Welcome to Creative Closeup, an ongoing series where we spend time with inspiring women learning about their creative practice, the spaces they inhabit and how their work influences their style choices.
After years building a successful career as an award-winning photographer in New York City, artist and author Jamie Beck moved to the South of France for a one year sabbatical—and loved it so much, she never left. In fact, she quite literally wrote the book on Provençal living: An American in Provence is an evocative collection of essays and photography that captures the spirit and beauty of the place. “Being in Provence is all about ease and effortlessness, nothing to get in the way of enjoying life,” Jamie says. In our creative closeup, Jamie takes Merlette into her world and shares her latest inspirations and projects, including building an intentional, supportive online community of creative women.
How did you develop an interest in photography and how has that evolved over time?
When I was a child, around 13 years old, my mother gave me her old 35mm film camera—and from the first time I looked through the viewfinder I knew photography was what I wanted to spend my life doing.
What inspired you to become an author and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I think writing for me is like any other form of creative outlet. I write to express. To make something I feel or think about in a way that is communicated to others. With photography, it is a visual language. When I wrote my first book, An American in Provence, it was a deep challenge for me creatively—and to be honest, it was incredibly difficult. I look back now on the essays and I’m thankful to myself for facing my fears and seeing it through. I’ll say this: what I most enjoy about it now is seeing it in my library and knowing I did it authentically, as best as I possibly could.
How has becoming a mother to a daughter changed the way you think about fashion?
Having a child brings back so many wonderful memories of playing dress up in my grandmother’s old gowns and spinning in circles until I would fall down, dreaming of where I would one day go in such garments. I get to relive that dream and play with my daughter now. We create together through fashion, tell stories of where we are or what we are doing by how we dress. As she grows, her relationship to fashion will evolve and I am excited to adapt and grow how I capture that human aspect of self-expression in life through my lens.
How has moving to Provence changed your style and approach to fashion?
I lived for over a decade in New York and eventually my entire wardrobe was simple, chic, black outfits with a red lip. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was my style icon in those days. After I moved to France, the less interested I was in black—in fact, I went completely opposite and everything turned white! Lightness! Freedom. I was a dove innocently exploring nature again. Over my time here in Provence my style has evolved into something with a touch of romantic history. I don’t think I own any black at the moment!
You are launching The Starling Club, a members-only community. What should someone expect when they join? And why did you decide to launch it?
I found the online world of social media to be more and more disconnected. I know there were all these inspiring, intelligent, creative women out there being drowned out in the noise, so I wanted to build a private club where we can bring back real community again. Know each other’s stories, passions, hobbies, pets and shared interests. I put in place a code of conduct because I feel that the online culture of communication has become too casually negative and toxic for our mental and emotional health. So this ensures the safety and support of the community—it helps the conversation to stay positive so it’s a space you want to be in. Aside from the main club site where I share weekly recipes, tutorials, essays in life, and travel guides (consider it my book but unfolding in real time I as live and share life!), we also have a cookbook club, seasonal book club, monthly movie watch party, and TV watch-along! It’s really such a blast. For creatives, we just launched a space where they can share their own blog posts within the community in a beautiful, archival way, as well as easily set up their own shop for other club members. That means if you make a painting, for example, you can post it in your club shop and everyone will see it right away because there is no algorithm making a decision for you. No strangers. It’s really the most beautiful space online! Can you tell I’m proud and thrilled about it?! Ha.
As a female entrepreneur, what does it mean to you to work with female founded brands?
We are in a golden era of female entrepreneurs and it’s an honor to support women with unique visions and to be considered one myself amongst them. I love when women relate to and collect my artwork or books because that means I’m expressing something about life that also belongs to them, a universal connection of understanding and belonging. This is how I feel about collecting Merlette pieces in my closet: they’re the same expression of art and femininity, in fashion form.
How would you describe your personal style?
A story always unfolding…
What draws you to Merlette?
I love the subtle detailing and craftsmanship of Merlette. It’s not about trends or getting too much attention. It’s about the quality and quiet details that are smart. Pieces that will last season after season and are, most importantly, comfortable!
How did you style your Merlette pieces for this shoot?
We are still in Summer here in the South of France so I love to wear a simple, chic Emme Parsons flat sandal or some handwoven natural Ball Pages. Being in Provence is all about ease and effortlessness, nothing to get in the way of enjoying life.
