050;; I've come a long way...

I realized today was my 50th post (a mini milestone for me) - so I decided to do something for me. Since it's my blog and I don't seem to do enough of that, right? Heh... sorry. Anyway. Moving on.

I recently got my domain back up and running, and as I was going through my old work trying to figure out what work I'd like to show on my upcoming portfolio. Some of my old photomanipulations make me smile & proud, while others make me cringe and want to "accidentally" move them to trash.

I just survived my first week of online classes as a full-time art institute student (keep in mind none of them are creative for last 6 weeks) - so to unload from the week I decided to make a new work.

I can do productive things... see?

You can see the before images here.

And as a special treat... I'll even show some of my old work (like you care).

Yes, I did choose to show you the works that don't make me want to cringe. ♥

029;; Untitled Today

Unless I absolutely can't stand it - this is the last in this series. :)

028;; Some Tragedy

I slept on this piece last night. It's original didn't quite make me as happy - but I think I'm okay with this finished product.

I think for the next few pieces I make I might try to venture away from smoke (even though it's gorgeous) unless I find the perfect stock to work with. Or get a result from the photo shoot with SM soon.

What should I do next? We'll see...


Oh. Last night, boyfriend mentioned how I usually take away the "parts" from girls. It made me giggle. I don't know why I do that. I think I feel like it's too personal then? Maybe too mature? I never want the focus of my work to be that she's naked. I want it to be that she's vulnerable. It's a large part why I always choose female models (save for 3? pieces in my entire portfolio).

They say art is a reflection of the thoughts in your head. I'm not sure what that says about me. Hehe.

027;; Nothing I miss more...

When you start to attend an art school (or any school for art, I'm assuming) - you know you're required to take beginner foundations courses. Drawing I & II, 2D Design, 3D Design, Art History I & II, so on, and so forth. It's just that bridge you have to cross before you get into the meat of your degree where you can start learning the things you're most passionate about. You want to know what's funny?

I got more from those foundation classes than any of my photography classes. Ever. 
Keep in mind, Photography was my major at one point.


There is nothing I miss more than Mondays & Wednesdays. 9 am. Studio I. Remy Miller. Knowing I could sit down on either a drawing horse or on the cement floor, pull out that enormous 18x24 piece of paper and just... draw.


I know I hated it and complained about it at the time... but Drawing II specifically taught me more about what I like than any other class. As far as traditional mediums go. There are so many good memories and good things that came from that class. 

I love keeping a sketchbook.
I hate paper collage.
Conte pencils are by far one of my most loved drawing materials.
I can't stand charcoal though.
I learned how to draw with sticks && ink.
Wet on wet ink is amazing. 
Mixed media. I'm in love with it.
Still life can be exciting, if you make it your own.
Mistakes are no reason to throw something away, or start over. Sometimes they make the piece.
Embrace them.

I never thought that after everything, I would look back on my 2 years spent in Memphis and miss drawing. I miss people from the photo classes, sure... but nothing quite the way I miss getting dirty in the floor in the studio.

I will have an art studio one of these days. 

One where I can get messy, lay out my paper on the floor, set up a still life that will last for days or weeks if I want it to. A place just for me to draw, and think.

I feel so confined in houses and apartments and dorm rooms. At least when it comes to creating. There's always that thought in the back of your head that you have to be careful and not make too big of a mess. Well - when you're working with charcoal and ink and whatever else... it happens. && let me tell you how India Ink does NOT come out of anything. Ever. 

I hope when I get married and we buy a house, he understands why I'll need this space. It's one expense that will be so worth it.

What got me started thinking about this? This random ass project Remy had us do at the end of the year.
It was the best thing, and one of the things I'm most proud of.

026;; Breaking Apart

 

The lovely lady is twiggXstock from dA.

I notice that I go through phases of incredible inspiration, and then I lull about for a bit. I think I'm just excited about trying new things right now. && I'm absolutely in love with monochrome. Eep!

I got my redbubble store active and stuff again. I'll slowly be adding works to that. Some are on sale, some aren't. If there's something specific that's requested (and not a limited edition) - let me know.

014;; For Amanda

I'm not sure why I keep doing these.. but they seem to calm me down, so I'll continue. 

This one is for Amanda. We were friends once, though I'm not where we stand anymore. Oh well. 

Song is "Pack Up" by Eliza Doolittle.

011;; Won't Give Up

The typography monster strikes again.

Lyrics && song by Jason Mraz, "Won't Give Up"

Oh, and let me tell you how much I'm not a fan of Jason Mraz... Can't stand him, actually. Something about this song though (more so the story behind it, and the lyrics) just won't leave me alone.

010;; Never Alone

Some days are harder than others. 

Not being able to see him or kiss him.

It doesn't change the fact that I know he's mine, and I know he's waiting for me.

I can honestly say that I've never, ever felt like this with anyone else.

I don't count the days/weeks/months that I've been with someone. That's crazy, right?

I know exactly how long I've belonged to him. & I know that we can make it through whatever problems we face. Even through the distance. All it takes it loyalty and trust.

On another note... I often times get mad at people who can do things that I can't better than me. The logic in that, right? Haha. Well I am terrible at typography. I want to be a graphic design major, and I hate type. I don't hate it because I don't like doing it... I hate it because I'm bad at it. So to prepare myself for school this fall (where I'm jumping head first into finishing my degree after a haitus from art schools) - I made this.  

More will probably come soon. Mainly from songs that keep me going through the day. =) 

**lyrics/song by Barlow Girl**

005;; Fallen Angel

 

Goodnight, sleep tight.
No more tears.
Goodnight morning, I'll be here
And when we say goodnight,
Dry your eyes
Because we said goodnight,
And now goodbye.
We said goodnight
And now goodbye.

______________________________________

Borja Fresco has inspired me so much. I can't wait to create more work like this.

This is the first photomanipulation I've worked on that has taken more than 30 minutes, and a combined 70 layers. I'm so happy it's done, and for once, I don't hate it. A special thanks for those of you who helped me finalize details in this idea.

This will be part of an upcoming series I'm working on, all available in limited edition prints (signed and numbered). The prints do not include the random border or title. The signature is much smaller in the bottom corner. Available in 11x14 and smaller.

003;;

I sent in my admissions essay to the Art Institute of Portland and felt compelled to actually work on something, rather than log into Diablo III like I have every day for the past two weeks. I haven't decided where I'm going with this piece just yet, but I'm excited about it.

I'll probably post a revised / more personal version of my admissions essay sometime tonight. Too motivated right now. <3