Inspire: Harry Callahan

 Added to February 14, 2017
Feb 142017
 

Harry Callahan, Unknown Title, 1953

Since today is valentine’s day, my artist’s theme is love. One photographer quickly came to mind because of his love and obsession with his wife Eleanor. Many times an artist gains creative energy and drive because of a muse, and many times that muse is also their lover… Beyond city photographs and double exposures, Harry was most known for his wide range of creative portraits of his wife and daughter, in almost every scenario, clothed and nude, and every pose. He also established a photography program at the Rhode Island School of Design in 1961 (where I attended and took many photography courses, great art school).

Cantaloupe Still Life

 Added to February 13, 2017
Feb 132017
 

I began by thinking about how important the Still Life is to art and art history. I wanted to bring this into my photography, but with a surreal twist. I purchased a cantaloupe at the store, figuring this was classical still life subject matter, and because I really liked the texture. I then thought it would be interesting to suspend the object using twine. (I cannot say why I am so interested in using string and suspension in my work. That is a psychological matter I will find the answer to.) A while through the shoot I decided to cut part of the cantaloupe and then experiment with hand positions in order to put a human form into the frame. The contrast, texture, symmetry, and especially my hands really grabbed my attention.

Painting of the USA

 Added to February 2, 2017
Feb 022017
 

I mostly stick to abstract works when I paint, but given today’s current issues (a new president screaming lies, an administration eager to rip apart years of positive progress in this country, the silencing of science, and the neglect of environmental issues), I have decided to make a painting about my feelings… If you are unaware, an upside down flag does not mean anything against my country, but rather symbolizes a warning sign: “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” – title 4, chapter 1, § 8 a

Quotes: Don Miguel Ruiz

 Added to February 1, 2017
Feb 012017
 

Sunset Quotes: Don Miguel Ruiz

“Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child, before you understood the meaning of any word, before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a flower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun.” – Don Miguel Ruiz wrote a book called The Four Agreements which I think is one book everyone could live better with. It really breaks down the fundamentals of living more happily and being good to others. I have all four agreements written down and I try to look at them time to time to keep myself in check.

The Dreaming State