Feng Shui

For my birthday I received a gift certificate for a massage, a much needed one I might add. I woke up late the morning of my appointment, rushed to get there, struggled to find parking and on top of it I was sweating like a pig because it is so hot out here in Tucson, Arizona. Anyway I walked into the establishment which looked nice, but similar to many salon/spas I've seen in my life; over priced hair products and plenty of magazines. As I walked up to the counter the masseuse came over and asked me if I wanted a glass of water or tea, I replied sure. She then showed me the way to the room we would be in. She opened the door and there was a table in this small white brick room. Instantly I was soothed by the aroma, the music and of course the shrine of Buddha there in the far end of the room. Buddha was large and had a small fountain behind it that provided a creek like sound. I instantly turned off my phone and went into zen mode; all because of this environment that she had created. As I walked out I found myself relaxed and content. Then I went to work, its not the work that bugs me, its these stacks of lost papers, the giant metal file cabinets, and mismatched furniture. Good feelings gone, stress on, I just wish I could organize the world or at least the one I am exposed to so that I could feel that calmness all the time. My roommate who is a pack rat laughs at me because I believe in feng shui; laughs until she comes home and says, wow it feel so good in here, did you clean? Nope, just spent some time placing objects in places that make me feel good!

música para el mundo

Music is one of my most favorite forms of art. Through someone else's perspective we are able to experience their reality! What explains the chills I get when I hear a certain note? Or the flood of emotion that happens when I relate to the lyrics? Music is a universal form of communication; it is used within every culture, normally playing a very predominant role. Even when trying to sit here and explain my opinion of music I am lost because there is just so much to say. Religion, or any other type of cultural practice incorporates music almost every time. Different sectors within cultures use music as their means of expression; rap, country, punk rock. We listen to it in our cars, in our homes and now thanks to the good ol ipod...where ever we want. Major corporations have been built using music as it's product. Many lives have been improved or destroyed as a result. As a fan of many different types of music I almost always have an open mind. Yet these days I'm wondering where all the soul has gone; is it only about money now?

"I don't want art for a few"

"I do not want art for a few, anymore than education for a few, or freedom for a few"...Wow, that's some pretty powerful sh*t. Excuse my language I wouldn't know how else to say it. This statement founded a whole movement of art for artists...A revolutionary time that said; Screw the academy and who they deem fit...let them ponder over if the work is to the liking of the patron; this art is for the people. When does the oldest form(artistic) form of expression gain the respect and admiration it has always deserved, without being tormented by a chosen bunch? Why do people snub artists then turn around and buy art to 'decorate' their homes? It tickles me, yes I said tickles me when people turn their noses to a fine art major. What could possibly be floating threw their minds? I could argue that my practice (of art) is one of the most universal forms of communication to date, as well as the most useful. What's on your mind??? What do you think I mean by presenting this Car Wash???

BLOG OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE.

I chose a couple of blogs that you can find at the bottom of the left column on this page. I chose the first one (http://iheartphotograph.blogspot.com/) because it is basically a connection to many photographers; famous or not that display their work there on that blog. Each photograph or image has a link to another blog, related websites or the artist's website. The purpose of this blog is to post work, get exposure and feedback. Also could be used to research artists. What I really liked about this blog is the freedom of content and its use of images in place of words. It allows you to form your own opinions of the images before the writing clouds your interpretations. The second blog(http://harrioak.blogspot.com/) I chose is an artist community blog centered in Oakland, California (where I used to live for some time). While there I was exposed to a growing artist community and for that reason I was curious what's going on these days there. This blog is designed to inform local artists and supporters of events or news happening within the art culture. The types of events are located on a very wide spectrum of purpose; but all connected to the theme of art culture. Design being such a versatile word is spread up and down, across and within both of these websites...just have a look!

Eve-The Seductive Temptress

Oh, the metaphor of the evil, seductress! What we have here is is religious reference to the book of Genesis in which the apple represents the fall of man into evil; which would have never happened if it would not have been for Eve; that damn woman. The red although is the natural color of the apple is extremely temping and sexually implicit when paired with her. Everything about her expression is inviting or seductive. The wicker chair in which she sits creates a sort of halo around her head. I read this as a metaphor for her innocence just before they take the regretful bite. What I have to address in this interpretation of Eve is that I have never seen her portrayed as a Native or 'ethnic' woman. I have two reactions to this: one, the artist is Native or 'ethnic' and a religious man/woman that wants simply to include his/her race in a historic fashion or challenge the currently accepted Eve; and the other, the artist who decided to consciously represent this temptress that cost us all our innocence as pagan. I understand that this is a harsh assumption, but I have to reiterate the fact that women of color are never representative of Eve; in my experience. Her eyeliner gives an 'eastern' look to her as I have to point out Native Americans did not wear make up in this fashion. This supports the idea for me that this woman is to represent an ungodly way of life; pagan. Personally I enjoy a woman of color playing historic roles. These are other images made by this photographer, I challenge you reader to visit this website and compare the images you see for yourself and decide what intention this artist had when creating this image of Eve using this woman and futher identify why. Its obvious that Oya is going to be a black woman, I only included this image because I interpret it as dangerous and intimidating where as Oya in other imagery has been portrayed a in a more subtle manner. I am just curious of others opinion...Oya could have easily been placed in the clouds like this other image because she is a referance to weather... just notice these choices and how they effect others in their acceptance of truth. (http://www.stevesphotosmythology.com/images/)

New Old Font

Typeface is a extremely important element in design. It is an element chosen with careful consideration by designer that intend to not only communicate using words but also using visual element that compliment the theme. I chose this advertisement because the typeface used reminds me of bookman/courier or another typeface accepted in a professional setting. Perhaps it even resembles a typeface that a type-writer produces. With that in mind this could reference an outdated practice such as office work; this unsatisfying career that is limiting and rigid. On the other had the typeface has been manipulated to look more playful and revolutionary. With the context of this movie in mind I agree that this typeface was most successful in its representation of the movie's content. The movie embraced creative thinking and rebellious thoughts. If the typeface would have just been one that was not similar to a professional font then manipulating it would not have been so successful. I would also like to add that if you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend you rent it!

Color

Color is such a powerful tool in visual communication. The relevance of the color to the design is often an overlooked detail by the viewer. It is simply aesthetically pleasing rather than intentionally placed. Just think of how much time one spends on the color they chose to paint their room, or their kitchen. And just consider how the standards of exceptional colors may vary from room to room. It is the same in design; the choice of color should be considered one of the most important choices when designing something. Do we want to choose light blue and send a soft, subtle message, or shall we use red to shout the importance. What most fail to recognize is that graphic designers are aware of all aspects of their work and in some cases can even trick you into believing something just by their approach and use of color. Then there is the use of color as a symbol; Purple is a color associated with royalty and prestige. Red, white and blue, no matter how we try to disassociate will always refer to the American flag. If the baby that was just born into your family comes out in a blue blanket would you assume that he is a she? Just some mind food to munch on when thinking about design...

Everyone is a Leader

I have read this Incomplete Manifesto for Growth many times during my study of art. The funny thing is every time I read it I am attracted to different numbers. For example when I originally had to pick one in a graphic design course I chose. Avoid software (24) and Break it, stretch it, bend it, crush it, crack it, fold it (37). I'm going to assume I chose these because I was also in a 3D course so the advice seemed appropriate. Now I am going to have to choose the following: Allow events to change you (1), stay up late (18), don't borrow money (31), imitate (35) and laugh (41). All of these statements are useful in a creative mind. I have chosen the above mentioned statements because nothing in life stays the same, I can't sleep, I'm broke, I am in a photographer's block and when all is close to hopeless what can you do but laugh. I believe that the fluidity of creativity is what sooths the soul of an artist. In terms of using these statements in future designs or projects I would say the winner would be stay up late; I work well in the night.

Propaganda?

While visiting the beautiful country of Cuba I stumbled across a billboard. This billboard was like none other I had ever seen, yet I was more curious of the content, rather than defensive. In our history books as Americans we are taught that Cuba is a communist state; that a dictatorship that has oppressed the people of Cuba for a little over four decades was ran by a bad man named Fidel Castro.
As I stared at the image of Uncle Sam and his drooling mouth I began to recognize that although the people of Cuba had nothing against Americans, the government was aggressively weary. It was not until I read the Monroe Doctrine did I began to understand Cuban/US relations.
I believe that this billboard inspired pride and dedication to the Communist Party of Cuba, by the loyal citizens that reside there. The placement of this billboard was within a mile of the Jose Marti memorial site.
Would it be safe to say that this embargo that has separated us for so many years was put in place because of a tax that Fidel Castro intended to impose on the US land that produced sugar? Would it be safe to say that before Las Vegas there was Havana, Cuba and the leaders no longer wanted to be a playground for mobsters who lived in the US?
I can say that the country has produced many successful and superbly educated doctors that are scattered all over the world. And that the gap between the rich and the poor is nearly sealed.
Or do we take the opposing side and say that missiles were heading for The United States of America by the Soviets with the help of the Cuban Communist Party? Will we normal people ever know the truth? I would say probably not.
I think its time to take this billboard down and put one up of Obama shaking hands with Raul Castro connecting a relationship that for so many years has been deprived. Each country should be treated with the same amount of respect as the other. And to quote Rodney King “Can’t we just all get along”.