Friday, March 25, 2011

Erwin Redl

    He is an Austrian born artist who currently lives in America. His work includes installations, videos, graphics, computerart and electronic music. Regarding installations and graphics, his work is two and three dimeninsional and redefines how interior and exterior spaces are expressed. (These various pictures are those in his LED Installation piece.)
      Redl states: “My work reflects upon the condition of art making after the ‘digital experience.’ The formal and structural approach to various media I employ, such as installation, CD-ROM, internet and sound, almost requires binary logic, because I assemble the material according to a narrow set of self-imposed rules which often incorporate algorithms, controlled randomness and other methods inspired by computer code." As you can see in the photos above, he places the lights in a square dimensional shape only a few inches apart which is mesmerizing to any set of eyes! 
     In his works Fade I animated the Eglise Sainte-Marie Madeleine in Lille, France, explores volume which allows people to move through lit spaces. Additionally, as a person being right in the middle of all lights surrounding them would be greatly mesmerising and beautiful. I think this is a different way to look at how an art form can come to life or be life as itself. Using these LEDs as an artistic medium broadens what anyones perspective of art is because the ranges can expand for ever. In my opinion, Redl has a technical creativity granted his ability to creative three dimensional shapes and make them come alive.
   Also, Redl's work will inspire other artist to go beyond what anyone can physically see and perhaps expand! Since art is defined as expressions, the audience should feel something inside while gazing upon workd and withhis art they clearly will. The LED lights give it a "wow" "whoa" factor.Consequently, without them i  do not think the pieces would be effective and or mind blowing. I may be wrong but it draws eyes in the more someone looks at it creating greater wonders more in depth. This is what art is about.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Fearful to Love

Lions & tigers & bears.....
sometimes love isn't fair
maybe it's juss something to share
when we dare.
Open up to the one who may care
sometimes there's a distance in the air.
We feel scared. To let go. To let free.
Of what we perceive,
and gain towards what we need.
Having a heartache,
can strengthen those who can bare a lil bit of pain.
Never the less heal us from all things vain.
Being afraid to love,
having being blinded by this worlds mirage,
can turn you inside out.
The things we most desire in life, we sometimes
do not receive because the Lord above knows
it will cause grief.
Just because I love you and you love me
doesn't mean that
we'll ever be......
Shining like the stars & as deep as the sea,
my passion for you is undoubtably.
Although over looked it IS there.
Many times took as a blank stare.
New foundations are formed over ancients ones.
How can she care for you so open hearted,
and you still make her feel so
discarded?
Like any apple from its' tree,
my love for you has grown
beyond the seed.
It has blossomed throughout my tears,
shaping beyond my fears.
So now it's so clear to me.
Just because I love you and you love me
does not mean that we'll ever be.

( This poem was written by me in my junior year of high school.)

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Experience My Identity; LACMA


We had an interesting time at LACMA and this is one of the paintings that first stood out to me because it reminded me  of the piece that my group and I did at Venice. It was done by David Hockney with acrylic paint and it was a personal map of lets say what he saw on his way from his home ( Hollywood Hills) to his work studio ( Santa Monica )./ Also, it just stuck out from the rest of because of the colors. I think that I am a vibrant people which I express day to day because to me colors like so represent life.

The shapes of this portrait caught my attention first. It has triangular shapes and sharp edges. After that, I noticed the dark and devious colors which prey in the background. It is an oil canvas painting by Hans-Sieberg Heister called Anger and even though I'm nothing close to an angry person, I just simply love the look of it!

When I first looked at this sculpture, I felt a sorrow in my heart because that how good it is. Even in a dying state, Jesus has lots of emotion in his face and body language. I do identify with this because I am a Christian and whenever I see something like this it is a constant reminder that there is no greater love.

  I have a vast passion for fashion as you can see but this dress is absolutely amazing. The color and the whole make is gorgeous yet it has a classical look to it which is vintage to me. If I had the chance to try it on, I definitely would. This section of the museum is sort of new so I hadn't any of the fashion peices before but I'm glad they have added it. Fashion is me, it's everywhere and this is just an example of that. 
Gwen Stefani is such a beautiful person inside out. She reminds me of myself because she is unique throughout her music and her stlye. She represents all aspects of creativity and inspire girls who are alike and unlike to reach for greater limits. Stefani is like me because she has been in a groups, solos, duos and no matter what she does/ where she goes, she seems to come out on top. That is how I am now and how I would like to be in the future also.
Although a bit blurred, the photograph was taken of Elizabeth Taylor. The head wear she has on is stunning and the whole ensemble fits together yet its still colorful and vibrant. This is honestly something I would wear if I were a part of that culture. Seeing a picture like this makes you want to mimic it in every aspect because it has so much power. I think that she has grace and poise in the portrait which I'd like to think I have most of the time. (I try)

Finally, this is one of the last pictures I took. When I look at it at first I saw something completely different than when i actually stood back and took a long gase at it. I liked how most of the people have their faces circlced out. i'm not sure what the motive was behind it but I think that it is universal. I saw this in the American Art building so maybe something along the lines of sex, violence, social hierarcy and temptation? I'm unsure as of now but I just like how it was put together.
 

As I Am


    Fashion is a big part of who I am and this is the reason why YaYa ( one of the finalist from America's Next Top Model ) is such an inspiration to me. During her cycle, she always keep her composer and stayed true to the person that she genuinely was inside. She reminds me of myself in many ways.

 







Paulete Marie Green. My beautiful mother.

I can honestly say that she has been a strong bone in my faimly which allows me to be stronger daily just for her. With out her making the many sacrifices that she has, I wouldn't have certain opportunities which I have today. She is a priceless part of my life.
   Here lies a picture of my brother in his prime. As a high school student, Archie was charismatic and outgoiong which made him a star at all times at school. He was in a class called Theatre Lab and after he graduated he, he highly encouraged me to join because it would bring me out of my shell supposably. At the time, I didn't think anything of it because I was more shy than he at that point. Later, I did decide to take the class and I haven't been the same ever since! I learned that a big brothers advice does go along way when you just take it. Archie definitely plays a big part of who I am today because he is one of my best friends.









    Wow. I remember when my bestfriend Taylor was pregnant with him. His name is Khaleo and he is my god son. He is very active, playful and sometimes violent even! He already is a handful so I'm sure he will be quite the character as he grows and matures in a young man.
An example of my creative side coming out is what you see here. I know that it was only edited on photobucket but it does so much to the theme and it just pops instantly! Photography is unique and gives me a chance to show individuality within the realms of a picture and that why pictures mean the world to me.

Well, what can I say about Beyonce? Besides he singing and dancing talents, her style has been grandly impressive over the years. She always seems to take EVERYTHING to the next level which inspires me to do so also. Being a fan of her work does make me a believer of consistancy which she is and forever will be. In this particular picture, she shows a sexy side which I think it is mportant for women to embrace and not be ashamed of.


Pharrel Williams from the Neptunes/ N.E.R.D is a imensely talented producer and songwriter. I remember I had the biggest celebrity crush on him from the time I was 13 to the time I was 16. He has a way with being smooth in his music and uses creativity that captures whatever audience that listens. I would consider my self unque and creative which is why I can relate to him.
I grew up in a Christian oriented family but my religious views have come solely from my personal experiences. I believe in God because I have seen him move with my own eyes not only in my lie but also in the lives of others around me. My faith only grows as a get older and I am excited to say that my belief in God isn't based on someone elses'. Being a Christian is not easy at all but when it is all said and done, I so glad I am. There are some days that I have no clue how I will make it through but with Jesus, I have learned everything is POSSIBLE NO MATTER WHAT.

If I could or even if it was possible, I would "shop til I dropped" and would think twice about it. There is something about going to your favorite store and indulging in the lastest gear just for a couple of hours. In my opinion, shopping is a de-stresser when things get crazy. However, by no means would I shop on low funds. Being a responsible shopper is as important as being in time for the last day of a sale. Also, it has help me to manage my money better.
I am apart of the praise team at my church and I strongly believes that it helps me to release my worries, fears, and sadness. Getting your emotions out is important because you can't bottle feelings up inside constantly or a person will eventually explode. Singing helps to regulate emotions while at the same time touch other and help them with their issues.
Have you ever heard the phrase, "Don't feed the models"? Well I encourage you to go find as many models as you can and feed them! In our society, weight is such a big issue and amoung young women, they have many insecurities regarding this. feeling unexcepted by society because of a persons' size is just ridiculous to me. Beauty is different period. It's universal and all body types, shapes, colors and weight should be accepted. Coming from my family, there are certain comments made when I go grab for one more helping or ask for more. My family has learned that although I am not plus sizes, big or heavy, it is a free world and I eat as I please. So yes, please feed the models because they are all quite beautiful to me.
Quinn Noel Rodriquez Dunn came into this world and quickly without notice, passed away suddenly after he had stopped breathing. He was only a few months old and it sorrows everyone to remember what happened that day. The greatest lesson that I have learned from losing Quinn is that life is way too short to settle yourself short for even just a moment. There are too many people, places, and things that a person should experience before they die. No one should ever waste time being unhappy because they would be defeating their greater purpose.



With my god daughter Jaiden, it's simple. I've learned that even with change, blessing still do take place. No matter what it looks like in the beginning, still strive higher because the future is closer than we all think. 


I'm a nineties baby can't you tell? I have class, grace, CHARISMA and creativity. No discrimination here but the 90's is a big part of who I am today and I would have wanted to be born at any other time!

Fatima is a model from Sudan who has inspired me to be grateful for my surrounding and where I come from. She was circumsized as a young girl because of rituals and customs where she came from. Fatima still made it to the top because of her intensity and gracefulness. She always tried to keep her pain and suffering a secret but when she learned that she could let go, that is when she reached limits which she had never thought she could.



    Last but not least, family is a big part of who I am because I have so much love for them and I am thankful to have such a loving and accepting family. As i have gotten older, I realize that many people are not blessed to have a support system like I have and it makes me so happy just be around them. Many of the things I have learned came from family oriented lessons. I have faith that it will not ever change because of the stage that has already been set.

Friday, March 4, 2011

A Lovely Poem For MEEE :)

Beautiful woman
The sparkle  in your eye
You radiate excitement and enthusiasm
Your glow in your passions passionate in your pursuit
You are not easily bothered by the opinions of others
You know where you want to go
You are an inspiration to me and others
Beautiful woman
Let your brilliance shine through
Your personality speaks true inner beauty

By: James McCray

( Supposably, someone I know read a poem and converted it into their own little meaningfull message in regards to me. Interesting how that happens yet sweet.)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Beauty to One, But Not to All

        Beauty is said to be in the eyes of the beholder but what does that truely mean? Does it indicate that someone can think a person or something is beautiful but another can see as ugly? In my opinion yes because it's all in the perception of what or who is being looked at. Many people generalize because of there own views coming from that particular culture or background. Having an open mind is key when looking into beauty. For instance, when staring at a portrait that an artist has deligently created, an individual wouldn't just scan across it for a few second for quick judgement in appearances, but actually analyze it. They would want to obviously see the creativity used in it but also the in depth meanings. Say an artist paited a portrait of their mom. The painting has a dark background, the mother has a blank stare on her face, yet the sun is shining through the side window. A person could say that the artist maybe didn't have the best relationship with the mother but they were a strong time which ending up being a great thing in there life. See! Just like that, an analyzation of something could make it that much more beautiful than just random scanning.
        Having the issues of racial discrimination in the world we live in forces the means of beauty to have see-saw effects. In the early Victorian times, a woman with extremely fair skin and tiny coursetted waist was the epitome of woman a woman should be. Many would (I'm sure) went through all sorts of pain just to get a waist of glory and a pale face but if thats what the society acquired..... It's crazy to think now, in our modern day America that tanning and sun bathing have become so popular amoung this culture; although, some four hundred years ago, people of darker skin tones were highly discrimated against to the points of slavery and inhumane treatment. I guess it's funny how the table turns with beauty. Quite fickle if you ask me. Moreover, beauty should be more than an outer appearance or generalization but a depth that is forever effacable.

Was That Really Forreal?

    REAL. What is real in this world? What is fake? Everyone has their different view of real and fake. From the way that someone/something looks to it's invisible significance it's sort of difficult to correctly separate the two with valid meanings or backing. The definition of realism states that it is the attitude /practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly. Okay. So what I receive from this definition would be an example like so. One rainy day on the way to school, James is walking to his class and slips because he had stepped in a puddle of water two feet back. After he slipped, he yelled out in anger and embarassment while continuing to rush to class. Is this realism because we can all invisualize this happening? Or is it real because it has happened to people in the past and they adapted to it although in shock? I think both accurately apply to realism.
    As far as realsim in regards to Art, people can look at a painting but not actually see what the message is. A person can view art as a meaningless waste of time while equally someone can view that same piece of art work as a  tremendous discovery in life. Nothing more or less, just as it is. Believing in deeper meanings in life will force someone to look at all aspects in a deeper way. For example, a Christian may pray before crucial events like tests, performances etc. to improve their chances of doing well. If succeeded, this person experienced something "to them" which is real because they themselves truely believe it is so. Various parts of "real" can come from cultural/environmental influences which are not usually noticed.
    My own person realism example would be life compared to the sky. There are times when the sky is undeniably radiant with beauty (exciting and monumental). On the contrary, the sky can be gray and dull (unexciting and sad). Regardless of moral beliefs or deep meanings, although the sky will always be there. Consequently, it won't always look the same when you wake up just like life! Thus, the real factor lie within a person regardless of if it's tangable, invisible, physical or emotional. At one point it all can be real' it just depends on ones' definition.