Annie Leibovitz: Artist

Annie Leibovitz is easily a household name today, and arguably one of the best photographers of her time. Starting her career working for Rolling Stone Magazine, she began taking intimate photos of Hollywood stars creating a type of photo that became her signature. Annie has made a reputation as a photographer of the Hollywood scene, and with that comes controversy. While some argue that Leibovitz’ photos are lewd, most think of them as masterpieces of the world of photography. Despite scandals including the “nearly nude” photo of Miley Cyrus, a teenage Disney channel star, Annie has done some unarguably great work.

Recently, Disney hired Annie Leibovitz to shoot the latest ad campaign for the Disney theme parks. These Ads recreate scenes from classic Diney films using famous actors such as Scarlett Johansen, Jessica Biel, Abigail Breslin, and Julie Andrews just to name a few. Her work combines the use of digital photography, and computer software to recreate the truly magical scenes from the movies the average person knows and loves.

Annie Leibovitz is an example of a truly great photographer and artist, whether controversial or not. Today the world of photography is changing, but artistry remains the same, it is simply the way the photographer works which makes him or her great.

Photos:

http://www.livingorlando.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/annie-leibovitz-julianne-moore-michael-phelps.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00033/annie_leibovitz700_33742b.jpg

http://images.artnet.com/artwork_images/117084/186327.jpg

Artists or Photographers

The Camera has evolved greatly over its long history. Ideas for the camera date back to the 13^th and 14^th centuries when scientists and inventors were just beginning to understand the concepts of filtered light. Since then, we have seen the invention of the camera, the invention of color photography, and the invention of the digital camera and the world of pixels. These inventions have revolutionized photography, and created more than just simple freeze frames of history. Today the world of photography has gone digital in every way. From digital cameras, to digital computerized enhancements, to digital editing software.

In this digital age it is rare to see a photographer whom develops his or her own film, and the computer process of printing seems to have taken over the photography scene. With this taking place it seems just about anyone can create a great picture, which leaves the integrity of the art form in question. Is a computerized photo really a great piece of art, or what constitutes a true photographer? The way to find the answer is not a simple one, but one may consider these elements. What portion of the photo was created by the photographers’ skill and knowledge of the camera? Was the photo digitally enhanced? These questions can help to generate a standard for photography and separate the everyday camera owner from the true artist.

So the next time you see a great photo, ask follow the standard, and ask yourself: was this created by a tech-savy joe, or a great artist?

Photos from:

http://pem.nu/cms/uploads/images/old_camera_2.png

http://img.webring.com/r/r/retrocameras/logo

http://www.laughingplace.com/lp/lotion/pics/SS20071031-DLMedia/P2-0004.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/graphicssoft/1/5/o/-/PSCS2-redeye.jpg

Temperature as Color Theory

photo 1:

http://www.monetalia.com/paintings/large/monet-poplars-on-the-epte.jpg

photo2:http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/monet/poplars-epte/monet.poplars-epte.jpg

Impressionists in art came about in the late 1700’s and created a new medium of art. The use of color in painting is key and in the impressionist era color when was dispersed in a beautiful yet unique way. This medium was explored a by a great deal of artists including one of the greatest artists of the impressionist period: Claude Monet. Monet entered the color world, creating works that challenged the human eye and created a new way to look at paint and color.

Just as on a television screen small pigments of basic colors make up the “bigger picture” so did the tiny blobs of paint and brush strokes, which were the staples of impressionist art. Monet used this new concept of impressionism to create works such as Poplars, and Poplars on the Epte. His use of this technique challenged color theories of his time, especially in the works listed above. He helped to develop the theory of temperature in color and conveyed how very different a feeling can be communicated or felt within color. While the first has a very warm temperature, the later has a cool temperature, although the paintings seem to be very similar.

It is amazing the new meanings a painting can take on with the slightest element being changed. Color certainly can change the feel of a piece of art, and is a strong force within most. So the next time you look at a painting, quickly or without thought, stop and think again about the impact the piece had on you and why.

Eloise at the Plaza and in the World of High Culture

When one thinks of cartoons or animation it is often that they also associate them with children. The art of cartoons is taken to be something of child’s play not taken seriously in the world of high fashion and culture, or at least not until recently. With animated films/shows such as Shrek, Team America, and Family guy, it seems that a new respect for cartooning and animation is born. While adults now can enjoy cartoons featuring adult humor and themes, one cartoon has taken the juvenile world of cartoons, and turned it into an icon of high class and society. The cartoon Eloise at the Plaza created by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Night in 1954.

The simple elements that make up Eloise, truly show the modern need for simplicity today, as she combines elegant clothes (at times dawning Dior) with spunky hair and an attitude to match. Her illustration is simple, mostly consisting of two colors pink and yellow, which give a girly impression and a classy feel. She is outlined with black lining creating an elegant simplicity that can only be captured by a little girl who lives at The Plaza in New York. Although she is six she has the culture of a woman of much more experience and the mischievous manner of a child, which together could only be combined in this one of a kind girl.

Recently a young actress, Sofia Vassilieva, has taken on the role of Eloise capturing the essence of a young lady with poise, and the roguish behavior of a six your old creating this icon of high class. Vanity Fair magazine featured an article on Eloise naming it a pastime worthy of the world of high culture. And indeed it has grown to be so. Now this cartoon is no longer considered on the level of a juvinile level, but and icon to children across the world, and societies finest. This is so far so that a fashion line inspired by Eloise has been recently put on the market by the designer Betsey Johnson.

So the next time that you think about cartoons and the effects it can place of society, think of Eloise and I think you will “rawther” find cartoons to be shed in a new light.

Eloise Photo 1:

http://thelifevicarious.typepad.com/the_life_vicarious/2008/12/nightmares-of-russian-wives-and-viennese-pastries-at-the-plaza.html

Eloise photo 2:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaiyHOv3keCiB9_SkR9Ino-qX7uFmt9LzCerzoZtGupzbWVLjE5V9TRg7IjX7Hq16gryYKgNfGXy6ZJ2Cfk3kmtkUwImhK38fDzfE9i0eSZyBx86S4Qoiu_VZOTQwB2nVSqEEn3sYvSE/s400/hht2_s.jpg

Photo 3:

http://www.littleboxofideas.com/images/blog/cartooncharacters/meeloise.jpg

Sustainability Is Not Always Green

Think green photo:

http://sundaysenergy.org/files/suit_kedit.gif

"Green is the new.." photo:http://site.babygirlboutique.com/squidoo/boho/green-new-black-tee.jpg

Tote Photo: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=11338915

Green is every where, it is on the reusable grocery totes we carry to the market, on bumper stickers we read while in traffic, and on the minds of people every where. But what is it about this fascination with green? With the environment in shoddy shape, green is the new icon for cleaning up our world. Many companies are now using green to help sell products that are environmentally safe, but one expert says this is the wrong technique entirely. Nathan Shedroff the author of The Power of Design: Sustainable Innovation.

When we use the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle, we are talking about more than just saving the environment. We easily overlook the different areas of sustainability when considering this phrase. Not only does it sustainability refer to our limited environmental resources and the effect of our consumerism on the environment, but also the financial and social category of sustainability. When the term “Green” is applied to sustainability, the social and financial categories are then alienated. Green refers to the effects of consumerism on the environment, and turns off to the financial and social responsibilities of sustaining.

The term green is not easily applied to capital, although we may sometimes call our paper money “green”, but sustaining our money through budgeting, and cutting back is an important aspect of reducing. We want to reduce the amount of capital being thrown away with products, which are virtually unsustainable and bad for our environment. We have to consider the financial aspect of our consumerism, not only for ourselves, but for the future generations.

The generations to come seem to be at risk just as much as the environment. This is where the social side of sustainability comes in. With the rate of degradation to the environment and the financial situations currently at hand in the world, we have to consider the effect that the future generations will have to live with. Not only are they affected by living in a world depleted of resources, but they will also have to live with the depletion of financial resources as well.

Considering these other categories of sustainability, the word green seems to no longer fit the cause. While “green” is a good way to remind us of the effects of our consumerism, we have to also take into consideration the other aspects of sustainability instead of merely isolating the environmental aspect. So the next time you use the word “green” remember also to think about your financial and social responsibility.

To learn more about Nathan Shedroff’s theories, visit his website at:

www.nathan.com/thoughts

Kandee Creations By You!

Social media has taken the world by storm with the power to make people famous. Today with a username and a password, anyone can post virtually anything on the internet ranging from products, pictures, political views, and even productions. This opportunity has opened up the door for the Average Joe/Jane to market themselves and their skills to anyone who will listen. The phenomenon has created a way for people to express themselves and seek fame whether intentional or not. One such person who has marketed her skills is Kandee Johnson: a true artist.

Kandee has taken the world of YouTube by storm, streaming video tutorials of beauty design, reaching out to men and women (and some children!) alike. She has taken her skill of cosmetology to the next level as she teaches step by step beauty technique through hair, nail, and make-up design. Her make-up videos range from regular make-up basics, to real Hollywood costume makeup. This creates an opportunity for the non-makeup artist to be able to create professional looks that one would otherwise not be able to create without the help of a make-up artist.

Her accessible videos have created an opportunity for anyone to have star worthy looks on a daily basis. Kandee is a great example of how social media is taking the world by storm (and in her case), one face at a time. So the next time you have a special event, costume party, or just wanting a fresh new look, consider your resources, and you just might find you too may have the skill of a make-up artist.

To find out more on Kandee Johnson go to her blog: http://kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com/

Or subscribe to her videos on YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/user/kandeejohnson

Lights, Camera, Set Design: What you’re really missing

When you watch a movie, play or T.V. it is not often that you may think about the design that a production involves. So many things go into making a production successful including, hair, make-up, and costume design, however, one part of design which is seldom thought of is set and lighting design. While set and lighting design may seem at first thought to be unimportant, with a bit more consideration you may realize that set and lighting design really make up the whole audience experience. Can you imagine watching a play with no lights to highlight actors, or sets to create an atmosphere for the viewer. To even imagine this seems quite absurd, so it is odd that we do not normally think of these important details.

Such an important detail, requires an important job for a crew of people. Lighting and set design are two separate entities in the production of television, movies, and plays, yet they must be able to work together to create the desired feeling for a production. One thing that is very important in the working together of designs is the colors. Lighting must be harmonious with colors used on the set, and also be able to work efficiently. This fact leaves a big job for lighting technicians and set designers to work together to find the perfect balance.

While set designers do a lot of research to create the right time period and feeling in a set the lighting technicians must work equally as hard to create the right lighting. Meticulous planning must take place in order to have a successful set that works for the given productions needs. Set designers have to have a vision as well as be able to have a “designer-client” relationship with the producer, taking into consideration the directors needs. Not only must the set designer be able to collaborate with others but, must also be very consistent in all the planning stages. Models must be drawn up and then constructed starting in small scale, which in turn has to be constructed into a full scale.

This may be the hardest job for a set designer. The small scale must be able to exactly replicate the full scale, including the most minute details such as paint color, furnishings, and architectural accuracy. The job of the set designer to create such accuracy is incredible in all its awe from start to finish. Knowing all the effort that is put into creating the perfect on set atmosphere, really changes the whole meaning of a production for many. So the next time you watch your favorite T.V. show pay attention to the details, the incredible work which surrounds the performers, and you’ll find that the actors are not the only artists in show biz.

photo at right: http://www.rfdesigns.org/graphics/amadeus3.jpg

photo at top left: http://www.clinton.k12.ky.us/revised/cchsrevision/Student%20Pages/Bway%20Rocks/assets/rent2.jpg

Use More Paper, Spend Less Paper

Sustainability is a topic which is everywhere today. The challenge for an artist/designer is to be able to create new things out of preexisting recyclable or reusable items. In accordance, color theorists believe that paper palettes are becoming the “new” paint palettes because of their inexpensive and reusable nature. Not only is a paper palette resourceful, but it makes consistency in work a lot easier for an artist. With a paper palette, artist need not worry about the challenge of light intensity and hue changes within a single work. This consistency makes pieces of art more fluid and beautifully composed (as some might argue).

One artist in particular who truly understood this idea was Henri Matisse. Henri was a French artist who had many talents and some of his most famous works were created from paper. Henri knew the importance of paper palettes and the unity that it can bring to a composition. His work has changed art and created a new form in this modern era. The paper palette has grown in popularity and has branched out with this new form of art.

Constructing artwork with paper has revolutionized palettes with it’s accessibility and is creating a cleaner easier way to create art. Paper cutouts require few tools and can be made from recycled materials ranging from old magazines, newspapers, and other post consumer packaging. With that in mind the quote is posed: “Design is more than just packaging”. While design may be more than just packaging, with the paper palette, design can be just packaging . So the next time you think about buying an array of paint, or even consider throwing out an old magazine, remember paper palettes can be an inexpensive, resourceful, and beautiful way to create something new, from something old.

Henri Matisse cutouts and photos from the book: Drawing With Scissors Vol. 2

For most, clothing is just like any other household item. When the milk goes bad you throw it out just like that skirt that went out of style with the spice girls. Today, the world is just beginning to realize the effects of our over materialistic nature is placing upon our resources. Now is the time to really take to heart the phrase: “reduce, reuse, recycle”. With all the concern for our planet’s well being and a suffering economy, it is no wonder that consignment stores are becoming more and more popular.

While the average American has taken pay cuts, furloughs, layoffs, and job losses, it seems people do not have a whole lot of extra money floating around. You may no longer be able to justify splurging on that Coach handbag that you just had to have, or that butter leather blazer calling your name. Although paying for groceries and the rent may be your first priority in these financially pressing times, you do not have to let your wardrobe (or your rent) be neglected. In face the most fashion savvy have a secret that is growing in popularity: Consignment store shopping.

Upscale consignment stores have been providing designer clothing and accessories at rock bottom prices for years. Consignment stores sell and buy designer clothing with two main goals: Recycle used clothing and accessories, and provide affordable designer labels. Although these upscale consignments stores have been around for a long time, it seems that in recent times consumers have turned to them in masses. Women and Men alike understand the importance of still dressing fashionably in financially straining times, and thus the consignment boom.

One particular store that has been in the business of Consignment clothing for years and years in the store Buffalo Exchange. Buffalo Exchange is a company that was started by foreigners in hopes of sustaining the resources of designer brands. Since 1974 this chain has been working to save our planet’s resources, and has recently branched out to other philanthropic work as well. It is companies such as Buffalo Exchange which is making a difference both in the world as a whole, and to the people of the world in teaching a very important lesson: “Reduce, reuse, recycle.”

So the next time you start dreaming about those oh-so-adorable boots you just have to have, remember the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” and do your part in sustaining your financial and environmental resources, and smile because you have made a difference.

Black(eye) Friday

As the holidays rush by, you might too find yourself rushing to get things done. Rushing to get Halloween costumes, rushing to plan the perfect Thanksgiving meal, and rushing to get all the holiday gift shopping done. With that in mind, it seems Retail has just about the same schedule. Retail begins its big rush of hiring, grand dash of decoration, and even larger scale of selling than any other time of the year.

It is this time of year when companies finally come out of the red financially (deficit), and fall into the black (profiting). In fact most of the years profits are made in one day infamously known as “Black Friday”. Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving when stores slash prices, and customers are known to cut throats (not literally) in order to get the best deals of the season. In recent years deaths have even been associated with Black Friday, as crowds can get large and vicious.

You probably find yourself asking, what’s the big deal anyway. Black Friday is indeed a big deal as prices are cut about 20 to 25 percent on average in most stores, and it is for one day, and one day only. Some find that it is impossible to shop on this day as a result of all overcrowding, so if you are one of these people, online shopping is the best solution. The Internet creates haven from crowds and during the holidays you are sure to find free shipping. Discounts can be found online during the holidays, but most cannot compare with Black Friday in store prices. However, if you can stand crowded stores and long lines Black Friday is definitely both a good investment in time and money.

Warm Memories Through Quilting

Do you remember your first Halloween, or maybe that ratty old blanket you dragged with you everywhere as a child? What about your prom dress, or that expensive silk scarf that you wore once before it tore? What ever happened to that perfectly pink sweater that you grew out of or the pants that you shrunk in the dryer? Those items most likely ended up in the trash and in some cases burned (think that old blanky your mother loathed), but for some, these scraps of clothing have become very resourceful.

A good quilter is able to take pieces of old clothing/fabric, and put them to use in what can be a beautiful, but always-resourceful creation. Today you may think of a quil, as a store bought product made of beautiful complementary colors and patterns, but this notion is not a true representation of what a quilt really is. Quilts were once (and often still are) made of recycled fabrics in order to create an item that was useful in many ways. The quilt is a utility of warmth as well as a way to recycling and even holding onto memories of the past. In fact, often times quilts are used for this exact purpose: to (in a sense) “scrapbook” memories whether it is with the old fabric from the couch of your childhood, or that sparkly tutu you never took off.

In the Nelson Art Gallery on the UC Davis campus, one particular exhibit pays special tribute to these used scraps of cloth, commemorating a tradition that has been around for centuries. The exhibit showcases the works of African American quilters. Each quilt is unique in its own way, but one variable remains the same among all. Every quilt in the exhibit is an example of sustaining resources.

More elaborate quilts generally attract more attention because of the vibrant colors and striking patterns, while the simpler quilts at a glance can appear dull. It is easy for the viewer to make this assumption hastily, but with a more attentive eye, it is easy to be drawn to the quilts, which initially look dull. Each quilt has its own unique pattern varying in shapes, textures, and colors. While some quilts illustrate a history, others represent the essence of a quilt: Warmth.

One particular quilt, which stood out amongst the rest, was an amorphous shaped quilt. Its obvious was purpose was not to construct a masterpiece, but to create warmth. No particular pattern was applied to the work, but the way the bland colors collaborated seemed to create a unity in the amorphous variety. While the quilts general color scheme seemed to be neutral the varied fabrics seemed to create interest. While some of the quilt was made up of apparently old tablecloths, scuffed wool was also incorporated into the quilt creating an air of reminiscence of its past.

Can you remember the last time you cleaned out your closet, and how much clothes you threw out? Now think about your entire life’s worth of clothes thrown out of your closet. Remember the history of the jeans you wore during your first kiss, or the jumper you wore on the first day of school. The entire idea of a quilt is to capture these moments. It is amazing how a simple piece of needlework can take on so much meaning and express so much history.

2nd quilt middle top row: http://www.kathyscustomcreations.com/images/memory_quilt_four_kids_pix.jpg

1st quilt top left: http://www.quiltopiadesign.com/quilts/gallery/

3rd quilt bottom middle: nelsongallery.ucdavis.edu (part of African American Quilt Exhibit)

What Dimension Are You Living In?

It is not often if ever, that one stops to think about all the work the human brain is doing, during normal everyday tasks. Stop for a second and think about what your brain is doing now: reading letters on a computer screen, realizing that it is seeing a computer screen, grouping letters into words, reading and comprehending words, and all simultaneously within a given time.

Now think about when you look at a two dimensional picture. What do you see? How does your brain organize lines, shapes, and scribbles? One way to describe the phenomenon is Gestalt’s theory of Visual Psychology. The way the mind makes sense of what other wise is a mess of ink or graphite on paper is through perception of scale and proportion. Two-dimensional drawings help to aid the eye to discover its true meaning. A Two-dimensional drawing has depth, which means that the viewer can see that the object is not just flat, but has features with texture. It is not the same as a three-dimensional object, where it actually jumps out of the page at you, a two-dimensional drawing is a very good way to understand the relationship between what you are seeing on the page, and how your brain perceives it.

Above is two pictures the first being a one-dimensional picture. In this picture you cannot see any depth. Are the dots in front or behind the circle? Now take a look at the second picture. You can see depth, you see trees, a cottage, and water, and all these elements combined with color and contrast help the eye to develop a sense of dimension. You know that the path leads up to the cottage. You know all of this because your brain is a powerful tool. So the next time you look at a picture, or read a book, think about all the hard work your brains is doing, and then say to your self “Well done brain!”

Painting (above) by:

Fly Art Co., Ltd.

Market Greedy for 3-D?

Over the summer of 2009, the box offices experienced a boost in ticket sales when it came to the 3-D movie market. It was almost difficult to find an animated movie that was not offered in 3-D. This prevalence in 3-D films has continued through the fall as a result of its great success. The box office is not the only industry that is being affected in this 3-D boom, it seems the computer market will soon be giving them a run for their money.

In a recent issue of Investors Business Daily, an article was featured, that discussed the rising market for other 3-D items: 3-D PCs and TVs. According to the article the technology for 3-D computers should be available as soon as 2010, while 3-D televisions are still in the process of being developed and perfected. It certainly will not be long before this new technology will be in households across the United States. With that in mind, a question arises: What next?

As a society we are constantly in search of the next bigger and better thing. We can only infer that technology will continue at such a fast pace to branch out and make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Whether 3-D PCs and TVs will be successful on the market is still unknown, but what is known is a products success is based on the consumers’ wants and needs. So now one must ask themselves, is 3-D in their future?...Only time will tell.

I’m sorry the person you are trying to reach has been disconnected

A woman talking loudly through the grocery isles, the teenager sitting next to you texting on the bus, or even someone checking their e-mail in the airport, it seems as if you cannot go anywhere without being in the presence of a cell phone. Not only is this technology inescapable, but it has also become one of societies biggest problems. With the speedy and continual changes in technology, it has opened up the possibility to totally disconnect from the world as we know it.

Do you remember life before text messaging? A time before cell phones even? It is hard to think back, and try to figure out how we ever got along without them. A day without a cell phone is like a day without oxygen, for some, but it seems that as though our society has evolved into one that has learned to be dependent upon cell phones and messaging devices.

When asked why text messaging in particular is so important, a group of college students gave the following answers: 1) making a phone call is not always appropriate (ex. when you need to communicate covertly) 2) text messaging is more effective for certain messages (ex. easier to communicate short messages) 3) text messaging can help to eliminate digression (ex. texts are short, simple, and to the point). When the same group of students were asked where they most commonly text messaged they answered “in class” unanimously, followed by while eating, or studying.

It is this very trend of where and when text messaging is being used, which causes this disconnect in society. We have become a world where disconnect is accepted and even encouraged through the media. So next time you get the urge to update your mobile Twitter, or text message while your driving, think about the effect you are placing upon society and the result of your disconnectedness. You just might find you might be filled in on the happenings of the rest of the world, while missing out on all of your surroundings.

Culture Shock: Evolve or Dissolve

It is assumed that in America every little girl plays with dolls, and to be more exact the (disputably) most American doll you can find: Barbie. The Barbie doll got its start in the 1950’s when it was originally designed and was prepared to be marketed. The doll was made to resemble to perfect woman with just the right proportions, a reflection of society and beliefs of the time. The Barbie became a household item in the 1960’s, which was crucial because of the events of that time period. During the sixties the Civil Rights Movement was going on and it seemed that the Barbie wasn’t a true representation of what America was really like.

As history progressed and the American culture evolved so did the design of the Barbie. Segregation was outlawed and in the 1980’s the first African American Barbie made it’s way to market, and not long to follow was the Hispanic Barbie. Not only did the culture move in a way where this type of doll would be acceptable, but it became the expectation of society to have such representation of the true American culture. Caucasian America was no longer the image, which represented this country, but instead a juxtaposition of many races, cultures, and religions.

The history of the Barbie not only shows us the changes that can be made to a product or design, but how necessary it is to adapt to a changing world. It is a demanding market, and only the designs that are flexible enough to change to meet the demands of the consumer will survive.

Striving to be Different When Great Minds Think Alike

Today artists use many tools to accomplish their masterpieces. These tools make art more accessible and more importantly more elaborate or “Hi-tech”, but what is left when the tools are stripped away? It is almost hard to imagine a world without our sewing machines, and our airbrush cans, and even our nifty stick-to-anything adhesive, but before all those items there was art.

Basket weaving dates back 8000 years and has had a fascinating effect on most of the world. The baskets are handmade using materials like pine needles, tree bark, and long grasses. There were and still are many tribes throughout the world who have the tradition of basket-weaving, and what is more interesting is that although tribes have never been in contact with one another the designs are still standard and similar. Patterns found in baskets in one area of the world, can also be found in a completely different tribe and culture.

The fact that these designs are able to appear and reappear in different cultures without any special tools or technology is quite astonishing. This fact really shows the crutch we fall on when it comes to modern artistry and technology. The human mind works relatively the same no matter the background. Our technology has helped to improve on our methods and the time it takes to make art, but it also seems that we have lost something in the technology. We have lost the connection with the natural world, and the phenomenon of natural human tendency. We have strayed away from common thought, in a constant battle to be the most inventive, new, and abstract.

In the hit Bravo show, Project Runway, aspiring designers are asked to think outside their realm of what one would think of as normal fashion, and instead be resourceful and challenge themselves to new ideas and concepts. Project Runway is now in it’s 6^th season, but the demands being asked of the designers are still just as challenging. The designers have been asked to make clothing out of anything from basic fabric to garbage, and some very interesting variations in between. Although some may say that being told to make something out of garbage or grocery store supplies may not seem to be what a designer would be inspired to create, this applied inspiration has created some unusually beautiful end products.

In Season 1, the designers were asked to create a dress out of items they picked up in a floral market. The challenge was to make a dress that was unique yet beautiful. As the designers began to work they struggled with working within their constraints in their budget, and the limited materials, as well as a foreign material that they had never used before. While some simply threw together some leaves with a needle and thread, others forced themselves to think outside the box and crate something that was really beautiful and really wearable.

The winner of the challenge was the designer Daniel who not only thought about what would be pretty, but what would also be practical and at the same time aesthetic. He showed the judges that he could work outside of his comfort zone, and be inspired by new material, and he did something no other person had done.

Often times it seems boundaries keep an artist from creating something new, and the only product which results is no doubt innovative, but not new. When one finds inspiration outside of oneself, the options are limitless creating a whole new realm of possibilities.

The Winning Dress(top left):

http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/realitytv/media/pic_eps_rate_daniel_v_ep9.jpg

Warm, Rainy, and Winter Weather...Resource/Icon Now and Forever

The morning after a tropical storm in New Orleans, Louisiana, one can find the streets and sidewalks flooded with two items. The first is old Marti Gras beads, which have dropped out of trees and washed out of storm drains, and the other is a broken, inside-out umbrella.

As the weather begins to change into the fall and winter seasons, a resource that becomes useful is none other than the umbrella. This unique invention has helped humans to adapt and evolve to the harsh conditions of rain, sun, snow, and sleet, becoming a necessary need in society today.

In order to know why it is still important today, we must first understand the history of its invention. The umbrella was first used as a portable roof to keep the sun off of the most elite Chinese and Egyptians about 4,000 years ago as a status symbol. More recently the umbrella became more popular as wax was added and the “portable roof” became a waterproof roof. In the 19^th century these became popular in Europe and the umbrella became a fashion accessory popular with women.

As time has progressed humans have come to rely on this very object for everyday use. Umbrellas are used on patio’s for pool parties, on stormy days to stay dry and as accessories.

Not only has the umbrella helped humans to evolve, but umbrellas themselves have evolved. From the original portable shade, to rain-repellant roofs, and now to decorative everyday objects. Umbrella’s come in simple plain colors, to polka dots, and Burberry. They have preceded their purpose and turned into something so much more: an everyday icon: a household item.

Photo on the left from: http://mulberrystreet.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/umbrella-on- 125th.jpg

Photo in middle from: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2890574360_715c544587_b.jpg

Photo on the right from:http://hijabtrendz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/picture-101.png

History of Umbrella: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/26690/the_history_of_the_umbrella.html

Window Displays

During the holiday season the world turns into a glowing, jingling, white wonderland, and it is no wonder that it is the time where people spend the most money. Window displays range from simple to ornate, but no matter the level, they seem to have a very strong effect on whether one will buy a product or not.
In large cities like New York and Los Angeles people like Simon Doonan, who is the creative director of Barney’s New York, make their bread and butter from constructing elaborate displays such as the one displayed on the left. These professionals must have knowledge of lighting and exhibition techniques and have to compete to claim the title of the best in order to achieve positions of such high status. Knowing that information, it is amazing to think that the power of window displays were ever overlooked, although it happens all the time.
These displays have helped to materialize the world today, and create a more competitive fight for business during the holidays. It is the reason the phrase “window shopping” was invented, although it is hard to take the term literally when the displays create such desire for the products being advertised. Window displays work with one’s emotionals to market to them in an irrational manner. As a result one is very vulnerable to cave into this scheme which makes window dressing a very smart technique to sell, sell, sell!
So next time you see a very well dressed window, think about the hard work that goes into the overall masterpiece, the product it is selling, and the effect it is supposed to have on your emotions. Do this and you might find you can appreciate the display for all it is, and maybe without spending irrationally.

Gil Draper Exhibit

The Salinas Art Gallery, located in Salinas, California and home to Salinas Valley local artists, is a one of a kind gallery. It is artist run and owned and includes much of the rich history of it’s geographical. The gallery features many artists with varying mediums and techniques creating one very special experience for the art enthusiast or anyone that can enjoy the beauty of the natural world. One specific exhibit on display at this time is the Archival Pigment collection created by Gil Draper a photographer. This specific medium of printing is also known as Giclee and has not been around for very long at all, having originated in 1991. This specific method of printing using pigments creates an interesting type of photograph which appears to be ambiguous to whether one’s eyes are seeing a photograph or a painting.
This trickery of the eye creates an unusual fascination, that draws the viewer to the print taking away any desire to look away. This particular artist Gil Draper used the theme of the Monterey Bay to create fantastical prints where lines are indefinite between sky, sea, and sand. This particular subject is one that all can enjoy and is able to manipulate the human eye effortlessly. It is this combination of interesting subject that the viewer can relate to, with exploitation of the eye which makes this art form come to life, and important to the world today.

To view more of Gil Draper's work visit: www.pbase.com/gildra