Me In A Suit And Tie?!?

Me in a suit and tie?!? Don't worry, it's not the appocolypse, it's just an art project. Here are a few images I've been working on in the past few days. They are for my "Influenced Image" project in Advanced Photography. I took my initial inspiration from Robert ParkeHarrison's work, though my ideas changed significantly as I worked. Such is often the case. I made the decision early on that I would put myself on the other side of the camera for a change. It was challanging, but fun, and I got to act! (kinda) I also decided early on that I would wear a suit and tie, something I have no memory of ever doing before in my adult life. It wasn't too bad though....I think I may use it again in some other projects.

More Art!! I've Been Busy

So.... a few posts ago I mentioned the projects I was working on and promised I would post that work when I could. I'm finally giving the update I promised! This is the work from several of my classes. As you can see I've been quite busy.... and I will continue to be as I'm starting a whole new round of projects (more on that later). I really haven't had much time to eat, sleep, and bathe....not to mention think. But ya know what... one of the great things about being an Art Major is that when all is said and done, I actually have physical, tangible results for all my toils. With most other majors, a grade on a piece of paper is all you have to show for your effort. Anyway, here's the work!

Remember....click on the images to see more (almost always). I realize I may not have made it clear that all my images on my blog are just the tip of the iceberg. They link to galleries that show the rest of the work. So if you haven't realized that before I apologize and invite you to look back at the other galleries. Enjoy!


Critters from my Moldmaking class. They are cast in porcelain and latex.

A few pots from my pottery class. They were just glaze fired two days ago.

Scan-o-grams from my Digital Photography class.

The movie I made for my Advanced Photography class about our wasteful society.

Feeling Proud!

Too often I am frustrated with myself for letting so many of my good ideas slip away never to be realized. At times like these I feel that I am not productive enough, or I'm lazy. I look at what some of my friends, classmates, and personal heroes have accomplished and sometimes I feel inadequate. How can I possibly live up to that? It can get me down.

But then I look back on the sheer quantity of work I have accumulated: all the photos, drawings, sculptures, movies, prints, writings, not to mention all the technical things I have done. I know that it is good work too. I don’t know how I could possibly forget all I have accomplished and judge myself inadequate even for a moment. Maybe it’s just a case of “the grass is always greener”. Other people’s work always seems better because they thought of the things that I didn’t. But on the other hand, the things that were so obvious and natural to me didn’t occur to them. Though I often struggle to get started, I know I do good work. I don’t give myself enough credit. I really feel proud.

I should not let myself feel lazy or unproductive just because I don’t follow through on every idea I have. School takes up so much of my time right now that I can’t do all the side projects I would like to. It’s better to have too many ideas than not enough. Besides, I am only 22, I have all the time in the world. The really good ideas have a tendency to resurface weeks, months, years, even decades later, it’s never too late to follow through.

I am really quite lucky. I have surrounded myself with lots of really amazing friends and family. You keep me thinking. You inspire me and collaborate with me. You pick me up when I am down and give me encouragement when I need it. You pull me back when I stray to far (or you come along for the adventure). I am proud and thankful to know you all.

I Love The Fishes Cuz They’re So Delicious

Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally Drained .... But My Spirit Lives On!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! So fucking exhausted! School is kicking my ass right now. Having four art studios in one semester is tough. It takes so much energy to be creative all the time, and it is really beginning to wear me down.

Right now I am in the beginning stages of projects for 3 of my classes. Maybe I push myself to hard, but settling on a concept for a project is the hardest part for me. After that it's just a matter of doing the work....that's usually the easy part. Right now my mind is too divided and too stressed out to form a good concept. I need to let go and let inspiration come to me.

Be still with yourself
Until the object of your attention
Affirms your presence - Minor White

But that's hard to do when I have deadlines and a meeting tomarrow to discuss my idea. I know that I almost always end up doing good work, even when I end up throwing it together at the last minute. In fact, some of my best work has been the result of mad dashes for the finish when I no longer care.... Then my true genius shows through the web of overthinking and over questioning. JUST LET GO!

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown


I want so badly to spend some more time on here posting (in a somewhat more coherent and less frantic manner I hope) and I plan to soon. I have so much to write about, I just haven't had much time to do it lately....and I have been working on other more private and more important writings that I am not ready to share with the world just yet.

I also have some new work to put up here when I get the chance. Actually, I have some photos on display in the Drama building for the next few weeks. Also I will probably have some work in the Student Union gallery in a week or two.

Per Mike's Request