icon united

Music Friday: PS22 Chorus, Lisztomania by Phoenix

2010-03-12T13:36:00.003-05:00

It's true...I cannot seem to not post on Phoenix every few weeks. I've written about them here and here and now in this post but honestly, I cannot think of a single person who dislikes their sound...hence all this posting, and after all, I like their sound. It's really magical. What's even more magical is when the arts in public schools meets contemporary culture. In an age where budget after budget is cut I cannot help but feel sad that generations of kids could be without strong arts programs.

If you have 19 minutes, and I hope you do, watch this video from Ted and Sir Ken Robinson about education and learning. There are so many good points about how the mind works, how we have treated education and why the arts are important. And if you don't have 19 minutes watch the PS22 rendition of Phoenix's Lisztomania and you'll see why the arts are important.

Hopefully you didn't skip the video above but this is awesome too:

Always more to come.

Have a good weekend.

Epilogue: SPE Philadelphia 2010.11

2010-03-09T12:51:00.003-05:00

SPE National 2010 was another amazing experience. It's been a year or two since I met as many people as I did on this trip. Below I posted a few cards from all the people I talked to - about who they were, where they were from and mostly, their work. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be able to post a little bit more about their current happenings. Everything I saw was pretty fantastic.

This year I can't say enough good things about SPE in general. There were a few mumblings about how nobody was going to attend a conference on diversity but based on the turnout, I believe that didn't keep people away. And yes, if you're wondering, I have no official data to back this claim up but it seemed to me, as years go, it was a pretty full event.

There were some really great lectures on everything from eduction to Nicéphore Niépce and random artifacts now being persevered in his former house in Saint-Loup de Varennes. I went to as many events as I could but every year so many go unattended dude to scheduling but I tried to get in as many as possible. Lots of good stuff there.

The portfolio reviews and the curator walk though were as strong as ever. Each year I swear the curator walkthrough gets more and more popular. This year there was still tons of people looking at work as the dance party took off. Normally it's over far before the legendary dance party. It's really cool to see so many people looking at work.

Anyway, check out the cards below and look for a few postings featuring the work of the owner in the future. On a related note, if your reading this and for one reason or another we didn't exchange cards and you would like me to write a little something about your work, drop me a line and we work something out.

SPE National Conference 2010: Fin.

SPE Philadelphia 2010.10

2010-03-06T22:17:00.000-05:00

Open portfolio walkthrough:

SPE Philadelphia 2010.09

2010-03-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

Open portfolio walkthrough:

SPE Philadelphia 2010.08

2010-03-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

The Green Room: Portfolio reviews.

SPE Philadelphia 2010.07

2010-03-06T07:55:00.001-05:00

The view from the Marriott @ 7:30am. Not the greatest but at SPE it's really not what goes on outside the hotel as much as what's going on within. Looking forward to seeing a much art as I can on this last day. Cheers.

SPE Philadelphia 2010.06

2010-03-05T19:54:00.001-05:00

SPE Friday night...

SPE Philadelphia 2010.05

2010-03-05T17:38:00.001-05:00

Tom Fisher introducing the featured speakers Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie and Veronica Passalacqua.

SPE Philadelphia 2010.03

2010-03-05T14:50:00.001-05:00

Just attended a lecture by guggenheim recipient Osamu James Nakagawa. Really interesting work in Okinawa, Japan. You can see more of his work here:

Osamu James Nakagawa

SPE Philadelphia 2010.02

2010-03-05T13:55:00.001-05:00

Two really good quotes by Don Gregorio Anton from his lecture "It Is Not What You Teach, But Who You Teach."

Most of our fears are other peoples experiences.

Each head is it's own world.
Don Gregorio Anton's Grandmother

(I beleive the quotes are really
Close to being right)

SPE Philadelphia 2010.01

2010-03-05T12:35:00.001-05:00

Showroom floor...

SPE Philadelphia 2010

2010-03-05T12:26:00.001-05:00

So the SPE story goes...tons of stuff going on and while I won't be writing a lot I am going to post some quick shots frome the ole phone...onward!

SPE National confrence 2010

2010-03-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

SPE UPDATE: blogging may be postponed due the fact that Internet is highly overpriced at the hotel. Affordable Internet: fail.

Maybe more to come...

Prologue: SPE 2010, Philadelphia

2010-03-02T11:37:00.003-05:00

It's that time again when photographers and educators make the yearly pilgrimage to SPE. This year it's Philadelphia that will be overrun with camera-toting-art-loving scholars from all over. I again will be setting fourth with confidant and fellow educator Kyle Ford.

From Thursday to Sunday look back here for a liveblog covering as many events/people/things I can write about. And if you're actually going to be there then drop me a note and let me know....a frothy ale might be in order to conclude a day filled with wondrous art, perhaps we can fetch a pint together (Patrick, I'm looking at you, I owe you one).

Until then, many things are afoot and precious time to attend to them. So be patient, if you can, and look back here on Thursday for the happenings of SPE National Conference 2010.

Cheers.

Music Friday: A Commercial?

2010-02-26T14:44:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know, a departure from a musically acclaimed artist this Friday because I thought I'd drop this viral commercial sweeping the interweb. This thing is really all over, taking things by storm (see here, here and here). And see below:

I wouldn't normally post on something like this but I found this 20 min segment where they talk to the creators. They work for Wieden + Kennedy and go into some details as they break it down. A lot of little facts here and there about how they made this commercial (which I'm sure most of you knew already knew) but there is one little fact that is thrown out there that is interesting, and the whole reason why I bring it up.

The real kicker about the spot (I'll save you the suspense I guess, unless you want to watch it, or already did) is that it's one shot. No CG. In a world that seems CG dependent it's like a throw back to a Wes Anderson film (think Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, but even then there's still CG). So I'm applauding that it was for the most part CG free. Good stuff there.

Anyway, have a good weekend out there. And if anyone is counting, 5 days until SPE, who's going?

Happy Olympics!

Cheers!

Some good reading...

2010-02-25T13:02:00.003-05:00

So this week is flying by and I hate to say I haven't wrote anything! Probably because I've been watching too much Olympic coverage. But I do want to pass along a few things, like a site called alltop.

Now while alltop is like a popurls as far as a news feed goes there is an intresting filter that limits the feeds to strictly photography. Including canon 5d tips, Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider Blog, and A Photo Editor... just to name a few. If you head to alltop's photography section it's a huge linkfest.

Anyway, a lot to take in there. Also something to consider is Vincent Laforet's blog post on an hddslr shoot. Vincent has always been one of those shooting who is really open to sharing the inner-workings of a commercial project. Along with Chase Jarvis they are literally on the of the Canon and Nikon worlds and love to talk about it. They both have great articles on various subjects so make sure you visit their sites. But I bring up Vincent in particular today because he shared this rather in-depth look at a complicated production he recently worked on.

It's a good slide show with some nice comments, check it out:

VSA HDDSLR Still & Video Shoot - Images by Vincent Laforet

It's great to dive into stuff like that and see how others are working the scene. No real pun intended there but after I typed it I realized how cleaver that was. Win.

Good stuff. So now it's back to watching Olympic coverage.

Cheers.

Music Friday: Blaudzun (+ animator Marlies van der Wel)

2010-02-19T11:39:00.002-05:00

Music Friday! This Friday I bring you a song by Blaudzun. I just came across this sound and wow...fantastic. Blaudzun is a Dutch singer-songwriter wonder. Today I wanted to post the video from the new single Love Lies Bleeding.

The video features this really wonderful animation directed by Marlies van der Wel. And if you have some time pop by his site for some really wonderful work, but at least make sure you check out Love Lies Bleeding it's totally worth your time, wonderful little animation/song. It's Friday, so comeon' just watch it:

There's also this rockin' studio session featuring German Girls....

Or if your a fan of actual "music videos" then you can go here for German Girls. Which is actually the song put to a bunch of (presumably? German Girls?) yelling. You just see them yell, not hear it. Pretty wild. Oh, why not...link fest it is...

But I can happily say that I'm a Blaudzun fan. Good stuff all around. Hopefully it makes your Friday and takes you into a art filled weekend...

Maybe a little Winter Olympics?. That too.

Be safe out there.

Artist: Tim Remick

2010-02-17T13:45:00.002-05:00

I don't know how this website failed to pop up on my radar sooner but I'm happy that I caught it. Tim Remick has been working on some great things. He's got a little Avedon going on (after or Tide Land), a little Adams (This is South Central Alaska) and by-and-large, a lot of quality all around.

I've had the pleasure of working with Tim on a few of my own projects too. And while we have different photographic directions we do share the same passion for the moutains. He's taken a bit of that love and integrated it in one of his series. I totally dig his project after where more than a handful of the portraits feature intense die hard climbers. Being from Alaska he's had a couple of wonderful opportunities to get out on the mountain with some really talented climbers.

I feel the whole series is a strong body of work (if you dropped by the site, you'll notice not all of them are climbers thus adding another layer of meaning to the name). If anyone has the opportunity to see the prints in person it's quite the experience. They are huge. I don't remember the exact dimensions off hand but I believe they were about 40x48in or close to that. Extremely large. The word "all-encompassing" comes to mind.

Anyway, Tim hails from Alaska so it might be kinda difficult to see the work in person but I can definitely say that I'll post something here as soon as a show drops in the ole' lower 48.

That's it for now...anyone watching the Olympics?

Cheers.

Music Friday: ARMS

2010-02-12T10:52:00.002-05:00

I've posted on Arms before (here for example) but this new little tune caught my attention when I was on igif. To start, I'm totally a fan of Arms, it started when I heard this song:

Arms - Kids Aflame - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

...that's pretty much what made me notice the sound. Such a lovely little piece. Anyway, they released some songs via a new little session that appeared on igif via the big ugly yellow couch sessions. The session is pretty sweet. I posted "Tiger Tamer" here but there's also "Home Life" and "Floaters" on the yellow couch site.

Acording to igif:

Todd Goldstein and his ARMS amigos recently stopped by Big Ugly Yellow Couch to eat some cookies and record a few acoustic tunes.

Neat. You can see the product here:

Tiger Tamer by ARMS from Big Ugly Yellow Couch on Vimeo.

Really great sound. There are two other songs on the yellow couch site so if you dig, make sure you stop by and check them out. I love the chill setting. Really lets you focus on the music and hearts driving it. Simplicity is key, in art and life...

Have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers.

(Oh and who's up for a little curling? Stoked.)

Self Promotion: Carded

2010-02-09T12:15:00.004-05:00

As a photographer, I admit I'm not an expert graphic designer but that doesn't mean I don't take a crack at things design every now and then. Because I a) needed new cards and b) found a place that will print them for free, I did just that. My new card is nothing big but it should be fun to get in the mail. If you're looking for 100 free cards (all you pay is shipping) then stop by overnight prints (I offer no insight, comment or guarantee on the printing quality, seeing as I haven't received mine yet, but if you down for paying shipping then it's not a bad deal however you look at it).

If you need a little encouragement to just print some cards, Chase Jarvis has an excellent little note on making business cards on his blog.

From Leo Burnett (via Chase Jarvis):

I don’t mind if photographers want to bling out their promos for extra attention as long as the quality of the work goes along with it. What I don’t dig, is photographers spending what looks like a ton of money on business cards, expensive promos or portfolios meanwhile they really need to spend more time crafting their work.

It's a good thing I didn't bling out my card (they were free! no bling there!). I'd like to think it's a clean design...easy to read. If anything the red, if it indeed comes back as red...who knows in printing, is my bold bling, if you will. Check it:

Anyway, if you are an expert graphic designer and happen be reading this (I know there's a few of you out there, hollar...) please share your thoughts, they will be much appreciated. And while I won't be redoing what you see here right away, I'll note them in my little book. When I come across a free deal for some cards again, I'll keep those said changes in mind for round two. But any feedback is totally appreciated because as I said, I dabble in design, I am not a expert designer...oh fonts, how you mystify me...although if you need a photograph....that's another story indeed...

More to come.

Music Friday: XX (some remixes)

2010-02-05T17:44:00.002-05:00

A late post this Friday but anyway, we all press onward, this is just a bit later than usual...on hand we have the unstoppable XX and they have released a new single with two remixes. I learned of the new digs via igif. The one thing that everyone agrees with is the sound of XX is sexy. The sound of XX not the xxx sexy (igif's words) but something else...I'd say more of like a mystical-fire-breathing-dragon-sexy (my words). However you find them, if you find them appealing check out the new track and the two remixes. They're pretty sweet.

Here's the original Islands track:

And from igif:

The xx - Islands (Nosaj Thing Remix).

and (same page)

Islands (Untold Remix)

Anyway, check it out if you're so inclined. Good stuff...I should probably point out the XX did make my top ten of 09 so I'm stoked to continue with good things in '10.

Be safe out there.

Oh, did you watch the film lemonade yet? You should.

Film: Lemonade

2010-02-03T14:43:00.002-05:00

If your in the creative industry...on second thought, if you're working...wait, anyone who's not working...no that's not it either...if you're reading this, that's better, you just need to watch this film. It's an amazing look at people who lost their jobs and in the face of new challenges, they took what could be a huge negative experience, and used it to positively effect their lives. It's really wonderful.

A synopsis from the Lemonade movie site:

What do people who were once paid to be creative for a living do when they’re laid off? They get creative with their own lives. Lemonade is an inspirational film about 16 advertising professionals who lost their jobs and found their calling, encouraging people to listen to that little voice inside their head that asks, “What if?”  All resources for Lemonade were donated. From cameras to lights to flights, this is a project by and for those who have been affected by unemployment.

The film clocks in at like 35 min so it's not a lengthly piece so there shouldn't be any excuses for checking it out. I watched it and then re watched right after the first time because it's such a wonderful little film.

And the film from hulu:

I know it's directly related to the creative industry but regardless of where you work (or used to work) it's a film containing truly touching human stories. Erik Proulx and Marc Colucci(creator/producer/writer and Director, respectively) do a wonderful job capturing so many wonderful things in the stories the people share.

It's a tremendous film and worth taking the time to watch so if you don't have time today make sure you note it and come back. I can't tell you how stoked I am that the whole thing is on hulu. The trailers worth a look too...I think I might have posted on that in the past but can't remember...anyway, here it is again:

Fantastic.

Have a good one out there...and do something interesting today...

Cheers.

Artist: Samantha Vicha, Designer

2010-02-01T14:25:00.002-05:00

I'm truly fortunate to keep meeting and writing about artists I know. Another website that went up recently is by Samantha Vicha. She has a wonderful sense of style and has helped me on some of my own projects. She primarily works in fibers but applies that to many elements of design. Her site features some great examples of her work, make sure you stop by for a bit more info...

Some good stuff happening over there...anyway just a quick note for today.

More to come...

Music Friday: Tycho, Coastal Brake

2010-01-29T11:27:00.002-05:00

I'm so stoked about this music Friday. I've actually been waiting for it all week. This Friday I bring you the track that I have listened to before falling asleep every night for like the last four days. It's by Tycho. I can't say enough good things about the track I linked to, Coastal Brake. I think it's off the limited release of the same name. I dunno, it's a release that has the same song in four different flavors (I prefer the original) but it's labeled as a limited release...so, you decide. I downloaded it because it was described as chill and I'm all about that.

Honestly though, I love it. It's pretty much everything that I love about electronic music. It's so smooth and it just floats you though. The changes glide from one into another - it's a lovely digital soundscape that is colorful and bright...my thoughts just kinda float away when I listen. But that's just me and I'm sure I hyped this song up so much it's impossible meet the expectations I just made. I'm sure they're not the first nor the last but I rarely find tracks that hit the core of what I love about electronica. Some it's too much or too little...but I totally love this song. So glad I snagged it. I linked to the youtube video that really isn't a "video" as much as it is the album cover (I already linked to it so it seems a bit redundant but whatever). In reality that's totally cool with me because it's the song that sends me. Check it out if you're into electronica.

Anyway, I was needlessly-to-say stoked about this track. Hopefully it was a fun tune to slide into the weekend.

Have a good one out there.

Cheers.

Artist: Cassie Dixon

2010-01-28T13:07:00.004-05:00

Check this out... I said I would get around to posting on some artists who have been dropin' some great things via the web and here I stand...two for two this week. I know, I'm shocked too... there's never enough time I tell you. Anyway, Cassie Dixon has a great sense of style in her work and it really reminds me of Shel Silverstein (which I also happen to be a fan of).

A little bio excerpt from her site:

Outrageous has ben a recurring theme all throughout her life, especially when it comes to art. Graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in Illustration, she enjoys painting on a whimsical theme with outrageous colors, loose ink strokes, and lots of splatters.

Work by her:

I'm not an illustrator of any means but I am a fan of what she has going on. The prompting for this post was the launch of her blog.

I dunno how many illustrators read my site but I do know there are few of you out there so make sure you give her work/blog a glance...good stuff all around.

Anyway, short post today. Catch ya tomorrow.

Cheers.