Lary Rauh
I’m Lary Rauh – a short version of my real name that I gave myself at 14 – and have been sharing my work on the internet for the past 8 years. I recently moved to Cologne, Germany to study media and culture science and information science. When I was 9 or 10 years old, I spent most of my time drawing clothes. Up to the point that several people told me to start sewing them, so I took my first sewing class at 12. Before long, I would go there every week for two years, during some holidays even every single day. Creating all these clothes, I soon felt the wish to share them online, which sparked a demand for higher quality pictures in return.
At 14 I began teaching myself photography, mostly taking self-portraits, which is an art form I still enjoy highly. After a couple of fashion blog experiments, I launched my (then) fashion blog and portfolio site Laryconic.com, which is currently in remodelling and therefore not completely up to date (sorry!). With it, I turned myself into an artistic figure. I had a signature Anna Wintour-esque haircut and massive black eyeliner. I have always been striving to attain a certain level of professionalism, but over the years, as I’ve broken out of the limitations I imposed on myself as a teenage art figure, my work has gotten a lot more experimental and free-spirited. I’ve included older and newer works in the PDF files you’ll find enclosed. From time to time I enjoy looking at my old work for inspiration, but specifically last year I started building a portfolio I truly enjoy, because it doesn’t follow any rules anymore – not my own and certainly not others’.
Instagram: @laryrauh
I’m drawn to seemingly mismatched outfits, vibrant but sophisticated colouring and intriguing prints and textures. Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, but especially Gucci (under Alessandro Michele) are a common source of inspiration for me, because they suggest styling possibilities that I can recreate with the wardrobe I’ve built over time. This aesthetic also speaks to me because of its sustainable value. Quirky, one-of-a-kind Grandma-chic items can best be found on flea markets or on online second hand platforms. And they can be styled down or up, depending on how many textures, prints or colours you mix them with.
I hope I was able to bring the key points about me and my work across. Thank you so much for this opportunity, I can’t wait to hear back from you!
Where would you like your work to take you?
What fascinates me is, I started out taking self-portraits and would have never imagined I would get to know so many people over the course of this journey. Half the people I know, I have connected with creatively and wouldn’t have met otherwise. My work has enriched my life ever since. I hope it will continue doing so in the people I connect with and the many facets of creative expression I’m free to draw on.
Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?
If I really had to choose, I would pick post post-production. The reward of being truly satisfied with a finished product of your imagination is the ultimate motivation keeping me going. Same goes for designing and sewing garments. It’s hard to pick though, because from the first spark of an idea to the styling, concept, realisation and finishing touches, everything is so closely interwoven. Colour-grading is my one true love. There, I said it.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from colours, mostly. Colours, colour combinations, patterns in various colours, shapes, textures, the serenity of nature… Who’s to tell something can’t or can be worn together? There’s a certain beauty in mismatched clothes and things. Perfection is devoid of character.
What piece of music would you say compliments your work the most?
More than listening to melodies, I cling to lyrics and words that paint a picture in my mind. Much of my work has originated from songs that struck me with powerful eloquence.
Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?
David Urbanke, Cho Gi Seok, Nima Benati, Jens Ingvarsson and Cole Sprouse are the ones I count among my biggest photographic inspirations. Alexander McQueen and Lady Gaga and the universes they create(d) with their shows are an inexhaustible source of inspiration as well. And of course my best friend and artist Winnie Chen and her friend and musician Zoha.
(I’ll list all instagram handles below in case you’d like to tag them:)
@davidurbanke, @chogiseok, @nimabenati, @jensingvarsson, @colesprouse, @alexandermcqueen, @ladygaga, @_winniewyc_, @whoiszoha
