One of my friends asked to borrow Judy this week and I was reminded of this story. This is a re-post from 3.25.2010. Look at that old logo???
Its nearing the end of March and the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom here in Atlanta. Beautiful! My allergies are all a mess so my clients have to hear my stuffy voice on the phone. Still, after taking my allergy medication I spent time yesterday working on my laptop in the park. Sitting amongst other happy Atlantans who were dressed in what seemed to be bathing suits(?), I started typing.
Movies, songs, speeches, single words, colors, sights, scents, sounds, artifacts, fashion, people, seasons, food, history, hats, chairs, streets, bridges, structures, textiles, and textures have all at some point given me the much needed vitality to continue my odyssey through photography. I could name even more.
For 3 years I have had a secret love affair. Her name was Judy. One day I walked into a store in West Midtown and there she was standing in the back corner of the room next to a rack of dresses. It is true that I have a fascination with all things antique but this was somehow a peculiar discovery. The dress form that I remained motionless before was enchanting to view. I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to research her story. I wanted to take her home. She was a rare find. I asked the saleswoman if the form was for sale and she politely replied no.
I began stopping by the store monthly if not weekly just to visit. There was so much character and so many features to observe about the form. I took a picture of her one day with my phone in case she left but that did no justice. Being there in the presence of this historical piece was even more riveting.
At last, I received an email from one of my designer friends that the store I frequented was going out of business. Could this be true? I reread the text from the correspondence, "All merchandise and fixtures must go." I sprinted out of my home and checked the store's website on my iPhone just before getting in my car. It was 10:30 AM and the store had opened 30 minutes prior at 10. I thought to myself, "I'm too late!"
It seemed like traffic lights lingered forever and that other cars were moving in slow motion. My rush of adrenalin made me nauseous. As my heart raced, I wished my car would accelerate in the same fashion. Finally, I arrived.
I was surprised to see the store owner (Carol) at the register. After all of these years we had never met nor spoken. Normally, one of her employees was at the helm. I casually browsed the discounted merchandise hoping to enjoy my journey to the rear of the space. The thrill was short lived for when I reached the all too familiar location, it was vacant. The tingling feeling rushed from my extremities. I was crushed. My shoulders sank with disappointment. I figured this would be my day. Soon after, I resolved to rummaging through a pile of organic baby clothes. It was time to leave.
On my way to the exit Carol stopped me and asked if I had recently become a father. I replied no and continued with my path. Carol stopped me again and asked if I had found what I was looking for. I again unemphatically replied no. Carol insisted I tell her what I had been seeking.
When I mentioned the vintage dress form, I had no choice but to share the entire story about my photography and my obsession with what had become an art piece in my mind. Carol interrupted, "You mean Judy!" I had no clue who Judy was but I surmised she meant the form. Carol motioned me towards the counter and pointed in the direction of an old mirror. I did not understand. I was looking at myself?? Weird. I snapped out of my funk just long enough to notice that the dress form had been moved behind the register next to the mirror.
All of a sudden the fullness of breath returned to my chest cavity. My heart was rekindled and my mind was put at ease. "I'll take her," I replied. Carol reluctantly added that Judy was still full price. "Doesn't matter," I blurted. Carol asked where I would be taking Judy and if I owned a fashion store as well. I continued with the rest of my story.
For 3 years I sought inspiration from Judy. Sometimes just before a photoshoot I came by just to take a quick peek. Carol was delighted with my dedication. Judy was personal to her and that is why she had named her. I exchanged contact info with Carol and promised to keep her abreast of my looming adventures.
I made an unceremonious dash towards the door for I knew that Judy was all mine. When I delicately placed her in the car I noticed an envelope affixed to the frame dated 1903 with an address written on the front. When I returned home I started researching and learned that the dress form was from a store located in New York at 710 Broadway. Judy had most likely been manufactured between 1880 and 1900 before the store went bankrupt.
So many of us have pieces or moments of inspiration in our lives. They come in all shapes and forms. We cannot touch nor see them all. We look into our past wondering if someone or something might still be there. I realize that life changes constantly but everything happens in God's time. He allows us to make serendipitous discoveries just at a moment when you feel all alone. Make sure to keep your spirit alert for your blessing and next form of inspiration. I was led to mine.
Today I bought my inspiration and her name was Judy.
Its nearing the end of March and the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom here in Atlanta. Beautiful! My allergies are all a mess so my clients have to hear my stuffy voice on the phone. Still, after taking my allergy medication I spent time yesterday working on my laptop in the park. Sitting amongst other happy Atlantans who were dressed in what seemed to be bathing suits(?), I started typing.
Movies, songs, speeches, single words, colors, sights, scents, sounds, artifacts, fashion, people, seasons, food, history, hats, chairs, streets, bridges, structures, textiles, and textures have all at some point given me the much needed vitality to continue my odyssey through photography. I could name even more.
