Showers of sweet love
Flaming locks of auburn hair
Attached memories
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I wrote this Senryu before searching for an image, as is the usual case. Part of the fun/challenge for me is searching for just the right image after I complete my piece.
My initial idea for an image was different. Yet, in my search, this image caught my eye … maybe because of my fondness for the illustration.
I could have left it at that … but it seemed a shame not to expound on the illustrator — since I collect his work. So … that being said … this has become a two part post — not related to each other — except through the image.
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This is one of the famous images of the American illustrator Harrison Fisher.
Known as “The Father of A Thousand Girls”, Harrison Fisher (1875-1934), became noted for his ability to draw beautiful women. His Fisher girls became rivals to those of Gibson and Christy. The American Girl was a favorite theme for the “Puck” magazine, and Fisher did cover illustrations for most of them. Fisher also illustrated for Hearst publications, the most widely circulated in the country at the time, which made the illustrator very famous. He was a top cover artist for “Cosmopolitan”. He also did covers for “Saturday Evening Post”, “Scribners”, “Life” and other magazine work, and for some time, there was scarcely a leading publication that did not have his work. His work is also featured in old novels, postcards, and on tins.
Ray’s mother and her sister collected Harrison Fishers for years. My collection started with a few as wedding gifts from them. Over the years, my collection has grown to over 100 of his “girls”. The majority of my collection hangs throughout our home, although I still have a few needing frames as well as space to enjoy them. In the room where most of my work is written, I am surrounded by at least 20 framed “Fisher Girls”. :D
Here are a few of his lovelies to enjoy and get a “feel” for his style
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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2012
Lock
(147)
Love the way the past is grounded in the moment
amazing image… and amazing words…. true delight..
Dear Becca, you have made me cry with joy, for my auburn-haired mother loved these Fisher girl images and often confessed to me that she had wanted to look like these girls as a teenager and young adult woman and new mother. We did so very much enjoy going through old magazines at my grandmother’s house and my great-aunt’s house while my mother described dresses she had her gifted, clothes-designer mother make for her proms and her recitals and graduations.
I am so glad you know of HF … my grandmother grew up in the day as well … among her many “professions” during the time, she was a seamstress … she made my mother and aunt’s evening gowns, and made all of mine for Mardi Gras and dances … beading, ruffles etc. I wish I had known about him while she was alive – I would have loved to hear what she thought of his work. Thank you, granbee for your generous and heartfelt comments and feedback. xoxo
Nice one, Becca. :)
Lovely senryu and very pretty images :)
Very enjoyable!
Nice Haiku :)
Amazing haiku … :)
Love ~ in shape of lock
very good use of “lock” here..enjoyed reading..thanks for sharing :)
Loved this post, Becca. Your Haiku speaks volumes and I especially loved learning about Harrison Fisher. In your slide show, I LOVE the one with four people: A woman in a blue hat, a man in a brown Fedora, a woman reading a red covered book and an obscure man. The woman with the book! What a snear! That could be fodder for a great story!
Thank you, Amy!! There are some priceless expressions throughout his work!! If stories could reveal themselves … hmmm!!! :D Have a blessed day!!
Enjoyed both the poem and the girls :)
Just popped back to look at the slideshow, Becca – what sensual, yet understated imagery. No wonder you love his work! :)
Lovely haiku and awesome illustrator ~ another romantic haiku ~ well crafted ~ thanks, ^_^
(A Creative Harbor)
Lovely Senryu and thanks for the wonderful images.
Photo – lovely; Haiku – wonderful; Afterwords – very interesting…..I usually find a photo/image first, and get my inspiration from that; maybe I’ll try your way……
I had a tough time searching for pics today, lovely haiku :0
Number 1: the haiku is lovely, and reminded me of my grandmother who had gorgeous long red hair as a girl in the 1890′s. She worked in a fancy French lingerie shop in London, and in her spare time she modeled fn competitions for the hairdresser next door .
Number 2: I adored the slide-show. My favourite is the girl with the horse – Fisher painted girls beautifully, but boy that horse’s head is good!
Oh, Viv … thank you for sharing the story of your grandmother … she must have been ahead of her time! I am glad you enjoyed the slideshow!! :D
We share the same thought process, finding the right picture for me is a must ~
I love the pictures and backgrounder, very distinct time pieces ~
http://everydayamazin.blogspot.ca/2012/06/door.html
I was not familiar with these illustrations. What a treasure they are. You never cease to amaze me, BB, with your breath of interests. I love you and I love your beautiful blog! hugs, pat
Attached memories!…Lovely feel in the haiku…Beautiful one !
Same here… i write and then the satisfaction of getting an image dat has been in ur head is amazing! :)
When waves transport to the new shore
Thanks for this innovative piece,. and images are soo beautiful!
Excellent words for a beautiful image.
This information is interesting, Becca ~ I didn’t know the history behind those delicatly rendered illustrations that evoke so much nostalgia. What a wonderful inspiration for your beautiful poetry! :)
Thank you, Jacqueline. Actually, the image came after the writing — but it took off on a tangent, or “wild goose chase” :D.
I just added a sampling in the form of a slide show of some of his
work.
The illustration looks exquisite and so is your haiku.
Thanks for the image through your words, and the information after, Becca :) He looks a very talented artist, the illustration is beautiful.
Thanks, Leo. I didn’t know when I wrote the Haiku, it would lead to the additional information. However, after finding this image under auburn hair … the rest took a life of its own. :D I appreciate the visit.