When I took the required photography class for my degree, I fell in love with documentary photography. If I really thought that I could be good at it, I might decide to go back to school for that, perhaps become a wedding photographer. But I don’t know. I get some interesting shots, but I lose focus, and I don’t know if I could make magic happen all the time. I go for months without picking up a camera, without even thinking about it.
Sometimes though, I just feel inspired by an idea or an object and have to take some pictures. I’m not as talented as Tess (check out http://photographybytess.blogspot.com/) but I try.
Last night I was on my way home from a friends production of Annie, when I saw coming out of the darkness, a lit up church. It called to me… Which, I realize, is what the lighting is meant to do. What with light representing Jesus, and I they probably want you to feel called by god… But instead…I just felt compelled to take a picture.
Feeling exilarated I stopped at two other churches on the way home and tryed my hand a a couple more shots.
Then today I was entranced by the reflections I saw while at the Fesival of Pianos. Althogh it was really hard to get a clear shot since Tess, Mollie and Pattie’s hands were moving so fast.
I don’t often anymore feel inspired to just stop and take pictures, the last 24 hours though have really been a treat. Perhaps this is the start of a photo spree… Perhaps not. But either way, I got a few pictures that I am proud of.
So if you haven’t already heard, Tina Fey has done two skits (so far) of the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin.
(Sarah Palin on the left, Tina Fey on the right)
The first video mocks the way that Sarah compares her Vice Presidential campaign to Hillary Clintons Presidential Campaign (and how Hillary might feel about the whole thing).
more about “Hulu – Saturday Night Live: Palin / H…“, posted with vodpod
The second mocks Sarah Palin’s recent interview with CBS News’ Katie Couric.
more about “Hulu – Saturday Night Live: Couric / …“, posted with vodpod
These videos are incredibly funny but also, very true to life. It doesn’t take much to mock Sarah Palin and Tina Fey even directly quotes her, which makes for some of the funniest (and perhaps scariest) television I’ve seen is awhile.
The Vice Presidential Debate is going to be held tomorrow. Time for Sarah Palin to redeem herself…
Although, I for one will be hoping it’s full of fuel for Tina Fey (wow that’s wrong).
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So awhile ago I went to the comic convention, and as I mentioned there are lots of artists that have booths at the convention including the guys from Imaginism Studios.
Imaginism Studios is a Design/Illustration Company that do amazing art/illustrations. So cool, that I just have to share it. Below you’ll find some of my favorite pieces (if you’re interested in seeing more check out their STORE or their PORTFOLIO or click on the picture you like, it will take you to the part of the store where it can be bought).
This next one happens to be my favorite… Unfortunately it’s SOLD OUT… 
On top of making exceptionaly cool art, they also have a BLOG and they TEACH CLASSES both IRL and online (online classes are called SCHOOLISM how fun is that? Schoolism doesn’t seem to work with firefox, but works with internet explorer just fine). I am seriously considering taking the digital painting class… Though probably not the one that starts in October because I have a lot on my plate right now.
I would love to learn how to create peices like these, the guys over there are incredibly talented… One can only wish.
::sigh::
ABT recently re-worked their “Sleeping Beauty”, not story wise, but some of the choreography and Sunday I was lucky enough to have the chance to see the American Ballet Theater Company preform “Sleeping Beauty” (thanks Mom). My younger brother Patrick was more lucky, he was a super (ballet extra) for the show and got to be on stage with the dancers! It was incredible.
Although ABT is not my favorite company (Joffrey holds that spot) and “Sleeping Beauty” is not my favorite ballet (I LOVE Romeo and Juliet) it does have one of my favorite variations, the Lilac Fairy variation. I love it dearly and “Veronika Part” was lovely dancing it.
Veronika Part
Paloma Herrera also did an amazing job at her role (Princess Aurora). I’ve seen her perform three times now and she is one of my favorite dancers to watch.
Paloma Herrera
As was Angel Corella (Prince Desire)
Angel Corella
But perhaps my favorite dancer of the afternoon was Jared Matthews who played the Blue Bird. The height on his jumps alone made him one of the most impressive male dancers I have ever seen, and the suspension in his turns… He was just… What’s the word I’m searching for? Captivating.
Jared Matthews
All in all it was a beautiful performance. I often like to sit close during Ballets so I can truly take in all of the dancing. However, being in the last balcony has it’s advantages. It’s like watching a screen, you get to see everything all at once, and perhaps best of all, you can take in the beauty of the theater.
I’ll leave you with some photos I took (full of good memories though some lack detail), of the amazing Civic Opera House, and the very talented American Ballet Theater.
I must admit, that like it or not I am obsessed with Americas Next Top Model. I know I know, it’s not exactly the kind of show I thought I would ever watch either, believe me. But there is something about this and other fashion shows that just draws me in.
Maybe it’s because I can see what goes on behind the camera and within the girls during the shoot. Maybe because I think it would be very cool to be a model, photographer, or designer (graphic or fashion) in the industry. I find these kinds of shows enticing, exciting and interesting.
Put aside the drama inside and outside of the house that the contestants share. And also try to forget the endless bickering. What you have is a look at girls trying to be pretty and the artful photography that comes out of this show, I think, is pretty amazing.
They’ve done shoots with the models falling…
Covered in paint…
Hanging on a rock wall…
And even normal fashion stuff like posing in water with another model…
And what I find great is that even if the girls don’t win, they have all of those photos to put into their portfolio. And many of them go on to be in national ad campaigns.
This is Michelle from cycle 7 in a magazine ad (she didn’t win, she didn’t even make top 3).
I find the world of fashion interesting and confusing all at the same time. On the one hand I cannot see myself spending thousands of dollars on one outfit. But on the other hand, the amount of thought and effort that goes into making these clothes and the ads that sell them is incredible.
As an artist, especially as a visual artist, I find the shapes and colors used within the modeling industry very thought provoking. It’s all about lines, angles, color and all of the other things you learn about in school, the media just happens to be people and clothing that costs thousands of dollars. So when you look at it from that angle… I guess it’s not such a surprise that I enjoy these shows so much.
I just got back from an amazing performance at the “North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.
The “Evanston Dance Ensemble” put on a fabulous show to Beetles music called FAB!
Some of my favorite dances in this show included “Blackbird” (choreographed by Eddy Ocampo) a fast paced solo performed by male dancer Zada Cheeks, a member of Especially Tap Chicago, BAM! and also the Corpo Dance Company. I am not normally drawn to jazzy dances (I’m more of a contemporary ballet/modern girl) but this piece was amazing. At one point in the dance Zada goes from a kneeling position and rolls up over his feet to a standing position. Standing that is… On the tops of his toes, in jazz shoes. WOW!
“Hello Goodbye” (choreographed by Christina Ernst) was also very good. Although on the simpler side as far as dance moves the thoughts and story behind this dance are great. The dance starts off with a girl standing center stage, she watches as an older man and woman come on stage and apparently meet, followed by a younger man and woman. They are soon joined by a boy (about the same age as the girl) and two children (also a boy and girl). It was a very nice dance about a family and being together. I really can’t do the dance justice here but it was truly touching the way emotions were conveyed. At the end it is apparent that the older woman (the grandmother) is no longer with us and the dancers pass a “ball” of air to each other, perhaps passing her memory to one another. The dance ends with Grandma standing with her back to the audience and the rest of the dancers watching as the two children lift the air cupped in their hands towards the sky. As I said, I cannot truly do the dance justice, but I had to try to explain it because it was really worth noting. It was just a heart warming dance.
This was the third time I have seen this company perform (I previously attended “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and “2007 a Dance Odyssey”) and each time I am impressed by how the dancers are showcased. The dancers in this company are truly talented, they perform alongside the professional guest dancers and blend beautifully. Truth be told, my favorite dancers from the show were not the professionals but members of the company. These young artists obviously enjoy what they do and their stage presence is astounding. Both the Artistic Directors (Bea Rashid and Christina Ernst) and the dancers should be very proud of the work they do. Well done!
