What is Bohemia? I will quote and paraphrase a lot here from a book I love, titled "The Bohemian Manifesto", by Laren Stover, because I don't think I could possibly explain it any better than she did in that book. And I will attempt to illustrate my vision of 'Bohemia' through photos. But I preface this explanation with the understanding that there are no hard and fast rules that govern Bohemia, so this is merely a glimpse into what is first and foremost, a state of mind, and a way of living life beyond convention. It is also more than just an attitude. It's a freedom of ideas, clothing and behaviors that lay gently outside the norm.
And just who are the Bohemians of the world? Well, we are artists, gypsies, philosophers, dreamers, vagabonds, mavericks and yes, even radicals and deviants. I consider myself to be a bit of a Bohemian. Maybe not quite the vagabond type that likes to wander from place to place, because I rather enjoy having a place to call home. But I'm a Bohemian just the same, for many reasons....perhaps a 'Bohemian Lite'. Oft times, Bohemians defy definition due to the unmistakable quality of being 'free spirits'. But it's usually those same 'free spirits' who set the trends, invent the art, start the movements and break the rules. Bohemians creatively integrate ideals, clothing and philosophies into everyday life with a certain "je ne sais quoi" all their own.
A true Bohemian is a connoisseur of texture, color and sensation.
We experience exhilaration by....
observation, creation and the experience itself.
We find poetry and art in everyday things....
like the form of silhouettes against a sunset....
the hunt for vintage treasures at an antique fair.....
the succulence of flowers in the rain.....
the play of light on colored glass.....
the art of random objects.....
or beauty in the contours of a face.
We see enchantment and infinite possibilities all around us. We love to create an 'effect,' and we cherish the 'presentation'. We dislike authority and loathe the status quo. And our idea of hard labor is selling poetry, art, photographs, music and plays. We live in splendor...the splendor of the creative mind....and it requires free thinking, ingenuity, and moxie!
To delve a bit deeper, Bohemians have an aesthetic that is sometimes misunderstood by mainstream society. We enjoy mixing antiques and flea market finds into our homes. One man's trash is another man's treasure. We surround ourselves with things we love and that have sentimental value, as well as things that inspire us creatively.
Candles, incense and eclectic music are staples in a Bohemian abode, as are art supplies and animals....possibly all intermingled in a creatively chaotic way. Since we often keep unconventional hours...we also tend to prefer unconventional forms of lighting, such as sunsets, twilight, street lamps, star light, neon signs, moon light and candles. Many a musician, writer and artist has stayed up all night....choosing the manifestation of his creative visions over food and sleep.
And our clothing can sometimes be as unconventional and free flowing as our attitudes and ideals. Whether we style ourselves like a Gypsy, a Dandy or a Beatnik....it is usually put together randomly and creatively, but far from the sensibilities of the fashion police. You almost always see Bohemians wearing hats of every kind and jewelry, scarves, or flowers in their hair. Long hair, facial hair, unkempt hair, tattoos, piercings...it's all game for exploration. For Bohemians take great pride and delight in being different and unique. Not for attention...but rather for distinction or rebellion. And we thumb our nose at being defined, refusing to conform to others' expectations.
We are quite content in our eclectic, creative, vibrant worlds of art and poetry and imagination. In fact, it's quite possible that no one other than, 'other Bohemians', really understand us at all...and that's the way we like it! It's a fact that Bohemians have been around since the beginning of time, and they'll be here until the end of it. And it is this Bohemian lifestyle that remains a harbinger of something mystically lacking from today's corporate-fed society. I encourage you all to do something creative (anything at all) and embrace the Bohemian within today. Namaste!
A very enlightening piece and the imagery with this entry is absolutely gorgeous. I've learned a great deal more to "Bohemia" ~ Namaste'
Posted by: Melissa | May 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM
One of my favorite books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Such a great post!
Posted by: Beth Schreibman Gehring | May 31, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Well thank you ladies for taking time out of your busy schedules to stop by here and leave a comment. And YES Beth...this is a great book isn't it? That's why I had to do so much direct quoting...because I just couldn't parlay the meaning any better than the author. I really enjoyed reading this book...informative and tongue-in-cheek funny too! :o)
Posted by: Wendy | May 31, 2009 at 01:43 PM