Wising up

SUP and Sharks

2010-06-21T12:21:00.004-05:00

So yesterday was my second time on an SUP and I decided to take myself (and by beau) for an outing on the Atlantic Ocean. Crystal clear turquoise to the bottom of the ocean floor. I get about 10 minutes out and 100 yards from the shoreline when I believe the experience is hightening to the best possible peak. Three large gray forms come swimming towards my board and under it when I realize these are not the mammals I have had a lifetime infatuation for, they are sharks.

They are around 4-5ft in length and big enough to make me scream 3 times out to my beau who is also about 100 yards in front of me. It is hot, the sky is blue, and the ocean beneath has what seem to be 3 tiger sharks patrolling the water. My body begins to what I think is fight or flight mode, and rather just stiffens. As I begin to analyze the situation close my eyes and finish screaming my beau's name at the end of the third time, I look down and they are gone. We head into shore and there it is I have finally had that encounter I waited for out in the water surfing. I always imagined it and yet now I am proud and my fear of sharks has just dropped 2 notches.

Happy SUPing :)

Omaha, NE

2008-11-10T21:24:00.004-06:00

Don't miss out on a completely progressive, modern, yet midwestern experience...Old Market in Omaha Nebraska...

Who are your role models?

2008-07-31T07:18:00.006-05:00

I really look up to these two women:

Layne Beachley
Gabby Reece

Louisiana

2008-06-27T14:46:00.002-05:00

Going to LA and checking out this place on the way...

Cafe du Monde

Green Thumb for Summer Time

2008-06-03T08:10:00.008-05:00

How to grow an avocado tree from an avocado seed: Avocado Tree

How to grow a palm tree from a coconut:
Palm Tree

How to grow a lemon tree from lemon seeds:
Lemon Tree

How to grow a mango tree from a mango seed:
Mango Tree

IMG_7164+r

2008-05-28T13:32:00.001-05:00

IMG_7164+r
Originally uploaded by Astroblue

This guy has some really incredible shots. See some of my favs.

My Favorite Band in Zee Vhole Vide Universe

2008-05-22T15:57:00.005-05:00

Mates of State will rock your socks off. I can't wait for the day that I can see them. Until then I watch all of their videos on You Tube. If you are not familiar with them - get fam asap.

Watch Video

Flickr

2008-05-15T07:39:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

"The Many Faces of Eustace Tilley

2008-01-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

Kelly Goode

2007-12-29T19:44:00.001-06:00

Just bought two new pieces from Kelly Goode...Man oh man is she a good one. She has been available at the A T Hun Gallery in Savannah, GA

Savannah!

2007-12-27T15:57:00.001-06:00

Must sees in Savannah:

Lady Chablis

The Crystal Parlor Bar on Friday nights to listen to the live Dixieland Jazz band

The Mercer/William's House (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil)

Museum of Modern Art: Jepson Museum and the Telfair Academy Musems

Art Basel Miami 2007

2007-12-11T15:39:00.000-06:00

Once again a delectable pleasure, that has its hangovers the day after - and no not from partying but from too much art - never thought that could exist - until the next day that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mha26vA-tkw

Some of the favs over the weekend: Damien Hirst,Takashi Murakami,Man Ray's "Winter", Ed Templeton! Of course the classics - Miro, Calder, Picasso, DuBuffet, and many more. Art Sound Lounge had new stuff from a whole load of new DJs!

Celebrity sightings: Owen Wilson in the flesh and ran away - only after my posse (including myself) giggled in his face and then ran away from him. Uli from Project Runway. Ate in the same place as David Spade and Eva Mendes while promoting some alcoholic drink.

Mike Parsons & Jaws

2007-09-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

The largest most extraordinary ride.

OO!den you suck. It's back to the Jailblazers for now.

2007-09-14T07:08:00.000-05:00

This is just yet another reason why honesty is key. The man is clearly 60 years old (ok ok maybe 59). Obviously it is clear that he is not 13 years old as the NBA portrays. End result: the man is benched for his entire career.

Aurevoir to any hope for my dear Blazers.
OO!den

The Bunny Terminator by Mirella von Chrupek

2007-08-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

This is my new favorite artist- Perhaps related to Ray Johnson?
Also check out: http://www.amomirella.com/

Billabong girls

2007-08-13T12:45:00.000-05:00

I made it to the Billabonggirls.com news!

Those San Diegons, Diegotes, whale's vaginas!!

2007-08-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

'Penelopiad' Opens on Stage

2007-08-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

Margaret Atwood. One of my favorite authors.

Literary Analysis

2007-07-21T16:51:00.000-05:00

Nancy Cunard or Charlotte Perkins Gilman? Or both?
NC:
-wrote "Negro"
-fought against fascism and Franco
-1939 accompanied refugees from Spain to Perpignan
CPG:
-Feminist
-19th C.
-Hysteria

Duh Source - Public Broadcasting

2007-07-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

"It is providing a voice for America, a noncommercial, independent voice that is sadly lacking. It isn't available any place else in the million channels on our cable networks," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Oregon.

Brown Bear NEW BEAR!

2007-07-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

Great Interview on NPR
Great Audio Slideshow on NPR

Don't mix

2007-07-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

Many people, I have noticed, seem to put the Irish and Scottish or better yet the Irish and British all in the same basket. Now, only after having enduring in depth study behind the history of Ireland, you know not to mix.

http://www.flashpoints.info/CB-Northern%20Ireland.htm

Civil Duty. Defintion: Putting your government in its place

2007-06-28T09:28:00.001-05:00

Recently, I had to define the word citizenship. The first notions that came to me were serving your country and civil duty. However, serving your country democratically translates to the role of good democratic citizens. A democratic nation should be instilling fear in its government to the point where the nation's citizens should be in command. Voicing concerns and protesting when disagreement arises are actions that are to be implemented.

In an article, artist Cady Noland, has some innovative ways at looking at the world through art: http://www.jca-online.com/noland.html

Also, for further reads into a magazine that rises up and voices a democratic society view Z mag and this article: http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=21&ItemID=13248

Board Politics

2007-06-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

By: Kelly Slater
June 27, 2007
Mr Slater: Could you explain the picture of Abu Ghraib on your board: political, metaphorical, nihilistic, Dadaistic?
--Asked by Christopher McGuire

President Bush — the least popular president since Nixon—in the new NEWSWEEK Poll.

2007-06-22T08:25:00.001-05:00

Ray Johnson

2007-06-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

My new favorite artist is Ray Johnson. An artsy fartsy, meticulous, mathematical, intuitive, bizarre fellow who never really communicated with his intimate crowd but communicated with strangers through mail art. Ray Johnson is known as the father of mail art.

To find out my other new favorite artist check out February's blog.

Slowly but surely making the grade

2007-05-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

Jupiter became a location of rebuilt confidence and motivation to continue on for the passion. After being beaten by mother nature and her extraordinary strength in crashing waves and endless white water, I was able to remount my Surface (surfboard) and take it like a surfer (beginner- slowly progressing to intermediate surfer poupette). Cleaner cut smaller waves was all I had been asking for, and Saturday she finally gave them to me. She not only gave me peaceful waves, but she gave me the taste of passion back.

Thank you Jupiter.

EWH

2007-04-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

In continuation of the previous post, Blah, my mind has triggered on another thought process regarding the Rubell Collection. Charles Ray, another provocative and erratic artist featured in the Miami ware-house, has an ewh factor at first glance. An ewh that can be either a good ewh or a bad ewh. Regardless the ewh has a story. The conceptual art displayed as male statues are scattered amongst a large room. The statues are nude and exact replicas of Mr. Ray. Provocatively arranged, the statues are each "screwing" each other. There is no sensual-ness in the piece, only a sense of disorder.

The disorder, confusion, and frustration of the piece are used to convey the emotions that Charles was feeling at a certain period of his life. Emotional strife and distress caused turbulence in the artist's life. Ray used conceptual art to express the battle and anguish with his own demons. Through the portrayal of reflection, Ray's id is "screwing himself".

"Ewh" is what I first thought after seeing this piece for the first time. However, the word clever replaced the initial ewh after the revelation of the story behind the art.

Blah

2007-04-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

This journal entry is about blah. What makes an article interesting and what makes it blah? What makes art interesting and what makes it blah? To a certain extent it is up to who is viewing or reviewing the oeuvre. If the audience is only experiencing an oeuvre with an uneducated or ignorant eye than any piece can be considered bland, plain, or uninteresting.

In terms of art I believe that it is the story behind the artpiece that makes the work captiviating or intriguing. History or an explaination can give an artwork a whole new dimension, a way of looking at something unknown. For example, when the Rubell's gave their talk they mentioned Jeff Koons and his plastic blow up flower in their Miami collection. This flower viewed at first sight may make the spectator wonder exactly what the concept behind the flower is? Is it abstract art? What type of statement is Mr. Koons trying to convey? Is that really a plastic flower?

Without supplemental information, a story, or an explaination the plastic flower demonstrates to me what Jeff Koons is known for, defying traditional high art. However, the story behind the flower is much more than a simple revolt. One night a few years past, the Rubells had an opening ceremony. The ceremony lasted until the wee hours of the morning. As they wrapped up the night and were getting ready for bed. A knock on the door startled them. Who was wrap tap tapping at the door? Why it was Jeff Koons! Jeff Koons had missed the party and wanted to begin a party of his own. The Rubells stayed awake and spoke with the artist until the sun rose and night was gone.

The night turned in to an unplanned magnificent evening. To thank the Rubells for their hospitality, Mr. Koons offered a flower as a token of his appreciation. The flower then entered the collection in the once DEA drug warehouse.

THE END.

Institute of Ideas

2007-04-13T10:37:00.001-05:00

Culture Wars

2007-04-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Cultural wars can be the result of clashes between countries, ethinicity, and yes of areas of study or interest. My cultural war is between my two nationalities. I have always believed that my artistic sense and philisophical outlook has been provoked by my french nationality. On the otherhand I think my ideas for writing come from a compromise between my struggle of being a mut. Yes, I use the term mut to describe my two polar opposite nationalities. Although, I may get my artistic sense from my French background, I also believe that I get my business sense from the states. Maybe this explains the fact that I once was a pre-finance major, worked for a stock brokerage firm for two years, and dreamed of living in New York as a stock broker. However, one day while washing the dishes I decided to pick up all that I could fit in two suitcases and move to France, for good. Little did I find out how essential it is for a person to get degrees in the USA (if they have the opportunity, that is). The french educational system is a tough one, but a nurishing one. Never had I felt like a grad student while still placed at the undergrad status. Two exams a year that can make you or break you. Juries that interrogate you until you can't possibly explain more about 19th century literature and post-modernism. The french educational system at the collegiate level is nothing more than grad school in disguise of an undergraduate program. How much you ask? About $450 for the entire school year. God bless America and it's accessibility to intelligence!

The Yes Men

2007-04-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

“The Yes Men”

Guerilla organization the “Yes Men”, was created by several young men who formed together to create an alternative organization aiming to expose and highlight certain negative aspects of the American government and society. This unique and rare organization was inspired and initiated by President George W. Bush, it then developed into a un upheaval against WTO to raise issues about global work and social issues in today’s society that can influence and have significant effects on the future.

BUSH/WTO (How)

ISSUES (What)
Certain issues

A specific example of a WTO impersonation the “Yes Men” are able to convey is on a television show entitled “European Market Ways”. Andy goes onto the show impersonating an employee of the WTO and faces people like Barry Coates from World Development. The idea behind the concept is to portray all of the negative elements that WTO stands for and to embellish it to the point of ridicule.

(WHY)

Celebrate the Arts!

2007-04-08T19:27:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University
Press release by Darlene Feuillebois

Florida Gulf Coast University's Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents three great cultural events in one evening: The FGCU Art Student Juried Exhibition, Senior Project Exhibition, and the Theatre Lab's production of Woyzeck. The celebration will begin on April 11th at 5:00 p.m. when audiences are invited to discover and explore the entire Arts Complex to experience a variety of events such as a live performance by the band Atrophy, a slide show highlighting life at the Arts Complex, sidewalk art, two galleries of senior art work, three outdoor installations of senior work, juried student work in the main gallery, theatre and an opening celebration providing food, drink, a DJ and introductions from the art gallery director and others.

FGCU students will be submitting their works to a jury comprised of art and gallery faculty on April 2nd and 3rd. Using a rubric of aesthetic criteria, this jury will select work for exhibition. Once the selections for the show have been made the 100 to 120 pieces will be displayed in the 2007 Art Student Juried Exhibition on view from April 11th through April 27th.

On the evening of April 11th Senior Project artists will introduce their bodies of work. The following art students will be displaying the culmination of their four-year journey:

"Untitled" by Stacy Finnell, "Elemental Being: a trip worth taking" by Amanda Van Ast, "Because We Can" by Sarah Caspersen, "Graven Images" by Anamaria Ryan, "Black Mass" by Jordana Bitner, "The Hurt Within" by Holly Miklas, "Nana's Grove" by Amanda Lidgard, "Am I Even Close To Me?" by Dena Ewing, "Every Body" by Sharon Mammano, "A Conscious Journey" by Carly Brock.

The pieces range from an array of art mediums and concepts like gender roles and domestic expectations using arrangements and assemblages of slip-cast ceramics. The inspirational and the profane merge in mixed media sculptures juxtaposing ceramics and music will also be seen at the exhibition. Other concepts such as Dena Ewing's collection "Am I Even Close to Me?", involve art and art therapy combined in mixed media and the exploration of self. Jordana Bitner's project exhibits good battling evil in a digital media graphic novel.

To end the eventful evening the Theater lab will be presenting the production of Woyzeck. The history of theatre is marked with a few dramatic works that simply stand above the rest in clear relief as the greatest of the great. One such work that rests secure in this illustrious canon is Woyzeck, a disturbing and fragmented play written by Georg Buchner. The twenty-six year old playwright died of typhus in 1837 before Woyzeck was finalized. So the world did not have an opportunity to marvel at its radical departure from the work of its contemporaries until much later when Berg introduced the story in his operatic interpretation of Buchner's play. New scholarship has now rendered a performance text that seems faithful to the original and this version promises to provide all the power, emotion, and beauty that Buchner first penned. Woyzeck is the timely story of the human animal demeaned into committing animalistic acts of violence in response to abject poverty, oppressive regimes, and a perpetual state of war.

Woyzeck will begin Wednesday, April 11 and continue through Sunday April 15. The play will then run the following week starting Wednesday April 18 through Sunday April 22. The curtain will rise at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and at 2:00 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. Tickets are priced at 10 dollars for general admission, 5 dollars for Non- FGCU student tickets, 5 dollars for FGCU Faculty and Staff, and free to FGCU students. Students will need to present their I.D. at the front door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the box office at 590-7268.

All are especially encouraged to attend the opening night celebration on April 11th. Festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come for the reception and stay for the play. This extraordinary event will take place throughout the arts complex. Be sure not to miss out! For more information please contact Assistant Curator for the Art Gallery, Anica Sturdivant at (239) 590- 7199.

Eberhard Havekost: 1996 – 2006 The Rubell Family Collection

2007-03-09T18:00:00.000-06:00

The works of German artist Eberhard Havekost are currently showcased in the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Arts Complex from February 22 – March 31. This intriguing showcase of art originates from one of the leading art collections in the world. This display of cutting-edge modern 20th century artwork ingenuity is sure to intrigue art lovers or just curious minds. What is so significant about the art being displayed? The oeuvres showcased come from the Rubell Family Collection in Miami, Florida which is amongst the top 200 collectors of the world. Significant artists such as Paul McCarthy, Jeff Koons, Yasumasa Morimura, Keith Haring, Charles Ray, Philip Taaffe, Paul Morrison and Havekost are all featured in the collection.

Several significant artists are chosen and make it to the world renowned Rubell Family Collection. Dresden born artist Eberhard Havekost is one of these artists. His featured paintings in the Florida Gulf Coast University Art Gallery, date from 1996-2006. The modern oeuvres displayed in the art complex focus in on the relationship between photography and painting. The contrast between the artist’s techniques and the subject are highlighted in Havekost’s works.

Havekost’s clever ingenuity originates from videos or photos that become transformed into paintings. Simple familiar objects that evoke the idealized but then become subtly distorted. With a contemporary fresh approach, Havekost is able to take a mundane object and give it another dimension through his art. The multi-faceted dimensions of art are unveiled to the audience through the artist’s choice of simplistic and minimalist objects and subjects, all the while demonstrating the pure artistic skill as the essential aspect of art. Techniques in lighting, distortion of pictures, and what Havekost describes as “to let a painting look as if it weren’t painted” are what this particular exhibition demonstrates.

In an interview with the Rubell Family Collection Curator, Mark Coetzee, Havekost claimed that “Photography is a medium that restricts reality and it is a ‘guest medium’ for the image as is painting.” This is apparent in his artwork as he is able to transmit an unconventional way of looking at something so common. Subtle alterations and unrealistic tones convey non-traditional methods. Photographs have been altered in color with artificial hues, faces have been blurred or blacked out, suggesting the erratic and are able to create a new way of perceiving the familiar.

The Rubell Family Collection housed in a 45,000 square foot warehouse, which was a former DEA drug warehouse, is located in Miami. This location helps to create a curious environment for the intensely graphic contemporary collection of artwork. The ever-expanding collection now estimates at 6,000 works from all over the world. The collection ranges with pieces from the 1960s to the present, and carries a variety of different artists and artwork. Do not miss out on your chance to listen to the Rubells describe their experience as the world’s top leading art collectors this month only at FGCU!

A unique opportunity to listen to the world’s top art collectors will take place at the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Art Gallery on March 21st at 3:00 pm. Audiences will be able to attend a gallery talk with none other than Don and Mera Rubell. The Rubells will touch upon the world of art collecting, their personal family collection, expansions and developments overtime, as well as the extraordinary artists and art that are featured in the intriguing modern 20th century Rubell Family Collection. Please RSVP by calling Anica Sturdivant, Assistant Curator at (239) 590-7199. This special occasion is welcome to all!

PLEIX

2007-02-18T19:11:00.000-06:00

PLEIX THE FILMS
"Pleix is a virtual community of digital artists based in Paris. Some of us are 3D artists, some others are musicians or graphic designers. This website is the perfect place to share our latest creations." Taken from the website www.Pleix.net February 18th, 2007.

Contact:
leti@pleix.net

The Itsu film was part of the Creative Review / Warp competition.

Several videos created by Pleix convey virtual modernity with a message. They can be intriguing and disturbing creating an allure and an addiction amongst the viewer. The video entitle "E-baby" Produced by Pleix / Chased by Cowboys. Music: Bleip. 2003. evokes these emotions. However, why do the artists behind Pleix want to evoke these emotions? What is their purpose? And how does it affect artists and my art?

Pleix uses two main characters in this digitally created video. There is a baby who takes on the role as an e-baby. This electronically created baby allows a “real” viewer to have a virtual experience with a simulated infant. The baby seems to be incubated and the viewer in the video is able to place their hands through two wholes. Their hands are then enclosed into two black gloves. These black gloves give an eerie feel to the video, almost as if black is used to symbolize something malevolent. If this is the case the simulated viewer who has placed their hands into the incubator and is now touching or caressing the baby may be seen as evil.

It is under the assumption of the audience that the virtual viewer in “E-baby”, has purchased a restrained amount of time to spend time with the virtual baby. Because the title tells the audience that the baby is not real and that time is limited the virtual viewer has either some sort of virtual game. The virtual viewer then proceeds to caress the baby and becomes intrigued by its humanistic qualities. The audience also becomes intrigued by the baby’s appeal.

However, the baby’s image begins to blur and fade out indicating that it is dying or game time is coming to an end. This harsh virtual scenario is intended to evoke sadness amongst the virtual viewer and the audience. This in turn creates a feeling of intrigue and addiction to try and stop the baby from disappearing. In a sense the audience begins caring for this virtual baby that does not really exist. Perhaps the concept of the virtual world becoming more of a reality in modern society is the message Pleix is trying to unveil to the audience.

Furthermore, how does this concept affect artists as well as myself? Pleix uses an innovative artistic technique to display their talent and concepts in today’s technologically driven world. The artistic virtually based creators are able to poke fun of the modern technologically-crazed, money-driven society, by using art as an outlet but also by ironically using technology to display their message. Other artists can use Pleix’s technique as a model of what new age art is, that being technology as its canvas. Artists can also refer to Pleix’s traditional technique of poking fun of the industrial or business run society through the means of art. Messages through the medium of art have long since been a great way for artists to express and rebel against aspects of their society they disagree with.

Arts & Culture in the New York Times

2007-02-12T17:12:00.000-06:00

The Arts & Culture section featured in the New York Times

Christo & Jean-Claude

2007-02-08T08:14:00.000-06:00

Who are Christo and Jean-Claude? Two revolutionary artists who have the ability of tying science, history, and innovation into art. (But, of course they're French and Bulgarian, what else could zey bee?)

http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/otr.html

Kara Walker

2007-02-04T12:19:00.001-06:00

I found modern art to be of disinterest, but things have changed. I am really into Kara Walker who I discovered through the Rubell Collection. Check out an interview she had with MoMA

Napoleon and Picasso

2007-02-01T19:46:00.000-06:00

Ma Revolution

What's your revolution? How do you plan on impacting your Universe let alone your environment? Artists use their art as their voice. Take Pablo Picasso for instance in Geurnica...

Picasso believed in socialist and communist ideals. At a time when fascism was on the up rise especially in Europe, groups such as the Popular Front were deriving ways to speak out against fascist authorities. Picasso had begun a portfolio of etchings that were directed towards social radicalism in fight against fascism. The first etching of this political imagery is known as Dreams and Lies of Franco.

To add to the up rise of fascism came the Spanish Civil War, which began in July of 1936. Liberals by which whom did not agree with the Catholic Church had presently run Spain. This created a division between the leftists and the rightists, and in 1933 the rightists took over only to increase the division inside the country. In 1936 tensions rose and the outbreak of a civil war took over Spain.

Geurnica is a city located in the Basque region of northern Spain near the French border. Hitler had designated the town as a place for bombardment for war exercises. The bombardments occurred for three hours and resulted in many casualties and destruction. Under the orders of Hitler the fascist nazi, General Francisco Franco was to blame for the bombings on the town.

Throughout the Spanish Civil War, Spaniards were divided amongst their culture. Those that were republicans were battling against the fascist Nazi General Francisco Franco. Picasso decided to put his anger into artistic expression in order to ridicule the general as we have seen with other artists in the past such as Hogarth or Daumier.

During the period that Picasso painted Guernica was in the midst of the Surrealism movement after a split from the Dada art movement. The surrealist movement, during the 1930s, was just taking flight and a predominant theme seen in surrealist paintings are the topics of war and the loss of faith in humanity, but also the subconscious, imaginative, and subconscious thoughts that led to revolts against the political, social, and personal realms of society and culture

Guernica was painted to be seen and be exhibited in the Spanish Pavillion in the World Fair that took place in 1937 in Paris France. During the mid 20th century, Spain was suffering from enraged civil wars taking place throughout the native country of Picasso. Although the outbreak of civil wars was going on, another essential factor took its toll on the little village of Guernica.

At an International art and sciences fair where the theme was of modern technology Picasso was able to use the this fact is synonymous of the impact this piece had on art. Guernica was a painting that led the way for future artists and movements that dealt with the horror of war as their theme. Not only was his choice of themes a break from traditional styles but his use of technique and art forms were significant to the history of art and the .......Picasso’s use of political imagery represents a moment taken out of history. He was able to also impact the method of anti-war messages through artistic expression, by ridiculing political leaders, showing the travesty of war, and by speaking using art as a universal discourse.

This painting was the beginning of using art to convey social radicalism especially during the surrealist movement at the time of World War II. Today the painting has made such an impact that it has been used throughout the world, and by major organizations such as the United Nations as a symbol of the ugliness of war.Picasso’s use of political imagery represents a moment taken out of history. He was able to also impact the method of anti-war messages through artistic expression, by ridiculing political leaders, showing the travesty of war, and using art as a universal discourse.

http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/

http://www.napoleon.org/en/home.asp

http://www.napoleonguide.com/

"Media Art in the New Millennium"

2007-02-01T19:23:00.000-06:00

Dr. Michael Rush, Director of the Rose Art Museum gave a talk on the period best defined in Art History as Conceptualism. This period ranges from the 1960s to today. Such artists as Nam June Paik, Chantal Ackerman, Robert Wilson, Jim Campbell and the Fluxus movement were included in Dr. Rush's talk about Media Art.

The key element that distinguishes Media Art or Conceptual Art from traditional art is the emotion that an artist can create. They allow the spectator to enter an alternative way of feeling, viewing, and thinking by inviting and even seducing people into places of change from the automated or habitual way of life that people are accustomed to.

This invitation or seduction is a way of engaging people. Another important point Rush spoke about was the cleverness of artists in their capability of displacing perception and creating the feeling of disruption, this in itself is art.

Silver Surfer

2007-01-25T17:49:00.000-06:00

Space 39

2007-01-25T09:02:00.000-06:00

Saturday, January 27th, 2007

The opening reception for the exhibit of "The Unconscious Mind: Surrealism and its Legacy," was held in downtown Fort Myers. This contemporary art gallery is placed in the heart of a dead town. It has created a life force of vividness and energy. Along with a concert across the alleyway, free drinks, Norman Loves Chocolate, and platters of cheese and grapes, the opening was a success.

The gallery owned by a once FGCU student has managed to display artists such as Dali, Warhol, Rauschenberg, and even Snyder!

to be continued...

Kelly and Cameron!

2007-01-22T14:07:00.001-06:00

The RAD Report

I think I am going to design board shorts. All I need is someone to design a surfboard...

But, before that I am headed out to Jeffrey's Bay! Although, it will be a few years from now, it is in the projects. Even though this is located in South Africa and not in Central West Africa, the continent of Africa has been on my top fifty things to do or destinations to visit.

This brings me to another discussion topic I would like to bring up. Someone once told me that if you can make a list of the top fifty things you would like to accomplish before you die, you will have led a fully enriched life. My top fifty includes: surfing, working in Art history, owning a studio in Aix-en-Provence, traveling to the African continent to attend a safari, visit the Frisco Bay, hike the Grand Canyon and live in the desert for several months, re-visit (re-reside?) PDX, cruise the Greek islands, vacationing in Australia (preferably Perth), publishing children's books, write a biographical novel on my family, design clothing, buy my parents a cruise trip for their fiftieth anniversary, visit as many art museums across the globe, write a few fictional novels, write a screenplay about a certain iconic rock star from the 70s and today, and some others. These are ranked amongst my top ten.

Hemingway, Cuba, and Evans

2007-01-19T09:05:00.001-06:00

1933 Cuba

Walker Evans is a photographer who was well known for his works in his later career. His photos were able to display emotions. Not the simple emotions of joy, sorrow, love, hate, but complex emotions. Despair of a single poor woman raising two kids in a house on the outskirts of civilization with little to eat and barely surviving. He is able to capture moments in peoples lives that not everyone can recognize.

We see this in some of his earlier photos in Cuba. At the exhibit in Naples Evans is able to portray people when they are off guard. By using a sly technique of ... the photographer captures shots of people who think they are looking at a photographer who has set up his tripod to take a shot of something intriguing, but when really Evans is hiding beneath his black cape and taking a picture of the person when they least expect it.

In addition to the collection, eerie photos of the tragedies of the upheaval in Cuba are also included. With graphic images that leave no room for imagination, images of Cuban youth who have been shot dead are mixed in with images of palm trees and Hemingway in his joyful youth spent in the jazz era and bar scene in Cuba's lively 30s.

De Young and Architecture

2007-01-19T09:02:00.000-06:00

Dr. Cornell...

Musee d'Unterlinden, Bartholdi, and Colmar

2007-01-17T07:45:00.000-06:00

Colmar, France or better known as one of the most traditional Alsatian cities, is home to the Museum of Unterlinden. This museum houses some of art history's most celebrity works. The Isenheim Altarpiece by Grunewald is an extraordinary piece to see up close and in person. Other works by Durer, who was from the Alsace region, can also be seen here.

Bartholdi is the man who made the Statue of Liberty. I am not sure how many people are aware that the precious emblem of the USA was actually a gift from a Frenchman. This Frenchman was born and raised in Colmar as well.

Artsy-fartsy-ness

2007-01-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

Trying to write an artist's statement, wait no a curator's statement, wait no an art historian's statement (I know doesn't exist)?

Where do we draw the line between the diverse array of artsy-fartsy-ness. Is it true that in order to be an art historian we cannot be an artist?

"Fruits and Flowers"

2007-01-12T07:22:00.000-06:00

Fruits and Flowers: Prints from the Salvador Dali Museum is now being shown from January 11 through February 13 at The Art Gallery located at Florida Gulf Coast University.

The opening reception was last night. Although, anyone can visit the exhibit in the Art gallery now until February 13, I love going to openings. Saying this, I would expect everyone to feel this way. How often does a chance like this come? The ability to see such a significant artist in your own backyard, may not be an option to many. Is opportunity made too accessible to people? Is easy access being taken for granted? I mean what artist has to show up in order to make such an impact that The Art Gallery would be packed so tightly anyone would be content with getting a glimpse of a piece(like at the Louvre waiting at least 15 minutes to get in eye distance with Leonardo de Vinci's Mona Lisa)?

Salvador Dali is one of the most significant artists in all of art history,(not to mention one of the most popular amongst the even the non-artsy fartsy), and there were few that came to his opening reception. Due to the fact that the prints present were not his most significant pieces, I would like to believe that this is the reason so few came.

On another note, I was taking a look at Dali's main website. This is on my list of places to visit: Salvador Dali .

I was also able to find a Curator's Choice from the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. This museum is excellent and has some of Dali's most famous paintings.

Next on the list...

2006-12-29T17:58:00.000-06:00

The Magritte exhibit in Cali is next on my list of art to visit. Take a look. Don't miss out, the exhibit is on until February 25th, 2007.

Art Basel

2006-12-22T08:02:00.000-06:00

Art Basel, pronounced "art bozzle". Is an annual event that takes place in Miami, Florida in the US of A. This art exhibit is one of the largest in the world. V, Frank, Mado, and I all had the opportunity to take V's Ellie Mental and head out for the Sin City of the South East.

Some artists that were present (artfully represented that is), were: Picasso, Matisse, Dubuffet, Miro, and the list goes on...Artists

Most significantly, I was impressed with the art video lounge, which also sparked the idea,thanks to V, to go out yonder-or maybe as far as the West Coast, to check out the animation festival one of these days. Fortunately, the exhibit also catered to new artists that I have yet to discover, such as: Philip Taaffe and the other artists who like to live on the not so normal edge and/or maybe the edge that was created for the pure (marketing) shock value.

This post is underway...more developments and construction will be added in the near future.

Familiar places can be so far away.

2006-08-26T09:24:00.000-05:00

View more of my photos from around the world and others by photographer Geraldine Lambert here:
photos by De.

2006-07-17T21:29:00.001-05:00

Passion
an existential ponder by: Darlene Feuillebois (2006)
If you responded to the What's Your Purpose? question of "why do you do what you do?" I would like to build on that topic and add a little more noggin bustin'/crackin'.Passion. What a wonderful concept. Can passion be a true driving force of destiny derived from intuition or instinct? Or is it a component of our surroundings, environment, upbringing, and/or education.For example, is it possible to have the seeds of a passion planted somewhere inside of us and have it spontaneously grow out of nowhere, and have our lives completely change direction? Or is it something we build up in our heads to believe that we truly are passionate about something because of the influences of society or culture?In other words, is our passion solely a decision or an existential force?