Where the Wild Things Are - A Perspective of a Generation

The actual book, "Where the Wild Things Are" is just a brief memory of my childhood. I remember mostly the penwork of the illustrations and the neutral, drab colours of monsters that overcome the composition on the pages. When it comes to context, nothing rings a bell. I may even remember the book on an episode of the Reading Rainbow...

This translates to a unique perspective of the movie. I still had the feeling that I was in on something. The feeling you get when you feel your generation was exposed to something that not every other generation was (which is not the case at all). This is the same feeling when I see that a Roald Dahl book is made into a movie, who was my favourite author as a child. This feeling, I think, helps someone connect and immerse themselves into a movie moreso than someone who hasn't heard of it.

The movie, a great movie. I was surprised at the context of the movie! It is the very complex, mature subject of personal relationships and maintaining them. A scenario that everyone can relate to one way or another. Don't get me wrong, even if a child couldn't relate to this so much, the visuals and comic relief is enough to keep them entertained. The characters deal with loss, competition, jealousy and social norms along with happiness, hope and accomplishment. These elements provoke a feeling of depression and is sometimes threatening.

In terms of cinematography, this movie is fantastic. Contemporary approaches are used in terms of the costume and effects while maintaining a vintage-like feeling. Gestures are over the top to translate emotion so that we can relate to them and everything seems very well crafted and well thought out.

This movie does fall short in some areas. There is quite a few scenes and ideas that drag on. A lack of some character development, but it may also add to the subjective viewpoint of the main character, Max.

Overall a great movie, leaves you with mixed emotions.

Thursday AKA "Dia de Artes"

Thursdays have always been a day to veg for me. It is the day of the
infamous Fresno Art Hop, midnight movies and usually a pretty light day in terms of a "to do" list. So I tend to take this day slow and enjoy the good things. Walks are plentiful, cycling is a must, blogging and reading is mandatory. The sun seems to shine favorably and the clouds aline perfectly.

I start the day off with a movie, a healthy bountiful breakfast and then off to class. But I am looking forward to the rest of the day. Primarily because I'm thinking of hitting up the Fresno Met with my cousin that came in from out of town. Also going to see a couple movies; Paranormal Activity, Where the Wild Things Are and/or Whip It! Which you will promptly see feedback. Maybe in the form of a podcast... (eh, eh?!)

The Fresno Met has some interesting exhibits this month, including some sketchbooks of Matisse. Marc Chagall has an exhibit as well, which I admit, I have not had a chance to explore. It should be a good day. It will be a good day

Richard Diebenkorn (Visual Artist)

I first heard of this artist from my art professor. Then I thought to myself, "Why have I not heard of this man!" I was turned on to his "Ocean Park Series" that is an abstraction of landscapes. Here is one of his pieces of that series.

When I see one of his pieces of this series, I get this overwhelming calm feeling. The soft, almost watercolour effect and colours reminds me of the "ocean." Geometric shapes and simple line add to the effect and are just overall satisfying to look at. The paintings deals with a lot of asymmetrical balance. Pulled back and fourth by colour.

Okay, so less of the elements and let's get more personal. The level of abstraction on the pieces are fantastic. The process of painting/drawing something so many times and abstracting it and keeping the feeling. It's concept that makes me want to get up and start on a project. I have yet to see his pieces in person, but I will eventually make a pilgrimage to a museum soon.

If anyone is a Sufjan Stevens fan, a musical artist, both artists have something in common. Diebenkorn has lived in many places around the world. In each place a certain series was created and evolved. This relation is brought on my Sufjan Steven's announcement to create a album for each state called "The 50 States Project", to capture the mood of each state with history and cultural references. Like Sufjan, Diebenkorn captures the place that he lives in visually. For example, Albuqeurque period, Berkley period and Sausalito period. I believe that capturing your environment intentionally is a common subject but is never tiring. Each artist interacts within their environments, so it would only be apparent that it would influence their work.

I have found some inspiration to keep the art critics in the groove and make us write more. I'm am starting a podcast. Listeners will be able to listen to our conversations about movies, music, visual artists, performance arts and anything else that might fuel the fire. I'm thinking about making it a weekly thing. So stayed tuned!