Emily Savill Photography
Joslyn Kelly - Lavender Fox Florals
THE BEGINNING
Weird Lancaster is a photography project I’ve had on my mind for about a year now, but social anxiety, depression, and a complete lack of confidence in myself had kept me from pursuing it. I knew that the idea was nothing original and wouldn’t appeal to a large base of people, if anyone at all. I would think about it every once in a while, and every time it would pop in my head I would smother it with negativity. That’s just how my mind works; its how I treat all of my dreams, no matter how small.
After spending time with friends and local creatives, I got the motivation boost I needed. I realized that talking to people on a regular basis actually helps soothe my anxieties, practice is the only way to become a better photographer, and that its okay to make something without worrying about how it will be received.
That being said, I truly want this project to make strangers feel connected to the magical humans in their community. That’s why I wanted to include interviews; I want all to be able to share parts of their lives, the good & the bad, struggles & revelations, how far they’ve come and how far they want to go.
On a glowing Autumn afternoon I met with floral designer and friend of mine, Joslyn Kelly of Lavender Fox Florals. I’m so glad to have started with Joslyn, because she is the perfect candidate for what I want to display; unique, bold, unafraid & unashamed, and doing creative work in Lancaster.
I asked Joslyn to pick one of her favourite places in Lancaster for the photography segment. She chose the best darn antique shop in town, The Scarlet Willow on the 300 block of Queen Street. Meticulously decorated and filled with only the most aesthetically pleasing goods, I could see right away that the shop was a wonderful reflection of Joslyn’s sense of style, and the golden hour sunshine shining through the window put me in my happy place.
After our photoshoot, we talked about how Joslyn came to terms with being weird, her style philosophy, and dreams for the future.
WEIRD LANCASTER - How long have you lived in Lancaster; are you originally from Lancaster?
JOSLYN KELLY - Not originally from Lancaster. I’ve lived in Lancaster for about 2 years. I’ve lived all over, Tennessee, North Carolina, so I guess I’d say I’m a southern girl. I would explain my style as old school country modern; when I was younger I wasn’t sure what kind of fashion I was really into, and then I discovered vintage clothing and it just made sense. The clothes had a story and no one else I knew dressed like that. I hated Hollister and the way everyone looked the same in high school.
WL - When did you know you were weird?
JK - I grew up in a conservative southern family, and I always kind of felt like I was the black sheep, but it wasn’t until after college that I really came to terms with being different. Before I didn’t want to upset my family or the conservative people at the job that I had. Then I lost the very conservative job and started reevaluating myself and realized I was unhappy. I started getting tattoos, wearing more vintage clothes, I got a septum piercing and I dyed my hair. I found out I was happiest when I was just doing what I want to do. I’d rather be considered different and weird than be miserable. I learned that you have to love yourself and find weird people, and try not to pass judgement yourself. I like that I’ve learned to deal with peoples judgmental looks and still be proud of myself.
WL - Where do you feel most comfortable being yourself?
JK - With my friends who are weird like me. Its reassuring to be around people that are free to do what they want. I felt weird about wearing purple lipstick at first, even though I felt like it really fit me, but being around people who express themselves openly made me feel more comfortable about it.
WL - How did you gain confidence?
JK - I had an encouraging roommate at one time. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, and I had no confidence at all. I was nervous about even wearing red lipstick, like it would draw too much attention. My roommate told me I could pull off anything, and that really helped me, and I just did it. I felt really empowered and happy about it.
WL - Have people been unkind to you about your weirdness? If so how did you handle it and what did you learn from it?
JK - Definitely. People give a lot of judgy looks, or look like they’re scared of me. It blows my mind because they don’t know who I am or what I’m like but they still choose to be judgmental. My tattoos don’t make me scary. Former bosses wanted me to hide them because they thought they were wrong. I quit one job because my boss told me my septum piercing was unattractive. It really upsets me because the way I dress or look doesn’t effect my work ethic. I’ve learned to accept that some people just grew up with that way of thinking; all I can do is be kind to everyone.
WL - What inspires you?
JK - Anyone who does taboo things, whatever that means. People who can rock their own style, and don’t care what people think, especially those that do s in the face of opposition.
WL - Who or what is most influential to your style?
JK - 1950s fashion mixed with Little House on the Prairie with a twist. I love clothes that are comfy, something that you could work on the farm with, and still looks classy.
WL – What made you decide to start Lavender Fox Florals?
JK - I was always a collector of vintage things, and I started getting into flowers and arrangements and loved them. I really enjoyed both things and wanted to combine them. Its something I love to do, so I make pieces and if it sells, it sells. Antiques and flowers are so complimentary to each other. Antiques never truly lose value.
WL - What are your plans for the future?
JK - My biggest goal is to continue to stay honest with myself, and continue to grow in both my style and floral design. I want to be surrounded by flowers and evolve my style.
WL - How do you express your creativity?
JK - Flowers, decorating my apartment. I like to move furniture around and mix it up every once and a while. I like to knit; it helps me to relax and focus.
WL - What is your dream job/are you working it?
JK - I’d like to have my own floral company and do weddings, photoshoots, embark on creative endeavors with other creatives. I’m slowly getting into it, and I know it will come in time. I will make plans when it’s the right time, when I have a sense for it.
WL - Do you listen to music while making art?
JK - Always. I can’t create without it. I like to listen to old school jazz like Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. I have a lot of my grandfather’s records. I feel like it helps me create with a purpose.
WL - Do you have any favourite floral artists?
JK - I like a lot of floral artists on the West Coast. They tend to be more abstract and use a wider variety of colour, and they have a better selection for natural and foraged plants. I really like ponderossa&thyme on instagram.
WL - What did 7 year old you want to be when they grew up?
JK - Astronaut, famous ballerina, vet.
You can find Joslyn's beautiful floral work on her instagram, @_lavenderfoxflorals_
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