Residual Waste

Creative Ink

2010-09-07T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've just discovered Sharpie, the pen of choice when writing notes on your arm for later memory, has it's own blog. A really fun and simple site that suggests all the things you can utilise this pen for. In the below pictured article, the author suggests old used or thrown away encyclopedias and other books, for kids to be as creative as possible with: cutting, colouring, folding, tearing. Her only instructions were "DO AS YOU LIKE!" And so they did to great results. Kids love this kind of freedom. It's thinking outside the box that gives us great ideas and artists a like. It's only when we are at play that we are able to be truly creative and transformational.

Justin Van Genderen

2010-08-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Justin Van Genderen is just one of the growing number of talented artist, who have taken the middle man out of the equation. A freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Chicago, who also has a keen eye for photography. Whether he's slicing up the John Hancock building or making his own interpretations of planets from the more recent Start Wars saga, his work is always to the highest standard. The name of his website 2046 Design may give some insight as to the balance he achieves between skill of technique and a respect of classic design and retrospective elegance, blended with rich vibrant colour. The ability to apply new technology, without the compromise of simple and stylish aesthetics, with a kick. You can also view his work on Flickr where you can purchase his digital and screen prints.

Lucie & Simon

2010-08-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Who could resist these eerie and beautiful visual slices of earth and it's few remaining inhabitants. Lucie (French) and Simon (German) bring together a unique and yet familiar feeling of desertion and abandonment to their images of life on planet Earth. Saturated in colour and texture you can wade through, they use scale and perspective to make you feel overwhelmed by your surroundings. From wild countryside to concrete jungle, the figure is always singular even when sleeping in bed. In "Scenes of Life" the focus is on the human presence as we observe how still life can be. While in "Earth Vision" we take the perspective of an outsider, exploring the planet's landscape, from the metropolis to the great outdoors as it's inhabitants sleep. Both bodies of work are beautifully crafted like a renaissance painting and executed with a calm of knowing their vision and achieving it.

Elephant Hunt

2010-07-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been here and what better way to mark the occasion than with the celebration of an animal with apparently excellent memory. The Elephant Parade London was an amazing event raising awareness on saving the Asian elephant from extinction in the wild. The charity Elephant Family is behind the grand display of 258 elephants, decorated by artist and placed all over central London. Check out the website below where Lee & Emma trek all over London to find ever elephants, including the elusive Cloudia. If you missed the hunt, but still want to show your support, you can hand paint your own miniature elephant at Selfridges or The Elephant Parade Shop.

Encourage Creativity

2010-01-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

My senior thesis instructor told my class we should treat our art (photography) as a job. That we should dedicate a set number of hours, even days aside each week to our art and regard it just like the job that paid our rent. If you don't put in the hours, how do you expect to improve, get recognized and finally paid for it. Today, I came across this great stopmotion video 2 guys put together about 1 street in their home town Toronto on photographer Chase Jarvis's blog, which simplifies this perfectly. If you have an idea, no matter how simple, get out there and do it. Creativity is like any skill or tool, it takes time & energy & lots of practice to make it work well. Instead of making the same new years resolution as last year, to put more hours in at the gym, why not put more hours into creativity. I assure you the results will be more rewarding.

Achieving The Impossible

2010-01-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

How appropriate that the first Ted Talk I watch of the new year should be an explorer, a creative thinker, a pioneer of what is possible. The new year is a time when most of us make decisions to start a fresh or to firmly commit to something we have always wanted to achieve, but never seem to have the time to. Bold statements are made with friends as witnesses to help us with that first step towards a new. May be it's because Bertrand Piccard comes from a long line of inventors that he makes the impossible seem so attainable. The impossible always being denied its existence and merely not yet conceived. His enthusiasm and creative thinking are contagious as he makes his case for non-dependency on fossil fuel a call to the masses. Pointing to the past for examples of overcoming the unthinkable, then turning to the world for support and a call to arms. The amazing feets we have and continue to achieve have occurred because someone thought outside the box and took a chance. Had an idea, then slaved away until sleep was not an option, then eureka! We think nothing of video chatting with someone on the other side of the world, or the information a scientist can pull from a single hair strand and some with the available funds have already booked their flight into outer space. So may be non-dependency on fossil fuels is just another adventure out there, waiting for someone to stubble upon and share with the world. This year don't join a gym you'll never use. Look at yourself and see what is necessary, what excess you can jettison from your life and help others achieve the impossible.

Say "Cheese"

2010-01-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when the family gets together and puts on a happy smile for the camera to capture. Below are just a few examples of how we sometimes project some thing other than happiness and good cheer. Starting with Awkward Family Photos, staying with the festive theme Sketchy Santa, followed up by 2 absolute gems from WTF, which I simply couldn't resist. Happy Holidays!

Minimalist TV Posters

2009-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Check out Exergian design blog with these simplistically stunning TV posters.

Collage and A Return To The 70's

2009-10-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen Colin Barnes for a while. It appears he's been working on a solo show about to happen in London. Check out his website here for a sneak peak of what's in store. Intuitive art meets 1970's aesthetic meets not what you were expecting from this grass roots hip hop man. His work is clean and minimal with no heavy underpinning, simply beautiful images. The layering of subject and texture requires them to be experienced first hand to be fully appreciated. Watch this space for details.

Art London 2009

2009-10-18T13:39:00.001-07:00

While I have experienced ArtChicago for many years, last week was a first for ArtLondon. A much smaller version than it's midwest sibling, it proved to be a lot more enjoyable and the gallery rep's were equally more receptive. Below are my top 6 favorites from the fair...

Luciano Ventrone oil on linen

Steven Nederveen mixed media

Yuko Moriyama-Wiffen graphite on paper

Pamela Stretton inkjet fragments

Anne Penman Sweet oil on canvas

Anish Kapoor

and 6 more that I just couldn't leave out...

Mack MacKinnon
John Monks
Steven Marshall
Sherry Karver
Emily Allchurch
Helen Sear

Undeniable Beauty In Solitude

2009-10-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

Quiet still scenes people inhabit without being present. The signs we as a populus are leaving on the earth are ever more exposed in Ward Roberts images. High rise apartments, supermarkets, salt mines and forests all have the stigma of the human race. Possibly these are premonitions of a future world without us or may be they are the feeling we are experiencing today. As technology advances, we use it more as a second limb than an additional tool. We spend hours online, in chat rooms, yet still cannot connect to those we pass on the street everyday. Roberts captures our attention with classical lines and form, drawing us in with an awkward tension as to where all the people have gone.

Harmony Through Technicolor

2009-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Blip from Sean Mullen on Vimeo.

Gnomes & Magic

2009-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

It really is saying something when the most memorial part of a film is the advert before it starts. Sad but true is this fact with Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince. Cinematography and direction is sublime with vistas of dark and wondereous lands and double entendre's falling like wild fire in this coming of age of our hero. Unfortunately it's about 1 hour 20 minutes too long, for all the story line that's covered. I have been told by those who have read all the books, that this sets up the story for the next installment...an extra 25 minutes at the start of the next film would have been more than sufficient.

The traveling gnome advert for Days Out Guide however was fantastic. Yes, yes, I remember the gnome that caught the traveling bug in Amelie. May be not a solely original idea, but most definitely perfectly executed. Which is half the struggle. My suggestion, save the cinema ticket for the next installment and watch the ad online now.

Awe Inspiring Hubble

2009-05-21T03:31:00.000-07:00

Check out Don't Panic a great resource for anything and everything creative from typography to photography to illustration to dance, it's all here. At the moment they have a great article about some of the amazing things the Hubble Space Telescope has given us over it's unexpectedly long life. Below is the image of the space shuttle Atlantis flying in from the sun, on the last of it's service mission.

In Control

2009-05-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

If something appears to be a little askew or even missing in Eva Stenrams images, you'd be right. Scenes from nature, whether looking up to the sky or into a forest, they have an unsettling quality in what should be images of tranquility. Eva takes found images either from her own family album or the public domain and manipulates them to show another meaning. In Birds of Flight we see birds flying high above, rearranged into head on collisions and fighter plane formations. Flying as an image of freedom is therefore placed under control by technology and in turn makes the sky itself no longer a safe haven from attack. Yet the images do still retain some sense of harmony in uniformity before pending doom. In Pornography/Forest images of pornography set in the great outdoors are taken from the internet. Eva then hastily removes the people from these forest scenes to reveal an almost criminal police scene. By removing the individuals the original photographer had focused on, we are left with a bland view of nature that begs the question "why are we doing here". Again Eva is playing with the intended meaning of the image and crossing it with a contradiction which leaves us feeling dizzy.

Eve Stenram

On The Verge Of Taking A Stand

2009-05-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

WOW! Did I have no f**king idea what I had let myself in for with this movie. Based on the BBC series The Thick Of It, this fly on the wall mockumentary gives a behind the scenes look at the interwaeaving relations of British and American government agencies. This parody of true to life scenarios of poltical agenda and public gaffes, take one back seat MP and catapult him into the world arena. A blindering idiot with no idea of the implications of his words, continues to dig deep in his already overwhelming trench. While a tourettes wheelding government advisor applys barbed wire to the dam that has already broken its banks. Internal departments face off against one another, each possessing a potential whistle blower. A highly elaborate spin on multiple levels appeases all, leaving the audience with a sick taste in their mouths, as to the real world significance. An amazing cast shot with choppy, abrupt close ups and sharp edits adds to the energy and urgency of the film. Be warned, the language of one individual is highly offensive yet completely in context with his character. In The Loop is a great film that will have you deliberating whether to laugh out loud or cringe at the inconceivable incompetence of elected officials.

I See Stupid People

2009-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Imagine it's 2055 and despite all the research and science that's predicted the depleting earths' resources, the human race has continued to rape the planet and is now facing the consequences for it's ignorance. Pete Postlethwaite, a lonely custodian wandering around the vast halls of the world's Art treasures in a futuristic water tower style museum high above the ever rising ocean, sits at his desk and views REAL stories from a database documenting the evidence preceding the current predicament. The Age Of Stupid brings documentary film making and the very real possibilities of our greedy state of being together for a more than sobering experiencing. The facts of the environment are delivered on every level of understanding, told through human stories that leave your eyes wide and bulging in disbelief. It not only tells you what has happened and the direction we're all going in, but more importantly how we can all get involved A film that everyone needs to see, digest, discuss and more importantly act upon.

Up For Grabs

2009-04-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

A bum of a farther who has surcombe to a life of sedentary production worker by day and beer drinker by any given opportunity, is given the ultimate responsibility when his bright young daughter takes his civic right into her own hands. "It is every citizens duty to vote" echoes throughtout this film as Ernest "Bud" Johnson has the monumentous decision of the deciding vote in Americas Presidential election. The word gets out as to Bud's predicament and within a nano second the sleepy town of Texico, New Mexico becomes the finish line to the White House race.

This movie shows us nothing new with Democratic and Republican representatives switching sides to win Buds favour. However it does highlight how politics has become a victim to mass media, with opinions bent and skewed to achieve a win result and high ratings. Swing Vote is the cotton candy you look for at the fair...the expectation keeps your eyes wide open, but once you've handed your money over, it's only a few licks until you're holding an empty stick with sticky fingers. An easy going film with some touching real life moments. The trailier offered so much more than the studio coud deliver.

Smiley Face

2009-04-07T06:16:00.001-07:00

Now, I'm no graphic novel geek, so as far as acurracy goes I'm out. What I can say is Watchmen is one amazingly violent, pessimistic, grey, apocalyptic yet optamistic in a completely roundabout deranged manner of a film. A group of everyday citizens, turned caped crusaders revived by all, have fallen on hard times as the public and press turn against them and are forced to go into hiding. Don't worry if you have come into this movie blind, a trip down memory lane cutsey of flash backs, brings us up to speed with our current predicament of dire straits.

A film to gawk at for its visual integrity, hue, feel and costumes transport you back in time with lighting that draws you in until you jump from your seat with every punch that's thrown. This is not for the faint hearted with a vast amount of running time spent busting jaws and even the odd villian spontaneously combusting, leaving organs embedded in walls.

Watchmen drags you deep down into the uglest hollows that only human hatred can achieve. If you're paying close enough attention, you'll work out part of the ending, but not the real zinger of a twist. I'm still marvelling over the creative talent to it's logic and it's playful takes on some highly iconic images.

Bargain Basement

2008-12-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

"The following is written after reading "In Poland, Style Comes Used and by the Pound" by NICHOLAS KULISH in The NYTimes."

In Chicago I had a plethora of secondhand stores to cherry pick: The Ark on Lincoln, The Brown Elephant in Wicker Park and The Salvation Army next to the tracks behind Grand, were my favorites. And if I was in the market for vintage or a unique gift, a quick trip to Milwaukee avenue between Damen and Ashland would give me more choice than necessary with Recycle, Lenny & Me and Uma Ma. Back in London the availability of quality, style and bargain price is not as accessible. While I have been lucky to find the odd treasure, a repeat visit to the same locale has proven fruitless. Vintage chic on the other hand is plentiful, however the price tag is not one I'm willing to pay. London's high sense of fashion and heavy pound is seemingly hindering this lady's healthy wardrobe and gifts for the holidays. Books I would pay 25cents for State side, start at $2 and go sharply up dependent on your postcode. The Brit's appear to have mistaken the penny wise shopper for the Kensington tractor and fleecing us all. So my advice to Poland is grab it before someone realizes there's money to be made in what's left behind.

Free Falling

2008-12-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

Heartache, new frontiers and a child's lucid imagination, come together under the blue sky of an early twentieth century Hollywood. With a palette of vivid primaries, in a wash of golden yellows, Alexandria, a mischievous little migrant girl recuperates after a fall leaves her in hospital with a broken arm. In need of stimulation, Roy, a newly acquired friend aids her in a fantasy adventure. Unfortunately her guide, a stuntman who has suffered a fall to impress a lady, has ulterior motives in mind. As the fall guy weaves his bandits through truth and fiction, the real world takes greater presence within his magnificent fable, until fatal consequences fall out. A real treat of the senses with sweeping landscapes of distant shores, beautiful dialogue that ebbs naturally and a cheeky little monkey to boot. The Fall (2006) was released on the festival circuit in 2006 and has hit select cinemas since. Now on DVD, a great excuse to get the projector out and remind yourself what the movies is all about.

London Knowledge

2008-12-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

My first experience of Will Self was at The Green Carnation. The tall somewhat timid man passed me twice before my friend pointed out to me I was obstructing the author's path. Self called for the crowds attention and we took our places cross legged on the floor ready for story time. Within moments I was catching flies with ears agog, as without actively knowing I lived every word he spoke. Self's unique prouse that roll fourth with a bounty of rich texture are illuminated by their own language and dialect, excentuating their every fiber. After the reading I left high on literary prowess, caipirinhas and a promise to read everything Will Self.

The Book Of Dave was my first accomplishment and what an excellent introduction. Set in three different time periods, Dave is a black cab driver, a pathetic shell of a man and a god. We follow him through life, the points and eternal being. His Knowledge is unquestionable, yet he finds the simplest of tasks excurciating. Pages of dense dialogue turn with verlocity as Dave monouvres the city, fatherhood and future London. As I pick up The Quantity Theory Of Insanity I attempt to push high expectations aside.

Breath New Life Into Old

2008-12-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

"This entry was originally written 2nd of November, but unfortunately since updating the ShoZu app' on my iPhone, none of my entries have actually been published on Blogger, even though ShoZu confirms they have."

It's always impressive when a concept conceived decades ago, can survive in today's fast-paced entertainment circus and Quantum of Solace does so effortlessly. Growing up, 007 was full of charm, intellegence and a sly smile that knew exactly how to deliver those double entendres. Daniel Craig's Bond still has the quick witty banter of Her MAjesty's Secret Service, but it takes a back seat to his down & dirty tactics.

Quantum of Solace continues on from Casino Royale, a first for Bond. With his sights focused on a personal vendetta, the authority that empowered him, seek to rein him in. Daniel Craig delivers an outstanding performance as a Bond on the brink of self destruct, with little hope on the horizon of a positive resolution. Beautifully shot vistas and a subtle twist in the plot, bring this old school advisory very much into the contemporary foray.

Warning Sign

2008-09-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Power Of Photography

2008-09-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Film Of The Year

2008-08-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

It is something quite remarkable and daring to spend the first 20plus minutes of a film with no dialogue. But here it is and it's delivered with subtlty and success. Sublime and awe inspiring vistas of a possible distant future, consumed by it's own self absorbed conseit, have left planet Earth hidden under towering skyscrappers of rubbish. The human race has abandoned this arid Metropolis of scrap metal for a life of further more ablivious consumerism, on a spaceship light years away. Our one survivor left to clean up is the happy-go-lucky WALL.E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth class) and his friend the cockroach. WALL.E goes to work everyday, collecting, compacting, coverting kitsch and ends everday the same...watching "Hello Dolly" on his VHS and trying to hold his own hand. As you may have gathered WALL.E not only has emotions, but is also very lonely. Along comes EVE sent by the populous of starship cardiac arresst to find signs of organic life.

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

I don't need to tell you where this is going and the point is that it's somewhat obvious storyline in no way renders the film a flop. Far from it. The fact it's an animated film is irrelevant (apart from the amazing skill and craftmanship) as the story, it's development, twists and execution totally envelope you. As with all art there is a message, weather on an individual or global level. With WALL.E we are reminded not to lose sight of the bigger picture and how everyones actions play a part, in ways beyond our line of sight. As technology develops and becomes ever more present, we become more dependent upon it for solutions. Love tour Wii but Dont forget there's no substitute for human interaction. This is hands down the film of the year and I'm just sorry that as an animated film it won't get the recognition it truly deserves. Please, prove me wrong.

Personal Demons

2008-08-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Looking at my bookshelf it's easy to recognise some obscure prerequisite I have in reading. And so there should be. Books are a most intimate of mediums, something we hold in our very hands. Reading alone or transporting us from the over crowded commute, where helvetica contours spiral off the page and imagination intertwined, making our senses deaf to the immediate environment. Creative non fiction, unknown poets, dated manuals, children's classics, art, textbook literature, environmental awareness and critical essays, all have their place. Simply put, anything that tackles our conscience and our actions, what we are and where we are going to. Design and rhythm, weather it be in imagery, text or engineering, all have a history and a future to behold.

Franz Kafka was no stranger to these struggles of self and circumstance. Writing three books based on such experiences, all of which he never completed, The Castle ending in mid sentence. A some what biographical novel, if only in tricks of the mind, we follow K. a land surveyor new to a village controlled by a castle. His every thought and action are contradicted with the next interaction. This kaleidoscopic labyrinth of here say and assumptions make each sentence a rebuttal to the previous. I'll admit the first few chapters were a challenge, but once I had accepted patina as true, the pages turned with some velocity. Divided by love, governmental procedures and the desire to survive, K. is suspended in limbo, although he can never openly say such. Kowtowing to everyone he attempts diplomacy, whilst in the same instant brandishing a horse crop at the very people sent to assist him. An acutely intelligible web of deceit and intrigue keep both the reader and K. transfixed on a solution which will never appear. A fantastic introduction to Kafka and the games our hearts play with our minds.

Men Behaving Madly

2008-08-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Delightful, quirky and quiet, who could resist such a film. Brent Hamer's Kitchen Stories (2003) is all that and much, much more. Set in Norway in the early 1950's, a group of Swedish behavioural researchers have a new study at hand. The kitchen routines of single Norwegian men. Observers are paired with a host, who they are forbidden to talk to or interact with in anyway what so ever. Observations and recording is their very being.

We follow Isak, a strange somewhat recluse of a man and his mild mannered house trained observer, Folke. The relationship is beyond awkward to start with Isak refusing to what he volunteered for. To be observed. But as the men get used to each other's constant presence, barriers recede and misconceptions evaporate.

This film is an absolute treasure of wealth, with it's simple yet beautiful cinematography and off kilter synopsis. Men are a funny breed, hiding emotions under a layered multitude of thick skin. Slow and steady wins the race...this film rewards those with patience.

Trash & Dying

2008-06-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the summer issue of Ausgang. An online magazine based in Chicago, of photographs and creative writing, focusing on 2 topics each quarter. Summer 2008 is turning inward on Trash & Dying, which seems more than apt when you have experienced August in the windy city. I have a few photos up (under Trash) and I'm using this to put some serious editing time and post much needed new images on my website. Cheers!

Warning Signs

2008-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

We Need To Talk About Kevin may seem pretty straight forward and yes you have already taken a good guess at the subject and possible events occurring, but take a seat as you'll discover it's so much more. Writing letters (serving as chapters) to her husband, Eva, Kevin's mother, tells the story of their family, it's foundations, it's everyday suburbia and all the potential clues that lead to one calamitous day. The unique delivery and rich vocabulary of this most dire of circumstances slowly draws you in and then in the penultimate letter throws you aside as your eyes widen with understanding, pain and anguish. This book requires real investment from it's reader, that pays off by leaving you spent yet concious of the undeniable effect we all have on those around us.

Floating On Candy Cotton Clouds

2008-05-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Another night at The Regal Room in Hammersmith and never a disappointment. The purpose of this visit was to see Rumer, one of those artist's who sounds so good on her myspace profile, that when she whispers those first few notes on stage, you do a double take. Effortlessly sung ballads of heartbreak and growing up, it's hard to believe Rumer is so young. With a voice reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, Rumer takes us on her own journey of life's sorrow and love lost. Reminding us how even when we're feeling lost and all alone, music can bring us back around.

The Wonder Of Wood

2008-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

For All To See

2008-05-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Selfridges in London is known for it's lavish window diplays, but this time they've out done themselves. The main windows on Oxford Street features vibrant and quirky scenes of fashion partaking in outdoor activities in some quite bizarre modes. These are courtesy of The White Wall Company Ltd and are most impressive with mannequins contorted into the most impossible of positions and flights of transportation. Although I press you to go and take a look at the cart-wheeling-connect-four playing dummies and their stylish head gear, you must walk to the most westerly window and around the corner for more artist flare.

There you will find the work of Haberdashery London, a collective of artists of many definitions and their simple yet beautiful sculptures and "no tech" scrolling windows into the unseen city you're breathing in standing there. The craftmanship and execution of each display of highly detail oriented simplicity is, can I use the word again, beautiful. Trek down to Oxford Street before 10am and experience these visual delights without the slew that is London's West End.

If Looks Could Kill

2008-05-10T02:02:00.000-07:00

Imagine being slapped in the face at the very moment you realized your "true" love has betrayed you or was everything you dispised in human nature. Now put it on a loop and play it through cinematic history. That's one way to describe Liz McAlpine's "Slap" but it goes much deeper than that. Concerned with visual repetition and our obession to see it all up close and personal, McAlpine's work has us questioning what it's all about...which I'm not going to give. Check out "Slap" at Tate Modern tonight as part of If Looks Could Kill festival.

Through The Looking Glass

2008-05-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Visual Clues

2008-05-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

With local elections taking place all over this little island and the May Day Demonstrations, my attention is drawn towards politics. Now I'm not going to tell you who to vote for. Anyone who has the right to vote, also has the responsibilty to research candidates and party policies before marking their all empowering check in the box. And I don't care for all the media hype and jovial jabs that are endemic of todays political environment. What intrigues me, is how the participants visually represent themselves on paper. I'm talking about the little guide I got in the mail just yesterday. It describes the elections, how to vote and includes the manifesto for everyone in line for seat at the head of the table for my local assembly, the Mayor of London. The guide itself is great, simple and well designed, giving clear instructions on process, how to use your 2nd vote correctly (don't mark your 1st choice twice) and who is standing for each of the 3 ballots. And all colour coded to avoid the slightest confusion between the 3.

As for the graphic representation of these ever so important individuals...I'm not sure if it's comforting or disappointing, but there were no surprises as to colour palette, layout, font and photo choice for any of the candidates. Rather than describe each one, I'll simply state what 4 of them were visually communicating:

A. Everyman, straight-up, welcoming diversity.
B. Hardworking, green, young urban professional.
C. Energetic, alternative, green, self driven.
D.Patriotic, stable, traditional, strong.

Throughout history we have had visual clues telling us someone's position in society or cultural roots. That identity and defintion continues to expand today defining our political opinion, sexuality and even our taste in music. We wear our most inner thoughts and emotional state on our sleeves for all to see. London is a great city for that very reason. You can be as brazen and outrageous as you like and feel comfortable doing so.

Give It A Break

2008-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hot House

2008-04-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Online

2008-04-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

By now most people should have heard of, if not tried out, PhotoshopExpress. Those smart people at Adobe have been paying attention to the ever growing trend in Web Apps and have come up with a nice little web broswer based version of Photoshop. As it currently stands you're not able to do anything as slick as the healing tool and you don't have layers, but you can do some nice simple edits to your photos. What's really fun is you get 2GB of free storage to upload images, a free web gallery to share and check out other users and more importantly all those bad images you took with your phone and then send direct to Facebook can be accessed and edited from your web browser. Now that's gold in itself.

Ice Picks & Wayward Children

2008-04-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

It's hard to comprehend what would possess anyone, let alone a mother, to request a lobotomy on a child, but that's exactly what happens as Howard Dully tells the story of his youth. My Lobotomy: A Memoir is a beautifully told story of the family and events that lead up to a boys 12 year old birthday and the harrowing life that ensues. In the 1970's Dr. Walter Freeman thought he has found the cure to Schizophrenia amoung many other mental health disorders, by performing a Transorbital Lobotomy. This procedure was performed without the presence of a surgeon on the majority of unfortunate patients and even on Dr. Walter Freeman's desk in his office, giving Electroshock Treatment as the anaesthetic. But this book isn't about the good doctor, it's about a boy who had a strong bond wth his mother, who sadly dies while he's still a child. How his overtly disobedient behavior and lack of interest in school are blown out of protion by a step mother with little patience and understanding and a father working three jobs to support the new larger family. Written with feeling and comprehension of what could possibly have lead to a little rascal getting more punishment than help, this is a great read and a travesty that it comes from experience rather than imagination.

Old Master

2008-03-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is a great photographer who recently gave a very entertaining talk I attended. Wheather it's portraits of the avant guard or documenting a travesty or even corporate advertising, Barry Lewis has most probably shot an image that simply encapsulated it's very essence. After a life time of devotion, photography is more than just his forte. It's quite impressive how his stlye has maintained a fresh and contemporary aesthetic over the decades he has been shooting. Even if you know his work, I would recommend taking the time to reaquaint yourself with his impressive portfolio.

A Short History Of Tractors In Ukranian

2008-03-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Even though I subscribe to The Guardian's Art blog and read The New Yorker, I'm not someone who pays attention to a book's critical success when making a purchase. So it came as quite a surprise to discover my latest read's popularity...extending to random stranger's asking me "how are you enjoying it?" or stating "that's a really good book." with a casual interest in advances in engineering the title of the book caught my eye. I choose a paragraph at random to scan for confirmation of its querkiness. "A Short History Of Tractors In Ukranian" is just as it sounds; fun and poignant, laughable and sassy, but with hardships and honesty that can only come from an Eastern European perspective. Our narrator, Nadia, guides us through an episode in her family's life that spans 2 years and brings up events never spoken of before. Written in a fresh and spontaneous manner, my eyes raced across the pages as I lusted after more. I read this book whilst on my daily commute in under 1 week and yet I can recall every detail with clarity. As I approached the last 30 pages I became nervous of the ends iminant presence, of which I happily mispredicted and also just wanted the book to continue. This book is shear delight disgusted in pink peep-toe mules and boil-in-bag mackerel, reminding us all how bland life would be without family.

Web App's To Go

2008-03-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

A great web app that I have to give praise to, as well as a financial contribution, is Cinema Times for the iPhone. Thought up by 2 students in Scotland, this gem not only has a great looking icon to place on your screen, but actually works! In fact I've been to the movie theatre more often of late due to its efficiency. You simply tap in your movie choice and location (which can be as vague as London) and it will list all available cinemas and showtimes. It even gives you a direct link to the film's trailer on Apple's website and it's IMDB page. If you're not a movie person, don't worry, because these guys have a number of useful web apps that appear to work better than the originals and some fun games to boot. I found them through the iPhone & iPod Touch's Application website which has a host of amazing links for you to save to your home screen...but you can also find them by going directly to their website The Mac Box.

Tumbleweeds, A Case Full Of Money And A Kept Promise

2008-03-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

It's hard not to appreciate the talent of The Coen Brothers. For the majority of men I know "The Big Lebowski" sits high above all other's as "the coolest film ever!" Although I enjoyed "The Big Lebowski" it was only after seeing "The Man Who Wasn't There" that I fell under the spell of their film making. Shot purely in black & white, every scene is composed like a still photograph with amazing use and development of depth of field, subject and lighting. Yet somehow "No Country For Old Men" blows it out of the water on all counts. Where T.M.W.W.T. had a very strong score that added to the films tension, N.C.F.O.M. has only 1 scene with music, lasting less than a minute. The silence of the film is deafening, causing me to involuntarily hold my breath repeatidly through its duration. What to some may appear to be a slow drawn out story is a big part of the films success.

The patience they have with each character as they fumble and carniage ensues, reminds us of the time and energy each action and reaction takes in the real world. Along with the lack of music and speed, is an ever present lack of dialogue, stripping the story down to an amazing example of (almost) silent movie making. Conveying everything on a visual level works to perfection here, with The Coen Brothers again treating movie making as a succession of still photographs. This is what sets them apart from the crowd. This film needs to be seen on the big screen. Don't bother taking a date, as you'll lose all hope, as the world before you turns dark and all encompassing.

Mirror Reflections

2008-03-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

By pure chance, I just read 2 books that are complete polar opposites, back to back. George Orwell's "1984" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "Herland"...both second hand finds at a charity shop. I had seen the film "1984" years ago and so was familiar with the story, but knew nothing of "Herland" apart from the synopises on the back of the book.

While I thoughly enjoyed the film adaptation of "1984" there is something to be said for the unlimited ability of the human minds imagination that a book like this is apt to. Conjuring up not only a visual field of dispair and no hope, but the aromas and sensation of grit and grim engraved into the soul if ever being. "Herland" as the name might elude, is set in a very different world. One of peace and harmony, of living in an open and free land, with no conflict or desire for want and greed. It is ironic that in "1984" people are governed by Big Brother with his all seeing Telescreens and undercover agents, where suspects disappear without ever existing. Where in "Herland" although there is a hierarchical order, it is more relaxed. Those at the top are there because of their selfless giving to the community as a whole and are available for advice and help whenever needed. They are not feared or hidden behind iconic pictures that stand as tall as buildings. They are there to serve the people, not vice versa.

Regardless of my personal bias as to the more ideal world, both books are more than worth the time and energy and are possibly even more enjoyable for reading back to back.

The Decommissioned Landscape

2008-02-21T02:01:00.000-08:00

I had never heard of John Davies, but was instantly drawn to his epic landscapes of The British Isles hanging in the cafe at The Photographers' Gallery. Their monumentus presence in style, subject and size, transport you from the tea stirring clatter of the West End to the silent hilltop looking down upon conflicting environments of co-existence. That is not to say these images are casting judgement, but simply presenting a view that can only be seen when captured by the patient and caring; drawing our attention to the world around us and more importantly the bigger picture. No pun intended. Man and the elements have always been in a push-pull relationship and with the ever persistent growth of industry, that dynamic has accelerated.

The images presented are not that of booming economic growth, but rather the downside of industry built on (depleating) natural resources. A typical image shows the cooling towers of a power station, casting shadows over a neighboring field, where a football game is played, with storm clouds looming on the horizon. Somehow these vast landscapes of dirt and grim are intimate and personal, like a love affair with it's ever glooming fate. These images really need to be experienced in the flesh to appreciate their power and beauty. You can fall in love with The British Landscape until 6th April 2008.

There Will Be Blood

2008-02-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I thought a movie was worthy of the West End experience and the price tag that goes with...but the wait is over. From the opening scene when you first experience that chilling score of a maddening genius, like Amadeus chewing on cotton wool, you know you're in for a movie to remember. The cinematography, art direction, score, script and dare I say it, cast and acting in this film are seemless perfection. We are transported back to the great push west on the hopes of get rich quick philanthropist' and promises of schools and commerce. Daniel Day-Lewis plays our money hungry hero with lunatic paranoia and furrowing brow. Dillon Freasier plays the unfortunate child that Day-Lewis takes as his own, after his real father dies at the success of finding oil in those early days. Freasier is a mere tool in Day-Lewis' grand scheme of oil domination, yet he does feel a fatherly bond, which eats away at him like moonshine on his liver. Not wishing to spoil the experience I will stop there, as words do not do this grand operatic of life in the barren west justice. There Will Be Blood needs to be watched on the big screen with eyes ever expanding until the psyche is no more.

Fish, Dogs & Old Men

2008-02-09T01:58:00.000-08:00

Whether taking a portrait of a monkey behind a glass screen at a zoo or a family living on the outskirts of society with no electricity, Esko Männikkö's images show a respect and understanding for the subject with a unique eye. Where you could recognise his inanimate subjects having a somewhat Nordic feel, with their muted colours and quiet sense of always being, his live portaits give us much more. In both Finland and Mexico we experience the hardships of life on the periphery, with scarce resources and shetler, Männikkö's images are approachable without pretention. Iluminating the spirit and life of the people in these limited circustances.

His animal portraits are ever more personal with a strange tranquility and understanding of the subjects projected place within this human hierarchy. Männikkö talks of Zoo's as nothing more than prisons for animals and his images reflect a strong sense of guilt and shame upon the viewer. Ever image has it's own power of seduction and beauty to be experienced, but with 21 images in this years Deutsche Borse Photography Prize, every recycled frame touches the next, giving the montage of multiple years and subject an altogether awe inspiring feel. Catch it at The Photographers' Gallery until 6th April.

Just Jack

2007-12-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

Making An Effort

2007-12-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Of late my blog may have appeared to be lacking in real effort. I have attended shows and been to galleries and museums and wish to write about all of them, but a new job has left me lacking vie at the end of the day. With that said, this evening I spent a good amount of time looking through scans to make a collage. The collage is a hot medium in the art world at present and highly appealing to someone who sees beauty in the found image. After selecting way more images than I needed, I had the daunting task of making them work together. Several cups of tea and some organic dark chocolate later I came to the conclusion that keeping things simple and using only a few images, makes the final result more effective. I started multiple collages, but the one below is the only one I felt was complete and made sense. I am going to attempt to create more assemblages on a regular basis and so comments and suggestions are welcome.

Face...Slap!

2007-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ged Quinn

2007-11-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

The entrance alone to Wilkinson Gallery leads you to believe you're in for a visual sensory paradise and the present exhibit doesn't let you down. In the vast raw gallery Ged Quinn's rich paintings of iconic landscapes from past century's and more contemporary references to popular culture and scenes of destruction, marry together well. In his paintings (some 6' x 9') the head on collision of lush pastures and political leaders is met with an unbelievable attention to detail in reference and depiction. These painting have been painstakingly constructed, layering beauty with death in both past and present and the result is no less than perfect execution. Ged Quinn's paintings really need to be seen first hand to truly appreciate his skill, intellect and humor and the message they hold about our present course. Showing until 6th January 2008.

Rubbish Presents

2007-11-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

On A Personal Note

2007-11-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

As a child I experienced Remembrance Day as the day everything stood still for 2 minutes. There was a ceremony with the queen and we watched it on TV before we ate our Sunday dinner. I valued and respected the day for what it signified, but felt no real connection. That all changed 5 years ago when my father died of cancer. He had served in the R.A.P.C. and had been posted all over the world and our family with him. He served in the Falklands during the crisis, which he never spoke of, despite our badgering. I was in America the year after his passing, which was when his cross was placed at Westminster Abbey. My family had attended the ceremony and I longed to be there with them. Every time I would visit England over the next 5 years I would visit my father's grave and knew what to expect from the experience. This morning as I made my journey across the city to Westminster, I began to feel nauseous. As the garden of the Abbey came into view the sea of crosses was overwhelming. I thought I was going to throw up. Scanning the chart and then trying to decipher the map, tears were already overflowing from within. All these people were gone, no longer able to share in the moment, only in memory. I made my way to the R.A.P.C. section and there at the front was a small cross with my father's name. Without a thought for my surroundings my heart was pierced and the pain came flooding from my eyes. I cried without fear and my tears blurred my vision, yet I never lost sight of his name. After a minute I calmed myself, wiping away salty water and relaxing my breath, I knelt down in place. I sat for a moment and heard the tears of another. Standing up I walked around the grounds reading names and stopping when the number of crosses was too great to give room. I came for my father, stayed for others I would never meet and left feeling a part of something bigger.

Be Remarkable

2007-11-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

It's hard to write an introduction to a video, when it's from the most innovative thinkers around. All I will say is remember to click the icon in the lower right hand corner to view in full screen mode.

Whale Tails & Muffin tops

2007-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Like any major city and tourist attraction, London has it's fair share of photographers. From the school group at the museum to the agency photographer waiting for the models hair to set, they are everywhere. Street photography is benefiting from a boom in recent years and advances in technology point to it not fading any time soon. 2 street photographers I have recently discovered that deserve mentioning are both based in this fair city and have very distinctive styles from each other.

Nick Turpin's mind is racing as he releases the shutter, you can see it in every shot...what does this mean?..what am I trying to project about myself?..how can I blend in? He is looking for answers in the unsaid actions and appearances of strangers. His images where he is more concealed as a photographer are strong and have more success in this quest. Where as the images in which he uses a light to "interogate" the subject, although beautifully captured, miss the target and instead of honesty and truth we receive show off posers. This image taken at Oxford Circus is perfect, hitting the bulls eye in more ways than one.
Nick Turpin

Matt Stuart's style is very different, but equally entertaining and alluring. Here we don't care about the hidden message, instead the photographer's eye is finely tuned to the quirky images we obliviously construct with our surroundings. Patience and the ability to read the potential of an environment are rewarded with images of hilarity in cosmic symmetry. Slick and bright...a marketing genius should be so lucky.
Matt Stuart

Britain's Obsession

2007-10-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a bizarre trend or may be I should call it concern in British advertising since my return to the island. The explosion in deodorant or more specific antiperspirant products. Now England is hardly a nation known for it's sweltering temperatures and mass invasion of holiday goer's, however It is an island of some years and aging architecture before the invention of modern air conditioning. In this as in numerous ad campaigns, our hero is converntionally good looking and attractive to the opposite sex, but he has one problem that is keeping him at a distance from the object of his desire...he sweats profusely. Now I find the ad's (another example) quite amusing and this one in particular hysterical, however I'm concerned with what they are actually teraching in these comical 2 minute gems. Perspiration is a natural but socially unfortunate bodily function and although we would all like to be dry and smell a little sweeter, it can be a sign of something internally awry. More worrying in my opinion is what people are willing to apply to their body with complete oblivion of what damage it could be causing. Recent studies in breast cancer have shown an increase in the areas closest to the underarm which could be related to the heavy metals in conventional deodorants which help block pores and keep you dry. I appreciate these ad's for their wildly farcical humour and understand the nature of the beast to to sell a product. We all need to earn a buck, but what is the point if we are blindly accelerating the advancement of our demise.

Id, Ego or Superego

2007-10-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

I never write anything directly personal so I thought I would have some fun with this...

You Are the Ego

You take a balanced approach to your life.
You definitely aren't afraid to act out on your desires - even crazy ones.
But you usually think first. Morals drive you as much as hedonism does.
You've been able to live a life of pleasure... without living a life of excess.

Are You Id, Ego, or Superego?

Robin Cracknell

2007-10-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

A photographer I discovered at Zoo Art Fair.

All Cut Up

2007-10-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

It is officially Art Fair season in London with Zoo, Bridge and Frieze all butting heads on the same weekend. I attended the opening of Zoo at it's new locations The Royal Academy of Art last night. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of interesting pieces on view, but questioned myself...was it interesting as Art or simply interesting as a new to me after my extended absence from the island. Artists I enjoyed include but not limited to: Edgar Martins, Oliver Clegg, Richard Learoyd, Jen Liu, Becky Beasley, Robin Cracknell, Peter Funch, Simon Roberts. The artists simply known as CutUp Collective were one of my favorites with their intriguing images of reconstructed billboard adverts. During the night they painstakingly remove the advert intact, take it to their studio, then using a grid cut the advert into squares. They then colour grade each square and reassemble the billboard creating a brand new image. The new image is then erected where the original was removed. With the success of Banksy London's walls have never been more prolific a canvas for street art. This unfortunately has led to a sprawling of poor tags and ugly comments making frequent appearances. The streets that we walk and it's community is what an artist reflects and draws inspiration from. With CutUp Collective we see the pot is still rich for the pickings.

CutUp Collective

Shibboleth

2007-10-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

The great crack that has the art world a buzz in London and beyond does not belong to some builder who forgot his belt, but rather Doris Salcedo. At Tate Modern you can experience her unnerving chasm (3' at it's deepest and possibly 6" at it's widest) travel the entire length of the Turbine Hall. As people enter they are handed the relevant flyer, warning side up. we are talking about a big crack in the very foundation of a very old industrial revolution building. People reach out for the flyer, but are already being pulled by some unkown force. Salcedo's Shibboleth has gravity, it has charisma, everyone wants to get up close and touch it. It;s like some amusement ride, appealing to all ages and walks of life. The yougsters want to climb into it and explore, while those of more years are concerned with it's construction. Just like everyone else I was fascinated, but it wasn't until I crossed it that I felt its power. There was something that made me feel vunerable and alone, as if seperated from everything I knew and understood. Then I noticed that although people were crossing back and forth, for the most part they walked on one side of the divide. Even though this is a crack in the ground it became a wall of sorts. I thought of all the walls that have been constructed all over the world to seperate people and of the blue wall in this city that surrounds the 2012 Olympics site. I considered the surrounding neihbourhoods and how they will change, how people will have to make a choice and how when the physical wall will be removed, an invisible wall will remain. These walls are said to be erected to keep us safe, but instead they stop us from communicating and keep our differences in sight. The 2012 games are being marketed as the games of the people and yet it's presence has already displaced so many. Whilst sitting on the floor in the Turbine Hall writing this evryone in this mecca that is London was represented. What an amazing gift Salcedo has given us.

2007-10-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Whilst in Chicago the only newspaper I read apart from the free Chicago Reader was the Saturday issue of The New York Times. During the week I would keep a breast of current affairs with NPR and would feed any further curiousity with The BBC. Saturday's NYT had everything I was looking for, a round up of the weeks news, a consise overview of sections and a great business supplement. Back in the UK though I have picked up the broadsheet again on a daily basis. Perusing the front pages at the news stand, be passing the red inked gossip tabloids showing even more cheek than yesterday, I ultimately surcome to the same conclusion, handing over £0.80 for The Guardian. Monday's additional supplement (the sports pullout is daily) is Media and in today's Jeff Jarvis wrote an interesting article on new technology and its effect on older mediums, specifically the iPhone vs the newspaper. I hear his concerns. Growing up, my dad bought The Daily Mail, reading it from front to back, skipping the celebrity gossip, lingering over the sports pages and completing the crossword all during breakfast. This is where my fondness for the newspaper comes from, though I take a more leisurely approach and only glance at the crossword. Today we don't simply want to be told, but also to learn, discover and experience in some respect the events of the world. That is the heart of the internet. It enables us to travel to the unreachable and gives us insight into lives we could not know of otherwise. Sounds a lot like journalism to me. There will always be people who prefer the tactile quality of a newspaper, just as technology is always advancing and making information faster to access. Newspapers need to embrace technology and learn to use it to enhance the experience, which ultimately means making the online version more user friendly and less like a flat screen version of the original.

Amazingly Ordinary

2007-10-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

Martin Newth's latest show at Focal Point Gallery in Southsea is another example of how the photographer can reveal something to us that is always there, but never really seen. In what the artist describes as a very ordinary bedroom, he sets his camera up facing the windows with the curtains closed. Opening the camera's shutter at a time when most people are closing their eyes, Martin records the curtains in fine detail over the course of a night, opening them in the morning, allowing the film to record the outside view for just a minute. This gives the final result of the outside being transposed onto the interior of the curtains. With the same dream like quality of a polaroid transfer, it is unclear what really occupies what time and which space. As with most curtains we see the ouside daylight cutting through the center with a blinding white streak interupting any romtantic notion and reminding us of the bland and very British room we are in. There is a painterly feel to these photographs that comes from the shutter being opened for an extended amount of time, slowly capturing everything in beautiful detail. Also the window itself makes the connection to numerous painters who used the light to fall on their subject and even Fox Talbot used a window in the first fixed negative. These photographs make something beautiful and mystical out of something that is very oridinary and plain.

My favorite from the show.

Plasticine Bunnies

2007-09-28T02:16:00.000-07:00

With over 500,000 youtube viewings in its first week of being posted and new news features in countries that aren't airing the advert in a commercial break, it's time to talk about the gold tooth snarling drum playing Gorilla. Another gem out of Fallon's box, this time for Cadbury's Dairy Milk Chocolate, they have managed to yet again grab an unbelievable amount of attention with a unique idea. They did it a couple of years back with 250,000 brightly coloured balls cascading down a hill in San Francisco for Sony's Bravia colour TV. An ad that seemed to have little association with it's product. Again with the Gorilla ad there is no product placement or hint except for the title. So, how is this going to sell the product. This new brand of advertising has people talking about what was originally a one-way selling tactic in an inventive way. Instead of simpling viewing and hopefully buying, it has people excited about adervts to the extent that they're googling, emailing, posting and even reinventing them. What technology and the internet has given us is the availability to communicate more freely with a more diverse group...sharing thoughts and ideas, enabling us to be more creative and to feel part of something bigger without boundaries. This is nothing new, but it definately gives advertising and creativity and a whole world beyond an exciting future. How does this sell a product...it got a lot of people talking.

This is the latest ad for Bravia.

Digital vs Analogue

2007-09-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

I have arrived in what most people would see as smelly and disgusting trashville, but what I consider heaven. On the outskirts of every great metropolis is all the evidence that civilisation exists close by. Everything that we have unwrapped, used up and discarded...rubbish. I am discovering with each little journt and short walk that I am within the eye of a gabbage mecca. I took a 40 minute train ride down the coast yesterday, to spend the entire jouney noting every station with an accompanying sketch of what eye sore of seagull feeding ground lay close by and a mental calculation of how I could reach it.

So with all this stimulation, why am I not crazy with the shutter release? It has come to my attention that even though I am perfectly content to take off hand, even candid snapshots and other peoples memories with a digital camera, my personal work I cannot.

The instant preview digital technology has brought to photography has it's benefits, but also it's downside. Yes, you can preview a shot with a polaroid back or for those with deeper more lavish pockets Live Capture. But I can guarntee that shot took more time, consideration and forethought to bring you to that moment then (almost) any digital equivalent.

Possibly I'm just an old romantic. But I know that when I have a camera loaded with film, not MB's, that I approach the subject with a different mindset. The moment is there waiting for me to find it. I look, search, compose, focus, adjust and refocus and with patience and possibly a little luck (we are talking about capturing light) the moment reveals itself...or do I?

Seeing Red

2007-09-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! After 7 years in America I forgot how polished and sharp British advertising can be. And I'm not just talking about the high end cosmetic ad's on TV. Billboard posters which always welcome me back to Chicago seem to be reserved for casinos and health insurance. In London they cover a broader spectrum from the cost of a pint of milk to more international current affairs. The Economist has a great ad campaign running at present. Creativeky taking a new twist on an iconic image, incorporating the publications brillant red...the original political message disapaits leaving the new message of innovative forethinkers, in touch with the world and ahead of their time.

this is not the ad.

Polaroid Magic

2007-09-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Process Enacted: by Jordan C Greenhalgh

Ill Communication

2007-08-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that as we ever advance in the technological world, we simulatneously reverse towards a more illiterate one. This has been slapping me in the face with almost ever text message and half arsed email I have received of late. Is there no one out there who remembers how to structure a letter? OK, so I'm not saying that every email that enters my inbox needs to start "Dear Miss..." have a middle body subject and close by thanking me for my time and swift response, but I do feel that there is something lacking in these text based communications that will eventually kick us in the arse... text! All I'm asking for is real words and may be the odd complete coherent sentence. With all this "on the fly" shorthand a simple message can be read with multiple connotations, that I have often found myself stepping out of my surroundings to phone the transmitter and have an old fashioned telephone conversation to clear up what I preceived through text as world war III. Predictive text I can forgive, but sloppy writing is another fish altogether.

Widget Mania

2007-08-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yahoo recently updated their weather widget and I just wanted to say "Good Job!" I feel that Yahoo has a tendency to be a little behind on the grahics and visual aesthetic front, but I'm happy to say this new weather widget not only looks good, but works well to boot! My only comment on the downside would be the use of "wind chill" which I believe is doubling as "heat index". The other day the temperature was 85 degrees with a wind chill of 90 degrees... can we fix that?

Transfixed By Art

2007-08-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I went to an art museum, especially one that's out of state, however the Milwaukee Art Museum was well worth the 2 hour drive. I had seen photographs of Santiago Calatrava's angelic winged building, but it is only as you approach the soaring stature of translucent quality that you start to tingle with delight at what could be held within. The building is deceivingly small and once inside seems to expand like Dr. Who's tardis, encapsulating a wealth of worldly treasures. Don't be intimidated though, the entire museum (minus the additional fee exhibit) is do able within 3 hours and with natural light whispering into the majority of rooms, museum sickness is at a low. My favorites of the day where all in the contemporary collection and happily all new artists to me. Below is just one of the many personal insights that Tony Oursler gives in "self portait in yellow" (1996). Amusing, hypnotic, seductive and totally vulnerable this doll lies trapped under a turned over chair, sharing his inner thoughts whilst the majority of museum patrons walk through his space oblivious to his presence. Perfect!

Another winner for me was Robert Gober's "untitled" (1997). A black leather suitcase lies open in the middle of the far end of the last room. As I approached my curiosity did not know of the pure and simple joy I was about to experience. As I moved in closer for inspection I realized that there was more to the suitcase than simply that. Another tardis! From the front you look into the suitcase and see a iron grate much like that of a street drain. Once fully around the back of the piece you discover the wonder of the artist... another world lies beneath the floor. I wont say any more, you'll have to see it for yourself. I will admit I smiled like some 5 year old who had just been shown a magic trick that tickled his funny bone.

If there is one art related activity you must choose to do in the mid west, go to the Milwaukee Art Museum... they also have a cafe with real food.

Out With The Old...

2007-06-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not the most avid of people when it comes to politics, so it might be a surprise for my two readers to see these little Downing Street time capsules below. A friend had spiked my interest in these videos when commenting on the lack of foresight Gordon Brown had to prepare a speech for his arrival at No.10. After watching said moment I felt his speech was in fact solid in content and delivery. In his now tame Scottish brogue he demensrated the perfect excution of public speaking; rhythm, repartition, timing, clean elocution, knowledge and understanding of his speech (G.W.B.) and not a single "ummm..." in ear shot. He does not have the charisma that has been associated with Tony Blair, but is'nt that the point. What did disturb me however was the frenzy of the paparazzi. Now I'm not naive, England is definitley known for pushy celebrity photographers, but the yelping from beyond our vantage point seemed more than exaggerated. As a photographer you have a vision or even opinion you are trying to visualize, whether you are aware or not. However as a journalist your job is the opposite, to observe and circulate events without a personal agenda and that you must be conscious of. This seemed closer to a pack of wolves trying to get the first bite!

P.S. for some reason this video runs twice the length of it's captured footage. Stop watching after the screen turns black.

Neue Haas Grotesk

2007-06-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

You may or not be aware that the typeface Helvetica is celebrating it's 50th birthday and Gary Hustwit made a little documentary film for the occasion. I got the opportunity to see it last night in a full house at the Gene Siskel film center. This film isn't simply about typography, however it is about simply the most overtly used typeface in the western world. Hustwit undoubtly includes all the great graphic designers who were there at the birth and have contributed to the world of type communication to this day. He leads us gentley on this excursion through the history of the infamous typeface which is referred to here as being neutral and air, modern in a off-white middle gray manner and responsible for the Vietnam War. Impressive! In today's world of accessible design technology coupled with an incredible majority of the population consciously deciding how they wish to be portaited in a completely visual forum through networking websites, whether social or otherwise, the right font can say everything. In this film it is argued that typeface can depict an emotion and insight a reaction and that it should be invisible and only the content aloud to speak to the reader. Whatever your standing going in, you will leave this film with one opinion, just to change your mind a thousand times before the day is over. The individuals interviewed are all passionate in a way that seems obscene when you know they're talking about the asethetic design of text. They are some unbeliveble analogies that will have you laughing out loud...pay attention to David Carson's story about a Bryan Ferry article he worked on. One thing's for sure, you will walk the streets averting your eyes from the blinding light that is Neue Haas Grotesk for some time.

Leopard...One Hot Kitty!

2007-06-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a full week since I watched Steve Jobs Keynote at WWDC07 and I can't get it out of my head. For a little under 90 minutes I sat with pupils dilated in awe of the tinnest of morsel's being offered by the Mac team. A preview of 10 of the 300+ hot features on the not yet released new OS Leopard, left me wanting for more. I'm a sucker for organization and speed and Leopard definately appears to have those down to a T with new desktop 3D graphic organization with Stacks, Spaces, Dashboard and a new Finder that makes file sharing between computers in an instant. Browsing files is even easier with Quick Look allowing you to preview without launching the application and Cover View giving you the same preview of a file that iTunes Album View offers. Couple this with a system that can run both 32 and 64 bit next to each other and I'm going to need my own personal server. The hottest element for me though is Time Machine. As the name suggests if you lose a file you can simply activate the application and using the search box, step back through time and find the file that was lost and restore it. Goodbye RAID 5. This is amazing technology, but it also makes me wonder where we are heading as we become more reliant on technology to do the things we are just too busy to remember. Below is a beautiful little demo of some of the new features Leopard has to offer. Click on Keynote to see Steve Jobs do his thing.

Share & Share Alike

2007-06-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

I recently came across two websites that work purely by having the general public provide the content. Nothing New. Both are photographic based looking at content readily available in the public domain, but where one is looking for mulitples of the same the other is searching for the unique. I Have That Same Picture opens with a simple yet effective page showing twelve polaroid style photographs, each at a different tourist attraction around the world. Selecting a location and clicking through all the photos submitted of that very same locale, it is immediately apparent that as tourists there is but one place to stand for said location. While some people are just filling in air, others try to have a little fun with their poses. Pictures of Walls however is a catalogue of mainly urban graffiti, encompassing everything from the drunken marker pen scrawl on a bathroom wall to political statements of unavoidable vistas to inventive use of peeling paint revealling hidden faces. As you move through the images of whispered feelings and projectile notions, a pattern between the locations and their inner thoughts emerge. Everyone has an agenda from social awareness to marketing their art to telling the ex you still love them. Whatever your reason, I'm glad your all doing it. I expect to see book versions of both these websites in an Urban Outfitters very soon.

Logo Fiasco

2007-06-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

I heard about the up roar over the official logo for the London 2012 Olympic Games a number of days before I saw the design itself. By choice I decided to read, listen and observe the reactions to this unveiling and attempt not to see for myself until some dust had settled. Five days later I was ready for what some members of the British public were calling "nothing better than graffitti!" I was therefore more than surprised when I laid my eyes upon said logo. Edgey, youthful and urban may be, but graffitti, I think not. Tame and even uninspiring came to my mind. This design lacked energy, a reflection of the host city and more importantly the 5 Olympic rings or at least their colours. I'm sure the whole process was a very long and hard one for the London committee...with a little politics thrown in to boot. Another design however was very clever and striking incorporating the Union Jack and Big Ben's Tower with the Olympic rings included below. May be a little pretentious considering the games are a time for different nations to come together, but you knew exactly what the image was communicating. My personal favorite was the candidate city logo. A more simple and classic design which directly named the city, year and Olympic rings, but then illustrated the host city by using the colors of the 5 rings and drawing the River Thames weaving in and out of the letters. Sometimes the best idea is the most obvious.

Melting Ice – A Hot Topic?

2007-06-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today was World Environment Day, thought up by the United Nations as a way to increase global awareness and political action. Every year one issue is chosen from the plethora to be the focus, along with it's very own slogan (see title of entry and cringe). While Coke promises to replenish the water it uses to produce it's sweet beverage...about 2.5 times the finished product and The Vatican plan to have solar panels installed by 2008, I wondered what I was doing to help the cause. Last year I slowed down on my consumption of my favorite British bottled water, Hildon and started to drink Brita filtered from my own kitchen tap...now I carry a bottle of Chicago with me at all times. I walk a minmum of 4 miles a day and take public transportation when necessary. A bad yet effective habit I have acquired is to write notes on my forearm, thus saving pages upon pages of ink script I will never reference. This has a bonus as I must attend to the note within an almost immediate time frame. I'm vegetarian...that's an easy one. I try to purchase only second hand clothes. I do have one major downfall...I waste energy by not turning my computer off! I remember my dad used to tell us that the TV needed to be turned off at the main switch and not just put to sleep. He quoted some silly fact that the TV uses 40% of it's full energy needed when in sleep mode. I doubt that was ever true or tested, but regardless I will turn the computer off tonight and all subsequent times when not in use.

Seduced by Design

2007-05-31T22:11:00.000-07:00

Urban Oasis

2007-05-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I had errands to run downtown, a part of Chicago you can get away without visiting due to it's neighborhoods that are a little town unto themselves. After completing my tasks, I found myself in a familiar place. Surrounded by the greenery and chirping birds, it was hard to imagine I was in the heart of this metropolis. My mind wondered to happy lazy days and London. As I read my paper the only thing missing was a pret-a-manger baguette and a dog chewing on a stick near by...but this is Chicago! Click play again to repeat experience...

A Handful Of Gems

2007-05-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

It's a sad day indeed when you attend the BA/BFA show that you were once part of and graduated from and there is only 5 student's work that makes you stop and move in for closer inspection. Columbia College is now in it's third year of showcasing it's graduating class (this year well over 100 students) in the Raw Space at 525 S. State Street. This ever poorly ventilated commercial space added to the already present feeling of clastraphobia achieved by the overcrowding of student work on the walls. This lead to some students work being placed behind pillars that few would peer around or worse in a room at the back. As seems to be the running theme in past shows, the work was broken up into Portraits, Landscapes and Food, non of which inspired. As I covered the entire space, ensuring I took the time to give each piece a chance, I snapped 5 students work who had obviously spent time and indepth thought with their vision. Keep your eys open for: Christina Mann, Christopher Starbody, Hans Seaburg, Brian Imhop (shown below) and Michael Kemp, all of which coincidently happened to be in the landscape genre.

Also, check out the MFA show at the Glass Curtain Gallery...Josh Winegar's work is both subtle and evoking.

SAIC MFA 2007

2007-05-10T00:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when all the schools in Chicago are saying goodbye to their students and putting on big extravaganza's to showcase their hard work. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago had their opening last Friday in the G2 space on Jackson. Unfortunately, as with a lot of openings, the majority of the people seemed to be more concerned with each other than with the art work in front of them. Sadly, it could be said that this was reflected in the work itself, with many of the pieces showing more of a knowledge and practise of technic, than of mastering and execution of concept. I went to support a fellow photographer Chase Carroll Bowder and am happy to say he is showing progress in his chosen subject. Other note worthy artists were: Gillian Collyer, Megan Euker, Thomas Gokey, Jinsu Han, Louie Holwerk, Sung Soo Kim, Elise Rasmussen, Bikram Singh Saggoo, Carrie Schneider, Jeremy Tinder, Feng-Shu Wang and Scott Patrick Wiener. The video is of Jinsu han's work, Multiple paint brushes painting the floor white, attached to wheels, run by motors all connected by a clay chicken head with glowing orange eyes. Very Cool! I could have stood in front of for a while, if it had not been for the bad ventilation. Please forgive the poor quality of the recording, but hopefully it will intrigue you enough to see it in person. Open may 5-18 FREE admission.

Signs

2007-04-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

My first time in Highland Park today and to say the town has this erie perfect feel about it is an understatement. Click on the photo to discover what I'm talking about...

The Endless Suspended

2007-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Three up and coming fashion designers collective known as Endless Suspended showcased their latest collections at Prairie Productions last night. This is Chicago photographer Michael Roberts all natural light studio, where everything from table top product to full set shoots to the most lavish of weddings take place. I was there for Moire Conroy's designs, my favorite shown center below a two layered off white coat with two hoods and five lapels. She has an eye for modern clean lines in the direction of utilitarian but a feminine twill that exude confidence and doesn't intimidate or scare off the opposite sex or anyone else for that matter. The night was a big success and lots of fun. Check out local designer boutiques for these presently one off creations.

A More Than Pleasant Surprise...

2007-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

When you find yourself supporting one friend or another by attending some show or event on a weekly basis, it is more than invigorating the energy and inspiration you can receive in return. That aside, today I went to the cultural center (who really needs to have their own website seperate from that disaster of design and king of confusion they presently share with the city) to see my friend Ausberto perform in a chamber music recital. Now this isn't his usual thing and as I was soon to find out, was not his thing today. He was taken sick the night before and could not perform. Regardless, I took the hike downtown on this most beautiful of Sundays and found a seat in the center of the room towards the back. The room itself is amazing and my photo below does not come close to doing it justice. I sat almost transfixed for 2 hours. The flute and the clarinet were sheer delight, where as the piano and oboe left something to be desired...execution and (for want of a better word) performance style! Lastly, the singer had a beautiful voice, however I wish she had been singing in French as the lyrics themselves were less than inspiring. These recitals are going on throughout the summer and are free, so you should give one a try. Third floor 3pm start.

Something To Say

2007-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I came across this Polish artist's website, whilst checking out someone else's, which I had also clicked through several other images and url's before my attention was sufficiently grabbed. Anyone who knows my work will understand the gravitational pull behind choosing the first image below. Rubbish! But what I really appreciate about this work, is the use of public space as the gallery. I have more than sincere gratitude for artists who put their work out on the streets. It completely changes the notion of art being only available to a defined group of people. Something that must be seeked out and scheduled by those wishing to experience it. Or those who can afford it. Whether public art makes more people attend more shows and exhibits, I would like to think so. But the least I can hope for, is to sneak into the subconscious and reappear in a daydream or the setting of a dinner table. The work itself is more often than not, accessible to anyone who takes the time to break out of their stride and refocus glazed over eyes. Nemrod's work speaks volumes by asking us to fill in the blanks. Empty equations and expletives are adhered to crumbling walls in forgotten fields and underpasses that lead far away. Is he looking to the masses to complete the questions, so we might find answers that can lead to something better? I would like to things so. In the mean time, I'm happy to have found this Polish artist, whilst in my Chicago living room.

Local Flare

2007-04-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

last night I went to Kyle Obrito's fundraiser for a new film he's making. Not only did I get to support Kyle and see mutual friend, Justin Schmitz perform in a short film, but I also got to meet and chat with an artist who's work I had only been introduced to and become an immediate fan of one week prior. With his vast collection of National Geographic magazines, Stephen Ecihhorn painstakingly cuts out pre-existing landscapes, seperately them down to their very individual being and then recreates new landscapes. Upon first approach his work appears to be the most detailed of paintings, but get up close to discover the even more highly intricate layering of razor cut foliage. Catch his work locally at Lumpen and at Penelopes on Division...he'll be in New York before you know it!

Found Treasure

2007-03-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

So the screen on my beautiful little digital camera seems to have being impacted by some unknown force. And it is currently winging its way back to the supplier for a full refund...fingers crossed. In the mean time, the streets of Chicago are proving more than entertaining with other peoples memories. If you look closely, you can see this was taken on the Men In Black Alien Attack ride at Universal Studios Florida on 24th February 2007. Agent score not recorded!

The Love Affair Continues

2007-03-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

As I don't seem to be having much luck taking real (whatever that means) photographs of rubbish that take time to set up, cost a small fortune in sheet film and break my back carrying equipment, this little digital camera is filling the void nicely. Expect to see more...a lot more.

Stitching Photographs...

2007-03-12T00:54:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to purchase a little point & shoot digital camera for some time, but it wasn't until one night propping the end of the bar up at The Skylark that I came to meet my new love. Kodak's Easy Share (I hate that title) V705. It does everything; zoom lens (39-117mm), wide angle lens (23mm), takes movies, edit in camera, print and email direct from camera at the same time as performing 5 consecutive cartwheels! But what is really cool, yes there's more, is you can take 3 images next to each other and it will "Stitch" them together to make 1 wide arse image. For best results stand in one central position and rotate from left to right (if you select left to right direction) taking your 3 sections at regular intervals. This was taken downtown at Block 37 where the State Street version of 900 N. Michigan is under construction.

Bigger Than Life

2007-03-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

I stubbled across some photographs on a blog that I had also stubbled upon. This personal blog of the Abrams family is fun, but not one I would normally peruse simply on the mixture of visual asethetics being used. But that's me and you should definately check it out, if only for the Glamour of Fight entry. What I did enjoy and search further for was photographer Patrick Savalle who had been fortunate enough to photograph Jumbo Fairpartner, also known as Jumbo Ship. I'll let the images say the rest...

Fry and Laurie - Information

2007-02-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

Good Idea!

2007-01-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

Have you seen an advertisement for some goofy product or item and thought to yourself "I could have made that" or "Mine had wings and a rotating bowtie". Well Ironic Sans is a fun blog that's focus is design. In this entry we find a list with beautiful line drawings of "Things" famous people have invented or at least are linked to the design and patent. Can you guess the owner and purpose of fig.6?

Visual Representation

2007-01-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

As we become more reliant on technology in the everyday, spending ever increasing hours in front of a backlight screen, we distance ourselves from each other. Deliberating over application & software problems that will eventually be solved through painstaking determination and conversations in rooms we will never enter. We sit alone in crowded cafes using their free wifi, reaching out to people with similar facebook profiles, scanning flickr for photos of a possible cat or boy/girlfriend. Photography is an obvious medium with its relative ease in basic function and now with digital cameras making instant gratification, erase and re-record so much simplier, everyone can be whomever they want to be (or want to appear to be). In "Internet & Identity" photographer Stephen Miller puts a sharp focus on this trend & widely utilized social behaviour. Let's hope the days of pheromones & shy glances are not over for a long time to come.

Domain Name Lottery

2007-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

So you're ready to make the big move. An instant visual stand-in, anytime you apply for a job. A possibly bug invested digitized you. Accessible 24-7. Viewable by the cute new barista where you get your double-shot-decaf-grandisimo-peppermint-fairtrade-latte. Better than MySpace. A website to call your own. But wait a minute! The perfect two word name that sums you up so neatly even your mother could find you, is gone. Or rather, someone has purchased it & is sitting on it until they get an offer considered reasonable for their greed, sorry forethought. I obviously experienced this first hand after hours of brainstorming, prolonged frowning & considering a slew of possibilities. ARSE! So it was back to the creative, mental, conceptual, awe-inspiring drawing board. Which can be quite a hike for some. It only took me a few days to find mine. But for those who are still biting pencils & scratching heads, here is a link to the names that will cost you more than a few...

New Years Day Found

2007-01-01T21:12:00.000-08:00

Civilization As We Know It

2006-12-26T18:39:00.000-08:00

A film that I have been anxiously awaiting the release, arrived on US soil yesterday. "Children of Men" adapted from P.D. James novel set in 2021, when women no longer have the ability to procreate and the youngest person on the planet dies at the age of 18 years, 11 months, 7 hours and 16 minutes (or somewhere around there). The entire world is in a state of destruction & warfare, which we witness here on English terra firma. Although the film strays some distance from the original novel on a few details, most probably for cinematic & time reasoning, what it stays true to is spot on. Hope where there is none. This film has everything from light hearted moments you'll chuckle at, to tension that will make you hold your breath for 20 minutes and great acting to boot!

Happy (Long Lost) Family Day!

2006-12-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

More Christmas Cards

2006-12-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

"Well, my family may be butt ugly, but look at the house I bought to hide them in..."

Just A Thought

2006-12-24T02:29:00.000-08:00

I found this little list of tips on the website of Canvas Magazine. They are all things we know, but it's nice to be reminded & may be a few more people will continue the goodwill throughout the year. If you're on my very short list of gift receivers this year, you will recognise my favorite tip is the very last one!

Christmas Past

2006-12-22T22:24:00.000-08:00

Remember when a simple photo & a few choice words said it all. Here are a few Holiday Cards I found in numerous second hand & junk stores over Chicago. I thought it might help some people get in the Holiday Spirit.

Really Good Read

2006-12-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

In the portrait studio I work in, we get numerous magazines and publications that I wouldn't consider picking up never mind purchasing...however, I am more than happy to spend a few mintues of the day flipping the pages discussing who looks good and how they acheived the lighting and how many different Kate Moss' there are. She is an idol simply for her chameleon abilities. One magazine we are all happy to part with money for this month is Vanity Fair's "The Art Issue." Now I've read some other blogs & reviews of this magazine & especially this issue. Focusing on the front cover of Brad Pitt standing in the rain in nothing but white boxer shorts. Questioning what VF are calling "art" & the following controversay with Mr. Pitt stating he did not agree to this image being used for the front cover (a year after it was shot). What they appeared to miss in my opinion are the articles inside. Take the time to read this issue & you will rediscover not only the known, classic & contemporary artist, but also fresh new emerging artists who you'll be sorry you didn't hear about before.