Today I have been up since 6:30 a.m. and I am exhausted. I have been on a bus or train from about 8:30 a.m. to about 2p.m. on my way to Fresno, CA to visit family since the newest edition came along. That being said, I cannot complain about the whole day. Being on the bus/train has given me a chance to reflect. All my life I have either been driven down here or I have personally driven myself. I have been either to busy driving or having my parents or someone else occupy me. I never really had a chance to look at what is around me. The scenery, the beauty of Lakeville Highway!! I have NEVER paid so much attention to fine details of life around me. It was a nice change from the same old crap I deal with everyday it seems like. Even though my cousin that I am staying with for the night had to work, I know that I am going to go home with a refreshed feeling. Getting to see my new second cousin, seeing both my aunts, the new mommy in our family, and one of the best people I have the honor of knowing is just fantastic. It is nice to know that I am going to go home and feel as if I accomplished something on my vacation even though it was only about a day and a half long.
I shall finish this blog on a very weary, tired note. Mostly due to the fact that Sufy is MORE then curious with what is going on with what I am typing on the screen.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Visual Art and It's Absence in Popular Culture
Okay, you may be saying to yourself right now, "What is he talking about, we have everything from graphic design to paintings in our houses." Think back in the times when culture held visual art in high regards. Such art movements as the Renaissance. Cafe's would bustle with the words of people talking about art as if it were a new movie or an article on yahoo. Not to say that those aren't an important part of our culture, but this question has been a topic of conversation of TAC for sometime now.
My initial explanation is convenience. It is easier to go online and look check out the new movies, go into a shop and talk about the new design on a skateboard or enter iTunes and see what is the most downloaded song of the week. From a 20-somewhat point of view, I have to venture outside of the usual sources of news in order to fine anything related to "fine art." It is hard to go to a gallery during Fresno's Art Hop and see a younger person, even older, look at a painting for more 5 seconds. "Ehhhh" or "I like this one" are common responses..
Being someone who spends 5 hours on the permanent exhibit at the SFMOMA, I feel that I am not in the right environment most of the time. It probably helps being an artist, but being able to take the time and look past the surface of a piece seems to be something that the general population does not do. Is it conditioning? Since everyone else is moving past the pieces like they are in a race, should you? This is not meant to criticize, just bring attention to something that may or may not actually be there. Am I crazy for thinking this? Am I not taking people's actions as critically as I should?
My initial explanation is convenience. It is easier to go online and look check out the new movies, go into a shop and talk about the new design on a skateboard or enter iTunes and see what is the most downloaded song of the week. From a 20-somewhat point of view, I have to venture outside of the usual sources of news in order to fine anything related to "fine art." It is hard to go to a gallery during Fresno's Art Hop and see a younger person, even older, look at a painting for more 5 seconds. "Ehhhh" or "I like this one" are common responses..
Being someone who spends 5 hours on the permanent exhibit at the SFMOMA, I feel that I am not in the right environment most of the time. It probably helps being an artist, but being able to take the time and look past the surface of a piece seems to be something that the general population does not do. Is it conditioning? Since everyone else is moving past the pieces like they are in a race, should you? This is not meant to criticize, just bring attention to something that may or may not actually be there. Am I crazy for thinking this? Am I not taking people's actions as critically as I should?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Yellow Smiley-Faced Balloon
Today was a gloomy, rainy day and really had no potential for anything special. Until I was on my way home. As I was merging onto the freeway, I happened to see a yellow smiley-face balloon on the side of the of the overpass. Honestly, I really found that to be one of those things that just stand out. It was chaotic at work and that made my day a little better. Brighter even. That gave my day/night the potential that I was looking for. It gave me the artistic edge I wanted for the evening.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Venting
Looking back on the last few days, I have never felt more motivated. The weather was amazing both Saturday and Sunday.Of course I was stuck in work both days. Never-the-less, I felt as if I wanted to run, clean, exercise... All of this stuff I never have time to do or feel like doing... Sunday was truly one of those days that made me want to walk up to my boss and simply say "I quit!". But I can't due to the fact that I have financial obligations to attend to. I can only hope that I can get something where I can actually be happy. Have free time but still have money to do what I need. On a good note, it has not started raining. I shall go and try to enjoy my day off and photograph my experiences in this world.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
For all those inspired by the holiday season, I hope you have a fantastic one! Take plenty of time to relax and reflect on the past experiences of the year!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lines of Inspiration- A Critique on Renoe Alexander (Musical Artist)
Looking at a number of artists, visual and musical, I can't help but think of their sources of inspiration. Anything from a landscape with cultural roots to a preceding artist. The thought that you can take influences from multiple places and compile them into this mess of ideas and thoughts to call your own.
I've recently been on a musical artist kick, in particular Yann Tiersen, Chris Garneau and Johnny Cash. All different sides of the musical spectrum, but none of them compromising their musical genieus. I travel from song to song, video to video trying to understand these artists; look at influences and look for cultural references. I fell into a moment of weakness this week though.
An artist, in his own right, Renoe Alexander displays his videos on youtube. After listening to a number of his covers, though well sung, I was under-whelmed and frustrated. He was very accurate in duplicating a style. Distinct styles that these other artists encompass. Bringing little to nothing of his own, not even other influences. I kept telling myself, "if I want to hear this song, I can just listen to the original version." But I neglected to think about his intention. Was it his intention to make these covers to expand his musical vocabulary? To show off his ability to duplicate? In my hasty judgement, I developed this tunnel vision and closed my mind.
I've recently downloaded his free EP, called "For When Your Skin is Cold." Safe to say, I was hasty. This EP is like many others, mostly organic in nature. Mainly acoustic and recording equipment isn't the best, but this lends itself to a more honest experience. With a mix of classic seasonal songs and some original songs by the artist, it is a nice little compilation of musical range and self expression. With his voice being subdued at times and whiley at others, it is a good start for this artist. Though in the covers, I would like to see more personality shine through, they are nicely done. With much room to grow, this is a major accomplishment for any artist. Good luck Mr. Renoe Alexander.
I've recently been on a musical artist kick, in particular Yann Tiersen, Chris Garneau and Johnny Cash. All different sides of the musical spectrum, but none of them compromising their musical genieus. I travel from song to song, video to video trying to understand these artists; look at influences and look for cultural references. I fell into a moment of weakness this week though.
An artist, in his own right, Renoe Alexander displays his videos on youtube. After listening to a number of his covers, though well sung, I was under-whelmed and frustrated. He was very accurate in duplicating a style. Distinct styles that these other artists encompass. Bringing little to nothing of his own, not even other influences. I kept telling myself, "if I want to hear this song, I can just listen to the original version." But I neglected to think about his intention. Was it his intention to make these covers to expand his musical vocabulary? To show off his ability to duplicate? In my hasty judgement, I developed this tunnel vision and closed my mind.
I've recently downloaded his free EP, called "For When Your Skin is Cold." Safe to say, I was hasty. This EP is like many others, mostly organic in nature. Mainly acoustic and recording equipment isn't the best, but this lends itself to a more honest experience. With a mix of classic seasonal songs and some original songs by the artist, it is a nice little compilation of musical range and self expression. With his voice being subdued at times and whiley at others, it is a good start for this artist. Though in the covers, I would like to see more personality shine through, they are nicely done. With much room to grow, this is a major accomplishment for any artist. Good luck Mr. Renoe Alexander.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Podcast Idea still alive and well!
Numerous "should haves" and lack of tools has delayed this idea of podcasting. But! Fear not! I am on the market looking for a digital recorder! After a drunken/green bean casserole night talking about everything from the colour spectrum to survival of the fittest to antibiotics, it is apparent that we must record for the sake of a continued discussion and a catalogue of objective views!
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