Remembering Amnesia

Iris and the Future

2010-12-12T14:27:00.005-05:00

This is a watercolor piece I actually did back in the summer. I sold in on my Etsy last month to someone up in Seattle. It excites me how people from all over have found my work and are enjoying it enough to buy a piece :)

Moved into my new place in October and only now do I feel like I'm finally settling in. Sorta.

My life is constantly changing. New beginnings seem to be happening on a regular basis... I wonder when I'll finally settle.

My mind is thinking in different ways, which is surprising me. My approach to everything around me is handled in such a way... I can explain, just yet.

I discovered tumblr a while back and the way it's 'blogs' are laid out seem to work better with my thought processes lately. I feel like I can connect better, as well.

A teaser's been posted but, I'll be officially leaving this Blogger and launching myself through tumblr in the new year.

http://donia.tumblr.com/

I hope we can connect there.

Dead and Empty.

2010-11-04T01:40:00.004-04:00

So I'm moved into my new place but not much to show for it yet. No furniture, not even a bed yet. :/ Getting there. A few more weeks I expect to be settled in and back to a pattern. 2011 I'm changing face. new image, new art, new goodies. I truly hope I stick to things this time. There's no excuse not too. In the mean time, I still do some contributing over at HILIFELIVIN.COM and Tweet up a storm, mostly art bullshit.

Oh, above image is my Halloween costume. Like?

Intoxications & Deformations

2010-09-14T04:46:00.003-04:00

Show Time.

2010-09-08T19:06:00.007-04:00

I actually started this piece weeks ago but an ink spill caused me to have to restart.

I started over yesterday and have it about to where I left on on the last. This is the one I'm gearing to submit to TaTa Gala. If I get it done fairly soon I'll probably attempt to submit a couple more works. We'll see what time allows. So Much More Rendering!! D:

I just bought a bunch of neon colored paint for a collection of work that has been building in my head for the last few months. Once I get this show work out of the way I'll have something to show off.

These Intimacies

2010-08-29T01:41:00.004-04:00

Works In Progress

Distractions and New Directions

2010-08-29T00:56:00.004-04:00

Story of my life.

Been nothing but confusion and doubt since I had to leave CCAD.

I had a solid plan, a pattern.

I feel like I'm back at the begin yet, a little worse off.

The attempt now is to force the results on my own.

I'm exhausted by all this time wasted.

The Broken Promises.

2010-07-07T23:39:00.003-04:00

Oh I'm working on things alright.

Currently hating this digital camera and the way my computer has been behaving lately.

My focus right now is to not think.

Seriously. I've realized that I think too much and that's what's distracting me from creating the way I used to.

I want to loose my mind.

Afareen.

2010-07-03T13:32:00.003-04:00

I realized that I spend most of my time in transit. Hours a day, hours a week. I'm sure days worth through out the months and years. Spending time moving from one place to another.

A to B.

Walking. Everywhere.

To do laundry. To go to 7-11.

Walking to bus stops. Waiting for buses. Riding buses.

Waiting for rides.

Driving.

To Work. To A Friend's. To go out to eat.

Across the country.

Waiting in the airport. Waiting for takeoff clearance. Hours in the air.

I don't know the math but, I believe I spend more than average amounts of my days/most of my life moving around. In transit.

I'd like to spend less of my life constantly moving/waiting/wasting.

Yet, nothing has come into my life to make me feel comfortable enough to settle.

At least it's been a while.

Twigs and Dirt.

2010-06-20T10:42:00.003-04:00

I miss drawing from life in a classroom setting. Drawing from photos doesn't cut it.

I also do not like using conte pencils on this paper.

Swirls and Women.

2010-06-17T12:16:00.002-04:00

Women are highly sensitive and moody creature. No matter how rough and stable of an impression they give off, they are still just women. Insecurities are something we all have in common. They might varry in subject or degree but, for the most part, all of us have some kind of insecurity. Image, career path, dating, habits....

I vented with a friend the other night about my recent anxiousness about my art and having left CCAD and attempting ASU in the fall. I'm eager to start back schooling but, it still doesn't seem right. Something is off....

My friend didn't say much in response but, a simple few words. Sometimes that's all we need to calm the mind.

Sometimes the ear from a certain person can subdue mental stress.

We still have insecurities and no matter what forces from the outside try and assist with them, it truly all comes down to yourself. Taking command of your own mind and making yourself who you want to truly be.

The Zero Mind.

2010-06-14T03:50:00.002-04:00

Sanguine might be my favorite color to draw with. Other than the grey sepia.

Raisa

2010-06-09T12:50:00.003-04:00

It's surprising what can be created in transit.

Steps To Something Else...

2010-06-08T10:50:00.002-04:00

There's this whole series in my head. I should probably be working on that.

Sketching Without Thinking.

2010-06-03T03:20:00.001-04:00

And it begins.

Work Doodles and Creating Productivity...

2010-05-26T20:24:00.005-04:00

On a particularly slow lunch shift a few weeks ago I doodled these at work.

I got to thinking that I haven't really free sketched in a while. Part of this, I'm aware, is because I'm not surrounded by creative energy like I was in Columbus and at CCAD. I also realized I stopped carrying around a sketchbook. I constantly had one on me during high school and used it regularly and I had a small one I carried in my bag when I lived here in AZ a few years back but nothing really since. I've had a couple small moleskine journals but I mostly used them to jot down ideas that came to me or notes for future projects.

But, why?

Why did I stop using a sketchbook and/or creating are so steadily like I used to? An artist's block is merely another label for distractions. Things like jobs, significant others, the internet, and TV, families, responsibilities as well as laziness.

I need to get productive or at least get moving. I've been feeling kind of down since I've moved out here and I think a big part of it is the lack of art surrounding me.

I have no excuse not to create SOMETHING. Even if it's a simple sketch.

I've seen a group of artists do a sketch a day though their blogs last year and recently a friend just started to do something similar over the summer with drawing something everyday now through august.

I've decided I'm going to carry a sketchbook with me again.

I am also doing to draw/doodle something everyday and/or at least work on the progress of a bigger piece of art.

I will document and post here.

I feel like this will get me productive again and progress toward the progress video blogs I want to make.

On that note I'll leave you with a few art vlog/progress videos from a few artists I admire :)

Visual Art for the Ears.

2010-05-07T01:36:00.006-04:00

I went to see my favorite band perform last night at a small venue just a few steps from my apartment here in Tempe. MONO is a instrumental rock/ post-rock band from Tokyo. They don't tour North America often so there was no way I was missing this.
I'm not a photographer and all I own is a small point and shoot camera but here are a few shots I took from the show that I liked.

I'm not one with much knowledge about must but, all this art for the ears got me thinking about all the art that is plastered on musicians' album covers.
I complied this visual list of sweet album covers and links to the artists [if available :/ ]
Ready, Set, Photo Spam!

Aaron Janinski

Mark Ryden

Julie Bell

Alex Pardee He also did The Used's 'In Love and Death' album.

Alex Grey has done a couple of Tool's album covers along with much of their merchandise.

Done by the author of one of my favorite graphic novels, Craig Thompson

Drawn by the band's lead, Gerard Way.

Sanna Annukka

Dan Mumford

Paul Romano

Esao Andrews

Will Sweeney

Marq Spusta

both of the above and all the art direction is by Alan Aldridge. He also did the Beatles Illustrated Lyrics

Takashi Murakami

And I'm sure there are many many more that I can't think of/find at the moment.

Also, since I'm mentioning music I'm going to plug the music review site/blog Klap 4 Music written and maintained by an acquaintance of mine, Rudy Klapper.

What are some of your favorite illustrated album covers? Please Share!

Sketch 4 Sketch

2010-05-02T22:09:00.005-04:00

Zerofriends duo, Dave Correia and Alex Pardee set out on a US road tour about a month ago called Sketch4Sketch where the two artists traveled to different locations around the country asking you to trade them a drawing for a sketch from each of them. A brilliant idea, I think. Illustrators as touring rockstars? Oh yes.

Well I caught up with them here in Phoenix at Red Hot Robot.

The table of t-shirts and prints

The line of eager fans waiting to trade

Dave [left] and Alex[right] check out the art you trade them and chat it up while they draw.

I traded the boys a few things including the Pop Surrealism piece I did for ColorCon based off Alex Pardee's work, some buttons, a print of my Venus of TaTa and a Snack Monster print, Matinée Snack.
They loved the snack monster and their quick sketches for me were inspired by my junkfood eating creature.

Zerofriends crew member Sean told us stories while we waited. Stories about the true origins of Batman and how he used to cuddle his pet bunnies and pretend they were unicorns :D

Alex sketching something for me

Dave sketching a pumped up Snack Monster

And these are the result.

Snack Monster on Steroids! :O from Dave Correia

Alex Pardee's Giant Mutant Hot Dog Eating a Snack Monster!! Oh Noes!

Hooray for Traveling Artists and Art Trades!!

The Literature of Art

2010-04-13T13:59:00.006-04:00

Since my move to AZ I've been reading a lot more often. This has been possible thanks to factors such as the lack of 24/7 internet access and more time spent on public transportation.
Not long after I got here I picked up the book, 'Seven Days In The Art World' by Sarah Thornton
I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to non-fiction book, I'll be honest. Though, this book was a true bit of recent-history written in a great narrative. Unlike Sarah Thornton, I'm really not one who's good with words so here's the synopsis from off her website:

Seven Days in the Art World is an unconventional ethnography and a social history of the recent past. Set in New York, Los Angeles, London, Basel, Venice, and Tokyo, the book is populated by colorful characters who espouse conflicting definitions of art. Some see it as a luxury good or entertainment, others view it as an intellectual calling, a job description, or a kind of alternative religion. In a series of day-in-the-life narratives, Thornton investigates the minute dramas of a Christie’s evening sale, life in a notorious CalArts seminar, the elite trade of the Basel Art Fair, the competition behind the Tate’s Turner Prize, the peculiarities of Artforum and its critics, the high jinks of Takashi Murakami’s studios, and the curatorial wonderland that is the Venice Biennale. Thornton’s entertaining book explores the dynamics of creativity, taste, judgment, status, money, and the search for beauty in life.

Honestly, if you have any desire to be apart of the contemporary art world or have any love for it, you will read this book.

I've recently started reading 'Art & Fear' by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This is a bit of a psychology book that I'm only a few chapters deep into. It's intriguing so far. The book's about "the way art gets made, the reasons it often doesn't get made, and about the difficulties that cause so many artists to give up along the way".

I have this long list of must reads. In between I pick up a few art magazines here or there. Hi-Fructose magazine is probably my favorite. A quarterly art magazine, founded by artists, Attaboy (Daniel Seifert) and Annie Owens that has a focus on emerging and more recent contemporary artists, leaning towards an illustrative direction. It also was my replacement for Juxtapoz magazine which I used to read religiously but has in the past year or two changed it's approach. I tend to browse the magazine on the stands and only purchase issues that seem really interesting or have a feature by one of my favorite artists. :/

A recent discovery was Blue Canvas. This magazine is different. Blue Canvas is an online artist social net work [think DeviantArt but, more formal?] where the artist posts their work and the community browses and nominates you and your work for the quarterly magazine.

What kinds of artist literature have you/do you read?

Sunny South West

2010-03-23T17:01:00.004-04:00

So I've been MIA
and for good reason.

At the beginning of March I made the cross-country move to Arizona.
Drastic change? oh yes.

I loved Columbus, truly did [minus that whole winter thing] and I absolutely loved CCAD just personally it wasn't going to work for me without a ridiculous [financial] struggle.
I'm so glad I took my foundations year at CCAD. One year transformed me immensely as an artist but, I still have more to develop.
To continue on the path to a degree [before I turn 30] I made the hard decision to transfer to a public university. I wanted to attend one that had a reputable art program in a location I knew I could live on my own in. Arizona State University became my answer.

So here I am in Phoenix/Tempe, Arizona

Let the art making and degree pursuit begin.

I leave you w/ a dump of photos from the Phoenix Art Museum and the ASU Art Museums.

Chihuly in Columbus

2010-02-19T11:39:00.013-05:00

It's been awhile and for good reason.

Due to finances and other complicated situations I had to withdraw from CCAD for this semester. It was a really rough decision to make but, I promise, there is a plan in the works. A surprising future is coming. Keep an eye and an ear out.

So, since I haven't been in art school I've mostly been back at the restaurant working, making and saving money. I try my best to continue to go out and see what's happening in Columbus, art-wise, even though I'm not directly involved anymore.

I have to say right now though, Columbus is the place to be if you're into Glass. Popular glass artist,Dale Chihuly has TWO shows going on in Columbus right now and I'm lucky to be within a walking distance of both of them.

He has Chihuly:Illuminated at the Columbus Museum of Art, downtown next to CCAD's campus and Chihuly:Reimagined at The Franklin Park Conservatory which is literally across the street from my apartment.

About a month ago me and a friend who was visiting the city went to the Columbus Museum of Art and checked out the show. The theme that was involved was the use of glass and light together, playing off of and with each other. Here are some photos from our visit:

A couple days ago I wanted to play around w/ the new digital camera I bought myself and so I trekked through the knee-high snow mounds across the street to the Conservatory. Chihuly's work here was Art and nature incorporated. There were a lot of works outdoors and I may go back once the snow melts to see these works in a different way but they still have an impact covered in snow.

Did you know that Chihuly paints too? A couple of images of his paintings from both CMA and Franklin Park:

And here's a few awesome flower shots I took, just because. :)

The Show at Franklin Park goes on thru March 28th and the show at CMA is going on thru July 4th and during the museum's remodeling. Do check them out if you've got some time!

Fluid & Wondering

2010-01-28T20:11:00.003-05:00

each 3"x3" ink and watercolor

just wasting time, really.

I Continue To Return To Grey

2010-01-28T19:45:00.004-05:00

I cannot give up drawing. As much as I enjoy fooling around with different mediums and experimenting I always come back to drafting, drawing, sketching...

I seriously enjoy these conte drawing on toned paper. Conte is really a lot harder to control than you think but, I feel I'm getting better. Looking forward to more figure drawing opportunities...

Patchwork and Stiching

2010-01-08T17:28:00.002-05:00

Just doodled this. Not sure where this came from...

Masq

2010-01-08T17:05:00.003-05:00

January - 3x3 marker on bristol

Marigold - 3x3 marker on bristol

I had a third one of this series but was dumb and forgot to get a picture of it before I sold it.
You can actually see 'Pfeiffer' here on the sale table. [near the top of the photo]

Whoops.

Pearls of Wisdom : Brain Versus Heart

2010-01-04T16:39:00.006-05:00

Man I need better lighting in my apartment...

Dissecting Gaga.

2009-12-21T18:11:00.014-05:00

Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga is an artist.
I'm not even going to get into her music right now. I might be the product of two musicians but, I'm really not one to critique music.
At the moment, I'm talking more on a visual standpoint. And some?
Lady Gaga can be classified as avant-garde. A little on the wild side... Though, she make me think of another "crazy" musician

To the point,
this was all brought on by me seeing Lady Gaga's video for her new single, 'Bad Romance'.

Take a look:

This video is intense.
First off, it's directed by Francis Lawrence. The same director for I Am Legend, Constantine, and the [recently cancelled *tear*] television show Kings. Awesome.
Second, most of the fashion seen in this video is by Alexander McQueen. or by Lady Gaga's own fashion collective, Haus of Gaga. Here's a blog about this videos fashions.

Watching it I, personally [being the super art geek I am], attached a few scenes to some visual artists.
I really don't think Gaga had any of these artists in mind when creating this video....

I couldn't find any decent screen caps [surprisingly] but, in the video where Gaga has very little makeup/natural makeup on I think she looks a lot like a mixed media art vlogger off YouTube.
I dunno, that could just be me...

Latex dancers.
I know the skin tight latex is a common theme in the fetish community but, I can't help but think of Lithium Picnic, my favorite fetish photographer, when I see this type of thing.

and speaking of Lady Gaga versus LP;
Hello Kitty goodness lol

Just thought I'd throw that in there...

Big Eyed Gaga in tub.
I instantly thought of Chris Scarborough and his surreal wide eyed photographs and drawings.

And just to share, This is my favorite part of the video:

Ah! The dark glamour. So gorgeous! The colors and the lingerie and the diamonds. Wonderful.

Oh, btw, there's a Wii Nunchuck in the video too. Apparently, Nintendo will release a new game where you can bid for women for your evenings pleasure.

If anyone's interested, I also found this article about the occult meanings of this video.

Self in Heightened Conte

2009-12-14T21:36:00.003-05:00

Black and White Conte on Grey Toned Paper

Inspirations - Modern Illustrators/Pop Surrealists

2009-12-13T20:10:00.006-05:00

Marla Singer Stock - Seven. by ~NikxStock on deviant ART

black and white rendering.

color rendering

inspired by Niagara

inspired by Alex Pardee

inspired by Camille Rose Garcia

man, these are such junk scans...

Table of Finals

2009-12-07T20:35:00.005-05:00

Kicking off the final week of the semester. This past weekend was CCADs winter student art sale and Juice and I shared a table to test the waters. Did alright actually. Got some ideas of what people are into and not for next time. I have some little pieces left over which I'll probably be putting up on Etsy over the winter break.

This final week is full of, well, finals.

Wrapping up all my major projects. Currently working on my self portrait final from Drawing class and putting the final touches on my Workshop Series.

Magical.

IB: Theme of My Work

2009-11-18T10:06:00.003-05:00

In DDT we're progressively working on a final project that'll pretty much lead to making print media [postcards, posters, business cards, ect] that will sell ourselves.
Above is the inspiration board I made to help understand the direction I want to go in, concerning my art.

The color pallet consists of blacks, whites and greys. Subtle desaturated colors may be used.
The mood is primarily "Dark Glamour". Romantic, moody, elegant, dark. Pearls, lace, damask patterning, Victorian influence . As well, a bit of tattoo/graphic influence, pretty linear.

This is ideally how I want my work to go in the future, personally.

I'll share the rest of the progress as I go along.

The Venus of TaTa Gala

2009-11-09T11:13:00.002-05:00

This is my submission to the TaTa Gala in Sarasota this coming weekend. I still have the pencil version and it's apart of a series I'm working on for my Workshop class.
I made an ink version specifically for this event and to support Susan G Komen for the Cure.
If you get a chance to I encourage you to attend this event at the Sarasota Design Center [formally Digital 3] The $5 donation at the door and sales of artwork all benefit the foundation's breast cancer research.
I've been thinking about making prints on my own of this image to raise more money for Susan G Komen for the Cure. I was curious to know if anyone may be interested in a print if I made some? I'm still looking into the sizes and price but, I will make you all aware of what I find out.

<3

Venus le TaTa.

2009-11-02T17:26:00.003-05:00

First look at a new series and a piece for the TaTa Gala in Sarasota.

Skin-like Vinyl.

2009-10-31T00:23:00.004-04:00

Acrylic, Sharpie, Earring Studs, on Skin-like Vinyl.

These photos don't do it justice.

Political Ink

2009-10-26T20:21:00.005-04:00

Lady Justice's Forced Verdict.

Ink on Arches Paper 8x10

Making Lines

2009-10-14T22:44:00.002-04:00

A peek of something in development.

Today's critique helped a ton. I hope I can pull this off.

Jesus Christ-topher

2009-10-13T11:57:00.002-04:00

Drawing Class Today.

Birthday Greed.

2009-10-06T11:59:00.007-04:00

October Sky by =sweet-reality-xo on deviant ART

October is a crazy month for me. Always has been. Just so much seems to happen and I'm constantly busy. Even when I was a kid. Always things to do, places to be. Things change in October, I'm not sure why. And I'm not talking about fall really. I'm from Florida. The change to fall doesn't happen there like it does most everywhere else. October has two of my favorite holidays in it. My birthday and Halloween. [yes! My birthday is a holiday ;P]
This specific October is no exception when it comes to business.

•We had Gallery Hop last weekend where I spent my time browsing the new exhibits in the Short North and got social with locals.

•I have two benefit shows I'm trying to be in. I want at least one piece in the TaTa Gala Show, which is an event for breast cancer that's held at the Digital 3 gallery in Sarasota, FL. Also, while at Gallery Hop, I was talking to the guys at Sovereign Collective and they're having a call for artists soon for a West Memphis Three Benefit show. So I've been reading into that a will try my best to submit something.

•I have a couple of major projects, along with basic homework, due throughout the month. My self portrait for painting class is due this week and I'm really nowhere near done. I'm wrapping up an assignment for 2D Thursday and will be starting a new one immediately after. Plus the new quasi-vignette project in Color Con. I need to present the second piece in my series for drawing workshop, along side my first which needs to be redone... Oh and we have a mid-term portfolio due soon.

•Slightly more fun but, adding to the crazy, my birthday weekend is approaching. This year it's a full house and attempts at cramming fun times the whole weekend. My little sister is living with me right now, which has been an adjustment in itself, and then I have visiting in a few weeks, my older sister and one of my best friends from Orlando coming in town. At least. I have a couple others saying they might show up but, no conformation yet. heh.

•Other events at the end of the month include the Trauma Fetish Ball and CCAD's Big Boo.

Craziness.

BTW, for my birthday, all I want is:

•Cash Money.

•A New/Used Car.

•An Easel

•Frederick's of Hollywood Gift Cards.

the Cash Money will be spent on bills, I'm sure of it.

Happy October!!

Motion and Skin

2009-10-01T22:14:00.006-04:00

Just wanted to share the beautiful artwork of Shawn Barber.

Experiments in Light and Shadow.

2009-10-01T01:53:00.003-04:00

We've been playing around with value in Drawing class. This is a nice loose and laid back project.

Laydown vine charcoal on paper, pretty dark.
Take kneaded eraser and start erasing away only where the light is on the figure.

Use a vinyl eraser for extreme highlights.
Go back in with a charcoal pencil and sketch in the darkest darks and outlines.

This is not amazing by any means and not very proportional but still nice to do something different. You should try it sometime.

Now Go Draw!

Drawing is More My Thing

2009-10-01T00:58:00.004-04:00

I definently am more skilled at drawing than painting.

There is way more work that needs to be done with this. I will get back to it. I promise.
I think Oil is a beautiful medium and I seriously admire those who can control it.

I am not one of those people.

I'd rather just draw you a pretty picture.

Images and the Feeling of Being Behind...

2009-09-22T15:11:00.004-04:00

Sneak peek at assignment for Drawing Workshop.

I have so much to do. I've been steps behind and I don't like it.

Ready. Set. Create!

Wonderment in Watercolor

2009-09-14T02:18:00.003-04:00

We're going to pretend this is on watercolor paper because that's what I thought it was when I started painting :/

I miss experimenting like this.

Warmity

2009-09-13T23:18:00.002-04:00

It's been a long and rough three weeks.

First Week Down and I'm Already Engulfed

2009-08-30T13:32:00.003-04:00

The project wall is slowly being taken over again. It makes me happy and nervous all at the same time.
I'm actually excited about all my classes this semester [with the exception of 'Writing and the Arts' :P] There are a ton of promising projects for me to look forward to. I wish I could put more into everything but, I still have to go to work.
I'm actually very nervous about my living situation. Financially at least. I'm going into see the Vice President again to ask about small loans. Just something so I can at least pay for rent. It's the hardest thing to take care of while in school. The other bills I can handle with what I make in the weekend shifts at the restaurant. Next semester will be easier. I'll be able to get more money as a sophomore.
Other than cash flow, the major stress on my mind is this drawing workshop class. All of it is both amazing and nerve racking at the same time. Our ongoing assignment through out the semester is a 4-6 piece series. I have to present my idea for this series and artist of reference tomorrow, or at latest Wed [since I'm the only underclassman in the group I luckily have a longer deadline.] I have tons of ideas I want to tackle but they are big projects I think I'll be saving for more research leading up to possibly my senior thesis. Other ideas I've been developing seem too cliche and I really want to challenge myself in this class. Ugh, I can't explain these ideas very well... I guess that's why I'm a visual artist.

Other than that panic it's just been basic homework time. Above is my Drawing II Homework in progress. We had to draw the leg bones in a frontal, side and back view. Then on parchment paper, draw an overlay of the leg muscles and label everything. This'll be something I'll be doing through the semester with other limbs and body parts...

Well back to more research then off to work for the night.

In Digital Design and Type

2009-08-26T09:10:00.002-04:00

Quickly whipped this up for an in class assignment.

Yes, I am a geek <3

2nd Semester Is A Go!

2009-08-24T23:06:00.005-04:00

cover of the moleskine i've been jotting ideas down and doodles in.

The semester began today. My productiveness over the summer didn't work out the way I'd hoped. I am content with it's out come though. For the most part.
The saving up money thing just did not happen. It's a miracle that I JUST made it financially, at least when it comes to the tuition and course fees for this semester. I'm still in a panic for living expenses but...yeah.

I'm jam packed with classes and I'm already super excited about jumping back in.

On Mondays I have Drawing Workshop w/ my DrawingI teacher from last semester. Drawing Workshop is a bit hard to explain. It's an advanced course [mainly only for Juniors and Seniors. I'm the only freshman] but it's pretty much an open drawing class. There are assignments/projects our teacher gives out but we have complete freedom to do what we want with it. The point is to experiment and most definitely step outside the box. Mixed Media is very much encouraged and emphasized. There is also no models involved. Some still life but, mainly our creative mind.
I am so happy about this. This is what I've been wanting and waiting for. I can not wait to see what I create out of this class. I'm eager to share it with all of you too.

Ghosts On The Wall.

2009-08-03T22:41:00.006-04:00

I have a strange attraction to street art.
Graffiti. Public Murals. Stencil work. Wheatpasting and stickers.
I kind of count posters in this jumble.

I feel like, as artists, our desire to create is part personal need and part the need to share with others.
...If this makes sense...
Street art is the perfect display of this.

With most fine arts, when one displays their artwork [if they do at all] it's usually in a specific setting such as a gallery. This is a limited amount of eyes who'll whiteness your work. Sadly, the average person isn't "into art" at least not enough to go out to a gallery opening. Putting your art on the street pretty much forces the public to see it. You get the message out there. You show off to [most] everyone.

...

wow, I wish I didn't fail so much at explaining my thoughts through written word.

I'm not sure about the rules and laws overseas about street art. I know here it's mostly illegal without special permission. From what I can tell, graffiti and other street art might still be illegal but it seems overall accepted, at least in most European cities.

Here's some Street Artists:

Apex--

Miss Van--

The Mac--

A few years ago I stumbled upon the magazine REFUSED. A small printed art zine with a good collection of graffiti artists included. I know there are others out there. There are also tons and tons of books in stores filled with collected images of street art.

I've been interested in trying my hand at wheatpasting pretty much because I'm not very quick at freehand and I'm sure I couldn't easily handle a spraypaint can. I have a couple of ideas for some images. We'll see if I ever get around to making them a reality.

Just something different to share with you all.

One Year.

2009-08-03T15:28:00.002-04:00

it's surprisingly true.
at least not in that sense.
i'm proud of my self.

i'm happy with who i'm becoming.

these daydreams need to become reality.

The Creepy Cool.

2009-07-09T01:56:00.004-04:00

Rivet Gallery has been hosting some pretty sweet events. A short while back the hosted a visit and signing by Elizabeth McGrath to promote her new book release "Everything That Creeps".

(photo by Maxe)

Liz McGrath is a 3d-Illustrator who creates these very eerie characters and dark dioramas. Horribly interesting. I bought the book and have been slowly going through it, investigating all the details. She's super sweet and is even in a band called Miss Derringer. Kind of a punk-country thing going on. She played a show later on Campus but I didn't get to see it. Sounds pretty awesome tho.

Last weekend Rivet opened their new Curiosities-Group Show featuring New Works by Amanda Spayd, Jake Waldron, and J. Shea. All the work there was remarkable but I was particularly attracted to Amanda Spayd's creatures. She creates these plush figures with clay faces, uniquely detailed which such items as vintage porcelain teeth! They all seem to be so innocently creepy. Just check them out.

(this photo taken by the folks at Rivet)

Amanda was at the opening and I got to chat with her some. She was such a pleasure. Very approachable and open with talking about her work. I've met a few other artists and were real nice but seemed shy and not real talkative when it came to their art. It was very obvious with Amanda that she loved doing this. We had talked for a while. LOL I look now that Rivet's photos from the opening and all the photos of Miss Spayd are us us talking ;P

Make sure you check out the show going on through the rest of July at Rivet in the Short North!

Detachment From The Couch.

2009-07-07T10:01:00.004-04:00

A little bug on the edge of sunshine.
I just want to get on my bicycle and ride through the city.
I want to lie in the park and read some of these books.
I've been slacking on my responsibilities.
And my desires.

There is an odd beauty outside your window that can give an inspiration no matter what your medium.

I took this picture.
It's nothing special.

Knowing That There's More You Need Yet Lost On Where It Might Be.

2009-06-29T02:15:00.003-04:00

I feel really pretty tonight. Beautiful I might dare say.
Rare has been this feeling. When it does come tho, there seems to not be anyone around to notice.

Another long weekend.
Not sure what it is I'm expecting to get from all these interactions.
I just know I've enjoyed having you around.

I haven't felt like myself much recently.
This hasn't been much of a bad thing.
The music was refreshing.

I rode my bike up the street and gave my phone number to a stranger just to get an international phone card.
I called Cairo 3 times. 3 different voices answered each attempt. None of them were who i was trying for. Didn't matter tho... It wasn't like they could hear my voice anyway...

I want to be there. I'm beginning to believe it'll never happen.

This is what happens when I don't draw. What am I doing!?

I want your body close to mine. Nothing sexual, I promise. I can see a warmth in you and I just want your company. Nothing more.
It's what I think I might need right now.

Why did I just write this?

The Discovery of Other Blogs

2009-06-18T22:16:00.007-04:00

I'll need to add a list to the right here of all the blogs and awesome sites I frequent.
Newest one I found is Eat.Sleep.Draw. Viewer submissions of their own artwork to show off. I posted one of my old Snack Monster drawings, just for fun. Can be seen here-> LOOK!
Glad a lot of people like it.
It's already been reposted a couple of times :)
HERE
and
HERE

Neat-o.

btw,
is it wrong that I might want to switch blogs already?
I mean, I discovered Tumblr after I already started here on Blogger.
Most of the blogs/sites I follow are from Tumblr too.
Also, I just signed up and they actually have the username "Donia" available. I may be the only Donia you know but when it comes to the internet, I'm very much not the only one out there....

<3

Attempts At Interior Design

2009-06-18T09:57:00.007-04:00

Check out this article. --> Man decorates basement with $10 worth of Sharpie

Talk about cheap wallpaper. Just Awesome. The article has a nice 360 view also.

So This month, I've officially lived in this apartment for a year. This mean I finally have rental history. This is a huge deal if you know me well. I've moved around a bunch in the past 5 years and none of these places in my name. Not only is it pretty amazing for me to have my own place, it's going to [hopefully] be a pretty stable place for me to be. I don't see myself leaving this apartment anytime soon. I'll be at CCAD for a few years. I like what I've got so I best set up camp.

If I plan on being here for a while I truly need to make this place mine. To me this means interior decorating like whoa.
I have plans for each room of the apartment. Each room has some sort of theme and/or piece of artwork that is the focus or inspiration [excluding my art space aka dining room]. Creating this is a rather slow process but my goal is to have this place setup the way I'd like it by this time next year. This includes painting, furniture, decor, ect.I want this to really be home. Even though I'm very much NOT planning on staying in Columbus after I graduate I'll still be here for at least the next 4-5 years.

The first room I'm focusing on is the bathroom. Not the most amazing place but it's a good start. Small tight space, not a lot of wall to paint and honestly, it's the only room I know, 100% what I want to do with.
The artwork inspiration for this space is 'Pet Fish' by Dutch artist Lois van Baarle, also known as, Loish. This is it:

I bought a 16"x20" print off DeviantArt a while back and I'm excited to finally get this together and hang it up.
I laid out all the painters tape and have the primer paint. I put down that then get the actual color afterward. I'm super excited.
Progress pictures will come about in the near future. :)

Etsy Setup

2009-06-14T08:49:00.005-04:00

I've had an Etsy account for a while but never really messed with it. Finally set it up. The only thing up right now are a few of my older Snack Monster button sets. I'll be hopefully posting more goodies as the summer goes on.

Click Here To Check Out The Listing

Otherwise I've been working back to back doubles at the restaurant. :/ Not tons of fun but money's scarce at the moment as I assume it is for most everyone right now.
I've attempted to open myself up to drawing commissions though. You can Check out my DeviantArt Journal for more info on those offerings.

Sell Out. Oh yes I am.

Exterior Vision and Interior Self

2009-06-08T18:53:00.006-04:00

Kind of late on sharing these but oh well...

Final self portrait assignment for Color Concepts class. Two Parts. Part A: Draw in black-white/grey scale a realistic depiction of yourself. What the world sees on the outside.
Part B: In color, create a self portrait reflecting who you really are; what others normally may not see.
Then we had to write a paper about Part B and why we used the colors we did and meaning.

Got an A on entire project though I don't feel I did my best on either drawings.

The main colors used in my self portrait are brown, orange, blue, turquoise, and purple.

Brown wasn’t only chosen because it’s the natural color of my hair but, is also a neutral, down-to-earth color. I consider myself to be a rather all around and open minded woman. The color brown has been associated with such characteristics as dependability and friendliness. I’ve been told before that I can be too friendly and I’ve happily accepted that ‘flaw’.

The orange streaks in my hair represent my vibrant and sociable nature. Orange is mentally stimulating and asks for attention with out screaming for it. I’ve discovered in recent years that my craving for attention is a bigger part of my personality then I used to let on. Orange has a happy medium of attributes from both colors red and yellow. Exuding energy and possibly a slight bit of hidden aggression it balances itself out with the calmness of yellow.

Adding the blue was to do more balancing in my personality. My astrological sign is a Libra, the scales, which denotes my personality to be rather evened out. Blue and orange are not only complimentary; they’re also a contrast of warm and cool colors. Blue is a very likable color in most everyone likes some shade of the color blue. I'd like to assume I'm a rather likeable person. Blue conveys both a strong and calm feeling. Growing up the way I have and through the events I’ve faced I have stayed rather calm in the face of strife. This in turn has made me a stronger woman and will continue to as I grow. Culturally blue is associated with importance, intelligence, stability, unity and confidence.

Turquoise is used in my shirt creates a feminine appeal. I grew up a tomboy yet always had the girly daydreams in my head. Hopeless romantic, wanting to dress up, I just kept repressing it. It wasn’t until the past few years have I began to embrace the girly girl hiding beneath. Turquoise has a personal and cultural connection, specifically turquoise in reference to the mineral. Turquoise is commonly associated with the Middle East where I’m descended from. I can remember vendors selling turquoise jewelry and specifically the turquoise scarabs. This stone is associated with the American Southwest as well. I lived in Arizona for a while and it was an important time in my life. I didn’t realize how much the state had effected me until after I left but I find it a key element in who I am today.

The purple of the jacket is another nod to my astrological sign; the purple and turquoise being complimentary. This purple is a bit on the lighter side giving another suggestion of femininity. Associations include, grace, refinement, and romance; all emotions and concepts I tend to tuck under my skin. Purple is colors that invokes creativity and an artistic mind as well as boost the imagination. The artistic aspect needs no explanation but, I have a horrible habit of daydreaming at a probably unhealthy level. Fun fact, Cleopatra’s favorite color was purple, again tying me back to my Egyptian heritage. Most specifically, purple is the color of mystery. One could know me for years and still not know who I am. I like to have that mystery. I like to hope that it keeps me interesting.

Emotions Without Explinations.

2009-06-07T15:37:00.003-04:00

This pretty much sums up what's been going through my head in the last few weeks. These daydreams are getting out of hand.

Summer So Far: Not As Productive As Hoped

2009-06-01T23:25:00.002-04:00

This summer's not really gone the way I would've hoped. Not so far at least. I mean, I have had some fun nights but not too many productive ones. a few smaller doodles here or there. This drawing is the only major drawing I've done since classes ended. Forgive me for the poor photograph. All the big scanners at school are behind a locked door...
I drew this drawing of a friend and co-worker, Katie, for her birthday this past week. She was rather ecstatic. :)

I have this productive plan in my head but I'm a bit of a rut at the moment. I'm panicing financially at the moment so nothing but work at the restaurant, this week especially.

Circus Couture and Salsa Dancing...

2009-05-16T10:58:00.005-04:00

This was my self portrait final from Drawing class. Done in Graphite on Arches paper. There's a bunch of symbolism and historical influences used to create this drawing.

Long evening yesterday. Didn't get much of a chance to wander the entire campus to check out THE SHOW but did make it to the senior fashion show. It wasn't the designers full collections but just two selections from the line. The theme was Circus Couture. Honestly I was pleasantly surprised with the outfits coming down the cat walk. A few of my favorites:

Robin Savage

Annie Kocher

Maddie Etter

Mary Pool

The rest of my evening included eating sushi, hanging out with a few of my lady friends, drinking lots of wine and rounding it all up with some salsa dancing.
Salsa dancing was fun. On Fridays at La Fogata in the Short North they have their Salsa Fever open dance nights. I don't really know how to do it but most dance partners are rather patient with you. lol. I am seriously the most uncordinated person! There's constantly a man asking for a dance so there's plenty of oppourtunity to hit the floor. Not that it wasn't entertaining being a wallflower at times when taking a breather. Watching the couples who obviously knew what they were doing was awesome.

I wish it wasn't so grey out today. Headed over to the AGORA show over at Junctionveiw studios later. I'd rather it not storm :(

Summertime, I've Been Awaiting Your Arrival...

2009-05-15T15:50:00.003-04:00

Finished up all my classes before noon this morning. Rock on! Time has flown by!! I think I've done really well. My Art History and Structural still a bit up in the air though... I'm sitting on a 3.34 average not including those two classes :/ Art school is harder than you think...

THE SHOW is tonight. THE SHOW is the student exhibition which goes through the summer and, in some locations, through out the next semesters. Tonight is the opening of the exhibitions as well as the Senior Fashion Show and Animation Thesis'. My cookies are on displayed up on the second floor of the B&E Building on the CCAD Campus is you're interested in checking them out sometime.
It's a relief to think I can just chill and party tonight. Tomorrow is also my first Saturday off in a long while. I'm taking advantage by sleeping in and then going to AGORA in the afternoon.

I have so many summer projects in mind. Nothing but good can come of this summer break.

<3

Venus de Cocoa

2009-05-14T17:54:00.005-04:00

Final assignment for 3d was to create a luxury item of our choice. I made a box of chocolates.

Super Sculpey.
Acrylic paints.
Box made of a taken apart Whitman's Sampler and reassembled to my liking.
I made up the brand "Venus de Cocoa". Honestly stumbled into the actual box design. YaY! For winging it!

Yum.

Vertical Progresses.

2009-05-11T18:42:00.004-04:00

This is the wall in my studio space, taken this morning. Current works in progress and other papers relating to. I've grown a habit of taping the projects to the wall as not to misplace them and/or damage them when not working on them. I have plenty of space in my apartment just not a lot of table space or storage areas at the moment.

I've progressed on most of these. The major focus tonight will be finishing up my self portrait for Drawing class. The critique is in the morning.

So we're winding down the first semester! This is the last week. Then I can finally get to work on all these little projects inside my head! :D

Feeling Disheveled

2009-05-09T09:56:00.002-04:00

"I never fall apart because I never fall together."
~Andy Warhol

One More Week.

Something Personal.

2009-05-04T00:14:00.004-04:00

My little sister, Ayah, has been in a correctional facility for about 9 months now. She made some bad choices and is doing her time. From what I can tell this program is helping her out a bunch.

I've been thinking about her and my little brother. Nafi, a lot lately. My siblings are the most important people to me. I miss them more than I could ever explain. The sacrifice of growing up.

I bring this up because Ayah turns 18 today. It's crazy to think of how fast her and Nafi are growing up.

I just needed to share this.

Happy 18th Birthday Ayah. I love you. I miss you. We'll see each other soon. <3

Late Nights Promise A Nice Summer...

2009-04-30T21:44:00.001-04:00

Less than 3 weeks left of classes. As I've been saying constantly, there's so much work to be done.
3 Self Portraits.
Final Drawing Portfolio.
Final Oil Painting.
Manikin illustrations.
Art History final.
Make-up work for Structural.

Arg.

Not too mention the scramble for money. The state of Ohio dropped grants from private colleges so I'm not getting anything extra like I expected to. I have to write up ANOTHER appeal letter.

I have my schedule for next semester tho. 18 credit hours.
My thursdays are going to be ridiculous once again. 8am to 9:30pm. At least I'll have my short Fridays again.

Mon-
Drawing Workshop
Tues-
Draw II
Writing and the Arts
Digital Design and Type
Wed-
Art History
Drawing Workshop
Thurs-
Draw II
Writing and the Arts
2-D
Painting II
Fri-
Color Con
Art History

Pile it on. The quicker the better.
Also figured I'm going to most likely take a majority of my basic pysch classes for my art therapy minor over at Columbus State . It'd be cheaper and I can take them over the summer or whatnot to speed up the process. Doing this will save room for more of the fine arts course I want too.

This is the silverpoint drawing I've been working on. Model Katie again. Lovely.
I've decided to make silverpoint a goal of mine. I'm way too heavy handed and this is a lot darker than it should be. You need an intense amount of patience to do silverpoint. Soft, smooth lines are the key. Erasing is pretty much not an option, hence the need to take your time. It forces you to think before you make a mark.
I actually liked silverpoint a bunch.
back to work.

Progression of Deliciousness..

2009-04-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

Overwhelmed! It's awesome and upsetting at the same time. Putting my schedule together for next semester. Tweaking a few extra details. The real issue though is finding a way to pay for it all next semester...

Went to the Tolstedt show the other day with Christopher and Katie. First off the gallery was far from your ordinary set up. This house in a quaint house in the German village. All the artwork was hung around the place as one would just hang art in their home. I kind of liked it in that setting. It really added to the whole feeling of the work.

I have to say. Seeing the images I've posted here on my blog is NOTHING in comparrison to seeing these drawings live and right in front of you.

Most of his drawing are done in colored pencil but a few are drawn in Silverpoint [which we're going to learn starting tomorrow! *glee!*] Yeah, drawing with actual silver.

Also showing at Keny gallery was Ray Kleinlein who actually studied under Tolstedt. He does still life work as well but in oil. And he cakes that stuff on! Amazing though.

So now, my attempt.

Here are some progress shots of the long, tightly rendered still life assignment for Drawing class. Cookies! done in prismacolor pencils.

Not completely finished yet. I'm actually finishing it up right now. Have a pre-portfolio review in class tomorrow. Going to go over EVERYTHING I've done for the class to prep for the finial portfolio review and assignment.

Here's the set-up for the Cookie Still Life. Had the cookies stacked up in my kitchen cabinet. Safest place for them so they wouldn't get disturbed for the few weeks and no worry about if Eevee would eat them or something :( Set up a small lamb IN my cabinet to give light. I sat pretty much in the kitchen sink to draw the still life. What artists will do in the name of art...

The cookies are beyond stale now. Sad since I've been holding back from eating them since I set up for the drawing.

I'll take a final photo of the drawing as soon as I can. I'm also going to try and get some scans of some a few of my other works.

Summer's coming. I'm super excited, aren't you?

Grey Days Are Best For Getting Work Done...

2009-04-15T23:58:00.000-04:00

Got a lot of my assignments either finished or at least half done. Except Structural.. damn structural...

I did get back my paintings of Christopher that I did for our Modulation Project in Color Con.

Another long day tomorrow, as all Thursdays are for me. At least it begins with the continuation of our two-day tightly rendered figure drawing! <3

Acrylic Homicide...

2009-04-14T22:48:00.000-04:00

i have a table top to work on now. Whoo, going up in the world! Few things I've been working on this afternoon. Above is the beginnings of my painting for Color Con. Yep that's the AZ mountains again...

My red acrylic pant exploded suddenly, thankfully in the ziplock bag and not all over my floor. Only the Phalo Blue Green suffered as witness to the carnage.

Add going to the supply store for another tube to my TO DO list for tomorrow.

Sweet Success Drawing Near...?

2009-04-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

I have never been so overwhelmed! In a good way though. We're coming down to the last month or so of the semester and I have tons of projects to work on. I'm really trying hard to get things together.

Art History Paper.

Triad Painting for Color Con.

Bunches of Structural.

...and that's just the start.

I better get back to work.

BTW, Lowell Tolstedt [the colored pencil artist from my last post] has a gallery show here in Columbus at Keny Gallery in the German Village going on now through May 4th. I think I might stop by in between my pile of work tomorrow.

Still Lives Are More Alive Than You Think

2009-04-07T22:42:00.000-04:00

We've reverted back to still lives in Drawing Class. Just for a while. We're focusing on tight rendered drawings. As well we've been messing around with colored pencils.

We also have a major homework assignment where we are creating still lives at home.

I'm more of a figure drawing girl and it's a bother somtimes drawing a still life, especially when I have a hard time finding the object interesting.

Because of this and painting a still life in Painting class I felt like sharing some still life artists that I found who take ordinary objects and make them amazing!

Tom Gregg. Oil.

Lowell Tolsteadt. Colored Pencil. Former Dean of Fine Arts and Professor at CCAD.

Chris Wright. Oil.

Glen Holland. Oil. Local Columbus Artist.

Enjoy.

Assignments.

2009-04-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

The final result of my last 3d assignment. Take a cubism piece and recreate it in 3d using paper materials. My artwork, Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending A Staircase No.2

Made from mat board and hot glue. I fail at 3d anything so I'm pleasantly surprised with how this came out.

This was due this past Thursday but class was cancelled so it's currently in the backseat of my car. Probably not the best place for it :/

I'm going to be strictly focus on school work these next few weeks.

Or, as best I can that is.

It's so easy to get behind here, staying on top of things is so important.

I was behind on my paintings of Christopher for my Modulation project. I literally turned them in without a minute to spare. My teacher was packing up her things to leave her last class of the day as I came flying in. Miracle.

I'll post finals after I get them back.

Class Back In Session.

2009-03-31T00:49:00.000-04:00

Spring Break is over. Class in the morning. I didn't get single thing accomplished.

18 Hours in Chicago.

2009-03-27T04:12:00.000-04:00

Yeah, Chicago. This was a sudden adventure. Yet, when am I one to turn down traveling?

Courtney's girlfriend and a friend of her were trying out for America's Next Top Model so Courtney was driving them out there for the casting call. I tagged along for the ride. ;]

Of course I visited the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art museum in the country.

Place was huge! Didn't even get a chance to see the whole place! :( Did get to see the following works tho among many many others.

It was kind of surreal to see these famous works in person. To think Van Gogh stood in front of his portrait just as I was contempating each stroke. Crazy. And Seurat designing this new style. Seeing this piece in it's size is remarkable. It's nothing like looking at pictures.

I dropped $75 at the museum. Mostly on postcards and books of postcards.

What a great city. There's no doubt I'll be going back very very soon.

Dr.Sketchy's

2009-03-23T01:48:00.000-04:00

Last night was the Dr.Sketchy's Anti-Art School session. I haven't been in so long. I brought some friends from school as well. It was cool to see many old faces along with new. Among them our 'Silver Fox', Jim Kammerud and Eric Fortune.

I was rather laxed at this session. I wasn't trying too hard to turn out great drawings but, then again, that's not the point of Dr.Sketchy's Anti-Art School anyway. :P

Viva Valezz hosts a great drawing party. I always have a great time and enjoy everyone who comes out. I'm also reminded that the gay bars always serve the best drinks ;]

Castro :P
Leprechauns.

Nudie girls with unfinished doodles of Eric and Jim ;P

The Key To Your Industry...

2009-03-22T11:58:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe all the people I've met and the connections I've made in just a few months.
illustrators and animators. photographers and designers. performers and gallery owners.
artists.

I've been feeling quite fortunate and inspired lately.

Spring Break?

2009-03-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

Spring Break has started!! YaY!

It's going to be work filled tho. And by work, I mean at the restaraunt. I am officially out of financial aid.

Lame.

Grey Tones Are What I Do Best.

2009-03-19T02:48:00.000-04:00

Modulation Project for Color Con. Nowhere near finished.

This is a painting of my classmate, Christopher. He's a splendid guy.

Classmate Portraits.

2009-03-12T23:15:00.000-04:00

Woke up and was running late to class this morning sadly. I hate being late to drawing class.

Today we were drawing our fellow classmates' portraits with conte crayon.

This is Courtney. I was glad I walked into class while we were drawing him. He's been eager to have me draw a picture of him. Not my best tho unfortunately :/ but not bad for walking in late and speed drawing for about 4 minutes...

Drawing of Ariel.

3/4 views are obnoxious :( Sorry.

And my best yet. I'm too happy with how this sketch came out

This is Dustin. I sadly don't know him too well. We once in a while chit-chat during our break in class but he was amazingly comfortable to draw.

It really does look like him! I didn't think I had it in me. lol. :D

I'm Missing The Desert...

2009-03-12T03:55:00.000-04:00

Project for Structural Class. Take an actual product and change it's name to your name. Take that and put in on a billboard drawn in two-point perspective. Add scenery.

I lived in Arizona for a while, a couple of years ago. It wasn't til after leaving I realized how much I truly loved it out there. I've been thinking about it more often than I'd like lately. It's the horizon I miss the most. Mountains. I'm still breathless when I see photos of the red hills I once climbed.

I shouldn't be up this late...

Procrastinations and Distractions.

2009-03-10T19:07:00.000-04:00

forgot to share the final of that border project from forever ago. A- apparently the grey value in the yellow image wasn't correct :/ I prefer the blue myself

I discovered another artist I like.

My drawing teacher introduced him to us the other day in class when we were starting figure drawing.
Steven Assael.

I can not seem to focus for the life of me. One day, I'll have discipline.

Discovering New Artists Everyday.

2009-03-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

Went to Gallery Hop over the weekend and enjoyed myself, per usual.
I think my favorite artwork of the night was over at Rivet Gallery. Sannon Bonatakis was showing there and I really loved what I saw. I got a chance to meet her at the gallery Saturday night. Discovered that not only did she go to CCAD but, she's also originally from Orlando. Altamonte Springs, specifically. Fancy that.

There's hope for me yet.

The next couple of days I have off from classes for the Junior/Senior evaluations on campus. I'll be trying my best to cram tons of work into the next few days. A lot of projects are due in the next week or two before spring break. Meh...

I really love CCAD and school in general but, I'm ready to just work on some of my own artwork right now... :/

Reading The Lines In Your Face...

2009-03-06T01:58:00.001-05:00

Working on portraits now in Drawing class. Drew James again this past Tues. I've always failed at facial hair...

This is Katie who I met last week in a rather random situation. Coincidence that she's modeling in my drawing class now. lol

Major Selections. Official.

2009-03-04T16:00:00.000-05:00

I have officially declared my major!

Majoring in Illustration. Minoring in Art Therapy.

I also plan to get my teaching certification my last year.

This will be a long 4-5 years...

Major Selections.

2009-03-02T23:53:00.000-05:00

My unfinished interior drawing for Drawing class. She said I could continue to work on it and turn it in again later. Good, since there are so many things wrong with the perspective and the only thing that's complete is my hookah [hence why it's popping out of the image so much]

Thursday, CCAD had the Major Selections open house. wandered through the Illustration and Fine Arts departments. Met an alumnus of CCAD at the illustration opening,Eric Fortune. His paintings were marvelous.

Glad I went to the fine arts opening. Met senior, Jon Stommel, who was having his Senior Thesis show in the Acock Gallery. He was telling me how he majored in Illustration but took tons of Fine Arts courses so he could get a balance of both [which is what I'm trying to get at] It's nice to see that it's possible.

This will be a busy few weeks.

Rehabilitation...

2009-03-02T01:10:00.000-05:00

This has been a rough week, over all.

There's a series I've been dying to develop but I have this feeling that I won't get the chance to touch it until summer, if even then.

Ones emotions need a release.

Oh well,

Everyone's a victim of bad timing I suppose.

City Stroll.

2009-02-25T22:41:00.000-05:00

Columbus keeps teasing me with this warm weather for a day or two then back to freezing.

Spring, please arrive. I can't take this cold too much longer.

PS- i want my own Polaroid camera. ;P

The Body Is Made Of Shapes...

2009-02-24T18:58:00.000-05:00

This is James.

He's one of the first men I truly enjoyed drawing.

I'm actually proud of myself.

Tara McPherson Visit.

2009-02-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

So, Tara McPherson came to CCAD for a visiting artists lecture this morning.

Before she came on stage to speak she sat RIGHT IN FRONT of me during the introductions! :D [kids, can you say art geek?]

She is one of my favorite artists. I truly admire her ability to reach out into all different types of mediums and media.

She shared all tons of her artwork with us, discussed themes from her work, her work history and some projects she has in the works for the coming year or two. Just wonderful.

Learned that she teaches an Illustration class at Parsons in New York. Had no idea she taught. She discussed it briefly but I feel like it's worth looking into. CCAD has programs where I can study at other nationally accredited art schools around the country. You know what I'm getting at ;]

The downfall of all this is going to talks like hers, especially seeing the art of an artist I admire so much I wanted to come home and just bust out my own pieces!

It's unfortunate that I'm over run with other assignments at the moment.

I'll manage this soon enough, I promise.

Space Filler.

2009-02-23T01:56:00.000-05:00

The work is really piling up. My time management skills are not that great. I'm hoping I get blessed with enough money from the government, or from anyone, to not have to work and just focus on school.

One day.

Tara McPherson is doing a talk at CCAD tomorrow morning. I'm super excited.

btw, I finally got me some glasses. YaY! I can see!

I Want A Rockin' Fro...

2009-02-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

This is Carmen. She rocks the coolest fro I've seen in real life. At least one on a chick that is.

This is by far my favorite class. <3

Steel Cupcakes.

2009-02-18T16:49:00.000-05:00

I was right about the busy weekend last post. My restaurant had it's highest sales on Saturday.

I know my place is great but who waits almost 3 hours for a table somewhere?

The art history exam went better than I thought. 78 B which means the tests were curved but, I'll take it! Have a paper due for that class next time.

Finished up the painting for Fundamentals of Painting. Just a simple still life, nothing magical. [Ignore the poor qualiy this photo, it's taken w/ my cell phone.]

This was my first time using oils, ever. I'm eager to master them because at the moment I hate them. I can't manage them the way I'd like. I think I'm just too impatient for them. I want to get back to my acrylics and master them first :P

TaDa! Wire figures!

Harder to make than you'd think.

The subjects I made were a light bulb, my cell phone [sort of...], a cupcake, a sandwich without the top slice of bread, and a beanie baby bear.

All the objects had to be make of steel wire and made by using a visual reference [nothing off the top of our head.]

The bear was the only one I truly like. It bobbles around because of it's spring like body. By the recommendation of a classmate, I might just use it as a bobble guy for my car, [whenever I get it working...]

Sandwich. What more do you want?
The cupcake. It had one of those lil candy hearts on top of it. It was delicious.

I don't really want to go to class tonight.

My Heart's All A-Flutter

2009-02-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

We started figure drawing in class today.

Tonality.

2009-02-13T16:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple of those drawings on toned paper from class. I need to learn to not go so hard on my lines. Work softer. :\

Our first homework assignment for drawing class is to draw an interior space with either light going into dark or dark into light. Needs to be done on the toned charcoal paper with the back and white Prismas just like what we've been working on in class.

Had our first Exam in Art History today. I don't think I did too well.

Have to also finish, mount, and wrap the border project for Color Con. As well, draw up, mount and wrap a drawing of an object in 2-point perspective for Structural [have I mentioned that I don't enjoy that class much? :P]

I'm wondering when I'm going to find time to do these. Not this weekend. It being Valentine's Day tomorrow and scheduled doubles at the restaurant because of it, there will be no time. I know it will be crazy.

BTW, did you know that it's National Condom Week? Have happy and safe sex this weekend!

It Piles Up...

2009-02-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

Drawing is obviously my favorite class. Even though we're just working on still life [which I don't care for much] I just love being in there. Just drawing. I enjoy how Ms.Anita teaches and I like how focused everyone in class is. I like the energy.

We've just been working on basic concepts so far. The next process we're going to focus on is tonality, using black and white Prisma colored pencils on toned paper. Looking forward to it.

Finished my line art for the Border project in Color Con. Felt like doing something whimsical and girly. Mermaids achieve that I think. Either that or unicorns a suppose.

Progression and Time Management...

2009-02-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

It feels nice to actually feel productive. Not just working at the restaurant as a means to no obvious end.

I have a few bigger projects already. For 3.D we have to make 5 objects out of steel wire. No idea what I plan on making.

As well in Color Concepts we're starting our Border projects. For the assignment we have to create a design that shows directional movement and replicate it 3 times, each demonstrating:

A) extreme value contrast and subtle relationship of chroma, using blues

B) extreme contrast of chroma and subtle relationship of value, using primary yellow

C) extreme contrast of both value and contrast, using reds with black and white.

...did that go over your head a little? :\

I've got some sketches down, nothing finalized tho...

No More 'Hurricane Days' For Me.

2009-01-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

School has barely begun and we already have our first snowday. Heavy drop but not too bad. Some boys from school and I attempted to make use of the day off and journey to The Wexner Center at OSU but it was closed. As was apparently everything on campus and in the Short North. Aside from Rivet Gallery that is. Time wasn't completely wasted. I should have probably worked on some personal work tho... Oh well.

The Environment I've Been Missing...

2009-01-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

I have cuts and scrapes on my arms.
I have ink and oil embedded in my skin.

God, it feels good.

A Beginning...

2009-01-20T21:26:00.000-05:00

Today was the start of something great for me. This is finally, really, happening.

Only had Drawing and Painting class today. I'm looking forward to the rest of this week.

The courses I'm taking this semester are:

-Drawing I

-Fundamentals of Painting

-Art History [beginning of time to 1500]

-2.D

-3.D

-Structural

-Color Concepts

Today was also the start of something new and great for our country. Our newest president came into office this morning.

Watched most of the Inauguration on a big screen set up in the Canzani Center lobby. I'd never really watched any of these things before. The last election was the first that I could vote in. I cared very little about politics then and especially didn't care for either of the top candidates running for office at the time. Honestly, I had voted just because I could.
I feel slightly more focused and pay much more attention to current affairs then I did 4 years ago. Growing up helps. This country has changed a lot since I was a child, in many negative ways from what I can see.

Wonder what our president has in store for us.

Going Part Time...

2009-01-20T02:02:00.000-05:00

For three years I've worked full time at this restaurant. For five years I've done nothing but work full time. I've had my share of adventures in between but, for the most part it's been work to survive.

My last day before going to part time for school.

I start at Columbus College of Art and Design tomorrow morning. This is a big deal for me.

I was first heard about this school on a chance encounter.

A year or so out of high school, while still living in Orlando, a couple of friends and I took a trip down to Sarasota. Along with a necessary trip to the Salvador Dali museum, we swung by Ringling College of Art for their hosting of National Portfolio Day. Though this event is geared towards high school students one should never turn down a portfolio review. I had learned early that there's always room for improvement and the way to get there was through others critiques. I visited the tables of schools I dreamed of going to but never thought I would.

Near the end of the day I waited for my friends who were speaking with multiple college reps. I just happened to glance over at a table with no line. I figured another review couldn't hurt.

Columbus College of Art and Design.

The man raved over my art work and told me about the opportunity for scholarships. He told me about the school and what they had to offer. I walked away with a better confidence about my work but honestly brushed off the idea. Didn't think much about it until years later.

I mean really, OHIO?!

I obviously ended up in Columbus, Ohio. For a very different reason then my education originally yet it all worked out. Lets see how this all plays out...

Let the new adventure begin.

Dance. Dance.

2009-01-03T02:01:00.000-05:00

"The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place" -- Barbra De Angelis

The last 2 weeks made up for the other 50 last year.

When you come to an end point; When you feel a bit lost in your current life;

The best thing to do is start from the begining.

In my case it was going home.

Florida. Orlando. You were there when I needed you. Thank you.

It's time for me to start dancing again. Really.

Amnesia.

2008-12-20T01:06:00.000-05:00

Test. Test. Test.

This Is Only A Test.