The World According to Vivian Maier

Photo:Vivin Maier
I am constantly scanning the web for new stories, photos or anything to do with the 1940's,50's or 60's.
Recently I stumbled upon a blog about a newly discovered photographer and decided to share the story with you.
It begins with a young man by the name of John Maloof. Who happened to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right instincts.
As an historian buff who was working on a book about a building in Chicago. John decided to go to an auction and bid on a box of some old negatives that he glanced over. He thought perhaps one of the scenes could be used for his book. Little did he know at the time, the treasure he found.
After winning the bid, he realized that none of the photos would be useful for his current project. So he stored the box away for quite some time.
Months later, he revisited the box of negatives and realized just how amazing the photographs were. Unsure of who this mysterious photographer was, he began doing some research and started a blog.
It was on his blog that he began posting the works of the unknown street photographer named Vivian Maier. What happened next, as they say, is history.
Vivian Maier's photos caused a sensation.
Her heartfelt photos of everyday people on the streets of Chicago and New York City in the 1950's won the praise of many.
Sadly, she never lived to see the joy her photos brought to others.
Vivian was said to be kind of a reclusive character, who didn't share her photographic talent whilst she was alive. She died in 2009.
However, she did leave her mark on this world and we are privileged to be able to view it through her creative and unique eye.
No longer unknown, her works are featured in galleries, in books and also in an upcoming documentary created by John Maloof.
Here is a link to his tribute blog http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com.au/

I have also included the above clips from a fantastic three part special aired on a local Chicago television station WTTW.

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Rachel Davies Google+ November 8th, 2012 .

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Posted by: Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro

As far back as I can remember I have always had an interest in anything retro/vintage. My parents were collectors. I recall tagging along with them to thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales and even a few dusty old barn sales. It became a sort of treasure hunt to me. There is something about the feeling of finding that long lost special piece and bringing it back to life. It wasn't long before I became addicted and began my own collections. Antique rhinestone jewelry, baseball cards, recipes, kitchen gadgets, vinyl records, vintage magazines,books, sewing patterns and more. By adulthood, I began sewing projects from those vintage patterns, dressing in vintage clothing and styling my hair in "Victory Rolls". Through the years Retro/Vintage has become an obsession. I love the age of innocence back then. Men were gentlemen and women were ladies. Music was rich and meaningful. Things were made to last and people took pride in what they did. Perhaps, I am just an "Old Soul" but Retro/Vintage seems to spark a memory of years gone by. Each piece holds a story....a feeling. It is my privilege to share my passion with you.