nerd report.

My life straddles two worlds: The technical and the artistic. The first consists of hard facts and numbers, a constant puzzle of information that seems to lead me to the second world. The more artistic world is where I want to be…it is where I want to live but I’m coming to realize that that I need that puzzle of information to allow me to exist there. This is an interesting relationship, I’ve really only discovered the connection recently—perhaps only just today. The two have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When we got our first VCR, I set it up. I was seven. I’d never really used a VCR. It just made sense; I found it to be an intuitive invention. In fourth grade I realized how powerful my words could be when I wrote an essay for a Veterans Day contest and won. Of course it took many more years, heart ache and loss of innocence to really understand my love of words. These events made me look back and recognize where it all began. I was so innocent. These things happened in my life and rather than knowing or understanding what they said about, how they shaped me, it simply was and I continued with the day to day.

Today was the day I realized the connection between the two the technical and artistic. My focus has moved between them fluidly, but as if they were strangers on a sidewalk each going the opposite direction. Only at one moment are they side by side. They are on parallel paths but seemingly run opposite directions. For the past six months I have gained a deeper appreciation for art in my life. I’ve entered a conversation with my art and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the process more then ever before. I’ve recognized the importance.

Today as I stood in the convention hall of the consumer electronics show talking about the technical aspects of cameras and photography with each curious passerby, I realized that I need one to support the other. My love of the technical isn't running in the opposite direction of my art. In fact the two are arm-in-arm. In my mind there was an epic struggle between the two and they would never be able to co exist. Really, the struggle was just another road block to stop my own creativity. Ahhh, the old you are your own worst enemy factor.

2009...year of the book.

okay I lied. I'm making a project list for 2009--but that's it. No other resolutions. Really these aren't resolutions this is a task list, a to do list, an organized brain storm...

• 2008. a collection in book form of my favorite photographs, writings, other projects from 2008.
• 0-7-11. my collected writings about my brother and sister.
• The cabin project. compile the photos and memories from my families cabin--in book form.
• preserved memories. photo/word collages in an encaustic medium.
• continue my dog walk project and figure out how to present the images.
• play.

winter

Its been snowing a fair amount in Missoula lately. Well, snow, then rain, then snow and so on. That's the Missoula way--banana belt of Montana. On Monday, Athena and I set out to take photographs in a flurry of big flakes. As I was walking through the snow towards the river I realized that as much as I love winter I very rarely take photographs of winter. So that was my project. Well it became a multi-part project, I wanted to take the photos, then write, then create some mixed media with the two...I took the photos, now its time to write. Here are a few of the photos.

Camaro loves the snow. I supposed that makes sense for a husky. I couldn't resist photographing his excitement.

Athena and I took at least six self timed photos each trying to get this to work. This one is my favorite for sure.

Christmas

So in the spirit of Christmas and girlArt I want to share my Christmas art project (Marcy and Athena bare with me). My tree just didn't look quite right. Since I've spent only one Christmas without my family...ever... I have very few decorations. As I was sitting looking at my Charlie Brown-esque tree I was inspired by girlArt and decided to make a photo garland. I chose about 60 images from 2008 and printed them out, cut them up, and sewed them together with red thread. Ladies, I'll gush a little due to the champagne I just drank, but also because I'm just so thankful for your art and its effect on me. So here are the photos. I hope you all have had a great Christmas. I look forward to January's meeting.

the end of 2008

So here I am. Eight days way from a new year. I think I'm going to like 2009. I liked 2008, don't get me wrong. I had a great year but there is something that feels good about 2009. New president. New hope for the bigger picture. With all the financial woes and looming monetary crises I'm ready for something new. Even if it is only shinny and bright for a moment. I'm also ready for 2009 because for the first time in my life I feel like I have a good start. I'm going into the new year on solid ground, good practices, movement towards general awesomeness. I have no plans on making New Years resolutions because I've made some kick-ass resolutions throughout this past year that I've consistently revised, revisited and they have become a part of my everyday life. Some days I'm amazing at following through. Some days...not so much. Either way I move forward. I like this. It feels good. I have my ladies at girlArt to keep me in check, on the path toward creativity and productivity. I may have used girArt as training wheels of sorts. Now, as they run along side cheering me on, I am off. I'm creating my own momentum, navigating the bumps in the road, but I have a good start. Thank you ladies. So yeah...I'm ready for the new year. bring it.

links...

So today is a great day to ask me about links. I've been looking at blogs, website, portfolios a lot today as I wait for the database to load pages. I look at the 20x200 blog a lot. It is updated almost daily and has great work. Its not just photography which is great sometimes. Also, I was telling Elizabeth about the ultraviolet portraits, by Cara Phillips. In her works page there is a link to the "ultra violet beauties". I look at HoboEye.com once a month or so for writing inspiration, the art and music reviews. http://www.designspongeonline.com/ is a good all around design blog. I'll keep updating as I remember more.

some links...

I went back and found an article on procrastination and thought I would post the link. I do suffer from major procrastination--I don't think its life threatening, yet. The other thing I've really been lovin' like McLovin is the New York Times Art & Design web page. It has great slide shows, articles and news. Just wanted to share. p