Whimsicraft is an aesthetic that flourished from the mid 1980’s to mid 1990’s that arose due to the growing popularity of art fairs and outsider art during that time. It describes “things you would see at an art fair in 1994”[1] and it is “the aesthetic of the 'fun quirky artsy aunt' character in 90s media.”[1] The aesthetic was first identified by Evan Collins, one of the founding members of the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute.[2]
Visuals[]
Whimsicraft visuals feature saturated colors, heavy patterns, celestial symbols, and handmade goods. Few if any colors are excluded from Whimsicraft's color scheme but fuchsia, lapis lazuli, lilac, and matte gold are particularly common.[3] Visuals often reference outsider art aesthetics, some examples being the windchime garden featured in Harriet The Spy and the house featured in the B-52's Love Shack music video. The aesthetic incorporates celestial symbols but to a lesser degree than Whimsigothic.[3]
There is a darker sub-aesthetic of Whimsicraft best exemplified by the Crashbox (particularly the intro), The Borrowers, and the short lived Lumpy Gravy restaurant in Los Angeles.[3] It features rusty found objects and leans into the junk art territory of outsider art, eschewing the more polished found object look of Steampunk.
Fashion[]
When it comes to fashion, Whimsicraft fashion tends to include the following:
Tops[]
- Graphic sweaters
- Graphic cardigans
- Patterned vests
- Flowy shirts
Bottoms[]
- Long skirts
- Patterned skirts
Accessories[]
- Patterned bags
- Handmade jewelry
Places[]
- Luna Parc
- The City Museum in St. Louis
- Lumpy Gravy restaurant in Los Angeles (1997-1999)
Media[]
Film[]
- Spy Kids franchise
- Harriet the Spy (1996)
- The Borrowers (1997)
TV Shows[]
- Crashbox (1999-2000)
- Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum (1994)
Characters[]
- Ms. Valerie Frizzle & Ms. Fiona Frizzle (The Magic School Bus Franchise)
- Roberta Allsworth (Ghost World)
- Harper Finkle (Wizards Of Waverly Place)
- Miss Lippy (Billy Madison)
- Catherine (Harriet The Spy)
- Aunt Opal (Judy Moody)
- Mabel Pines (Gravity Falls)
- Wanda (Wishbone)
Resources[]
- Whimsicraft Are.na page
- Whimsicraft CARI
- Ep. 64: Whimsicraft w/ Evan Collins - Silent Generation Podcast
Playlists[]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Whimsicraft" on Are.na
- ↑ "Whimsicraft" on cari.institute
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ep. 64: Whimsicraft w/ Evan Collins - Silent Generation Podcast