May 30, 2009
setback only temporary
Well, if you have been following my blog, you probably noticed that, after I posted that my camera wasn’t working, I posted some rather blurry snapshots of a cute little snail I found. Well, literally the day after my post about my camera not working, it arose from its hibernation and began making me look silly for writing the post in the first place. I don’t know what the dealio with my camera was, but I am glad to have it back. I must confess, however, I haven’t really been taking any photos. : (
Years ago I skimmed a book called Write It Down, Make It Happen. The author of this book theorized that when one writes down a goal, from the very achievable to the seemingly outlandish, that the act of writing down the goal sets the goal into motion; that writing a goal down clarifies it and make it more real, and that from there, the goal setter will more actively work on the goal. To me, this makes perfect sense.
So, my goal is to take more photographs. I want to take photographs outside of pretty things, dilapidated things and anything that strikes my fancy, really. I want to set aside more time to just look for things to photograph, and shoot everywhere I go without hesitation. (<——This is me clarifying my goal)
Now, hopefully, with my goal written and clarified a bit more, this (according to the books theory) should help me get off my lazy butt and go outside for a change, camera in hand. Wish me luck guys!
May 28, 2009
The Ghost in Your Genes
It was late Wednesday night, and I, in my unfortunately developed routine, was up at 2:00 am wanting to go to sleep, but still wide awake. So, plodding through the internet, I came across this amazingly captivating documentary The Ghost in Your Genes.
The Ghost in Your Genes is a documentary about the groundbreaking new field of epigenetics. Wikipedia defines epigenetics as referring to heritable traits that have had changes in “phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell’s life and may also last for multiple generations.” As there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism, non-genetic factors cause the organism’s genes to behave or “express themselves’” differently.
In other words, epigenetics proposes that genes are not as static and one dimensional, as was once believed. It suggests that not only does traditional molecular DNA inheritace effect human characteristics, health, and personality, but that environmental factors effect human traits and health, as well, by modifying the way the inherited DNA chromosomes function. It also suggests that these epigenetic modifications can last generations past the environmental experience which caused the alteration. This implies, simply, that how our ancestors lived, ate, and even argued is directly influencing our health and psychology today.
The Ghost in Your Genes (Horizon 2005)
The scientists who believe your genes are shaped in part by your ancestors’ life experiences.
Note: This original documentary was broadcast in 2005 on the BBC. PBS NOVA has aired an updated version on October 16, 2007, which has new scientists and new data, and which is worth the watch.
See the updated NOVA version here.
May 27, 2009
new artists
I am adding two artists to my links, Erin Morrison and Sarah Spitler. Both are draftswomen working with a variety of media who are creating quite interesting work.
Morrison’s landscapes focus on nature’s adaptive relationship to the man made inorganic. Morrison pushes her images past realism into abstraction to emphasize nature’s transformation, all the while keeping small remnants of the the familiar, representational aspects of nature and industry to remind the viewer of the reality of the conceptual issue. Morrison aims to reconnect the viewer with the subject on an emotional, empathetic level by referencing photography but eliminating the separative camera lens.
$2300 / 1br 1bath LUXURY, STEAM ROOM, CITY VIEWS!: Brooklyn, NY (2008)
Mixed wet and dry media on Arches Aquarelle
24″ x 32″
Spitler’s work is non-representational. Spitler explores the paint, ink, and other media, layering one on top of the other, and often mixing them, in what she describes as the search for the “emergence of fragments of imagery in relation to a destructive force”. Her work aims to serve as an analogy to the often destructive relationship between the permanent and ephemeral in nature.
Vorticital Obsolescence (2008)
Ink, acrylic, and enamel on Mylar
16″ x 16″
May 25, 2009
quick shots
Here are some quick (unfocused) shots of a little snail outside my apartment. I tried so hard to get good shots, but I think you get the drift anyhow. It was so cute!
May 23, 2009
Six Degrees of Separation
The science of networking is totally fascinating to me. I have always, personally, been interested why things function the way they do, and more specifically why humans function the way they do.
Why does one blush when another says something flattering about them? And why, in relationships, does it seem that people like the chase, but not like being chased?
The understanding of how things are built, or organized, is the basis of understanding why they function in a particular way, from the microscopic to the macro cosmic. For example, if I understand how emotions work within the brain, and then how that relates to blood flow, then my question about blushing is answered. The science of networks addresses this issue of organization. Understanding networks informs us about how things are, and, therefore, why things behave the way they do.
The following documentary is about networks, and how the science of networks is being used today in a variety of ways.
Six Degrees of Separation (BBC)
Documentary unfolding the science behind the idea of six degrees of separation. Originally thought to be an urban myth, it now appears that anyone on the planet can be connected in just a few steps of association. Six degrees of separation is also at the heart of a major scientific breakthrough; that there might be a law which nature uses to organize itself and that now promises to solve some of its deepest mysteries.
May 21, 2009
recent paintings
If you have read my about page, then you know I am an art major. I am still a youngin’ when it comes to art, that is I am still in school and don’t have a clear picture of what I want my work to be yet. However, I think I might choose painting as my area of emphasis.
Here are some of my paintings, in chronological order, from the 2 last semesters. Most are assignments, but progress none the less.
Still Life - 2008
Still Life - Detail
Still Life - Detail
Portrait - 2009
Portrait - Detail
Portrait - Detail
Still Life - 2009
Still Life - Detail
Still Life - Detail
Figure - 2009
Figure - Detail
The Opposite of North - 2009
The Opposite of North - Detail
The Opposite of North - Detail
The Opposite of North - Detail
May 20, 2009
vintage bathing suits
I am in love with vintage bathing suits!
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