THE LOOK
Just being myself
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA BANKS
The versatile artistic expressions of Miriam Cassell, fine artist and art activist, have received wide critical acclaim for more than five decades. She has created outspoken images against social wrongs: intolerance, sexual hypocrisy, marginalization of the handicapped, the Holocaust, domestic violence, cultural barriers, age discrimination and the overweight.
Her work includes pastel paintings of people, book art constructions, collages, prints, photography, wall hangings, multimedia installations and wearable art that have been shown in numerous museums and galleries.
How would you describe your sense of style?
Pablo Picasso said, “Ah, good taste! What a dreadful thing!
Taste is the enemy of creativeness.” For example, the actor Darren McGavin presented me with first prize for the best costume, except I was not wearing a costume. I was just being myself.
What one piece in your closet would you not want to live without?
My blue lipstick and blue nail polish.
How are fashion and the visual arts related?
As an artist I have created my own fashions which I wear, and I have incorporated the visual arts into that fashion.
How does your art affect your own fashion choices?
One example: I have created a one-of-a-kind T-shirt kimono, related to my art installation entitled “The future is female.” It will be exhibited with the National League of American Pen Women, Sarasota branch, at The Venice Art Center from Nov. 16 to Dec. 13. I will wear my T-shirt kimono together with a necklace entitled “The future is female” at the reception on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 7 pm.
How has your sense of style changed over the years?
I have always been ahead of my time. As a result, fashion has finally caught up to me.
Do you have any fashion icons, people whose style you consistently admire? If so, who and why?
Betsey Johnson, who I have personally met, and who I admire for her creativity and uniqueness.
You obviously have a love of vivid colors. Does that apply to your wardrobe as well? What is your favorite color to wear?
Yes. My favorite color is blue, it matches my blue lipstick, blue nail polish, blue eye glasses and, in my youth, blue was the color of my hair.
What is the most sentimental piece we would find in your closet or jewelry box?
A silver necklace consisting of 34 silver skulls with gold eyes which means life is transitory. I am a very spiritual person. I studied and graduated in Japan with a degree in faith healing.
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