a nice preview.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Clean Clothes

What do we know about the manufacturing practices that create "the style" that gluts the stores?

I know a little, as am always digging up the information. But most of us learn only about the end product from marketers and their allies in the media, who tell us what is hot and then shame us for wearing it a few months later. This arrangement is an almost perfect waste generating, resource gobbling mechanism that assures the corporations who now own most of the labels, a stream of "reliable" revenue.

But under the hype and gloss, the illusions and lies, are very real people, resources and toxic processes.

Ok, a lot of us are calling all of this out on the carpet of shame, as no way can this form of capitalism continue. Eventually the resources are used up, the environment tainted and the humans that feed the c-machine are too unhealthy to bother with shopping. The few predators who end up on top of the world will be sitting on dead soil, tainted air and foul water. Like how is that a win even in corporate speak?

So if that scenario makes zero sense in your awakened state, then do something! It gets easy to ask front line employees about the products and services they are involved with selling. Simple questions like " do you know where this was made, is it a Fair Trade item, is this really organic, because that certified label like, means almost nothing in the USA, etc. can open up brilliant discussions. This generates today's knowledge. Facebook in real face time.

"Labor Behind the Label" has a pocket insert you can download from their site and slip into jean pockets while still in the store. LBL is trying to call attention to and therefore stop the lung damaging sand blasting practices that some jean labels still use, despite the known health risks.

Together we will stop the madness.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The "other" History

In working with sustainable fashion I have learned to recognize the importance of that which is under the surface of products, ideas and value systems. In a world connected and interrelated by trade and human stories, by ecosystems and environmental damage, it is good to get under the problems by understanding what and how a "mess" was made.

The book "The Peoples History of the United States" is a primer for anyone who has ever wondered why things don't really add up and who or what is benefiting when nothing appears to make sense. The "infinite growth in a finite world" is just one of those bogglers. Reading this book showed me why there is such a hollow in the heart of America when so many wonderful people call it home..

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

FrPrjkt phase 2.5

Its in the details, check out the experimental business concept that has evolved from theRIP.

Monday, May 2, 2011

fashion in context

the sheer fabric is poly with little crystal bits, bigger chunks than glitter, but not a bead, a ? that made me think of icy water- Water RIPd collection
I made the skirt from a Christmas table runner and the bottom part of a prom dress. t-shirt made from remnants of custom days of yore. "pearls" from a few broken necklaces dot the front panel and the whole was underlined for design integrity (to keep the runner perky enough to stop the full side and back from pushing to the front)

here so as to there

World Hunger 12 Myths or why post industrial capitalism is just old school capitalism with longer, meaner arms. Hunger is caused by the methododology of the "cure," aka a perfectly designed circle of cause and effect. I know if 'we the people' learn the truth we would not support this corporate terrorism.