5/26/2009

Wonderfully goofy!


If you haven't already viewed her videos, you really ought to.
NancyToday is an absolute lunatic in the most wonderful way.
Her short movies delve into every subject you can imagine, from soap making to weaving and much more.
Though she is a goofy vibrant and colorful character, her information is pertinent and useful...and really fun to watch.

5/24/2009

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date

Yes, I know...I am a little slow.
And, I am sure you have already seen this movie.
But, I am very slow to getting around to doing things sometimes.

Years ago...many years ago I used to read works by G.G. Marquez...and I really enjoyed them.
I have never been much of a fiction reader (stick in the mud that I am), but, I was compelled to read these books because of the lovely quality of the writing; they employ such beautiful and floral language.


So.....I recently got the movie version of the book from the library.
The first ten minutes I thought "oh brother another mushy romantic film...yawn".....
But something enticed me to continue watching, and I can say, I am not sorry.
I have not read the book, so, I have no idea how close the script is to it, but the story of this movie was lovely.
It was really almost like a perfect painting, everything was paid attention to, no detail left out.
The story of each character is woven like a intricate tapestry, from early life, to the end.
It not only focuses on how the two main characters affect each others lives, but how they affect everyone else's lives around them.
If you haven't already seen this film, or read the book, I think you might enjoy it!

5/23/2009

IF "Cracked"

Poor bunny, too much harassment from his inner critic has pushed him over the edge.......

This is a piece I have been working on for months and just recently finished. I think it is a perfect fit for this weeks topic.
It's approximately 18"x24" on Ingres paper.
It is a mixed media piece combining collage, watercolor, acrylic and pencil.

5/18/2009

IF "Contagious"

Edwina tried in vain to inoculate herself against the contagious, yet unattainable expectations of her society................


I have been thinking a lot lately about television and how it influences our daily thought processes.
Ideas are indeed contagious and become embedded in our psyche.
Television has helped to alter our thinking and to skew our aesthetic and moral compass.
Concepts about beauty and status have really become phantasmagorical and unachievable...
yet, perversely we strive to fulfill ideals which were never ours, ideas which were subtly woven into our brains.
Television as well as other forms of technology have actually become our "Soma" and we have become so complacent and comfortable that we make little effort to awaken from our cozy and safe nest.

Once upon a time we were much more active and involved. We were well rounded so to speak. We gardened and interacted with our neighbors and family, we read actual books and listened to music. We canned and cleaned and picnicked, and had fun not involving electronic devices.
We sat at tables and played board games, and ate meals, face to face.

It seems now society is becoming more unplugged. Relationships are more difficult to make face to face, skills are being lost in the arena of interaction and language.
Games are played on the computer, relationships are "made" online.....

Viva la revolution! I think this month I will unplug! I plan to start with cable television. I want to experiment and see what happens. Will I have more time? Will I be "present" with my family? Will I become more creative? Will my spiritual side re-awaken given the ability to have moments of silence? Will my thinking become more clear?
Or, will it be a negative experience....will I have too much time on my hands, too many silent gaps, and will unresolved issues covered by constant white noise have nothing to hold them back and begin to rise to the surface?
It remains to be seen.
Very curious indeed!

5/12/2009

FINALLY!

I am FINISHED!!!! Yeah!
Finals week is now OVER!
I was feeling buggy!
It was very exhausting, so many papers! So many grades!
I am now able to begin giving attention to this blog again!
Yay!