Jolt's Ramblings

2012-01-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

I no longer update here. Instead please follow me at http://kaceyanisastamats.tumblr.com/.

2009-12-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

2009-12-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

2009-12-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

The Next Big Thing

2009-12-12T15:19:00.000-08:00

Or at least, my idea of it, looks something like this,

Friends and loved ones have been pointing out for some time the interest towards reflections within my photography.

So I've begun to go through the collection looking for works based on just that. I'm organizing a mini show on just this subject, look for more news on it here.

Home Stead

2009-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

This is the place I live now, hard wood floors, space, gorgeous view and Western light. Unfortunately, I am on the hunt for a new apartment come Jan. 16th. Hopefully in Astoria or Manhattan. Hopefully and easy commute to and from work.

This Blog Has Been on Haitus for Far Too Long

2009-08-08T07:34:00.001-07:00

Coney Island, look close at this Ferris wheel, as it rotates the carts move along those tracks...

mmmm

2009-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

This mornings eye-catching store belongs to Reparapy.

I could spend the whole day browsing and day-dreaming about this shops gorgeous fashion photos and luscious scarves, eye masks, and indulgence kits, (not to mention their ingeniously modeled products) but work calls.

Interview With Soul Reader

2009-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

What follows is a simple interview with Soul Reader Kathy Crabbe, the owner of luludesign.etsy.com, founded in 1993. I encourage anyone as curious about this woman's talent as I was to also explore her website and blog, www.KathyCrabbe.com and SoulReaderBlog.blogspot.com, respectively.

1. For the absolute novice, what is soul reading?

A soul reading is similar to a psychic reading, but more in-depth. It does involve prophecy, but it also involves healing, inspiration and practical exercises that will encourage clients to work on their issues long after the reading is over. The true purpose of a soul reading is to jump start the process of soul transformation, and encourage the client to accept accountability for their life.

I begin each soul reading by taking a look, with the use of my third eye or inner vision, at my client’s overall energy state, their soul spirit essence, their Divine nature; it is the part of you that never dies.

Note: All my readings are distance readings. According to scientific and spiritual studies, time and space are illusions. For example, we can't actually see radio waves, but they work don't they? We can work together from anywhere because all readings are done via email.

I may also work with some or all of these techniques during a psychic-soul reading:

Auras: a reading of the energy field around the body through clairvoyance (clear seeing), clairaudience (clear hearing), clairalience (clear smelling), or clairsentience (clear feeling/touching).

Prophecy: foretelling the future through inspired inner visions.

Soul Purpose: A look at one’s soul mission and potential as expressed through one’s personality in this lifetime.

Therapeutic: An exploration of the physical, etheric, and astral planes to detect disease, blockages of life force energy, and unresolved emotional issues. Visualization, affirmation, and gemstone healing exercises are suggested.

Channeling: Channeled guidance may be received from spirit guides, animal totems, or ancestors (departed loved ones) on the astral planes.

Ancient Knowledge: Mythical tales of gods and goddesses, archetypal zodiac wisdom, healing herb suggestions, and Druidic Celtic advice will often accompany a reading. My art history degree does come in handy sometimes!

Oracle Cards: My artwork is intended as a sacred touchstone to enh

ance the verbal message of each reading and to help my client resonate

with their reading in a visual way. I work with 4 oracle decks of my own creation: the fairy herbal healing cards, lefty oracles, zodiac goddesses, and Celtic tree wisdom cards.

2. What are your thoughts on Palmistry?

I do not work with palmistry, but I do find it interesting.

3. How does the sensation of a reading with someone present differ from the reading done afar?

For me personally, I find that reading someone's energy over distance gives much better results. It allows me to put my full attention upon the client's soul spirit essence, and not be distracted by how they might be feeling at that moment. I will still be able to sense if they are nervous,

unfocused, or even skeptical, but because they are far away it will not be as distracting as if they were sitting right in front of me.

4. About the cat related artwork in your shop, is there any special meaning attached to the cat? In past life work, how often do you find people who spent time as cats?

Cats have been a part of my life since I was a child. To me a home is not really a home until a cat is part of the family. I often end up painting my pets, because they are my best friends and best models.

I have not yet encountered anyone who has lived as a cat in a past life, but I have encountered people’s pets during a mediumship reading!

5. The mermaids in Magical Friends, and elsewhere in your shop exude such a friendly femininity. what is your favorite myth of the mermaid or sirena?

My favorite mermaid myth is the one about Silkies (or Selkies) and I have named one of my Celtic mermaids “Silkie.” I also loved the Irish movie, “The Secret of Roan Inish” because it involves a Silkie.

6. Also as if for the utter novice, please define, or begin to explain Karma...

Karma can be explained quite simply; what comes around goes around.

7. In your profile is an impressive list of past mentors, please tell a story of your learning experiences...

I have had many wonderful teachers and guides over the years but my primary psychic-mediumship training is from the English psychic and trance channel, Adam Higgs. I participated in a six month long weekly spiritual development circle, also known as an English Traditional Teaching Circle and it was a fantastic experience that allowed a small and devoted group of us to practice psychometry, psychic reading, energy healing and mediumship on a weekly basis. Adam, our facilitator likened it to Psychic Boot Camp.

My life transformed at this time, partly due to the influence of a major astrological occurrence called Uranus Opposition that occurs around age forty for all of us. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open ourselves spiritually and emotionally, as we discover what is truly important for our soul on a deeper level as we explore this second phase of life. For me, this meant devoting myself to working with the Divine Spirit on a professional level as a psychic-medium, artist, astrologer and spiritual guide, to help people transform their own lives in a creative and intuitive way.

Jolt's Note: Belief is not the question here, what went above was instead, I hoped, is as intriguing as it is entertaining.

And Other Suprises

2009-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

While I am happy to eagerly await the smaller version of this item, ordered by a dear friend, I am even more excited to announce my intentions of doing a full review. The seller had no idea I'd do this, and judging from her track record, this may be just another look what is cool on etsy. As most of you know, I already celebrate this subject matter in my own shop;

Natamon

2009-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. Please introduce yourself, and you alter ego...o.k....especially your alter ego...

Hi! My name is Natalie and 'Natamon'(my alter ego). Natamon (which would mean 'Natalie Monster' in Japanese) is the creative, whimsical side of me, with a very large dash of the theatrical and bizarre. She has a voracious appetite for all things creative, cute, and even random. My regular self would be content to see and pet a cute dog. However, my Natamon side would like to dress it up, and place it in a themed photo shoot cooking breakfast. Natamon also has cute demands that must get met, otherwise, she gets very sad!

2. The relationship between animals, (insects as well) and humans in your shop is much explored...How do you relate to animals in your own life?

I relate to animals very closely, with dogs and cats having a particularly special place in the top two. Mind you, I adore just about any animal, including ones that most people would not find cute in nature, like warthogs. There is a peace I feel inside, when I watch animals simply 'be themselves'. I respect and enjoy the harmony of them being part of creation, and can truly see how they benefit us all. I think they help to calm the heart and make is smile.

3. I adore lemurs. This is no secret. Can you tell more about Soup for Two...?

The artwork called,'Soup for Two', is really part of my fascination with animals doing things with people, in a very human, personified way. I had not yet captured an art piece with a lemur in it, and thought the animal would make a very find guest to have soup with, in my mind's eye.

Commercials where animals are doing human things, snag my attention as if I am 3-years-old, I find them so adorable.

I also wanted to create a snapshot-in-the-life-of the characters in this piece, a bit like you were sitting alongside them eating. The mood of the artwork is docile and quaint, where the animal and girl are simply enjoying the flavor of the meal, and their company. I guess you could say it creates a storybook page quality too.

4. Names, where did the name of your parallel store, (dream trappings), come from?

I found myself on the brink of falling head over heels for jewelry designing, and knew I wanted to have my own shop to share these creations. So, deciding upon a name, I began researching less likely sources online for inspiration, such as a website which had old Victorian slang. This led me to further jog my mind about and settle on 'trappings', to describe the pretty jewelry that so many love to wear. It was a word I rarely hear. This was combined with the word,'dream', because I just felt it fit.

5. What animal do you most identify with, and why?

Most people would compare me to a cat I think, but I identify with dogs more than any animal.(My husband says I am much like a woodland creature, such as a rabbit or squirrel) Dogs, if well trained, are easy going, and loyal-which are qualities I can identify with. There is something about their attentive stares and love for what is basic in life. Love, food, rest and play. I appreciate those things very much too.

6. Are you a morning, evening, or afternoon
person?

Certainly most of my life, I have been a night person. It has been a task trying to fight it, because
the day yields to so much needing to be done at that time!

7. Imagine and describe the perfect morning,
afternoon, or evening...

The perfect afternoon would be a fabulous temperature,(not too hot or too cold) shopping for lots of beads and art supplies, making projects with them, with a giant meal at my favorite restaurant for the early dinner finish.

8. Who and what inspires you?

First and foremost? God. I cannot have true inspiration without giving Him my thoughts and day to direct. He centers me, gets me off an running helps my work unfold. In the earthly sense, I think simply looking at ordinary photos of people and animals.

Many times, when I look at a photograph, I see what could be added or changed to create artwork incorporating it. Every once in a while, the actual art of others will inspire me.
Colors also, are a huge inspiration. I will look at everything from patterns in clothing, scrapbook papers-stained glass windows and find myself trying to memorize the colors I see side by side. I will then usually take those colors, write them down and think,'Ok, what can I make with these?!' That process is very enthusing, because it's a wonderfully fun challenge. I just adore color combinations and how they work together.

9. If you could choose another life, would you?

Many, many moons ago, I may have chosen another life. But seeing how both the good and bad in my life has shaped who I am thus far, it is hard to trade. I am not as close up to it all, now that the past is memory, which allows me to gain the grace of perspective. I may not understand everything, but much of it connects together, linking me with the now.

If I was someone else, no doubt the novelty would wear off after a short time, and I would miss the old me. I like to think my close friends and family would feel the same too.

You've seen it before

2009-05-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

but it was not for sale at the time

The Beard Hat and Other Wonders

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Bead Hat!
from someone else's shop, as usual....

The idea was born in the midst of cube-jungle in the least creative of all places - the Accounting Department! My company had been going through a tough time and we were looking for something to laugh at. My coworker found a similar product online by a Scandinavian company that was trying to sell a bearded hat for over $150! He knew that I was a crocheter, so he suggested I try making them myself. I had made several hats and I found some patterns online for a similar product, so I combined different ideas to come up with the Amazing Beard Hat! I love hearing why people are buying it - one person thought it would be a great gag gift for her husband that couldn't grow a beard, another person gave it to her boyfriend to wear when he shovels the snow from her driveway, and another guy bought it to wear while sitting around drinking beer outside on a cold night!

When I'm not working or crocheting, I love to travel! I've been to 15 countries and I hope to add a couple more this year. I love crocheting while I travel (on airplane, trains, etc) because it's a great conversation starter and it makes the time go quickly. I love multi-tasking, and it's a great way to be productive, while also getting yourself from point A to point B.

Since I work at Circuit City (and most people know the end of that story) I'm going to have some free time in the near future. I'm hoping to generate enough sales to at least by a plane ticket to Europe to bum around and visit some friends. We'll see if that happens!

Spending a weekend without computer contact would be difficult! (I'd probably cheat and access mobile web on my phone!) I love to get away to the beach and just spend hours hanging out with friends staring out into the ocean while chatting, reading, going for walks.

Spending time on the water is another passion of mine. I've been waterskiing since I was young and I'm fortunate to spend almost every weekend of the summer hanging out on the James River. We've taught countless people to waterski or wakeboard.We've had plenty of crazy adventures on the water - one time we were having a picnic out on the boat and it started pouring - but we just continued the picnic anyways! Every few minutes we'd have to pour the water off the plates. Another time we were convinced we saw a big brown bear on the river banks... turns out it was just a cow. ;) I never laughed so hard as when my someone slipped while going down the ladder into the water and ended up getting caught on a hook and dangling from the side of the boat by her bathing suit!

Sprout Mama and the Apacolypse

2009-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Weekly Feature

Well, we may not have decided where we would be spending a zombie apocalypse, my friends are still torn between the high reaches of a mountain fortress, and a private yacht safely on the ocean, (well, if zombies don't float)...but assuming the economy takes a further dive, and infrastructure as we know it collapses...or everything melts and Kevin Costner shows up on a watercraft, or we find ourselves wandering the empty streets of London calling, hello, hello....now would be the time to gear up with sprout mama.... Sprout mama divides her store by local, ocean, forest, and desert, and her clothing, though apocalyptic in style, lends itself to an earthy sort of punk, environmental statement, or summer in nature...now, the interview....

1. Favorite apocalyptic film...

haha! i'm having a giveaway right now in which the person who guesses my favorite apocalyptic movie wins a prize, so lets just say it has a dog in it ;)

2. Now, beyond that film, if you had the budget, crew, and cast to spin out your own post-apocalyptic yarn, what would it be about? How would it look? Who would be in it?

oh man i've dreamed of this movie. it would start with a mother nature takes revenge type apocalypse...flooding, storms, locusts the works. after it all ends and settles and everyone who has survived is coming out of hiding and trying to start over a band of women finds each other and starts a journey across the country trying to get to where they think is salvation. they have to walk there and as they go on their journey they come to learn a lot about themselves and who their beliefs have all changed. before they make ti to their "salvation" they decide they don't want it anymore, so they stop along the way at some incredible place they find and make their own salvation. . . i want to make a comic about this....

"Things i am inspired by: comic books, post apocalypse movies,

the sound of bricks through windows, fresh baked bread, leather,
amazons, forests, feral children, rust."- sproutmama's Profile

3. Amazons? As in Amazon warriors? And if so, tell us your favorite Amazon story...

To me amazons is not just the women warriors of the amazon... i use the word to describe all the incredibly strong and powerful women that have influenced me. i am privileged enough to have so many incredible women in my life with so many stories to tell about Salli Marcella Grace. she was an amazing woman who traveled alone, carried a shank, hopped trains and belly danced. she was the most genuine person i know. a true warrior. during her last days she brought food and water to those on the border and taught belly dancing classes in Mexico and danced in benefits to help those in need. she was always such a positive person. at her memorial someone told a story of how one day Sali and a few of her friends cooked a dinner in Tuscan, Arizona. there wasn't much food and so every one got tiny portions. during dinner Sali burst out crying. she said;

" i cant sit here and eat this meal when people are out there suffering. in Mexico no one would eat a small meal like this, everyone shares with one another. they are so poor there and yet they give and give, here we only take".

After that Sali went back to Mexico and was going to perform her belly dance at a benefit show. she never made it there. her body was found a few weeks later in a cabin. we all miss her very much. but the thing about amazons, is that their strength inspires everyone around them. they never truly die.

4. Let's talk about the recurrent waves theme within your work....

the ocean is very special to me. the waves give me hope. not matter what ails you, the waves can wash it away. i had a daughter before my baby hunter was born. i watched the movie whale ride every single day that i was pregnant with her. when she was born i knew i would name her Paikea...the whale rider. i had a home birth with her and there were a lot of complications. she lived for nine days before we decided to take her off life support. the doctors told us there was no hope of her recovering. now whenever i think of her i see oceans. i know for certain they she has returned to the sea. a lot of mu designs lately have been a reflection of my memories of Paikea and of Sali.

5. About possibilities, tell the story of one of your favorite found pieces and subsequent creations...

Well, all of my materials are found pieces but there is one in particular. i was visiting my friend laddie at her cabin in the woods and as soon i stepped on her property i found this incredible stone. it was a smooth round rock and as i turned it over i noticed it had a perfect hole through it.

i saved it and saved it until i finally made a piece i felt fit. it sold right away to my lovely friend who had just found out she was pregnant, i wouldn't let her pay for it though lol. I'm glad she has it because the stone reminded me of birthing stones indigenous women used during childbirth. really all my pieces have stories. . .

Thanks again to Spourt Mama for this deeply personal, and fascinating interview. Readers, please link over to Sprout Mama's store if you haven't already, at sproutmama.etsy.com.

Upcoming

2009-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tune-in in 9 days for an interview with Natamon, artist and jewelry artisan.

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Now is also a good time to have a look at Artsy Crafty, featured in my left side column.

A Gothic Punk Ebook Wedding.

2009-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

The big day they say every girl dreams about, that last instant when the bride gazes into the mirror, is the black gown flowing as it should be? Are the ghouls in place?

The Wedding Skulls team specializes in a separate kind of wedding, customers with their own set of wants, needs, and atheistic that would stump the typical planner.

1. Has it been difficult to market e-products?

Not really. Because my products fall into such a niche (alternative weddings), and I KNOW where that niche hangs out on the internet, its simply a matter of making sure they know about my ebooks.

The great thing about ebooks is they don't require any supply costs, apart from an internet connection. They don't require shipping, or printing costs. They're VERY good for the environment, which I feel is important. They take awhile to write but once you've written one, you can resell it again and again. I really do believe that ebooks are a way of the future, although I won't be giving up on the printed word any time soon.

2. What advice would you have for vendors just beginning to market electronic and internet ware?

Research before you begin. Decide on a target market. Research similiar products availiable for that target market. What gaps are there? What information is your target market not recieving? Come up with a list of five or so ebook ideas. Then choose one to begin writing.

Write a business plan, and stick to it. It really helps focus your efforts.

Write a plan before you start your ebook. I find I write twice as fast when I've written a detailed plan.

If you're not a writer but you still want to market ebooks, hire a copywriter to turn your ideas into a sell-able book. Poorly-written ebooks WILL NOT SELL. Ditto with websites riddled with spelling and grammar errors, or poorly written marketing copy. If you can't do it, hire someone (like me :)) who can.

Pick ONE or TWO marketing projects and focus on doing them really well. I market on my blog and through discussion forums. I don't twitter, facebook, myspace, digg, or anything or that sort. If I did all that I wouldn't have time to write.

3. If you could have a steam punk style romantic getaway, how would it be, where would you go, how would you get there, and why?

Ooh, what an excellent question. I'd take a steam train journey - either across the Australian desert or along the orient express, stopped everywhere to look at museums and take pictures in the epic scenery.

4. I'd love to read about another dream Gothic or punk wedding...

My husband and I had our wedding at Spookers, a haunted insane asylum just north of Auckland, New Zealand. The nurses quarters of the old asylum have been turned into a haunted attraction. They regularly host functions but we were the first wedding.

We wanted the theme to be 'heavy metal' and everything we loved. We're both ex-archaeologists so we love swords and warriors and historical stuff, so we chose outfits that reflected that. Once my husband's mother declared he would NOT turn up in his ripped jeans and cannibal corpse shirt (our original plan), he designed his own outfit and chose his own sword (which we used to cut the cake). I sourced my dress from an online seller for a fraction of the cost of the same dress from a bridal shop. I didn't want flowers so I carried a lantern instead. Not one of our attendants matched.

What else? We exited our ceremony venue - a 150yr old circus tent - to Manowar's 'the gods made heavy metal'. We had our photos in the asylum grounds, making use of their awesome props like their old fashioned hearse. After the banquet all our guests got to go through the haunted attractions. Everyone picked on me! It was great fun. So many people said it was the best wedding they'd ever been to.

5. When can we begin to see more items in the other categories? (Of doom)

More products will be added over the next month, before we Officially launch, including more ebooks. The clothing / jewelery is made by my business partner Amy, and she's currently working with a photographer to capture her masterpieces. Trust me, these clothes are worth the wait... :)

When I get back from my Europe holiday in October I will be creating a line of alternative bath and beauty products, which will be a real treat.

6. Tell the story of one wedding fantasy, or real life nightmare,...

Well, we did have one horrible nightmare with our wedding rings. CDH (my husband - stands for Cantankerous Drummer Husband) designed our rings himself, based on an Anglo-Saxon design, a simple band with a rope border and a stone set inside the ring. Each was to be carved with 'twegan gastus in annes' - two souls as one'. His mother gave him some of HER grandmother's jewellery to melt down to make the rings.

So he takes the gold and his design to a jeweler and says 'can you make this?' The jeweler says 'no worries. I'll call you in two weeks when I've cut the molds.'

Six weeks goes by. CDH rings the jeweler several times, leaves messages, but gets no response. Finally, we go to the shop. It's disappeared, leaving no sign or forwarding address or phone number. hey have our gold.

We're ready to go to the police, but CDH's mother is determined to get her gold back on her own. She talks to all the nearby shop owners and tracks down several phone numbers. Eventually, finally she contacts the guy, who apologizes profusely, and turns up at their house with a nearly-completed ring. Boy did he get a blowing-up from my in-laws (love them!). But we got our beautiful rings (albeit three months late) so it all turned out o.k. in the end.

The gorgeous red dress featured in the top photos is called Nevermore. It is worth noting that this store also stocks books on writing, and fantastic bridal and gothic items.

Dinosuar Run!

2009-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

A delightfully youthful Interview with the very successful Annierexic...

1. When has your wicked sense of humor gotten you in big trouble?

Most definitely the time i decided to try my hand at social commentary at the ripe old age of fifteen. i wrote a very snarky myspace blog about how wearing leggings as pants is really really unflattering and gross. One girl from church thought i wrote it about another girl at church and it caused this big thing. Really i was just pointing out an unfortunate cultural phenomenon. Honestly.

2. Fast, a loved one, fiance, mother, or other very important or slightly scary person's birthday just leapt up on you, if you could give them one item from your shop as a gift, what would it be and why?

hmmmm.... probably one of the ANNIEsaurousREXic tees. cause everybody loves when eight year olds draw dinosaurs. even the people that say they dont. theyre lying.

3. Favorite color and a memory it evokes

Right now i'd have to say turquoisey blue, it reminds me of how i used to walk to the gas station around the corner every thursday to buy a blue ring-pop for seventy five cents.

4. Favorite scent, and taste....

Gratuitous violets soap from lush, the smell reminds me of the barbie bath products i had as a kid in the mid-nineties, it tastes terrible though, i much prefer the taste of blue ring-pops.

5. Favorite childhood memory...

im going to go with the time i was visiting my friends in oregon (i live in southern california, so i was very far from home), and after arriving at their house from the grocery store i started having this freakish allergic reaction to the soap i bought, and my eyes kept swelling and swelling until they were gone. it was really funny. especially the part where the nearest emergency room is half an hour away.

6. What animal best describes you and your personality?

a kitty! im completely useless except for aesthetic purposes. although that could also apply to exotic birds, but i hate those.

7. If you could go bungee jumping or parachuting any place in the world, would you? where?

i am SO terrified of jumping off/out of things that i probably couldn't. but maybe if somebody pushed me, i wouldn't mind parachuting into the ocean somewhere beautiful.

8. Favorite creation in your own shop right now and why...

the "all these people are probably dead" buttons. my bff marisa jane and i spent an afternoon buying books at thrift stores and then cutting out the black and white pictures from this AMAZING life magazine atlas of canada. theyre so interesting cause all of the people are different, and its really fun to imagine who they might have been.

Post script At the time of this interview, not everything in her shop was sold. I swear. Please join me in wishing she will make more buttons, and more...

Meet August

2009-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

"I dig in the ground to plant my trees.

I dirty my dress and scrape my knees.

A seed in the ground is worth two in the hand.

I know what grows under the earth where I stand."

-the profile of August Eve, Etsy Artist

She is the young girl with dark hair running into the wind, her face always obscured, dirt always under her fingernails, elusive smile everywhere....enchanting

1. August seems to be a recurring character in your work, please tell us a little about her...

August is a very special character to me. I named her after my first daughter (Evangeline August). Originally, I was drawing her as an older child, maybe a teenager. But I guess I was not ready to think of her as being that grown up, and started drawing her to look much younger, which sort of lead to the creation of all her little friends as they look today.

2. I find myself relating to your characters quite well, more than a sense of "Oh That's cute" there is a sense of, "Hey, I did that too!" Tell us about the use of children as characters in your artwork...

There is something about drawing children that really gets to me, and I think some viewers too. I always feel as though I am looking for something that I lost but want to have back. In the process of painting them I feel sort of connected to that world where everything is new and fresh and amazing, and it's all a complete mystery. I think we all want to go back there from time to time. And I really do think we can.

3. Any theories on how viewers relate to art?
I think we are most connected to art that reminds us of ourselves in some way. We feel something for the character in a painting because we can imagine how the character feels, and it is as if we are right there inside the painting. Viewers might feel more connected to their own childhood when looking at a painting, in the same way I was connected to my own when I painted it.

4. I know your artist's philosophy changes often, but all the same, if you can express one, please do.....

I am what I am (stole that one from Popeye)

5. Are there other characters with lives of their own in your work? Can you tell us anything about Andrew?

The real Andrew is such a great kid. He is one of my students at the school for dyslexics where I teach art. He fixes the computers when us teachers do something dumb. Most of his art projects in class are elaborate blue prints for ski lifts that he wants to design when he grows up, or electricity grids. One Monday not too long ago I told him that he could pick the teams for kickball on Wednesday. The next day he brought in a long contract for me to sign about letting him pick the teams, and that I would make everyone participate unless they had a note from their doctor. I get such a kick out of Andrew.

6. If you could step into one of your paintings, which would it be and why?

I like the one called "Taking it on the Road."

It's the one with the boy in clown makeup and the crow. It makes me think about my great uncle Fozy, who was a hobo, among other things. He used to stay with my grandparents right up the road from me and we were with them all the time. He had a pet monkey that lived mostly in the bathroom, which my grandma hated. I always thought of it as his sidekick that would have crazy adventures with him while they road the rails. That is what I was thinking about when I painted the boy with his crow. Like maybe they had an act that they would take from town to town, or wherever the wind might take them.

7. Tell me about your earlier creative memories, how does your art now relate to, or improve upon your first work?

Art really saved me growing up. I was (and still am) very dyslexic. I remember during class reading time, holding a book up to my face and pretending to read it, but having absolutely no idea what the words said. I felt so inferior to everyone else. Kids started to notice that I could draw, and all of a sudden I had something that I could hold on to and be proud of. I would get lost in art as a kid, and I wouldn't think about what I was going to make or what colors I would use, or anything. I would just start creating. Painting these children feels that same way to me. It's like re-connecting to that young artist that I somehow forgot about.

8. Wait, I have to ask. Where does your signature come from? And what does it mean? Is it a secret?

My signature is sort of a hold over from my past obsession with making Celtic knots. It looks a little bit like a table or something, but it is actually my version of a Celtic letter A.

9. Why Leaves of Grass?

Okay, this might sound sort of strange, but I really feel a connection to Walt Whitman. My mother used to tell me that I was born a hundred years too late because of my reluctance to use technology. I sometimes feel like I belong in the past more than the present. Not sure how to explain that exactly. I use a computer now, but still don't have a cell phone, which my friends hate.

I guess I am trying to make sense of things in the same way that Walt was trying to do with the approach of the industrial revolution. He just wasn't quite ready for it. He wrote and edited Leaves of Grass over more than thirty years. It progressed as a work of art as he progressed as a person, and to me Walt is Leaves of Grass, and Leaves of Grass is Walt. I hope that some day I can melt into my own work in the same way that he did.

My favorite quote:

"I celebrate myself, and sing of myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom that belongs to me as good belongs to you."

He was thirty seven when he wrote that.

Post script

True to his word, this Etsy artist does resemble a very young Walt Whitman. For now, I'll leave that to the collective imagination...

And P.S. A big Happy Birthday today to my Dad! Glad I could be here.

Reading Toxic

2009-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Novel under construction discussed in much of this interview is dark, a little violent, and as twisted as it claims to be....be forwarned...

Jester

...lest you, like me, become utterly addicted to the characters, story and prose. Not to mention the enticing style of display. The writer updates with new chapters, patchwork short stories, and art. I'll be honest, I like etsy, but I prefer a good read, and today's feature is about a writer, and etsy shop owner, Mathaowny

"It's a haven, a little dark spot in a little crazy world."

1. About the genesis of Toxic Paradise. In your artist's page, this world is referred to as long standing, something you have been working on your whole life...How much of Toxic Paradise came to you as a series of dreams? How much invents itself as you write down? How much, if any, planned ahead?

A lot of it started when I was really young; I had a lot of reoccurring dreams with a few of the characters in them that I now use-- Puppetmaster, Whistler, Puck and Sesyara in particular. So I started to put a story with them, and added some characters as I went. Some of them are inspired by people I've met, others I just made for small parts (such as Scathach) and their importance to Twisted World just grew more and more. A lot of strange dreams keep adding to the story, and occasionally inspire a new character.

When I'm writing I have to keep the characters acting as they would in their world, so that really helps as new pieces are invented-- their reactions keep the story going. I do have to make up a lot as I go, particularly battle scenes.

I have most of Toxic Paradise and part of the second book (unnamed) planned out as well, but not much beyond that. I know pieces of the third, but have yet to really link them together.

2. What is your favorite breakfast meal in the world, and why?

A nice juicy steak with A1 sauce, eggs and hash browns with salsa on the side from IHOP.

For some reason I thought the answer might be oatmeal;

"Whistler makes the best oatmeal on the planet. Filled with fruit, doused with thick cream and sweetened with honey, it makes a great breakfast for someone that's been up all night making an attempt at survival." -Toxic Paradise.

Wait, are you, or have you ever been one of those people who sits all night in I-Hop writing poetry, or discussing writings with friends? (and least you feel interrogated, I am one of those people whenever I get the chance)

Yes, actually. I used to sit in IHOP at like 3 in the morning and write and draw and chat with two of my closest friends about the most random things. It's nice and quiet in there, perfect place to throw ideas out there and see if they fly.

4. Please tell us more about Puck, I can't speak for other readers, but I am eagerly waiting his reappearance....

Puck is short for Pucckarie. All I'm going to say is that he is the son of a rather powerful TW warlord, and also the owner of a flock of...um...birds. Yeah, that's it. "Birds".

5. Name at least three writers, musicians, or artists who have inspired you, and why...

Stephen King-- I've been reading his work since I was like 8 or 10, and love the horror aspect. He can reveal the dark side of a normal part of everyday life, which is a talent most writers don't have.

Nikola Tesla-- I'm counting him as an artist, since a lot of his creations, though scientific, have really inspired the artwork of TW. This is especially true of Loethial, who appears later in the first book. Also, Tesla had a lot of experiments dealing with sound and destruction, which I found out after the creation of Jester but found really interesting.

Austen T.-- a really good friend of mine that has this incredible talent for writing screenplays, in particular the horror ones. His work is absolutely amazing, and a constant inspiration.

Are you a fan of Lewis Carrol, and if so, what is your favorite qoute?

I am a fan of Lewis Carrol, though I haven't seen much of his work but Alice in Wonderland. A
good quote I can think of is:

"One of the secrets of life
is that all that is really worth the doing
is what we do for others."

6. Have you ever, or would you ever consider turning Toxic Paradise into a graphic novel or film?

I would absolutely love to, especially a film. As long as the director would stay true to the stories and characters, I think it would be stunning to be a visual entity like that. There are so many opportunities for a group of filmmakers to get really creative with something like a dreamworld.

If you've seen A Scanner Darkly I think it would be interesting to do it in that kind of way. As for a graphic novel, that's my plan for the end result.

For more, see Mathaowny's Etsy shop and also her website, the detailed and oft updated Whistler's Apartment.

Needle Felted

2009-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bellow, writer and creater rutabega talks about her craft, her controversial and acclaimed book and her philosophy on parenthood.

1. How does one become a needle felter? Is there a system involving sage teachers and years of hard work? Is it something you taught yourself one rainy Tuesday?

One day I was reading a blog and saw a needle-felted tapestry. I had never seen anything like it and I was curious, so I emailed the artist. She was nice enough to explain the basics. From there I just bought some roving and needles and started poking. That artist, Julie Persons, has an etsy shop as well http://juliepersons.etsy.com Her work is beautiful.

On the left, "Ada May's not as young as she used to be, but she's on friendly terms with her gray hair, having met every one with a smile."

2. I know it should be almost impossible to condense the work of your book into such a small space, but for my readers who are unfamiliar with "Unschooling" can you spell out a few points of basic philosophy and understanding?

The term unschooling was coined by John Holt in the 1970s. He was a teacher who, in observing his students, first began to believe in and advocate for school reform and later came to the conclusion that no amount of reform could solve what he saw as the problems inherent in compulsory schooling. Some of the basic ideas behind unschooling are that people are naturally driven to learn and that, with the support of their parents, kids can best learn to live in the world by living in the world.

What are the most important differences between "unschooling" and home schooling?

In general, homeschooling parents have some sort of agenda for what they think their children need to learn and unschooling parents don’t.

Dozens of definitions of this idea exist, what is your own?

In very simplistic terms, for our family, it’s living interesting and interested lives together.

In your experience, how do children learn so socialize frequently and happily in "Unschooling"...

My kids (who are 16 and 12) make friends in much the same way adults do. They do things they are interested in, meet other people who share their interests, are introduced to new people, meet people as they’re out and about, etc. They had (and have) support from myself, their dad, and lots of other people who love them as they learned to navigate social situations.

List three of the most important questions answered in your book....

Three points I hope people will take from my book are:

1) It’s ok to be nice to your kids.
2) Learning is natural and fun and not something you can or should or need to force.
3) Parents and children can live in partnership.

3. Please talk briefly about the experience of writing, and publishing....

I’ve always loved to write, so it was pretty natural for me to explore the philosophies and day-to-day realities of unschooling through writing. I started out writing just for myself, moved on to writing on message boards and email lists, and then had some articles published in various magazines. Eventually a friend suggested I write a book. It was a long process for me, in large part because I wanted to be sure my writing about unschooling didn’t interfere with my time with my kids, which would have been some weird irony.

4. I love the song too, but why don't you like pina coladas? And tell a joyful story of getting caught in the rain...(This question refers to the artsist's profile )

I can’t stand coconut. And you know how everyone who likes coconut says, “But this is different – it’s coconut but it doesn’t TASTE like coconut”? Always a big fat lie. Yes, even those Girl Scout cookies.

I think we can choose to find joy in any moment, rain or shine. One thing I like to do when it starts to rain is to tip my face up and feel it rather than shrink up into myself and try to hide from it. (In that I was inspired by a character in Another Roadside Attraction, by Tom Robbins.) I try to meet everything in life that way – to feel it, experience it, find some joy in it.

5. What is the item in your shop right now that you were most tempted to keep for yourself?

I have a hard time letting go of the jewelry with vintage components. I search hard for those pieces, and know I may never find anything quite like them again. I wonder who made them and who wore them. This one, for example----------------------->

"Fresh water pearls pair prettily with this intricate vintage sterling brooch.

Your head is heavy.
Why not show your neck some love?"

6. If you could relive any part of your childhood, what would it be and why?

I have so many happy childhood memories that I couldn’t possibly choose. I come from a big family with lots of love to go around. Listening to my dad’s stories, racing my mom for the mail, big family dinners, gardening, refinishing furniture, throwing a ball over the barn roof, falling asleep to the sound of the hockey game on TV, spending long days at the beach, painting, sleepovers, lying in the grass – I’d take any of it again, even the not so perfect moments. But I’m just as happy to see what comes next.

For more about this artist and writer see her blog at
http://another-roadside-attraction.blogspot.com/

Experiment with Hidden Poetry

2009-05-02T19:04:00.001-07:00

Above is an experiment in mini-web-site design, with a hidden and unfinished poem inside...

Free website - Wix.com

My Photo in Art

2009-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

As part of her parade of pets project, Starglowstudio has created this lovely depiction of a butterfly based off one of my photos. Click the image to the left to see the full work. Love it. Of course, by the time you see this, it may have already sold....

To participate in the parade of pets yourself email this seller images of the animals in your own life. She gives a special discount on sales to contributors, and it is well worth it to see your image as her art....

This butterfly photo was first seen and discussed in this post, way back when, thanks Kristy...

-J

Wolverine and other Handsome Men

2009-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Alright. So it was an enjoyable film. Popcorn worthy. I dare say it is best viewed in a theater. Even though we have been inundated with so many special effects that none care anymore, portions of this film are undeniably pretty. And I don't just mean the usual x-men film perpetual gleam.

The last fight scene, and Hugh Jackman´s perpetually taunt muscular shoulders are stunning on the big screen. It had a plot, which I will not spoil, a surprisingly good sense of humor, and some nice nods to the rest of the X-men universe. (Look for baby Storm in the oddest of places)

Just one question that I think is playing on a lot of minds.

Gambit. Remy.

The most sexy and charismatic figure in that fictional world, was played by this guy. He looks good at a distance, he even has a decent voice. Was I charmed? Should I be? still making up my mind. My gut says no, the face is wrong, the accent... but I'd love to know what you think.

Etsy Pic of the day

2009-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

First, a big thanks to everyone who participated in De-lurker day.Almost enough said.

This lovely bracelet, found in the shop of Jacarandadesigns, luxurious. Named,

Silver Blue Goddess Bracelet.

for more, see this blog, jacarandagal.blogspot.com

De-Lurker Day

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Heeeeellllloooo readers....

That is a photo of me lurking. I know, I don't look very approachable which is why I must say;

I declare today delurker day!

That means if you, dear reader, visit but never follow, read but never comment, today is the way to say hello!

So tell us a bit about yourselves....

1. Where are you from?

2. If you could live anyplace in the world....?

3. Stripes or polka dots?

4. etsy fan, or do you hail from elsewhere?

Without Breaking

2009-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's feature relates to this poem about Spring, one of my favorites, by e.e. cummings;

A Poem for her, and us, by e.e. cummings;

"Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere)arranging
a window,into which people look(while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here)and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and fro moving New and
Old things,while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there)and

without breaking anything."

-e.e. cummings

Bamn!

2009-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

The dandelion ready to explode.

Tomorrow is my 23rd Birthday. Do not expect a blog. In fact, this one was pre-written and scheduled Sunday night. I have a busy week ahead, with a child prodigy piano concert in the Teatro National, a sincere wish to finish Clea, the last (that I can get to, I have not read Justine) of the devilishly complicated and intellectually satisfying Alexandrian Quartet by L. Durrell. Also, there is illustration work to do. 16 pages. If it goes well, I'll post some here, if not, I may never mention it again... and then a swimming pool...ah warm weather...with slight clouds in the afternoon...that edge of rain that makes everything seem more vivid...

This is National Poetry month, I challenge anyone commenting today to post a line or two of their own works.

A Simple feature

2009-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Brief & sweet Interview with Cat's Paw.

1. What is the best thing you've read recently?

Eat, Pray, Love

2.Favorite letter in the alphabet, and why?

Z, its exotic

3. If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be, and how would you meet?

Hugh Laurie on a "House" set

4. Tell me a story of a great creative experience, or nightmare...

I got juried into an ISGB gallery show when it was here in Portland - it was bittersweet. I got to meet many interesting people at the opening but the night before, they were moving furniture and broke my necklace. However I had another to substitute.

6. And your studio.... my husband built me a small shed where I lampwork, it has huge windows - one always open for ventilation and we have a cord for electricity in there. It's very close to the house.

7. And the supports in your life... my two cats, my husband and friends...

10. The best place to go in Portland... Portland Art Museum, Forest Park, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden

11. Does anyone ever ask you what you do with your major? what would you like to tell them?

It was really important to me to be a theatre major even though I'm not in the theatre right now. I was a very shy, introverted person, it helped to develop my sense of humor and personality. Also many wonderful memories of those 4 years. It was a start of a creative journey.

Welcoming Spring And Summer

2009-04-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

I drew, and painted, and sent this post card for a dear friend I had fallen out of touch with. I know, it looks like a little kid's project, but the process was very enjoyable, and I think she'll like it. Pura Vida means pure life.

Pirates Forever Part 3 of 3

2009-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Map...

Final part of three of the alluring adventures of Justingeer, actor, crew, traveler, singer, writer, and oh yeah, etsy seller. Read on for Machu Picchu, Pirates, and more

4. Talk about about the best things you have ever seen...

Besides people's smiling faces and when wrong things are set right in front of me (like when a car cuts you off going waaaay too fast only to be pulled over miles ahead - I'm talking about justice being served)...So besides all that, it would be my trip to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru "The Lost City of the Inca's".

Machu Picchu

I stayed with my dad and brother at the base of the mountain in a town called Aguas Calientes, where they have natural hot springs that cost about 25¢ a person for all day. The view from the springs is mainly focused upwards to the surrounding mountains with the most beautiful foliage and bird life I've ever seen. But the day we went up the mountain 8,000 miles above sea level to explore the ancient ruins was by far one of the most brilliant and amazing things my eyes have taken in so far in 28 years.

The perfect structure of the walls and buildings and the fact that they were so structurally sound, is beyond impressive, especially when you compare it to how they've resorted to building homes and buildings since then. They used a slight A frame when setting their stones, which were polished to fit exactly against each stone it touched.

The idea is much like a standing pose. When you stand with your legs together, you are easily toppled, but when you spread your legs a bit and have a larger area to support weight movement, you find that you're balanced much better. It was genius.

We climbed to 9,200ft. up the sister mountain Huayna Picchu which looked over the ruins. It was there you could see how they built the city in the shape of 3 animals; a snake, a condor, and a puma, with the snakes tail drifting off to make the Inca Trail.

It was such a breathtaking experience, being able to walk through sound structures that were being built in 1460AD. They were well equipped with working water, an amphitheater where the crowds would meet to listen to the king, and walls built with indentions perfect to slide your head in, and when one person talked it sounded as if the voice were coming out of a speaker created inside the indention. It was a way of having meetings w here only those with their heads in the walls could hear what was being discussed. Being able to see the touch of an ancient civiliza tion on the same earth we share would be one of the best things I've ever seen...

"A Pirates Life for Me"

Although, on a completely different subject while in the Bahamas, the night I was returning to the set and rounded the corner that stretched about 200 yards to the end of a barge where s at The Black Pearl with smoke rising all around it and the flames of torches lighting its surroundings was such an amazing sight to see, and knowing I was about to board the ship to play a pirate for a few hours, it will forever be ingrained in my memory. A pirates life for me.

Lady Hawthorne Speaks

2009-04-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Interview Question 1. What is your favorite word?

LOVE in all its forms, who doesn't like to hear "I love you"?

2. What is your least favorite word?

The F word in any form, I hate that people are now using it so easily in normal conversation.

3. What turns you on, spiritually or emotionally?

Beauty in nature, its so inspiring.

4. What Turns you Off, spiritually or emotionally?

Disrespect, as in intolerance to others and their differences, not respecting others rights and needs, using bad language, trashing Mother Nature, please pick up your own trash!

5. What sound or noise do you hate?

Cars with booming speakers in the trunk, I used to pray the owners would go deaf, but then I got smart and now I pray they get ultra sensitive hearing.

6. What sound or noise do you love?

The birds singing and my cat calling me Mama, really, he does!

7. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I'd love to run a B & B with an herb garden on the side.

8. What job would you least like to have?

Anything involving heights or ladders.

9. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Welcome home, your family is waiting.

11. In a year, where do you see your etsy shop? Or yourself as an artist?

I see the shop pretty much as it is but with a more steady flow of sales, it has doubled in the last year so hopefully the economy won't slow it down. I would love to do my arts and crafts full time, but I have to live with reality, it will take time.

*********************************************************************************************************************

Post Script, by Jolt Darkly,

As a young girl, I used to watch Inside the Actor's Studio on Bravo and fantasize about being on the show, and answering James Lipton's infamous final questions with perfect impromptu honesty and clarity. The origional questions and answer forms were developed "by French television personality Bernard Pivot, after the Proust Questionnaire." (Wikepedia.)
One wonders when reading that early questionnaire about their abstract depths, for example, "If not yourself, who would you be?" However, in the actor's studio version, the questions have passed through filters of occupation, and become noticeably more concrete...

The above is an version of the questionnaire with slight modifications towards etsian interests. It is not the questionare for etsy, as in most of my interviews, nary a word is spared for questions like, "What is your craft, and why?" but it is, I hope, another fascinating attempt to dive bellow the so often solid surface of an artist's creative work, and an etsian's collected endeavors...

Today's interview was from Lady Hawthorne, who is also featured in an etsy mini along my side bar, please see to the left.

-Jolt

Do You Believe in Santa? Part 2 of Justin Gear's Interview

2009-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you Still believe in a physical, magic, jolly Santa, look away, major spoilers ahead. This is part 2 of 3 of the JustinGear interviews, adventurer, writer, actor, pirate, and oh yeah, etsy member. I asked two questions that somehow came crashing back to this one question, childhood....so prepare to peak inside one tricky mind....

2. If you could relive any moment in your life, what would it be, and why?

This one's easy. The happiest and most exciting time in my life was getting presents from Santa Claus as a kid. Having some magical being secretly looking after me and then granting my material wishes at the end of each year absolutely blew my mind!

Here I was in a world where logic and science, (plus the First Baptist Church of Forest City, NC) had taught me everything I knew about how my world worked. And Santa Claus somehow by-passed all these laws of psychics; cause we had a wood stove, so I couldn't even begin to comprehend him squeezing his fat a** down through these tiny pipes and then somehow unlocking the door to the stove from the INSIDE and climbing out WITH PRESENTS. But by God, somehow, he did it. Every freakin year! But the one moment I would want to relive would be the first Christmas I wrote in my letter to Santa asking if he would wrap all my presents
individually so I could have fun opening them in random order without knowing everything I got all at once. And he did it. And it was awesome.

And he continued to do that until, what takes me to the one moment I would NOT want to relive in my life.

And that moment is stretched between 2 moments including me in the 6th grade cafeteria stating my case, at the top of my lungs, that Santa Claus WAS real because there's no way my parents would make something like that up and have me believe it just for fun. Because in my mind I had already pondered this conundrum for years and came to the conclusion that it made absolutely no sense that my parents would buy me presents, and then let someone else take the credit.

The other moment is me in the car with my mom when I asked her, after telling her the events of the day, if Santa was real. She then began to explain that it was the spirit of Santa Claus. I was devastated. I had never felt so betrayed and so confused in my life. I then had to challenge every mythical creature I believed to actually be real. It was a weird year.

Looks like I may have given you more than you asked for with that question:)

PS - I still get presents from "Santa" and they are individually wrapped:)

3. Write more about your childhood or your work, or your creative struggles.

My childhood was a total land of make-believe. And I'm still finding quite a few traces of it to this day. I think that keeps me younger. I spent a lot of my time up in trees as a kid. So much so that my dad finally built me a clubhouse. And he went all out. It was built on an embankment so that one side of it was held up by cut telephone poles. It featured built in bunk beds, a lockable door, 2 lockable windows, a fire pole, a zip line and a trap door escape route.

"I lived in that thing."

It was built right above a creek that led to the Broad River and an enormous train trestle, right in front of the local slaughterhouse, which I used to explore at night when the watch patrol was
at it's minimum (I'm talkin' security guards and surveillance cameras - in fact, I used to sneak up there and put huge butterfly magnets on the part of the building above the security tower only to return another day to find them gone - i just loved the fact that it was a mystery to them how these butterfly magnets kept appearing, hehehehe). It was a virtual playground and having drawn the map of the entire lay out of the land, I practically owned it.

It's funny now as I still find myself up in trees on a daily basis as I work for a lighting company in Atlanta that decorates the city with Christmas lights, which gives me about 8 months of work a year. Although I'm finding my increasing age, weight and perhaps my state of mind an increasing hindrance when it comes to climbing trees and decorating them with light. I sometimes wonder how much longer I'll be doing this, when, as far as me being artistic and expressing my creativity, it naturally comes out in the form of music.

I've been playing the piano since age 4 but have always been more interested in making up my own material rather t ha n learning the theory and playing other people's music, despite my 12 years of lessons. This is a constant creative struggle for as I'm surrounded by people influencing me to learn songs with the purpose of being able to take requests. Because at the moment, I can't take any requests. I can play you hours of music, but I can't take requests. And as much as I think I'd like to be able to do that, I don't want to put the effort behind it. Just something inside me doesn't want to do that. I like making my own music and finding the people who like it enough to be satisfied with what I create...

If you enjoyed this, tune in April 17, Friday, for the last part in this three part series. The last picture in this interview is from Songs from a Piano B for more information, click the images. Next time, join us for a travel adventure.

Don't we all love features?

2009-04-09T10:32:00.001-07:00

Once again I find myself grouped with a lovely set of fellow etsy sellers in a feature, this time the theme is spirals, or round round, "curves, hoops, swirls" to check out the full selection, click on the featured photo from new York, to the left within the next two days.

This image was captured near 59th street, in my favorite city, near the subways exit and entrance. The day I took this shot the intersection was under construction, and there was also a man with a clipboard interviewing passers by on their religious views and thoughts about the afterlife. I snapped this just after giving him my own answers.

Funny how certain instances stick with you.

Stay tuned

2009-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of this Month's etsy mini slots is for Tasa Lada.

"Taissa puts the D in decandent, and R in revamped and is not a believer in "less is more". She specializes in one of a kind vintage inspired hats and head pieces, high end evening wear and upcycled and revamped slip dresses. All items are one of a kind and are made by her. She loves all things leopard print, polkadot and plaid, and loves elaborate, drippy laces. She never met a vintage slip dress she did not fall in love with or a feather she did not like. Her thoughts on fashion and personal style are simple and straight forward. "wear what you like and are comfortable in and have fun with it"

Flaunt Design

2009-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. Color: blue. It makes me feel calm & peaceful and reminds me of some of my very favorite things; my daughter’s eyes , the ocean, summer skies, my favorite old jeans… Blue is the color of eternity...

2. If you could live anywhere... Oh, we would so live in Provence, France, somewhere in the countryside near Aix… It would be wonderful; summers with lavender-laden breezes, trips to the ocean, old Roman monuments, buying fruit & honey from local markets. Winters with a wood fire inside an old farmhouse, good books, wine - and enough time to make lots of jewelry!

3.About the Muse

My muse is mainly nature – though that doesn’t always translate directly! Sometimes it’s a color combination or a feeling evoked by looking at scenery that I try to capture with silver & gemstones. I once based a beautiful necklace of pearls, smoky quartz & adventurism on a piece of driftwood I had seen floating in the English Channel! Yes, REALLY!

4.If you could instantly change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If I could change something about me it would be to become more self-assured and confident, care less about what others may think about me…

11. Yes!

Wait, yes to what?

Many of you must be thinking...well, take a guess. I will post the winner on Tuesday April 14, best guess (not necessarily correct, I say, best) will win a choice of free ad space for one week in May, their own interview (Etsy membership not required) or an article about their blog posted on my blog.

My Corazon- The Shop of Miss Butler

2009-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

An artists inspired by Frida Kahlo, loteria, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart, Milagros and Spanish colonial....the following is an interview with MissBulter, a Brooklyn Based Latin America Traveler....

To start, let's talk about....
....Day of the Dead, El Día de los Muertos...

One part of the celebrations that moves me most is El Día de los Angelitos, the day before the Day of the Dead, which is reserved for children who have died. That day is All Saints Day in the Catholic Church and is meshes well with the popular idea that children who die go directly to heaven. They are a more heavenly than the souls of the adult departed so they come back home and leave again before the souls of the adult deceased come to visit the next day, el Dia de los Muertos. Families leave candy and toys on their home ofrendas for the visiting little angels. A family's tragic experience of the loss of a child evolves into a celebration of that short life and I see the ritual as an expression of their absolute faith that the living are still connected to their dead and that both can still do good for each other even when separated.

As a fellow traveler, you make me curious, what is your favorite country?

Syria is the country I've enjoyed visiting most. I'm a real history nerd and Syria has so many treasures from so many different eras and cultures. In just a few hundred miles you have the ruins of Ugarit on the Mediterranean where the alphabet developed, the ancient desert city of Palmyra where Queen Zenobia fought off the Romans (they are known for its funerary art), a fairytale-looking crusader fort where the Knights Hospitalllars where head-quarted, the masterpiece of the Great Mosque in Damascus that has the shrine containing the head of John the Baptist... it goes on and on. It's a stunning country with really warm people and amazing food.

If you had to leave Brooklyn, and live anyplace outside the U.S. where would it be and why?

I'm pretty much a city person through-and-through. If I had to choose a new home outside the US it would be Buenos Aires. I spent a month there a couple of years ago after I quit a job. The rhythm of the city is comfortable for a New Yorker. I love tango music and you can see live performances almost any night you want. I also love Argentine rock bands from the 80's and 90's so it was CD shopping heaven for me. Late in my trip I stumbled upon the "hipster" tango scene. It reminded me a lot of Williamsburg in NYC but without the irony. The band played tango loud and hard and the kids danced with intensity. It was fantastic.

I noticed you've been an etsy member for some time, but only a seller for a little while. Who were your favorite people to buy from, and what was your all time favorite purchase?

The first thing I ever bought was a crocheted teddy bear named Roscoe from Marilyn Patrizio's shop So Softies. That was in the summer of 2005. I recently convo'ed her to tell her I'd just seen the little boy (no longer a baby) who got Roscoe and that he was still loved. She remembered him because it was one of the first bears she'd sold. It was a very wistful Etsy moment.

Brooklyn is vast, what is your local?

I live in an old Irish neighborhood called Windsor Terrace. They film a lot of movies around here when they're going for a sort of 50's Brooklyn feel. I'm about a block from Brooklyn's big park, Prospect Park.

Let's talk mermaids, tell me about your favorite Mermaid story...

My favorite mermaid story is about Alexander the Great's little sister. After one of his quests he brought back a bottle of water from a sacred spring and he anointed her hair with it. When she heard he'd died she threw herself into the ocean out of grief, but because of the holy water she didn't die, she turned into a mermaid. She lived in the Aegean for hundreds of years - swimming around looking for sailors to question. She'd ask them what was the news of Alexander. If they were smart the answered "Alexander is alive and is ruler of the world" and she'd let them go. If they told her that he'd died ages ago she dash their ship into the rocks. I'm a devoted little sister of a lot of big brothers so I like and remember that story.

For more see about Miss Butler click bellow

Adventures in Film Part 1 To Steal a Purse...

2009-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe I've Decided to Quite Blogging...Nope...

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS Day!

What follows is not your typical crafter interview. This month, and these coming weeks I'll be hosting a three part interview with Etsy creator Justin Gear. As an actor, I can't help but relate to actor survival stories, if you are any good at what we do, (or even if you are just lucky) you end up doing wicked strange and dangerous things all the time, and you love it, even when it get's you in bad predicaments...

1. Tell me about one of your adventures/misadventures in film/the film industry...

Being in the film industry, you can always count on adventures and misadventures. And as an actor, you never know what scenarios you'll be asked to enact. I've experienced being the dead body at an open casket ceremony (and then having my corpse thrown in a dumpster, which was really fun and horrible at the same time), stunt driving a classic vintage RV, being dragged through the mud from an exploding truck and running around dressed as a pirate aboard The Black Pearl. It's all fun and challenging.

But I'd say the one moment that stands out as the most memorable misadventure would have to be working on ABC's Primetime, "What Would You Do" with host John Quinones. I was hired to be a part of a staged purse snatching at a restaurant in Atlanta. Luckily I knew the actress I was stealing the purse from, so we had a bit of fun with the whole thing. She was seated in the outside patio next to the sidewalk that leads to Piedmont Park. It was my time to make an entrance onto the scene and scope the area out. With about 75 people eating outside, I was definitely about to attract some attention. I was basically following the cues of the producer, who i was hearing in my ear piece. When it was time, I made my move and approached the subject. After asking her for a pen, and watching her dig through her purse a moment, I grabbed it, we struggled, I bolted, then turned to yell at her to sit down (as directed) and then made my exit. Except my exit was actually gonna wind up taking longer than the purse snatching itself.

"...in my ear piece I could hear,
"Oh God! Oh God! What do we do?!

When I turned around and ran, I slammed right into a patron walking in. He instinctively grabbed me while in my ear piece I could hear, "Oh God! Oh God! What do we do?! What do we do?!," but I was able to jerk free from him fairly easily, playing off of him being stunned. But behind him were 4 rugby players that had just walked up from the park and they instantly created a wall. The kicker was, I needed to get passed them to the cop that was standing half a block down ready to help me out of the scenario. But with them blocking my path, I decided to run the opposite way. I didn't get very far when I made the realization that I had to turn around and get to the cop. There was no way I could outrun these guys headed away from safety. So I darted back dodging 2 guys but before I could get the chance to get passed the rest, a punch was thrown at my head from behind me. It just so happened that I was raring down to jump through the other guys as the clenched fist grazed the top of my head, but immediately after wards I found myself up in the air suspended by a bear hug from behind me.

It was over. I was busted. What made it weird after that was the fact that the cop, as he came to rescue me/take me away, was acting so nonchalant about the whole incident AND didn't take the purse away from me. So as we left the scene all I could hear was how confused everybody was. They were yelling to put me in cuffs and to hold on to me, because he was letting me walk right beside him. Everybody was obviously concerned that I was gonna make a run for it again. But we ducked into an unmarked white van where nobody saw me.

My heart was racing!! It turns out, the guy who threw the punch and then bear hugged me was an off-duty undercover federal agent who had just gotten out of reconstructive knee rehabilitation. And during the scuffle he threw his knee back out and had to go to the hospital. But before they took him to the hospital, he along with other key eye witnesses were asked to the back of the restaurant where they had a line up with my picture in it. Which was the whole point of this particular show; that eye witness accounts are unreliable. And after guessing the wrong guy, I had to go out and face the crowd.

Needless to say, the federal agent looked pissed. That was definitely one of the most awkward and exhilarating experiences I've ever had as an actor.

Cheers, and we are out, drop in next week for part two, "Do you believe in Santa?", next week, Friday, April 10.

Changing things up

2009-03-31T00:00:00.001-07:00

This weeks etsy mini spot holders include Artsy Crafty, Lady Hawt horne, Able Mabel, Stickers for You, Wvlampwork, Tasa Lada, Starglow and Scriven. So please take a gander on the side bar.

Tune in on Wednesday for an Adventure in film....

I must be going....

2009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Ages ago, someone asked me to write about the nature of theatre. I came up with a bold thesis where I claimed human art, language, and communications is all, in some way, storytelling. If this conjures images of small children gathered around a wise woman in a library, you either way off, and right on point. As small children, our hunger for narratives was insatiable, and even now we cannot express ourselves without the ability to conjure images and ideas within each other's minds.

Today's simple spot goes to the artist who made me decide to open up an account on etsy. John Clark takes two of my favoirte mediums, bold black ink, and pages from old books, and transforms them into images that call to mind still frames from a haunting film noir...his dangerous, beatifull women, and clever, evokative word choice have combined to make one very sucessfull etsy shop.

And there she is in profile, I like to think she hasn't said it yet, that or this is the silence that has settled in too deeply after such a remark...It has the unfinished quality of a good story, like the characters are going on without you....

I feature him without warning, or prio preperation...afterall, this is a man who was already interviewed by the big wigs...

The games we play....

2009-03-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

....With Editing Software...

Tonight I decided to have a little fun with photos from a shoot I did with my friend Elizabeth last September, I modeled in one of her bridemaids dresses, and we took the shoot out to the streets near her home, at nearly four a.m. No traffic, no interuptions, and plenty of street light...the goal this evening was to create the effects of high gloss spot color graphic novels without acting as a direct imitation of anything I'd seen before. The results were something I liked for better than I could have anticipated...

In fact, I am seriously considering using this image as my etsy icon. The last image in this post. It is me after all, and the best items in my shop contain (In my opinion) either intense black and whites, are wild popping colors.

Yes, I've received lots of good comments on the eye, y current avatar, but I've also received lots of strait forward notifications that other people have avatars that look like mine, or that the idea of an eye leading to a photography shop is the Internet's equivalent to a bad pun. Anyhow, I'd appreciate any words to the wise on the image to the side, as always,

-Jolt

The Art of Wreath Making Lives

2009-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

That's right
The Art of Wreath Making Lives!

In Victoria Texas at least, one intrepid Etsian is still making handmade wreaths and arragements of exceptional quality and variety...

Now, for a flash two question interview:

1. List six things, people, or places that inspire you.

1. My Mom - she is a crafty person

2. My Grandma - she always had such an eclectic style

3. Different silk flowers

4. Colors are a big inspiration for my wreaths

5. Ribbon - I can pick up a spool of ribbon and come up with the idea for a complete wreath

6. Pictures in magazines - I love picking up a magazine and finding inspiration

2. O.k Southerngirl... I've got to know about the name of your shop, the why when and hows...

I had a hard time coming up with a name for my shop. I wanted people to know what I sold - Florals. I am from South Texas (and proud of it!) - Southern. And then I wanted a youthful sound (I am 25 yrs old) - Girl.

So...Southern Girl Florals. It just came to me one day.

I started crafting probably about six years ago (mostly for family and friends). I just started selling on Etsy December 2008, so I am still pretty new here, and learning a lot!

I craft because I love it! It is not my full time job or anything; I am just doing it for fun!

Tune in every Friday (and the occasional Monday, or Wednesday) for Etsy related postings, interviews, give-aways and reviews...

Models and Mayhem

2009-03-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Just a brief update... a few weeks ago I was lucky to work with some good friends on a brief photo shoot. This is one of the resulting images ... I'd love some comments, critiques, etc. Bonus points if you can figure out how I got this shot.

About San Francisco

2009-03-24T17:41:00.001-07:00

Cause Life Ain't No Anzbiotch

2009-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

This Friday's flash interview falls to Anzbiotch, an Etzy Jewelry maker with some major talent for using one of my favorite materials; Wire.

The shop also includes tons of earrings, rings, key fobs and sales items, but it is my personal opinion that her best work involves free form, gems, and silver wire. (See Above)

Four Fascinating and random things about Anzbiotch...

I hate leaving my house without earrings.

I moved to the U.S. when I was 7, I do speak Chinese and English.

I'm trying to balance school, work, social life and beading in between all of that.

I am hoping to own my own business, not really jewelry related, but studying to be an account and would like my own business.

Six things that inspire Anzbiotch;

1. Beads, LOL, different type of beads, colors, etc.

2. ETSY, all the possibilities of unique items make me want to try to come up with something original.

3. Nature, I love the natural colors and flowers, etc.

4. My co-workers, they're so encouraging and positive about my work, they encourage me to strive higher with my techniques and ideas

5. My boyfriend, he lets me buy all that I want LOL and he inputs of what looks good if he sees it on a girl or not...

6. The endless possibilities of colors!!

Image on my mind today

2009-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

What more needs to be said?

A Spot of Poetry and a Brief Interview

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

"art

o man
can't stop it
gotta gotta gotta
get down"

Poetry from the profile of -ArtAkimbo

A few weeks ago I posted a thread while on the hunt for edgy Etsy artists. What came back to me was tiny glowing worm babies and flying clocks. Well, I asked for it, dark, random, yet hopeful, flight spirit, rather like Dada. Yup, sip sap, zadda zadda zim. Dadaism hits art like a ping pong ball hits (insert random object).

Wait, what is Dadaism? Dadaism is a reaction to the world that utilizes absurdity to question and undermine everything. It is also plain old fashioned cerca 1917 fun.

Dadasim rejected the ideas of the time, eschewed accepted logic and behavior, and influenced later counter culture, theory, criticism, and punk rock. It was
also a product of post great World War I despair. It is also a ceaseless delight in the phenomenon of thought. It is also contradiction, and nothing, nonsense and anything. It is also the best one word response I can call to mind to begin to describe this unforgettable creater, Artakimbo....

And now, without further exposition, The Interview;

1. From conception to creation, what is the longest an idea has ever haunted your mind?

I have a painting I have been working on for, I don’t know, twenty years or so. It is not done, probably never will be. I don’t much care for it, but I can’t seem to be able to put it out of its misery.

2. The flying heart is a recurring theme within your work, what might it mean or symbolize?

The Flying Hearts of ArtAkimbo's Shop...

"Love- coming, going,
flapping around,
elusive, annoying, inviting,
cloying, chirping,
alluring"

3. Describe your ideal buyer…

An ideal buyer would allow total artistic freedom, have an unlimited budget, infinite patience, and a deeply loving nature.

Or just have a valid paypal account.

4. Five top artists, musicians, writers or other…

These, of course, change daily but would include:
Maxfield Parrish
Marcel Duchamp
John Singer Sargent
William Bouguereau
Keith Edmier

5. Three goals for yourself as an Etsy artist

1000’s of hearts

1000’s of sales

1000’s of treasuries

6. List Five Things you’ve got to do before you die.

I would like to develop mastery of the pedal steel guitar.
I’d like to see my kids win Oscars
I would like to build something that is astounding in its depth of beauty and meaning.
I’d like to learn how to weld.
I should probably finish that damn painting.

7. Ask yourself the one question you’d like to be asked, and answer.

Q: Are your eyes really that color or are you wearing colored contacts?
A: No, this is their real color.

For more about these oddities and engaging personality, see ArtAkimbo's shop or site, www.dcramer.com.

New Images of the Past

2009-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who leans my forehead against the glass on the bus and tries to stop the past from creeping into the seat beside me, sometimes I can't keep it away, sometimes I don't even want to. This image makes me think of that train of thought, memory and forgetting...

Seeking Tranquility- through the love of Animals

2009-03-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

There is a certain sparkle in their eyes every time they look at us. Something so soothing about their mere prescience in a room. When we are at our worst we need only sit near them for a little comfort. Then there is the way they move, so fluid and elegant, the alien and sometimes recognizable ways they seem to think. Those of us who have pets, dogs, cats, fish and birds know that special fascination intimately.

StarglowStudio is all about celebrating our love of our pets, from custom portraits, to exhilarating art, to a monthly donation project, (this month 20% of profits go to IMOM.org). The artist offers origional work, custom portraits, and even clip-art in her shop. As is evident from even this small selection of pics from her shop, Starglow is not just talented, but aware of how to catch thesse personalities, even if they are only glimpsed in a photograph.

Starglow is also the first of several etsy sellers to take up etsy mini residence in my side-bar, scroll slowly, click often, and enjoy. This artist can also be found at http://StarglowStudio.com

Ahhh Sweet Breath of Spring

2009-03-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dress giveaway sponsored by Grosgrain.

I'm going to honestly say I've just updated because I adore this dress, and the measurements are precisely me....

Also, just thought I'd say before it is too late, Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Look Closely this Week

2009-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

I fear cluttered blog space, but I love photography, even other people's photography, even, say, images of things one might sell, such as the items in the shop of ladyhawthorne featured along side my blog this month, and the intricacies, so much like a closet of an older sister or stylish Mom, ladyhawthorne, scroll even further down and look to the left to see.

The above is a photo called "Photographing Motorcycles" taken in San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. That building is my favorite shade of broke down wonderful.

This week, in addition to having a glance at these artists, I'd love for readers to tell me, is my blog too dense, or just right?

Nemesis Productions

2009-03-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

1. Tell me about your favorite place in the world...

My favorite place is Chicago. I just love that city, with all of my being. The food, the people, the stores, the architecture, the L...I love it all.

...Do you believe location influences creativity?

I definitely think that location influences one's creativity. If a person is happy where they are, surrounded by friends and family in a supportive environment, the creativity and inspiration will just flow. I find it easier to focus on the task at hand, and have greater motivation to do the things I enjoy.

I currently hate where I am, and I feel that it has a negative effect on my drive to work some days. When you are somewhere (whether in geographical location or life in general) that you do not like, it can be a huge distraction. Stress can wreak havoc on the creative process for me, and I think that there are days that it can be hard for me to really get myself motivated if I don't have orders waiting. I'm also less inclined to have a sudden urge to grab the camera and explore.

2. With no exaggeration I must say that Nemesis a favorite of mine, the winged Greek Goddesses, daughter of night… to what degree, if any, did the mythology influence your name choice?

I have a long association with that name. It began with the haunted attraction acting troupe I belong to. (I'm inactive now because I live in another state, but I am still technically a member.) It's a fraternal organization, meaning there are ranks or levels of membership. There is basically a mentoring program where a "Knight" can "Squire" a member, and at the end of the season a group of Knights votes on the Squires to decide if their acting and makeup techniques and skills are accomplished enough to move up in rank. When I attained Knight status, I chose the name of Nemesis for the reason you listed above, as well as others. I was a nemesis to many of the members of the group, especially some of the other girls, because I could look feminine and even sexy and still scare people (among other reasons, some earned, most not). That's not very easy to do, and it's an accomplishment I'm still proud of.

When I went on to DJ, Nemesis just seemed like a natural choice. Then, when I progressed to promoting shows, I chose Nemesis Productions for the name to encompass all of my endeavors. I've always loved that particular goddess, and I feel it's a kind of an empowering thing. A nemesis can be a blessing in disguise. Those people can drive us to excel, to improve ourselves and learn new things, to reach levels of skill we might not have strived for otherwise.

Only through adversity do we learn our true natures...

3. Give us your personal definition of “Spooky Girl”…

I think, first and foremost, it means being slightly different then the accepted norm in mainstream society for women. I have always been drawn to things that are unique, and I think being a Spooky Girl (or Grrrl) is special. While I associate it with lovely doom and gloom (of the good kind), it can be any woman who likes to live outside the box.

Instead of sugar, spice and everything nice, we like spiders, bats, and black cats.

4. If you suddenly had the ability to create any one thing, what would it be?

I would love to create my own home. I've actually done a mock up of my dream house for a set design class I took in school, and it would be wonderful to do something like that in real life.

5. Tell us the remarkable story of one photo shoot or photo find….

I think that would have to be the first photo "shoot" I went on. It was a total last minute fluke. My room mate at the time is a member of a few urban exploration groups and online communities, and one of these groups had scheduled an exploration get together in Gary, IN. I woke up that weekend morning after being out until dawn (ah, I miss Chicago!) with a migraine. I had a tiny little Kodak EasyShare 4.0 mp camera, nothing at all special, but I was always taking pictures with it, and he knew that I liked photographing things, so he asked me if I wanted to go with him. I hemmed and hawed for a minute, took some migraine medicine, and decided to go for it.

It was awesome. I still want to go back with the camera I have now and visit those places again. Every time I look at the images I took that day, I'm amazed at the images I managed to get with that camera! I think my favorite place was the church we went to, with the post office being a close second. I've always had a soft spot for churches. It's the arches and stained glass that get me. There is such beauty in entropy.

6. Tell us about your favorite scent….

I don't know if I can pick just one. I'm a scent junkie. I would have to say that I am definitely very drawn to spicy, oriental scents (my favorite designer perfume is Spellbound by Estee Lauder), but I really don't think I could only live with one scent.

7. Your top seven favorite artists, musicians, or fellow Etsians…

Another hard question! There are so many people to admire, and so much wonderful work. I think one of my all-time favorite photographers is Ansel Adams. I love black and white photography, and his is just stunning.

As far as bands go, I'd have to go with Gary Numan, Combichrist, Portishead, Cruciform Injection and Cervello Elettronico right now. I love music, and am especially drawn to industrial and powernoise.

I love a bunch of Etsy people. There are so many talented and funny individuals on there that I am hard pressed to pick any one of them above the other. I would like to give some love to my friend Jenn who has a shop, since she really helped me when I first started and has continued to be very supportive. Her shop is FreyasFire.

(FreyasFire specializes in glass pendants, such as the one shown right-->)

8. If you could buy from one shop on etsy, no price restrictions, whose would it be and why?
I think it would have to be this bed.

It would make me feel like a tree/forest elf straight out of Lord of the Rings. (Yep, I'm a nerd.) Just imagine sleeping in a bed like that! So amazing.

9. And as I always do, this is your chance to ask yourself a question you wish I’d ask you, and answer.

I think a good question to ask me is: Where would I like to be in 5 years, personally and professionally?

First off, I have to say back in the Chicagoland area. I would like to have a degree in technical theatre, or I should say finish the one I started and then earn a bachelors. A brick and mortar store with fun, sassy, and talented employees would be wonderful. I would like to have children by then. Two would be good, one boy, one girl. A garden to grow my own herbs and botanicals. I would love to be filling regular wholesale and consignment orders.

I would like to be somewhere where both my husband and I can be happy and do the things we enjoy.

Best wishes to you Nemesis, for more details about her work see her Etsy shop here. If you, like me, are itching to see those Chicago shots, my only advice is go to Etsy, become a member if you must, add this artist to your favorites, and watch for updates.

Upcoming

2009-03-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Starting this week my Blog will be home to a series of etsy mini paid features including the soon to be interviewed Starglowstudio, ArtsyCrafty tiny clothes, thelostandfound & with a little luck, the stunning ladyhawthorne. And, of course, more interviews and another film review are in the works, as well as a short film about my time in Costa Rica. If you too art interested in ad space, please comment or contact me...

Musings on the Ledio Flower

2009-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

The same flower I photographed for my website fell down several days later, and seemed destined to die on the tiles that next morning in the hungry sun. However, my Abluela took them in, and the next photo I hope to take will be of them in a simple vase (alright, a glass drinking glass) in her kitchen.

The Voyeristic Nose

2009-03-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

As a buyer, it can be difficult to make an online selection of things one is accustomed to trying out, smelling, touching, with the rare exceptions of sellers who photograph or describe their items so excellently that one cannot help but wonder, anticipate, desire.

One such online shop is called BellaBubblesShop. The shop is owned Francesca, by a student in Northern Italy, who spends her free time creating bath goods and soaps.

Take a look at these images and read these scent descriptions by Francesca, and just try to tell me you don't fell like experiencing them first hand.

Francesca; "Well,My favorite scent at the moment is definitely the ice storm soap one! For this soap I used a great peppermint essential oil..."

"...If you close your eyes while smelling it you will see snow,wind,water and ice. (It) Is soooo fresh!"

In her actual item description Francesca goes on to describe the healthy effects of Peppermint, including its soothing, cooling properties and many uses, "...a valuable ingredient for comforting and refreshing the skin. Peppermint soap can be used for a refreshing foot soak or a cooling bath/shower to treat sunburned skin,dermatitis, acne, muscle pain, travel sickness..."

My personal favorite as a photographer is;

Francesca explains; "Another scent I'm in love with is the Princess one: a mix of floral scents, lavender,geranium and rose =) Very girly

Hugs, and happy thoughts this Friday,

-Bella and Jolt

P.S. Tune in again Monday for a conversation with Etsy soap crafter, artist, and photographer, Nemesis and on Wednesday for a special article on Starglow Studio.

2009-03-10T19:41:00.001-07:00

Sad day, my old treasury expired, but now I have this.

The Image to your left is from Provincijalka.

In other news I've decided to sell Etsy Mini Space on my page for only 1$ a week. For details scroll down to the area bellow my followers and poll sections on this blog.

From Abandoned Places

2009-03-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

The majority of listings in my newest treasury were found under the art section of etsy under such search terms as broken, ruined, lost, decay, urban, grime, paint, gone, and city. The images bellow are not mine, they are borrowed, with permission, from Etsy shop owners.

I happen to adore these places. The above Image is from zuppaartista's shop
The Image bellow is from the shop of CareyPrimeau
.

The neglected beauty series, seen above, tells us something important, not about reconstruction, or decay, but about simple effortless appreciation.

From the Underground Button Factory by The Sea

2009-03-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Seinna Orlando

I remember when I was a little girl I used to go into my Mother's collection of buttons, (she kept them in a big green glass jar) and sort them all out on my bedroom floors. The colors and styles fascinated me, and there was something so interesting about the textures and shapes to little fingers.

Today's flash fire Friday feature is Siennaorlando, a Northern California based seller whose forte is tiny ceramic buttons. Siennaorlando released a brand new line this February, adorable, durable, and uncommon.

Siennaorlando says, "I've listed many of them, but just like Willy Wonka I have secret buttons in my underground factory. (No, I'm not going to tell you where it is!) I honestly love to giving gifts, and this is the package...."

"...In the "Everyday is your Birthday Variety Pack" you not only get 5 buttons for the price of 3, you also get surprises, and most likely more than 5 buttons. This is fun for me and you. Amen..."

Indeed...In her profile section Seinaorlando describes herself as a plant lover;

"I am inherently inspired by food plants, and integrate these forms with my personal abstractions of the cosmos and what makes up the fabric of the universe. In my crafts I make a strict point of using primarily recycled/refashioned materials in regards to the environment."

So, does that make you a mother earth figure?

"I'm sure I've never given birth to anything that big. Okay, okay. . . admittedly, yes. I'm a country girl/hippie/hipster/mudslinging/ fruit-pickin'/dirt-eating kind of chick. I'm really into old-timey stuff like folk music and bluegrass, but I think all of us in the 2000 era have that sort of space age thread, too. I mean, look how we're communicating right now. .."

Good point Seinna, I mean look at how we are communicating in this instant. Most recently you created a treasury, inspired by a certain parakeet. (not lame) Care to talk about her?

"I guess I could. I'm really not obsessed or anything. I'm just out on the coast doing a residency for a few months, and my boyfriend and everybody are back home. It's just me and Jimi Sprinkles out here. She's gotten into the habit of sitting or perching on my computer while I work on etsy. Every now and then she'll clack over the keys. We sing to Joni Mitchell together."

If you liked Seinaorlando 's etsy shop, and treasury than be sure to check out her organic sculptures at http://www.siennaorlando.com/

Fragments...Why are broken things so beautiful?

2009-03-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

I sat down the other evening intent on editing a photo shoot and writing a food review for Brujas, one of my favorite little student Dives North of the Universidad de Costa Rica. Instead, I ended up watching a film.

The Tracey Fragments is a bitter and memorable disappointment, as lovely and impact full as the broken mirror which seems to be its inspiration. It is a concept film, wrought with all of the pretensions and narrative losses that drive so many away from the mere idea of an art-house flick.

The movie centers on Tracy Berkowitz, (Ellen Page, watchable as always) a fifteen year old girl in crisis (were we all?) or rather, the film focuses on her inner thoughts, thought simultaneous to action simultaneous to thoughts about action simultaneous to memory and imagination equals (breath) multiple frames.

Wait...What?

Are we talking the sort of split screening used to indicate simultaneous action or a phone call in Quintin Tarontino films?

No, The Tracy Fragments can pride itself on an artfull and perpetual rearrangement of the frames, time zones, and imagery.

Even if the forever appearing and reappearing squares are sometimes frustratingly out of sequence, the reasons for the composition are often clear. Is that clarity a good thing? No, not exactly. Tracy works best when it focuses on the narrator's obsessive and joyful thoughts about Billy Zero, (Slim Twig) the new boy at school who exudes punk Brit style sexy, and simultaneously, the empty glorious distance of a vogue fashion model. Tracy's thoughts of Billy Zero are hard hitting, fascinating, I dare say they make you forget, no better yet, appreciate and pardon the gimmick for instants at a time.However, Billy Zero is not exactly at the film's core. The problem with describing The Tracy Fragments is that it all too easily sounds better than it is. I could tell you what I think the central driving point of the film is in specific event related terms. and in all likelihood, those events would sound exciting and unexpected. I won't make them seem any more redundant or anticipated than they were by outlining here, and instead offer this little line of abstracts,

Picture solitary innocence as a girl who wears her hair over her eyes, destroy by longing, turn human discard, and compound it all by uncharacteristically severe guilt punishment for lusting/longing. End film at most brain scrambling instant, and haunt on.

Anyone who has seen this film, I'd love for you to tell me how I'm right or wrong.

For further reading, 2 things way more fascinating than this article, first, the origional novel by Maureen Medved, which sounds even from a synopsis like it has more depth and guts, and then the incredible film editing contest (Damn, just missed it) hosted on the film's official site.

2009-02-27T21:59:00.000-08:00

The exceptional Quid hosts two etsy shops. One for the Vintage Love, the other for handmade jewelery and other delightful surprises. What do I mean by delightful surprises? I mean reclaimed house numbers, wearable artwork, a monogrammed tape measure, wild belt buckles, flashy wears, fashion for a good cause, so just click to find out.

Q&A

1. If you could live any time period, what would it be? What would you do?
My first thought would be 15th century Europe. But then I’m sure I would get my head lopped off for saying something stupid. I guess my second choice would be old Hollywood. I would travel with the troops, learn to dance like Ginger and win an Oscar all with my hair in pin curls, wearing false eyelashes and red lipstick.

2. Tell the story of at least one stellar vintage find…

By far my best vintage find is my couch. My husband and I have very particular taste in furniture which means we haven’t had a couch since we’ve been married. A few months ago I stopped in at one of my favorite thrift shops and found a little old man sitting on the couch of my dreams. It only cost $50 (for the couch, not the old man…thankfully he wasn’t part of the deal) and I practically did a little dance. After five years, we finally have a rockin’ place to sit!

3. What is etsy to you? Lifeblood, profession, obsession, joy, or something else?

Etsy came into my life at just the right time. The boy and I both unexpectedly lost our jobs within a few days of each other and etsy really helped give legs to my dream of having my own business. Since then etsy and I have developed quite the hot affair.

4. List three of your favorite films, artists or actors.
I’m in love with Tim Burton. His films are super great. What a lovely whacked out fellow.

If you haven’t seen the work of Jonathan Davis, you’re missing out on some of the best illustration of our time.

I read like 5 books at a time so it’s really important to me to find great authors rather than actors. Right now, my obsessions are Malcolm Gladewell (Blink), Sue Monk Kidd (Secret Life of Bees) and Gregory Maguire, (Wicked).

5. What advice would you have for Etsy starters?

In the words of The Joker, “Why so serious”? I think etsy works best for those who don’t take themselves too seriously. If you make something and it doesn’t sell, don’t assume you’re awful. Pay attention to what people are looking at and elaborate on that. And don’t be afraid to ask others for help. I’ve learned so much about my craft by simply hovering around in the forums. I learned really quickly that throwing a pity party isn’t flattering on anyone. And please, for the love of God, try to take the best pictures you can…I can’t tell you how much that helps.

6. What’s your ideal artist’s studio space?

Since I seem to have taken over every particle of space in our apartment, a studio is becoming more and more of an obsession. I guess my ideal space would be a place where I could keep the cats out of the yarn, my paint brushes out of the sink and my sewing machine off the dining room table. Yeah, that would be delightful.

7. List five things you wish you could buy on Etsy.

Listing only five things is nearly impossible! I have so many favorites! That’s why I started my blog…so I wouldn’t be the only one drooling...

Hands by Blue Bell Bazaar .

Also a work from Honeytree.

A work from Fleathers so cool I'll let you search for yourself rather than risk depriving Quid.

A humorous hygiene advisory from Johnwgolden.

And last but not least, the avatar darling of strawberrycouture.

8. What question do you wish I’d ask, how would you answer?

I wish you would ask me over for tea. I would love some earl gray right now. I’d even bring my favorite tea cups for us to use!

9. If you could time travel, would you peak at the future?

Absolutely. I’m dying to see how the dress I’m working on is going to turn out!

***********************************************************
Of course, now I'm craving tea so badly that my taste buds threaten to riot strait out of my mouth. This is not the first time I've run into my passion for tea in an interview or blog entry, but I still feel like I must applaud Quid for her apparent ability to read my mind. All thumbnails and images were used with express permission of the artists.

Tune in every Weekend for more Interviews and reviews of fellow Etsy Crafters.

This Just In!

2009-02-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Tune in this weekend, there are more fascinating blog etsy interviews to come, starting with the skinny on Quid, but in the meantime I am also working on a few restaurant reviews for travelers in the city of San Jose Costa Rica. Happy Reading -J

Art and Tea Talk

2009-02-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

The following is an interview with Etsy artisan and poet myteacups. The Philadelphia based artist creates black and white, simple and elegant tea cups, saucers, and mugs with her own unique haiku, poems and wisdom.

The Interview

1.List three things that strike a cord in your heart.

Waking up to notes on my kitchen fridge from my boyfriend (when he wakes up earlier than me)

Sipping on a cup of tea while listening to jazz music and the rain

Watching old home videos of family during the holidays

2. About the creative process. Tell us about your experience of the creative process, where do you find yourself when the words strike you, and what is your favorite time of day for inspiration?

I often find that I am most creative in the evening, while reflecting on a busy day over a cup of tea. I have a very active imagination and like to replay the day’s events in my mind as if they were a mini silent film, and then I tend to write and fill in the words.

I always write my haiku while brewing a pot of tea. I have a tea tray on which I keep my glass teapot and a few of my favorite cups (collected over the years). I bring the tray into my kitchen, open my purple notebook, put my tea kettle on the stove, place my tea in the infuser, and just relax and let me mind wander as the water heats up. I find that I am most creative as I fill the glass teapot and watch the tealeaves paint the water. I don’t force a haiku. I tend to just write observations and thoughts, and allow the haiku to come naturally. I continue to write while I sip the tea.

3. As a fellow tea enthusiast, I have to ask, imagine this, it is a foggy morning, early and crisp, you can drink any blend on the balcony of a Paris hotel, what do you select?

This description reminds me of one of my favorite paintings: Matisse’s “Woman R eading at Dressing Table”

I often imagine that if I were in that setting, I would be sipping on a cup of Orchid Oolong.

This fine tea has delicate floral notes paired with a hint of coconut. The fragrant aroma balances the richness of the tea. The aroma is intoxicating and reminds me of spring on a crisp morning.

I would probably be sipping the tea from a cup with a French haiku.

4. If you could sell your work to anyone anywhere in the world? (to who and where would it be?
I have actually thought about this before and have a million answers. Although the first response that came to mind is, the Corpo di ballo del Teatro alla Scala , which is probably the best known Italian ballet company. I adore everything about Italy and always imagine that enjoying tea after a ballet performance would be divine. I would feel so honored if they purchased my cups. I envision visiting the dance company to deliver the cups. I would sit with the dancers after watching the graceful ballet and share thoughts over a cup of tea in my haiku cups.

5. What are your goals in the next two years as an etsy artist?

My goals are:

• Continue to write new haiku and refine my craft
• Explore using lettered stamps on cups to “write” haiku
• Collect a batch of antique cups to work with
• Team up with a graphic artist to create a few limited edition tea cups with hand drawn design and hand written haiku to complement the design (I have an etsy artist in mind)
• Sell enough cups so that I can afford to donate a percentage of the profit to Slow Food, “a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.”
• Sell sets of cups to teahouses nationwide (or at least in Philadelphia ☺ )
• Add teapots, embroidered tea towels, and create other haiku tea ware to add to my shop
• Continually be inspired by tea….

6. If you could buy any three things on Etsy, what would they be?
I adore these items and wish I could buy them......
maybe if I sell more teacups :)

I would wear this dress to a tea party...

Small pastries and tea sandwiches would fill this fabul ous cake-stand on my kitchen table...

I would head to my local tea shop and fill this bag with my favorite loose teas...
...one day, I would love to purchase items from all three sellers

7. List ten favorite artists or writers.
In no particular order:

1. Ella Fitzgerald (singer) she inspires me to belt along with her

2. David Sedaris (writer) his words excite me and make me laugh

3. Charles Wright (poet) his poems push me to be a better writer and experiment with open space on the page

4. Leanne Marshall (designer) one day I hope to own one her lovely creations

5. Alicia Block (photographer-her work is on etsy) I adore each and every photo, and own one.

6. Sarah Seven (designer) I dream of wearing her creations at several elaborate tea parties

7. Henri Matisse (artist) as noted above, his paintings of open balcony doors instantly send me into a daydream of tea and fresh air.

8. Ernest Hemingway (writer) The Sun Also Rises is one of my favorite books

9. Rufus Wainwright (singer-songwriter) his lyrics are amazing

10. Chris Cason (tea artist) as a tea sommelier he “selects and blends premium loose leaf teas from all over the world.” His teas inspire me.

8. Now, in true Inside the Actor’s Studio fashion, what is your favorite word?

It’s a tie: “lady” and “hooray”

I adore “lady,” because I feel it carries a certain quiet grace with it. It’s polite and elegant and always makes me think of tea.
I often begin my emails to female friends with “hi lady.” I absolutely love the words that it merges with: “ladybird” “ladybug” “ladylike”

I also couldn’t live without the word, “hooray.” I actually have expressed my love for this joyful interjection on my word blog. So in an attempt to keep this answer short and sweet, I’ll just list the links to the blog posts:

hooray for hooray!

fall’s best worded accessory - interjections.

9. & Last, what question do you wish I would ask? How would you answer?

Considering the fact that I don’t have an official workspace (besides cafes and my kitchen table), I wished you would have asked me to describe the ideal room in which I would create my cups (I would like to give credit to my fabulous friend Sara, for asking me this question the other day).

I envision a small room with high ceilings and large windows, one of which opens to a balcony (that would have flower boxes filled with fresh herbs-like mint for my tea) . The weathered hardwood floors are only slightly covered by a small purple rug, that is now faded from the vibrant sunlight. Two of the four walls are white. The third is painted a French blue (my favorite color). A long glass table runs along the blue wall, on which I have my porcelain pens, cups, and pages of haiku strewn about. The fourth wall would be painted in chalkboard paint, so I could always see the haiku I am currently working on. A large chaise lounge would sit directly in the center of the room with a record player next to it (my favorite jazz albums would be stacked underneath). This chaise lounge would be special, and referred to as the “word chair.” It would be covered in favorite words written by friends and myself with per manent fabric pens. I would literally sit on and be surrounded by words when I needed a bit on inspiration. A small antique stove would sit against one of the white walls, on which I would heat my water for tea. Next to it would be a circular glass table (I would enjoy most of my cups of tea on that table). A few shelves, placed right above the table would be overflo wing with tea. Bookshelves would be lined with my favorite cups (so me collected, some of my creations).

For more about this wonderful artist see www.myteacups.wordpress.com her personal blog about tea love., or her etsy site www.myteacups.etsy.com .

“Now you understand the Oriental passion for tea," said Japhy. "Remember that book I told you about the first sip is joy, the second is gladness, the third is serenity, the fourth is madness, the fifth is ecstasy.” -Kerouac

Soon to Come...

2009-02-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

A series of wild and fun etsian interviews with the likes of myteacups & quid, and of course, the film projects and photography will continue. Hope everyone is having a blast this weekend, I know I am. -Jolt

Carnival at the Intersection

2009-02-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

My visual postcard of San Pedro at night, the intersection in front of the Grand Entrance of the Universidad De Costa Rica. These guys are out nearly every night, and can often be found near the river on campus, practicing their basic juggling skills.

For the last seven nights I've been fortunate to sleep near the University proper, this footage is a mere sampling of the nightly shows.

Left on The Streets

2009-02-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

My newest STA procrastination project is a video and photo compilation studying graffiti in Costa Rica, particularly San Jose. This sample film, less than a minute long, is just a rough portion of the film's introduction...

On a more frivolous Note

2009-02-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already, please take a look at the previous post on Baha'is in Iran...
On a much, much lighter note, a new image...soon to be for sale on Etsy.

Something of Importance Appears on Facebook.

2009-02-13T18:09:00.001-08:00

Correct. The next is from a recently formed Facebook group.

Let's take action!

The Iranian ISNA news agency has reported that next week the seven members of the ad hoc administrative group, also known as the “Friends in Iran,” who supervised the affairs of the believers in that country until their arrest in early 2008, will be put on trial in an Iranian revolutionary court on charges of “espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” These charges, clearly, are nothing more than a sham on the part of the Iranian
government in an attempt to justify its documented and reprehensible intention to bring harm not only to the Iranian Bahá'í leadership, but to the whole of the Iranian Bahá'í community.

Here's what we can do for them:

Please Contact your federal Congressional Representatives from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, by telephone or email, or in person at their district offices. Express to them or their staff your deep concern for the Iranian Bahá'í leaders whose lives are in danger. Most of the members of Congress will be in their home districts the week of February 15, as there is a Congressional recess at that time. You may find the following websites useful in identifying your Congressional Representatives:
www.house.gov and type in your Zip Code + 4
www.senate.gov and select your state

and please don't forget to keep them in your prayers,

Sina Sabet,
ibnsina_avicenna@yahoo.com
469-386-4628

Today while making my bed...

2009-01-31T08:03:00.001-08:00

I was visited by this incredible, tiny lizard. Kudos to anyone who can tell me what species it is. There is a chance it was either semi-transparent, or a chameleon, because after I coaxed it into a tea tin lid to take it safely outside, it changed colors to match the tin.

100 Loves

2009-01-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

Alright, so I've been selling on Etsy now for about three months, and any day, hour, or minute now I'll be celebrating my one hundredth heart. Hearting, or favoriting is a way for etsy users to mark their favorite items, sellers, and shops. The first person to ever honor me with this add was Jake Illustrations. Jake specializes in pop culture illustration, and sells his work as prints, stretched canvases, and even t-shirts.

To mark the occasion, the next person to heart me will be offered an interview and feature on this blog. Look for it to appear sometime late next week.

Jake can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=80455

Flower in Costa Rica

2009-01-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Taken after a morning rainstorm, this Ledio is in full bloom in my Grandmother’s walled garden in Costa Rica.

The black and white of this image will be available on my Etsy as a 16 by 20 print.

Update from Costa Rica

2009-01-24T13:27:00.001-08:00

At Saturday Market today I walked by these young men with my camera. The one in the white shirt yelled ¨´aqui, aqui´´, or ´´here, here´´ untill I took this photo. I´m happy, well fed, and sun burned. And we havenñt even gone to the beach yet.

A simple Update

2009-01-23T11:01:00.001-08:00

Last night as we were coming in for a landing in the San Jose night sky an earthquake hit the runway. This was at the latest possible moment, the pilot had to swoop up, only to dive back down a couple hundred feet later to avoid the flight of another plane.

This is what I've learned about people who think the plane is going to crash, first there is lots of screaming and praying, and then everyone starts to talk, or laugh nervously. False bravado.

In a group of two people in crisis, it seems one must always be more hysterical, the other in the lucky position of attempting to soothe.

In the end, no damages on the ground were found, and after an extra half hour of spiraling in the rather turbulent air above San Jose, we landed, and the passengers and crew erupted into a spontaneous ovation.

Theatre Mafia Productions

2009-01-19T02:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the first mind melt, endless coffee rounds, klatch for the sake of Sangre Mambo in well over a year. For those of you who haven't known me for the last two years, Mambo was the Guerrilla film project which consumed the first semester of my Junior year. (That second semester was spent in New York) The film, despite a dedicated cast and crew of over two dozen, months of earnest work, support, and screenwriting and revision, fell into a maelstrom of emotional entanglements, budget and time restrictions, and bad fate.But we've had time for recovery, and those 13 little tapes are ready to be undeaded.

Black Saturday Aproaches.

2009-01-16T01:02:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day fast approaching, I've decided to embrace the holiday, or that failing, enable others with a selection of hand made Valentine's pendants, and fine art prints for my Etsy account.

Disclaimer

Last time I celebrated Valentines day in any traditional manner was in grammar school. My Mother hand sewed me a pink blouse with lace detail, and a matching skirt. I wore the shirt to class over blue jeans. By the end of the day, the shirt was ruined, and I'd realized that as soon as Valentines Day stops being about candy, and starts being about social anxiety, it looses its charms. Since then I've worn black every Valentine's Day,played pool, and mirthfully refereed to the day as Black Tuesday, Black Wednesday, etc.
This year, I'm going to try something else, I really am.

Beside Goldfield Dr.

2009-01-14T22:48:00.001-08:00

As promised, an image from Tuesday's filming.

Urban Symbols

2009-01-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

You see them around downtown Colorado Springs, tied to lamposts and street signs. The Ghost bicycles, as I've heard them called, mark the streets like highway crosses. This particular bicycle was outside Wooglie's cafe near Colorado College Campus.

The first bikes appeared in St. Luis Missouri. To find Ghost bikes near your city, or simply find out more, see http://www.ghostbikes.org/

"... little did I know the wrenching reactions it would cause, all over the spectrum. I also didn't realize the cascading effect it would have, as several other bikes have gone up since. The power of this urban symbol is clear." -- Ari Shapiro, member of Tucson Ghost Bikes

Upcoming

2009-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Today I went out to my favorite place in Colorado Springs area, this was around 4 p.m., in time to catch the sun between clouds and the mountains. I was there to film, but had to stop every once in a while to take photos. Not just because everything caught my eye, there was an unusually high amount of traffic, and I had no interest in catching other people's cars in my footage. What followed was an amalgam of shadows, street signs, high tone ambers, and blue. Photo to come in the next post.

As Everything, even the small stuff, Must Come Full Circle

2009-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

They say a rhyme out of season is trouble without reason.

At the beginning of this fall, and towards the beginning of this blog, I posted images from Estes Park in my post announcing my plans to stay in Colorado for several months instead of several weeks as had been planned. The resulting images also became my second and third etsy listings. Being an Etsy novice, I listed each print of the series as a quantity in stock. As a result, three months later, they are still there...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16973779

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=16984544

I've of course marked both down bellow my regular prices for such sized prints, but all the same, I have the odd feeling I may just have to relist these late next summer.

2009-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

It took two days of extended illness and the realization that as much as I adore it there, I couldn't spend tonight at the Mercury Cafe to finally jar my mind into the realization of how I wanted to open up my STA video. I now have ten days to film. Not a bad time line. Besides, the storyboard and photography portfolio is nearly complete. Thanks again to everyone who took time to peruse and comment on my work.

2009-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

I'll be leaving Colorado Springs in less than three weeks. This is where I should post my big to-do list, or a gushy goodbye to all my friends here, but instead all I'm wishing for is more leisure time in the Springs, more days to just enjoy being...

For the Horse Lover

2008-12-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

The great thing about the place I took these photos is that I was only by the road where the horses are for five minutes, maybe less, and two motorist's stopped and a third slowed down to make sure I didn't need help.

I see these horses almost every day since their owner lives near my drive to work, it is hard not to stop by every day.

Prints of these photos are available on Etsy.com under wirefox

2008-12-12T22:42:00.001-08:00

Blast from the past, I found this image today while sorting old summer in California Images, I miss...

The house in San Luis Obispo with it's horrendous unclean fish pond of mosquito death, and the black cat, Osiris, and the walk to work, and the fog mornings, and the Plam theater, and those days, do you remember, when beyond sake of cost or reason we would find ourselves driving and driving, usually towards the ocean, and then who knows where we could have gone?

Dear K, I've been asked to define myself in 750 words. I'm trying to think how California and New York figure into who I am, beacuse Colorado doesn't anymore.

The Edits

2008-11-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

The biggest challenge is no longer camera or composition, its editing. I have so many photos on my computer right now that I'd just love to photo shop, but the range of possible effects is daunting, this image turned into three separate etsy listings on my wirefox account, but only this one actually sold.

Colorado

2008-10-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Of those of you who follow my blog as personal and overly curious friends, i thought I should just let you know that I've decided to stay in Colorado. Yes, there is a flight leaving for California this evening, no, I will not be on it. That said, i am now open for all sorts of opportunities, photographic and otherwise. As usual, please contact me, I would love to spend some time with my friends in this town while I am here.

2008-09-29T19:35:00.001-07:00

Got the role!!!!

So..

2008-09-25T19:58:00.001-07:00

A quick update from Colorado:

I auditioned tonight for the guys from "We Do Monsters" a rather impressive, noir and horror inspired fun and funny web-series, see link for full video, or see their climatic IFC posting. Yes IFC, as in Independent Film channel.

In other News, Elizabeth Harvell's wedding gitters (it is one week from today) have done nothing to detract from her outstanding photography. See this photo which she took at 4 a.m. on an impromptu shoot.

That's a bridesmaid dress I'm wearing.

Well yes I am actually...

2008-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Last time I was at Farmer's market I made a detour near Garden street to try to capture an image of one of my favorite carving trees. I was distracted by the group at the end of the alleyway who seemed to be under the impression that I was acting as their own personal paparazzi, and they in turn approached me, and sent their most vocal, unlucky, or at least most outgoing member to ask me, like,

So, guy in yellow shirt- here's one of the photos I did take. There are a few others, regretably they are at a low ISO, and the focus is on the tree.

Adbuster's Cover Story...

2008-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

(Photo of my shoes.)

I was struck by the end of the article.

"Dawn breaks and the last of the after-after-parties begin to spill into the streets. The hipsters are falling out, rubbing their eyes and scanning the surrounding landscape for the way back from which they came. Some hop on their fixed-gear bikes, some call for cabs, while a few of us hop a fence and cut through the industrial wasteland of a nearby condo development.

The half-built condos tower above us like foreboding monoliths of our yuppie futures. I take a look at one of the girls wearing a bright pink keffiyah and carrying a Polaroid camera and think, “If only we carried rocks instead of cameras, we’d look like revolutionaries.” But instead we ignore the weapons that lie at our feet – oblivious to our own impending demise. " (see full article at http://www.adbusters.org/magazine/79/hipster.html)

I ask you- is lawful revolution in the cards? A camera is a weapon, or it should be, and we, the over-indulged youth of America are increasingly equipped. The author of this piece goes on to describe hipsterdom as the end of civilization, this all feels like 1950's de'ja'vu to me.

What do you think?

2008-09-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Image of the day, September 1rst. Stark. Note tantalizing corner of a leaf in the upper edge, and imperfection as far as this composition is concerned. I ought to start posting one of my photos here whenever I can, to encourage myself to update here at all.

2008-08-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

Taken the day I left for San Francisco. I took this one for you, Sal, though by the time we looked at my work it was buried in dense traveling shots.

2008-08-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

On route to Cambria California is the tiny town of Harmony, Population 18. It consists of glass blowing galleries, post office, and other points of curiosity.

We went there today while meandering up to Hearst castle. Didn't time things right to see the mansion, but did stop over in Cambria for a farmer's market and tea.

The great thing about the morning shift at Papyrus is that afterwords I always feel as if I've had the full day off.

Flutter Fly

2008-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today Kristy's Caterpillar emerged from it's chrysalis.

Movies- The good The bland and The overated

2008-07-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

There will be Blood

This is the worst movie I've ever sat through since The Aviator. (please don't stone me for hating the aviator-I understand on some dim level that it looked pretty) The gripping cinema-photography and good acting can seem enough for some movie goers, but I wanted something more when I rented this film. I wanted plot. I wanted characters who existed outside of predictable parameters.

Something terrible is happening in American cinema. The younger annoying brother I never had is materializing in the form of a violence and collateral obsessed 13 year old braggart. He thinks he knows something about women, but is terrified of them, so they never appear outside of crude conversational reference. Those who love him look at his potential, which as of now seems to rest in his high cheek bones, pretentious and "retro" fashion taste, ability to use large words in complex sentences, and the emergence of a strong jaw line. In other words he's a good looking brat who can charm even the most critical adult, if they don't have to spend too much time with him.

Spoiler. I realized what was wrong when the young preacher boy leapt across the table at his father. This was brutal. It had that wouldn't it be cool quality. And if this Oscar nod is an annoying young boy, then I'm going to say the next film on my list is the tantalizing class clown.

Batman- The Dark Knight

I didn't go to this film with high expectations, so when it turned out that the hype about Heath Ledger was true, well, its hard not to be satisfied. This film is light on its treatment of Batman, but the villains have all of the menace and deliberately calculated patience touted in so-called more sophisticated films such as Blood. What's more, its actually enjoying to watch. Recent news has this film slated for re-release in January for at least the I-Max screen. For the film-makers, this is another shot at Oscars, but for audiences who didn't get their fix of summer blockbusters in a season of such gaseous air pockets as The Incredible Hulk, it's a second chance.

San Francisco

2008-07-17T16:17:00.001-07:00

San Francisco- Fog City?

This single over-complicated photograph seemed like the best possible idea at the time. If I'd thought about it I would have noticed how hideous the hello kitty statues in the lower corner looked- not that hello kitty is hideous onto itself- but that the existence of the plastic cats undermined the architecture presented above. Attempts to put this in partial color resulted in a collage like effect.

We are back from San Francisco. This is day 21 of my job hunt, and I am happy to say that I have at least one part time job, that is, I will begin paid training for a good job as soon as I get back from my next trip to the city.

This photo was taken at the De Young Museum...I'm the one hidden behind the large dancing white flower...I find myself thinking of the friends I made on the train ride to this par of California. Jackie might want an email right now, a picture, a caption, "My heart is Not broken," it would say, but I may be too early to say...By the way, L.a. is the city of angels, New York is the City of Broken Dreams- what in this world is San Francisco?

2008-05-05T21:50:00.001-07:00

Essay for Modern Poetry

A traditionalist reading of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock holds that the poem is about meaning in a socially shallow world, middle age, and the general sense of life unfulfilled due to indecision and self-conscious concerns. This is, in a deconstruction of the poem, only one reflection of the shattered mirror of Eliot's work. The conception of this idea of Prufrock, as a shallow man, one fraught with anxiety, also allows for a distinctive mirror reading of the tone which places the narrator as a sardonic man of deep thought and deeper frustration. Beyond these questions of basic communication is also the conceptualization of Prufrock as an experience, a poem of cumulative imagery and word sounds, both narration, hesitation, and the space in between. By tracing the ever changing possible connotative meanings within this text, one stops looking at a broken glass, and more to something akin to a river of mercury, or fast moving stream; the language moves like water, providing constant reflections and refractions. Still, it is possible from a personal perspective to trace several paths for the effects of the poem. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock must also be considered in a system inclusive of other works such as The Cocktail Hour, and (Insert Poem), works which allow deeper and sometimes more definite insight to T.S. Eliot's idea and values.

Yeah, Eliot. This is what I enjoy doing in my spare time. The essay turned out better than it should have, considering what I set out to do...

Adventure in Film Part 1

2008-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Interview here