I was just thinking about the extraordinary machines that we are and all we are collectively capable of. Creating, Loving, Killing, Genius, Ignorance, Hate.. This morning, I correspond with a friend who is tearing his own life apart and feel utterly helpless to save him from his cyclone of drugs and pain and fear. A moment later, I travel to behance.net and am deeply inspired by several artists' works ranging from the design of the new Infiniti car to a graphic artist's final project in school to a photographer's capture of a collection of clothes. My absolute favourite (glamorous spelling) today is a simple study of "birds on a wire". Make me a scary face.
Crazybeautiful. This life is crazybeautiful. one word.
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Update
Some things I've added to my home sweet home as of late...
A very much needed storage piece in the kitchen ($30 off craigslist). The bright orb is a pretty chandelier that i'm sad you can't see...
A mobile that I made, which was inspired by something I saw in an Anthropology store (cost me $0 to make).
A chandelier that I bought for $20 at an antique store and painted bright red! Hung in the living room.
The most amazing find of.. the month at least- a red LE CREUSET tea pot found at a garage sale and purchased for a haggled price of a mere $7. Thank you.
A chair I found by a dumpster, recovered and painted (cost= $0). Here's the before and after:
A very much needed storage piece in the kitchen ($30 off craigslist). The bright orb is a pretty chandelier that i'm sad you can't see...
A mobile that I made, which was inspired by something I saw in an Anthropology store (cost me $0 to make).
A chandelier that I bought for $20 at an antique store and painted bright red! Hung in the living room.
The most amazing find of.. the month at least- a red LE CREUSET tea pot found at a garage sale and purchased for a haggled price of a mere $7. Thank you.
A chair I found by a dumpster, recovered and painted (cost= $0). Here's the before and after:
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Breaking Down and Rebuilding
Shortly after that last post I had a little bit of a break down. I think you could call it that. It started coming on one evening slowly. I couldn't tell exactly what I was feeling. I was stressed and irritable and frustrated but I couldn't pinpoint a cause. Then, that night, the floodgates opened and I realised- that's all I really needed, a good cry. It was such a release. And a relief! My poor boyfriend though.. probably thought I was crazy.. Normally I prefer to have my emotional breakdowns in private but hey, what can you do? Thank goodness he loves me :)
I'm very focused and driven most of the time. I'm very goal-oriented. But I think everyone just gets weighed down from time to time. I am working very hard right now on a lot of different things- I'm painting (just sold my first 2 paintings last week), working on music with my sister (just played our first show last weekend), working 3 days a week at the only job thats making me a steady, though meager, income, and working/interning 2 days for an interior designer. I am also trying to devote some time to making clothes which has been something I've wanted to do for a while now. Then of course there's the new relationship and well, just life- I haven't worked out in I-don't-know-how-long and my house is a mess. BUT, I'm not complaining because this is a decision that I made- to go for it all at once- and I know my hard work will pay off, it already has begun to. I will say that having to ignore calls from collection agencies because I know I don't have a dime to give them, avoiding cops on the road because my tags have been expired since April, and borrowing money from my dad to get my phone service reconnected on top off all of this- not fun. I just get tired sometimes. I get tired of working my ass off and still being ass-broke. *sigh* But I know this is just a phase of my life and I will reap the benefits of my investments sooner or later. My vote is for sooner.
Anyway, I am feeling energized again after my little episode of exhaustion and I'm ready to hit the ground running.
*** I actually wrote this post last week but my computer here at work sucks and so it wouldn't post. So I had saved it to try again later. Today it worked but now its outdated. So just know that a couple things have changed- I got a little money, got my tags renewed, sold another painting (to my mom, but still..) and am generally just feeling better about life.
I'm very focused and driven most of the time. I'm very goal-oriented. But I think everyone just gets weighed down from time to time. I am working very hard right now on a lot of different things- I'm painting (just sold my first 2 paintings last week), working on music with my sister (just played our first show last weekend), working 3 days a week at the only job thats making me a steady, though meager, income, and working/interning 2 days for an interior designer. I am also trying to devote some time to making clothes which has been something I've wanted to do for a while now. Then of course there's the new relationship and well, just life- I haven't worked out in I-don't-know-how-long and my house is a mess. BUT, I'm not complaining because this is a decision that I made- to go for it all at once- and I know my hard work will pay off, it already has begun to. I will say that having to ignore calls from collection agencies because I know I don't have a dime to give them, avoiding cops on the road because my tags have been expired since April, and borrowing money from my dad to get my phone service reconnected on top off all of this- not fun. I just get tired sometimes. I get tired of working my ass off and still being ass-broke. *sigh* But I know this is just a phase of my life and I will reap the benefits of my investments sooner or later. My vote is for sooner.
Anyway, I am feeling energized again after my little episode of exhaustion and I'm ready to hit the ground running.
*** I actually wrote this post last week but my computer here at work sucks and so it wouldn't post. So I had saved it to try again later. Today it worked but now its outdated. So just know that a couple things have changed- I got a little money, got my tags renewed, sold another painting (to my mom, but still..) and am generally just feeling better about life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Happy Things
My BFFWB and I drove a Uhaul from Louisiana to TN yesterday and it was glorious. Glorious I tell you. Not only am I pretty sure I could scoop poop all day with him and still have the best day of my life but we spent a good 5 hours coming up with and discussing a brilliant plan. I can't say much (actually I could but it feels very important to pretend its some sort of secret- heather, call me) but I will tell you it involves music, a video camera, and Europe.
So, as far as music goes, that is what I am working towards. It doesn't change much of what I was already focusing on with Trudy Chase. We are still working on getting a good set solidified and getting our musicians together, booking some shows and getting merch. Now we just add to that saving for a trip to Europe.
Other happy things from this past week include spending the weekend in New Orleans (hence the driving back from New Orleans) and some delicious developments with the job situation.
First of all- New Orleans was an amazing time.
What a cool city. It certainly has a dark side though. You can feel it. It's like that hot guy with the bad boy image, only he ain't no James Dean, he's the real deal, he's real trouble. That's N'awlins. But hey, one night can't do any harm huh? We went down to Bourbon Street on Saturday night. We had some absolutely sinful Cajun food and daiquiris and sang karaoke.. it was delightful. Then, Sunday, we spent by the pool until it got too hot and we went out for [veggie] burgers and chocolate shakes. When we got back, Aaron and I watched the sun fade, reducing the color palate of our world to blue and gold. Then at the exact right moment, we were showered with one of those perfect southern summer storms. We watched the rain and then went and got some beer. Perfect little mini-vacation.
On the job front, I put together my portfolio and showed my boss and she loved it! LOVED it! So what started as an "internship" and then turned into my training for a position as "art consultant" has now become "Katie, I'm going to try and use your art in every one of my jobs. And if I need something that you don't have, I'll just have you paint it. Let's see, this one we'll price at $600.. this one $800.. this one, hm, about $1200.." HA! yessssss!!!! So, now it's time to paint paint paint paint paint cause I gots some money to make!
I can't remember what all I've put up here but here's one I've recently finished:
That is one of the ones for sale (anyone?? ha) It's actually a pretty difficult thing to start selling these peices.. I love them all! I decided to keep one though. I'm keeping my favorite one. But it will still be hard to see the ones of my sister and my grandma go.. I really honestly can't think about it too much. In fact I'm going to stop talking about it right now.
So, in conclusion, happy freakin times up in here.
Oh and one last thing...
:)
So, as far as music goes, that is what I am working towards. It doesn't change much of what I was already focusing on with Trudy Chase. We are still working on getting a good set solidified and getting our musicians together, booking some shows and getting merch. Now we just add to that saving for a trip to Europe.
Other happy things from this past week include spending the weekend in New Orleans (hence the driving back from New Orleans) and some delicious developments with the job situation.
First of all- New Orleans was an amazing time.
What a cool city. It certainly has a dark side though. You can feel it. It's like that hot guy with the bad boy image, only he ain't no James Dean, he's the real deal, he's real trouble. That's N'awlins. But hey, one night can't do any harm huh? We went down to Bourbon Street on Saturday night. We had some absolutely sinful Cajun food and daiquiris and sang karaoke.. it was delightful. Then, Sunday, we spent by the pool until it got too hot and we went out for [veggie] burgers and chocolate shakes. When we got back, Aaron and I watched the sun fade, reducing the color palate of our world to blue and gold. Then at the exact right moment, we were showered with one of those perfect southern summer storms. We watched the rain and then went and got some beer. Perfect little mini-vacation.
On the job front, I put together my portfolio and showed my boss and she loved it! LOVED it! So what started as an "internship" and then turned into my training for a position as "art consultant" has now become "Katie, I'm going to try and use your art in every one of my jobs. And if I need something that you don't have, I'll just have you paint it. Let's see, this one we'll price at $600.. this one $800.. this one, hm, about $1200.." HA! yessssss!!!! So, now it's time to paint paint paint paint paint cause I gots some money to make!
I can't remember what all I've put up here but here's one I've recently finished:
That is one of the ones for sale (anyone?? ha) It's actually a pretty difficult thing to start selling these peices.. I love them all! I decided to keep one though. I'm keeping my favorite one. But it will still be hard to see the ones of my sister and my grandma go.. I really honestly can't think about it too much. In fact I'm going to stop talking about it right now.
So, in conclusion, happy freakin times up in here.
Oh and one last thing...
:)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Artist's Statement
I'm studying my art books and I've got it on the brain. I thought I would share something I wrote a couple weeks ago in my little journal thing that I keep with me. I was trying to begin a rough draft or at least get some ideas down in preparation for writing an "artist's statement". I recently learned that this is something artist's do when displaying a collection. Since I am hopefully going to be doing just that very soon, I thought I'd give it a try. I was recommended to begin with an explanation of my philosophy behind creating art, or something to that effect. I just started writing and this came out.
May 29, 2009
When I encounter certain things- things that I find beautiful or intriguing or nostalgic or even disturbing- and I feel them soak into me and move inside my skin and my bones and my stomach, stirring up my insides until I think I may burst, I call it inspiration. Painting, for me, is releasing these things back into the world in a new form. My art is an amalgamation of everything I've ever seen, felt, and heard. It's as innate and necessary as the digestion of food. The consumption and processing of the beauty of the world.
Well, anyways, its a start. I say 'thing' a lot at first.. but I couldn't figure out a better word cause I didn't want to limit it to images, sounds, or anything specific like that. Also, i am sorta comparing my art to poop. hmm.
May 29, 2009
When I encounter certain things- things that I find beautiful or intriguing or nostalgic or even disturbing- and I feel them soak into me and move inside my skin and my bones and my stomach, stirring up my insides until I think I may burst, I call it inspiration. Painting, for me, is releasing these things back into the world in a new form. My art is an amalgamation of everything I've ever seen, felt, and heard. It's as innate and necessary as the digestion of food. The consumption and processing of the beauty of the world.
Well, anyways, its a start. I say 'thing' a lot at first.. but I couldn't figure out a better word cause I didn't want to limit it to images, sounds, or anything specific like that. Also, i am sorta comparing my art to poop. hmm.
Art
"Art is the desperate attempt to recreate that which we cannot capture."
-me (who the eff quotes themself? loser...)
As you know, last week I started an internship with an interior designer. So far, it's still going well, except for the fact that I was working until 11pm last night and at least 5 hours of the day was spent helping my boss detail her car. But, its ok, it's all part of the deal. I'm learning a lot. It's free school. Anyway, in my interview I brought a small portfolio of art projects that I did a couple years ago when I worked for another interior design firm but not my personal art- the painting I've been doing. My boss wants to see that stuff so I started taking pics of everything yesterday and while I was at it I figured I might as well get out some older stuff and take pics of that too. I took most of them on my digital camera but then it froze for a while (awesome.) so I took the rest with my phone. Anyway, point is- I thought I'd post some of the older stuff, just for fun.
Here's a self portrait that I did when I took a drawing class at ACC- one of the only college classes I've taken. I think this was probably charcoal..?
Compare that to a recent self portrait sketch (that is now a painting- this is not the finished product- I'll show you that one sometime). This was charcoal too (i think.. isn't it sad that i forget the mediums?)
you know what I just noticed looking at these two? I think I'm a little too nice to myself when it comes to my nose.. haha really though, i try to be as accurate as possible in drawing myself- or anyone actually- but still i think i make my nose a little smaller than it is.. interesting.. i hadn't noticed that before..
Anyway, next- here are a couple still-life drawings also from my college days (haha yeah i can't really say that...) To be honest, I've kinda forgotten what all the different pencils and charcoal and graphite things are called- i have a ton of them and i always just mix em up, so the medium is um, all of the above. the skull is probably charcoal and the plates are probably graphite..
I loved that class.. probably because, well, I guess since it's my blog i'm allowed to just be honest and say, i was by far the best in the class. I really don't even think that's bragging because when you're doing a real life drawing of a still life- where the point is to copy whats in front of you- then it's just like, ok, who's looks the most like whats sitting in front of you? ok. anyway, enough of that.. you egotist. if that's not a word I'm making it one. ok, hrm, moving right along..
Here's one of my first paintings- from 10th grade I think.
Here are a couple small ones that I did a few years ago.. i don't really like these that much actually but it was when i first started really wanting to paint
Lets see.. is there anything else worth showing... oh, here's one- this is also from my drawing class but I thought it was a kind of cool random thing to draw so I recently cropped and framed it, using the inside of a piece of cardboard, the corrugated part, painted, as the "matte".. it was a cool idea but i need glass for the frame cause it looks sloppy without it..
So there you have it. A little bit of the history of my art. And might I add, these are all for sale. haha, pretty sure only 2 people read this... so um, Heather, you got your checkbook out? I'll give you a bff discount! :) just kidding.... about the discount, not about the other stuff.. and I'm just kidding again! oh gosh, someone stop me...
Ok, I'd like to conclude this post by bringing us up to date with my very most recent painting. (might do more to the background but its at least very close to being done..)
-me (who the eff quotes themself? loser...)
As you know, last week I started an internship with an interior designer. So far, it's still going well, except for the fact that I was working until 11pm last night and at least 5 hours of the day was spent helping my boss detail her car. But, its ok, it's all part of the deal. I'm learning a lot. It's free school. Anyway, in my interview I brought a small portfolio of art projects that I did a couple years ago when I worked for another interior design firm but not my personal art- the painting I've been doing. My boss wants to see that stuff so I started taking pics of everything yesterday and while I was at it I figured I might as well get out some older stuff and take pics of that too. I took most of them on my digital camera but then it froze for a while (awesome.) so I took the rest with my phone. Anyway, point is- I thought I'd post some of the older stuff, just for fun.
Here's a self portrait that I did when I took a drawing class at ACC- one of the only college classes I've taken. I think this was probably charcoal..?
Compare that to a recent self portrait sketch (that is now a painting- this is not the finished product- I'll show you that one sometime). This was charcoal too (i think.. isn't it sad that i forget the mediums?)
you know what I just noticed looking at these two? I think I'm a little too nice to myself when it comes to my nose.. haha really though, i try to be as accurate as possible in drawing myself- or anyone actually- but still i think i make my nose a little smaller than it is.. interesting.. i hadn't noticed that before..
Anyway, next- here are a couple still-life drawings also from my college days (haha yeah i can't really say that...) To be honest, I've kinda forgotten what all the different pencils and charcoal and graphite things are called- i have a ton of them and i always just mix em up, so the medium is um, all of the above. the skull is probably charcoal and the plates are probably graphite..
I loved that class.. probably because, well, I guess since it's my blog i'm allowed to just be honest and say, i was by far the best in the class. I really don't even think that's bragging because when you're doing a real life drawing of a still life- where the point is to copy whats in front of you- then it's just like, ok, who's looks the most like whats sitting in front of you? ok. anyway, enough of that.. you egotist. if that's not a word I'm making it one. ok, hrm, moving right along..
Here's one of my first paintings- from 10th grade I think.
Here are a couple small ones that I did a few years ago.. i don't really like these that much actually but it was when i first started really wanting to paint
Lets see.. is there anything else worth showing... oh, here's one- this is also from my drawing class but I thought it was a kind of cool random thing to draw so I recently cropped and framed it, using the inside of a piece of cardboard, the corrugated part, painted, as the "matte".. it was a cool idea but i need glass for the frame cause it looks sloppy without it..
So there you have it. A little bit of the history of my art. And might I add, these are all for sale. haha, pretty sure only 2 people read this... so um, Heather, you got your checkbook out? I'll give you a bff discount! :) just kidding.... about the discount, not about the other stuff.. and I'm just kidding again! oh gosh, someone stop me...
Ok, I'd like to conclude this post by bringing us up to date with my very most recent painting. (might do more to the background but its at least very close to being done..)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
blah blah blah (The 'Monday's on a Wednesday)
First of all, I'd like to say that I don't get Twitter. Someone please enlighten me. I just don't know what it is or does. thanks.
Next, I'd really like to be in my bed right now. Oh how I would like to be sleeping instead of sitting at this desk. The damn phone is ringing off the hook. Someone just kill me now. It's gonna be one of those days. For sure.
Well, I guess I should take advantage of this mood and the rain and go for a little rant. does that sound like fun? It does to me. Ok, what shall we rant about today? Oh I know. Ok. This boy. I suppose we are dating, or something. He confuses and frustrates me. I like him, but I'm still waiting for something. Some romance. Something to make me feel giddy. I guess I should just let it go shouldn't I? I mean, 2 months and I'm still trying to coax some sparks out of wet matches. Still, its teetering on the edge and I can't make myself just give up on it just yet, even though it's clearly lacking. It's like searching for a word thats on the tip of your tongue. Yes, it's just like that, and just as frustrating. But it's just right there and you know you're about to think of it! You see, I enjoy hanging out with him, I like things about him, and who [I think] he is, but it doesn't feel like how I think it should, or how it has felt in the past. I suppose someone reading this would be like, um, obviously it's not working and you need to move on, but you don't understand... it's really on the tip of my tongue! That's the best description I can think of. It's so close and I'm not ready to give up on it. (I just re-read this and I would like to go back and touch on the "something to make me feel giddy" part.) You see, I felt that in the beginning. I was super excited when I met him and I was all about it. I was ready to dive in- I wanted to find out who he was and where he came from and share things with him and just, well, you know, fall.. That's how I am- I'm an artist, I am passionate, I am obsessive. If I hear a song I like, I will listen to it on repeat literally for days. One song. Over and over. When I see something I like- I- I love it! I mean I go crazy for it! (The Notebook, anyone?) Anyways, that's how I am but he's obviously not that way. When the initially appealing formality of the first date continued through the next couple weeks, my passion began to feel incredibly suppressed by what was turning into cordial monotony. He's.. not as alive as I would like. Maybe I can wake him up. Even as I write this I am torn directly down the middle. directly. I keep expecting one side to take over but I am rewarded no clarity. none. Something will have to give eventually right? Maybe being in the middle is just as well as hating the guy. Who wants to be in the middle when it comes to love? But what is the force making me hang on, just to see? just in case.
Moving on to other things. I had some strange dreams last night.. I don't really feel like trying to recount... It would be very hard to describe. Aaron was in it though, he was home for a couple days. And there was a very strange part with two different old flames.. They kept sort of switching places.. thats all that is really translatable (is that a word?)
I finished a painting yesterday.. wanna see? Ok, here it is-
It's charcoal and acrylic.. from an old photograph of my grandmother.
Over share of the day: So, fiber is good for you right? digestive system.. all that good stuff. Well, let me tell you, I don't usually drink coffee- I normally go for tea. Some days, however, like today, just require it. I take 2 sips though and I'm in the bathroom. I mean, if you wanna talk about digestive health? Coffee really does the job, when it comes to cleaning me out. haha. ok, I'm done.
You know one song that DOES NOT get old to me? Imogen Heap, Hide and Seek. I know its on every indie soundtrack ever and I've heard it millions of times (it was one of those that i played on repeat for probly a week straight)- but I still absolutely love it. I am listening to a mix I made probly a year ago. A mix for when I wanted to mope about lost love. I'm not moping about lost love today I just really like a lot of the songs on it. It has Hide And Seek as well as some other gems such as You Are Mine by MuteMath, The Special Two by.. (oh what's her name.. can't think of it), I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon.. something (damnit, i'm not doing very well on this..) Anyway.. oh yeah- Heath! Brandon Heath. good song. Oh and The Astronaut Suit, 40 days, check it out.
I feel especially suppressed today. I generally feel that way, just kinda as a rule. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I'll try and explain. I feel like a caged animal. haha, no really! There is this crazy aimless-earth-roaming hippie inside of me that is so squelched its almost painful sometimes.. I don't really know what to do about it. I am trying to make things happen in my life, but in order to do that I can't appease my whims to just get up and go. I am working, to pay off debt, and try to save money, and pursue things that I think will eventually appease my appetite- in the proper way. The proper way being something like getting my shit together and taking my music on the road, or getting a song cut so that I am financially free to do some of the things that I want. You know, just generally making a living doing something that I actually care about and something that is actually lasting. (re-reading to make sure any of this makes any sense at all.... ok, let me try again-)
Examples of what I want to do: 1. Get in my car and drive to Louisiana and to meet up with Aaron and then go with him to NY- just for the hell of it. 2. Take all my money and buy a ticket to Ireland and go hang out with Kacie. 3. Drive to Texas. 4. Sell my shit and start wandering around.
What I need to be doing/what I will do instead: 1. Continue sitting here, racking up the $12/hour. 2. Go home and write songs, practice and work. 3. Stay home and save my money.
Someday it will pay off. I will be financially free to do what I want and I can roam the earth without being a homeless person. Maybe I can do some good while I'm at it (have you noticed how much fun I am having with the italics today?)
Ok, you see why this post is entitled 'Blah Blah Blah'? Cause I am definitely blah blah blah-ing today. But its actually really making me feel a lot better. Very therapeutic- this whole writing my thoughts and feelings thing. Thank you for listening, Blogspot.
Next, I'd really like to be in my bed right now. Oh how I would like to be sleeping instead of sitting at this desk. The damn phone is ringing off the hook. Someone just kill me now. It's gonna be one of those days. For sure.
Well, I guess I should take advantage of this mood and the rain and go for a little rant. does that sound like fun? It does to me. Ok, what shall we rant about today? Oh I know. Ok. This boy. I suppose we are dating, or something. He confuses and frustrates me. I like him, but I'm still waiting for something. Some romance. Something to make me feel giddy. I guess I should just let it go shouldn't I? I mean, 2 months and I'm still trying to coax some sparks out of wet matches. Still, its teetering on the edge and I can't make myself just give up on it just yet, even though it's clearly lacking. It's like searching for a word thats on the tip of your tongue. Yes, it's just like that, and just as frustrating. But it's just right there and you know you're about to think of it! You see, I enjoy hanging out with him, I like things about him, and who [I think] he is, but it doesn't feel like how I think it should, or how it has felt in the past. I suppose someone reading this would be like, um, obviously it's not working and you need to move on, but you don't understand... it's really on the tip of my tongue! That's the best description I can think of. It's so close and I'm not ready to give up on it. (I just re-read this and I would like to go back and touch on the "something to make me feel giddy" part.) You see, I felt that in the beginning. I was super excited when I met him and I was all about it. I was ready to dive in- I wanted to find out who he was and where he came from and share things with him and just, well, you know, fall.. That's how I am- I'm an artist, I am passionate, I am obsessive. If I hear a song I like, I will listen to it on repeat literally for days. One song. Over and over. When I see something I like- I- I love it! I mean I go crazy for it! (The Notebook, anyone?) Anyways, that's how I am but he's obviously not that way. When the initially appealing formality of the first date continued through the next couple weeks, my passion began to feel incredibly suppressed by what was turning into cordial monotony. He's.. not as alive as I would like. Maybe I can wake him up. Even as I write this I am torn directly down the middle. directly. I keep expecting one side to take over but I am rewarded no clarity. none. Something will have to give eventually right? Maybe being in the middle is just as well as hating the guy. Who wants to be in the middle when it comes to love? But what is the force making me hang on, just to see? just in case.
Moving on to other things. I had some strange dreams last night.. I don't really feel like trying to recount... It would be very hard to describe. Aaron was in it though, he was home for a couple days. And there was a very strange part with two different old flames.. They kept sort of switching places.. thats all that is really translatable (is that a word?)
I finished a painting yesterday.. wanna see? Ok, here it is-
It's charcoal and acrylic.. from an old photograph of my grandmother.
Over share of the day: So, fiber is good for you right? digestive system.. all that good stuff. Well, let me tell you, I don't usually drink coffee- I normally go for tea. Some days, however, like today, just require it. I take 2 sips though and I'm in the bathroom. I mean, if you wanna talk about digestive health? Coffee really does the job, when it comes to cleaning me out. haha. ok, I'm done.
You know one song that DOES NOT get old to me? Imogen Heap, Hide and Seek. I know its on every indie soundtrack ever and I've heard it millions of times (it was one of those that i played on repeat for probly a week straight)- but I still absolutely love it. I am listening to a mix I made probly a year ago. A mix for when I wanted to mope about lost love. I'm not moping about lost love today I just really like a lot of the songs on it. It has Hide And Seek as well as some other gems such as You Are Mine by MuteMath, The Special Two by.. (oh what's her name.. can't think of it), I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon.. something (damnit, i'm not doing very well on this..) Anyway.. oh yeah- Heath! Brandon Heath. good song. Oh and The Astronaut Suit, 40 days, check it out.
I feel especially suppressed today. I generally feel that way, just kinda as a rule. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I'll try and explain. I feel like a caged animal. haha, no really! There is this crazy aimless-earth-roaming hippie inside of me that is so squelched its almost painful sometimes.. I don't really know what to do about it. I am trying to make things happen in my life, but in order to do that I can't appease my whims to just get up and go. I am working, to pay off debt, and try to save money, and pursue things that I think will eventually appease my appetite- in the proper way. The proper way being something like getting my shit together and taking my music on the road, or getting a song cut so that I am financially free to do some of the things that I want. You know, just generally making a living doing something that I actually care about and something that is actually lasting. (re-reading to make sure any of this makes any sense at all.... ok, let me try again-)
Examples of what I want to do: 1. Get in my car and drive to Louisiana and to meet up with Aaron and then go with him to NY- just for the hell of it. 2. Take all my money and buy a ticket to Ireland and go hang out with Kacie. 3. Drive to Texas. 4. Sell my shit and start wandering around.
What I need to be doing/what I will do instead: 1. Continue sitting here, racking up the $12/hour. 2. Go home and write songs, practice and work. 3. Stay home and save my money.
Someday it will pay off. I will be financially free to do what I want and I can roam the earth without being a homeless person. Maybe I can do some good while I'm at it (have you noticed how much fun I am having with the italics today?)
Ok, you see why this post is entitled 'Blah Blah Blah'? Cause I am definitely blah blah blah-ing today. But its actually really making me feel a lot better. Very therapeutic- this whole writing my thoughts and feelings thing. Thank you for listening, Blogspot.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mario Testino
Hello Mario. You have seen his pictures. You've ooh-ed, you've aww-ed. Now meet the man.
Here he is posing with one of the pictures that shot him to the top in the world of photography.
Now he's sought after for everything from Burberry ads to bottled water ads (smart water- Jennifer Aniston) to Album covers for people like, oh, um, i don't know- Madonna! yeah.. anyway, I've looked at some 20 pages of a google-image-search of him and here are some of my favorites. Note that these are my favorites and I tend to like a certain style so if he seems limited it's only because of the ones i've selected, cause trust me- he's anything but.
Of course he frames each shot perfectly; of course his technical abilities are flawless; of course the lighting touches his subjects in a way that you would swear he shoots it from his fingertips. But how do you teach someone to capture that something in someone's face? It's like his camera is a laser of truth. You feel like you can see directly into the soul of the person being photographed. And if you don't feel that way, then it's because he purposefully masked the peep-hole with mystery that leaves you feeling as if your life depends on knowing their secret.
I've been ripping ads out of Vogue magazine since I was 12. Its because of people like him and because a bottled water ad can be an incredible artistic work.
Here he is posing with one of the pictures that shot him to the top in the world of photography.
Now he's sought after for everything from Burberry ads to bottled water ads (smart water- Jennifer Aniston) to Album covers for people like, oh, um, i don't know- Madonna! yeah.. anyway, I've looked at some 20 pages of a google-image-search of him and here are some of my favorites. Note that these are my favorites and I tend to like a certain style so if he seems limited it's only because of the ones i've selected, cause trust me- he's anything but.
Of course he frames each shot perfectly; of course his technical abilities are flawless; of course the lighting touches his subjects in a way that you would swear he shoots it from his fingertips. But how do you teach someone to capture that something in someone's face? It's like his camera is a laser of truth. You feel like you can see directly into the soul of the person being photographed. And if you don't feel that way, then it's because he purposefully masked the peep-hole with mystery that leaves you feeling as if your life depends on knowing their secret.
I've been ripping ads out of Vogue magazine since I was 12. Its because of people like him and because a bottled water ad can be an incredible artistic work.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
In Defense of Fashion
I like fashion. A friend once told me that he liked style not fashion because style is long-lasting, elegant, classy, not trendy, flashy, silly. I like style too. But I also like fashion. It doesn't bother me that I will look back at pictures of myself 10 years from now and say "what was I thinking?" I will also be able to identify what was going on in my life, what mood I was in, what I cared about, what I was preparing for. You see, I'm an artist and fashion is just one more way that I love to express myself. That is why I believe in taking risks, breaking rules, and being daring in fashion. I believe in all of these things with art. With that said, I'd like to talk about the Golden Globe Awards.
Last night I watched a little bit of a show where they were discussing the fashion of the night before's award ceremony and today I ran across this. Sure some of the things said were valid. After all, if there are fashion "risks" then there are fashion failures. They really rip these people apart though. I give the people on the worst-dressed list props for trying something new, something different. So, I'd like to try and defend some of these helpless victims.
Ok, I see what she was going for here. If it had just been a smooth nude something underneath I think it would've worked. When I saw video of her on the red carpet, particularly from the side, I thought she looked good. It's somewhat Victorian. It's very flattering to her figure! Overall, not terrible and props for going for it. Ok, next.
Ok, so it's wrinkled a little. ok, a lot. Oops. Get over it. I think the dress is actually beautiful. I like drapey things. I think it is flattering to her because she has larger breasts so the way it hangs is nice. Pretty color. Simple accessories and hair. I like it. And she's probably comfortable.
I'm gonna be honest here. I LOVE this. I'm sorry but I think it is fun, daring, young and something new to see on the red carpet. I think her face looks fresh and her hair is simple enough to wear with a bright bold dress. I would wear it.
Be honest, no one would be complaining if she was rail-thin. Picture it on Cameron Diaz. See? I think she looks great. She's beautiful and voluptuous and there's no reason she should have to cover it up. She's lucky to have the skin color that she can look so good with a couple rolls. I am pale so I cannot get away with the chubs at all. I really am glad that she is embracing her body like that. Little girls, look! Nope, stop looking at Megan Fox, look at this hot mama! (But wait til your older to show that kinda skin, ok?)
Well, that face is a bit of a shame.. I can't say I'm a fan of the hair, but it doesn't offend me and if she likes it then good. Here's what I think about the dress. It's a very pretty bodice, imagine if from right below the belt, it went straight down with the skirt into a normal floorlength hemline. That would be very nice and um, normal? predictable? Whether or not you think this worked, it is nice to see someone try and change it up.
I can totally see what she was going for here! This is a very bold, fun, and loud fashion statement so people will probably hate it or love it. The shoes and the fact that is is short struck at first and I didn't think I liked it but it's actually growing on me. I get it. I'm not sure if i'd wear it, but I like it.
Not my favorite, but she is definitely being creative. I think it's fun to go for themey kinda things, costumey things. You can't always wear an acceptable, sleek, agreeable dress. Sometimes you have to let out your inner pirate! Hopefully she felt good in it.
Oh the hair! the hair! ok, calm down. That's a beautiful dress, she looks beautiful. Her hair may be a tad too big. Like they said, she may have overshot the Marylin Monroe thing but I think we're all overreacting a little bit. She looks pretty overall. There's a fun retro feel to it.
I did notice when watching that this didn't do anything for her bustline. But it's a nice dress. A fun Cameron Diaz-only kinda color and a neat shape. I don't think her hair is bad. I've been diggin the roots thing on some people recently. Maybe it's a little flat.. But overall, I like it.
Seriously?? she's 15. Leave her alone. At least she is dressing her age.
I'm not gonna defend the raccoon eyes. She's a pretty girl and that's just too much. And I did think her hair was a little weird but maybe it just didn't translate well over video... Anyway what's wrong with the dress? I think it's very pretty. Nice color. Maybe they're right about the fit but I definitely didn't think it was much of an issue. I love the ruffles!
Ok, I'm not a fan of the slit or the "train". I'll give her the slit though cause she's young and she can. I like the bed head look. Overall I would actually complain that it's not that exciting. But she obviously liked it. I think it's interesting what newbee's wear vs. people who have been to many many award shows. She probably wanted to go for something young but elegant and sleek. Hopefully she felt like a princess for what i'm only guessing is her first big award show. Maybe she'll get more daring later.
I can't believe I did all of those.. haha. Let me defend myself also for a minute. I'd not throw these people into the best-dressed list, I merely give them props for trying something different. And I can see what they were going for. Gaze over the Best Dressed List though to see how much better these attempts could have gone. Anne Hathaway, are you kidding?? She looked like a real princess. wow. Angelina did the high slit the right way and so many others successfully mastered fit. Kate Beckinsale- beautiful!
Last night I watched a little bit of a show where they were discussing the fashion of the night before's award ceremony and today I ran across this. Sure some of the things said were valid. After all, if there are fashion "risks" then there are fashion failures. They really rip these people apart though. I give the people on the worst-dressed list props for trying something new, something different. So, I'd like to try and defend some of these helpless victims.
Ok, I see what she was going for here. If it had just been a smooth nude something underneath I think it would've worked. When I saw video of her on the red carpet, particularly from the side, I thought she looked good. It's somewhat Victorian. It's very flattering to her figure! Overall, not terrible and props for going for it. Ok, next.
Ok, so it's wrinkled a little. ok, a lot. Oops. Get over it. I think the dress is actually beautiful. I like drapey things. I think it is flattering to her because she has larger breasts so the way it hangs is nice. Pretty color. Simple accessories and hair. I like it. And she's probably comfortable.
I'm gonna be honest here. I LOVE this. I'm sorry but I think it is fun, daring, young and something new to see on the red carpet. I think her face looks fresh and her hair is simple enough to wear with a bright bold dress. I would wear it.
Be honest, no one would be complaining if she was rail-thin. Picture it on Cameron Diaz. See? I think she looks great. She's beautiful and voluptuous and there's no reason she should have to cover it up. She's lucky to have the skin color that she can look so good with a couple rolls. I am pale so I cannot get away with the chubs at all. I really am glad that she is embracing her body like that. Little girls, look! Nope, stop looking at Megan Fox, look at this hot mama! (But wait til your older to show that kinda skin, ok?)
Well, that face is a bit of a shame.. I can't say I'm a fan of the hair, but it doesn't offend me and if she likes it then good. Here's what I think about the dress. It's a very pretty bodice, imagine if from right below the belt, it went straight down with the skirt into a normal floorlength hemline. That would be very nice and um, normal? predictable? Whether or not you think this worked, it is nice to see someone try and change it up.
I can totally see what she was going for here! This is a very bold, fun, and loud fashion statement so people will probably hate it or love it. The shoes and the fact that is is short struck at first and I didn't think I liked it but it's actually growing on me. I get it. I'm not sure if i'd wear it, but I like it.
Not my favorite, but she is definitely being creative. I think it's fun to go for themey kinda things, costumey things. You can't always wear an acceptable, sleek, agreeable dress. Sometimes you have to let out your inner pirate! Hopefully she felt good in it.
Oh the hair! the hair! ok, calm down. That's a beautiful dress, she looks beautiful. Her hair may be a tad too big. Like they said, she may have overshot the Marylin Monroe thing but I think we're all overreacting a little bit. She looks pretty overall. There's a fun retro feel to it.
I did notice when watching that this didn't do anything for her bustline. But it's a nice dress. A fun Cameron Diaz-only kinda color and a neat shape. I don't think her hair is bad. I've been diggin the roots thing on some people recently. Maybe it's a little flat.. But overall, I like it.
Seriously?? she's 15. Leave her alone. At least she is dressing her age.
I'm not gonna defend the raccoon eyes. She's a pretty girl and that's just too much. And I did think her hair was a little weird but maybe it just didn't translate well over video... Anyway what's wrong with the dress? I think it's very pretty. Nice color. Maybe they're right about the fit but I definitely didn't think it was much of an issue. I love the ruffles!
Ok, I'm not a fan of the slit or the "train". I'll give her the slit though cause she's young and she can. I like the bed head look. Overall I would actually complain that it's not that exciting. But she obviously liked it. I think it's interesting what newbee's wear vs. people who have been to many many award shows. She probably wanted to go for something young but elegant and sleek. Hopefully she felt like a princess for what i'm only guessing is her first big award show. Maybe she'll get more daring later.
I can't believe I did all of those.. haha. Let me defend myself also for a minute. I'd not throw these people into the best-dressed list, I merely give them props for trying something different. And I can see what they were going for. Gaze over the Best Dressed List though to see how much better these attempts could have gone. Anne Hathaway, are you kidding?? She looked like a real princess. wow. Angelina did the high slit the right way and so many others successfully mastered fit. Kate Beckinsale- beautiful!
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