Zoë Belkin

Inspired by the poem “Renunciation”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a beauty advertisement for the fictional beauty brand, “Zoë’s Cheek Tint”. The line, “Zoë’s cheek is far from rough,'” inspired this illustration. In my illustration I have turned the speaker’s lover’s infidelity into a source of independence. “Renunciation” Chloe’s hair, no doubt, was brighter; Lydia’s mouth more sweetly sad; Herbe’s arms were rather whiter; Languorous-lidded Helen had Eyes more blue than e’er the sky was; Lalage’s was subtler stuff; Still, you used to think that I was Fair enough. Now you’re casting yearning glances At the pale Penelope; Taking Iris out to tea. Iole you find warm-hearted; Zoë’s cheek is far from rough,- Don’t you think it’s time we parted?… Fair enough! -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by the poem “Résumé”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a two part poster series for a fictional women’s razor advertisement. The advertisement reverses the suicidal theme of the poem, showing a woman happily using a razor. “Résumé” Razors pain you; Rivers are damp; Acids stain you; And drugs cause cramp. Guns aren’t lawful; Nooses give; Gas smells awful; You might as well live. -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by the poem “The Satin Dress”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a fashion advertisement for the fictional fashion brand, “Satin Dress”. It depicts a woman luxuriating in a long satin dress, sipping a martini. “The Satin Dress” Needle, needle, dip and dart, Thrusting up and down, Where’s the man could ease a heart Like a satin gown? See the stitches curve and crawl Found the cunning seams- Patterns thin and sweet and small As a lady’s dreams. Wantons go in bright brocades; Brides in organdie; Gingham’s for the plighted maid; Satin’s for the free! Wool’s to line a miser’s chest; Crape’s to calm the old; Velvet hides an empty breast Satin’s for the bold! Lawn is for a bishop’s yoke; Linen’s for a nun; Satin is for wiser folk- Would the dress were done! Satin glows in candle-light- Satin’s for the proud! They will say who watch at night, “What a fine shroud!” -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by the poem “One Perfect Rose”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a perfume advertisement for the fictional perfume brand, “One Perfect Rose”. Although in the poem, the woman regrets not receiving something more extravagant such as a limousine, in my illustration, the woman is happy to receive one perfect rose as a limousine drives away in the background. “One Perfect Rose” A single flow’r he sent me, since we met. All tenderly his messenger he chose; Deep-heart, pure with scented dew still wet- One perfect rose. I knew the language of the floweret; “My fragile leaves,” it said, “his heart enclose”, Love long has taken for his amulet One perfect rose. Why is it no one ever sent me yet One perfect limousine, do you suppose? Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get One perfect rose. -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by the poem “Pattern”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a woman mourning the loss of her love, as petals from her “silly posies”, as referenced in the poem, fall down her cheek like tears. “Pattern” Leave me to my lonely pillow. Go, and take your silly posies; Who has vowed to wear the willow Looks a fool, tricked out in roses. Who are you, my lad, to ease me? Leave your pretty words unspoken. Tinkling echoes little please me, Now my heart is freshly broken. Over young are you to guide me, And your blood is slow and sleeping. If you must, then sit beside me…. Tell me, why have I been weeping? -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by the poem “Interview”, by Dorothy Parker, this illustration depicts a beauty advertisement where a woman is enjoying herself in a city setting, relaxing in the bath reading “erotic poetry” as referenced in the poem, and applying her lipstick. “Interview” The ladies men admire, I’ve heard, Would shudder at a wicked word Their candle gives a single light; They’d rather stay at home at night. They do not keep awake till three, Nor read erotic poetry. They never sanction the impure, Nor recognize an overture. They shrink from powders and from paints… So far, I’ve had no complaints. -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Inspired by poem “Autobiography”, by Dorothy Parker, a motion graphic fashion advertisement shows a woman changing her various outfits to celebrate her fabulous life. “Autobiography” Oh, both my shoes are shiny new, And pristine is my hat; My dress is 1922…. My life is all like that. -Dorothy Parker, “Enough Rope”

Poster Girl