Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
yes. YES. YYYYES!!
hello hello helloooo!
Things are going fantastic, per usual. I recently have started taking cake decorating classes with Wilton cakes. Let me tell you, its pretty hard. Being a perfectionist when it comes to anything artsy even makes things more difficult. I made my first 9" cakes and apparently didnt follow through with the directions, since the cake ended up sticking to the pans. Epically annoying. Needless to say, I needed to bake two new cakes. With the help of Chris, going to the back of my Wilton book and finding cake baking directions, I learned the correct way of baking my cakes. In the end, everything worked out. Despite the fact Chris watched me mess up a few times and let it happen because he wants me to "learn on my own". Great, thanks babe. haha Finally, my cake was finished and frosted the next day. I also made my first frosting rose in class. woo!
This past Saturday was the Beaux Ball with all the architecture nerds. What an awesome time. The event was held at some place in Newport - right on the beach and with a carousel. It was great getting to dress up all crazy and dance my pants off with my best friends :) Almost felt like a way better prom. Below are a few pictures from the night.
Ive come up with a new idea for a painting. Im very excited to start it. However, I was at Michaels this past week and it seems as if they never have the materials I need. They're always out. Not to mention, why do they sell canvas... but no staples for a staple gun?! I dont understand. Anyways, yes - very excited. Id love to divulge some information on it but, Id rather it be a surprise :)
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful out. I have a cookout to go to with Chris and his sisters baby shower. Life is great!
That is all! Toodles.
Things are going fantastic, per usual. I recently have started taking cake decorating classes with Wilton cakes. Let me tell you, its pretty hard. Being a perfectionist when it comes to anything artsy even makes things more difficult. I made my first 9" cakes and apparently didnt follow through with the directions, since the cake ended up sticking to the pans. Epically annoying. Needless to say, I needed to bake two new cakes. With the help of Chris, going to the back of my Wilton book and finding cake baking directions, I learned the correct way of baking my cakes. In the end, everything worked out. Despite the fact Chris watched me mess up a few times and let it happen because he wants me to "learn on my own". Great, thanks babe. haha Finally, my cake was finished and frosted the next day. I also made my first frosting rose in class. woo!
This past Saturday was the Beaux Ball with all the architecture nerds. What an awesome time. The event was held at some place in Newport - right on the beach and with a carousel. It was great getting to dress up all crazy and dance my pants off with my best friends :) Almost felt like a way better prom. Below are a few pictures from the night.
Ive come up with a new idea for a painting. Im very excited to start it. However, I was at Michaels this past week and it seems as if they never have the materials I need. They're always out. Not to mention, why do they sell canvas... but no staples for a staple gun?! I dont understand. Anyways, yes - very excited. Id love to divulge some information on it but, Id rather it be a surprise :)
This weekend is supposed to be beautiful out. I have a cookout to go to with Chris and his sisters baby shower. Life is great!
That is all! Toodles.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Blue Sky Noise Review.
Ugh. I don’t even know where to begin with this note nor do I really understand why I’m so obsessed with this topic. I NEED to express this to anyone that will listen because I am sincerely bummed on the outcome of Circa Survives new album, Blue Sky Noise. Please, do not get me wrong, after listening to the album now for the past 2 days straight I can at least admit that it is not as horrible as my ears once thought. However, it is a serious disappointment for me, a pretty intense Circa fan. Basically, this is not what I expected. And YES, I get it... maybe it is a GOOD thing that this is something new and NOT what typical Circa fans were hoping for. In my opinion however, not so much, and this is why.
Let me start off by saying that I think Anthony Green is one of the most talented lyricists out there. I have been following his career as early as 2003 when he was lead vocalist for the band Saosin. He soon left that band in 2004 because as a whole, the band decided to go in a direction that Green didn’t agree with. Green then formed the band we now know as Circa Survive. He has also done side projects with The Sound of Animals Fighting, High & Driving, and in addition he has his own solo career. I can openly admit that there is not ONE thing that he has done that I haven’t liked or a song he has written that I don’t love. Even despite his solo album, Avalon, being a bit hard to chew, lyrically, I think Avalon is pure genius.
Of course anyone would get super pumped and anxious upon hearing the news that one of his or her favorite bands is due to release a new album. I feel like, for a while, I was tortured and teased with their constant video updates of them working in the studio. I recently just did a bit more research and learned that three-time grammy winner David Bottrill produced Circa’s latest album, Blue Sky Noise and it was mixed by Rich Costey who has worked with The Mars Volta and Muse. In my opinion, one would assume something masterful and creative to be born with this duo working with Circa Survive. However, after listening through Blue Sky Noise, after the third time, I can honestly say this is no Juturna (duh).
I think my greatest frustration with this album is that it sounds… radio-esq. You can fight me all you want on this subject, and do not get me wrong, I can appreciate almost any band that has risen to radio level, but if I wanted to listen to the radio… I would. Circa Survive was originally with Equal Vision Records in which they produced The Inuit Sessions, Juturna and On Letting Go. They recently just signed over and produced Blue Sky Noise with the major label Atlantic Records. I would just like to point out that if I told my 56 year old mother to go to the Atlantic Records website, click on Artists – she would recognize a LARGE handful of the artists they have signed. However, if she were to visit Equal Vision’s website, I can honestly say she would not recognize the names of any artists signed by them. Obviously, being with a major label is going to require a “major label sound”. And for those who have constantly complained about Anthony Green having an “androgynous shrieking voice” can officially zip their lips. Blue Sky Noise proves Anthony can sing with a deeper and less eerie sound. Congratulations, now you can listen to the album and point out every lyric he is singing – no more deciphering. Do I personally like this change? - Of course not. Anthony’s hypnotic voice, to me, is what MAKES Circa Survive, Circa Survive. His presence is still there, but I feel the power has been lessoned or muted. I understand the need and want to evolve musically, and do I think they succeeded in this, hell yes. Musically you can hear great leaps from their previous albums. The drums and guitar are as smooth as caramel. The sound is pure and even has the tranquil, refreshing sounds that will simply glide into your eardrums. It seems as if nearly anyone I have had this conversation with that tells me this album is pretty good, is a musician themselves. I agree with you guys – whole-heartedly.
However… lyrically, this album has taken Circa Survive a few steps backwards. I’m unsure if it’s the change from Equal Vision to Atlantic but there is so much less density in the lyrics on Blue Sky Noise. For me, the lyrics on Juturna and On Letting Go created HUGE amounts of imagery. Listening to this album, I literally feel like crying, as lame as that sounds. One of the greatest lyricists in my eyes has succumbed to the needs of every typical teenager out there that want a direct, fluffy and straight forward lyric about love. Blue Sky Noise is filled with hooks and one-liners for the anguished teen to scream along to. TRUST ME when I say that I would be a hypocrite if I said I don’t listen to songs about love and loss – but I expected something more abstract and vigor from Anthony Green. At least something not so black and white, or cookie cutter. It’s even obvious when viewing the lyrics side by side from the first two albums to Blue Sky Noise.
For me, personally, everything I loved about Circa Survive has been taken out of this album. I feel completely robbed. Blue Sky Noise creates less of an investment for listeners, and maybe this is why I am so bent out of shape about it, because I HAVE devoted a lot into their first two albums. I can sincerely say that Circa Survive has been a huge influence on me, not only in my musical taste but also in my life. Nothing on this album is a sincere punch to the face or an awakening, and that’s what I thrive off of when listening to Circa Survive.
And as Circa once said in Always Getting What You Want off their Juturna album – “It’s the talent, not the promo shots.” Yeah… apparently not.
Let me start off by saying that I think Anthony Green is one of the most talented lyricists out there. I have been following his career as early as 2003 when he was lead vocalist for the band Saosin. He soon left that band in 2004 because as a whole, the band decided to go in a direction that Green didn’t agree with. Green then formed the band we now know as Circa Survive. He has also done side projects with The Sound of Animals Fighting, High & Driving, and in addition he has his own solo career. I can openly admit that there is not ONE thing that he has done that I haven’t liked or a song he has written that I don’t love. Even despite his solo album, Avalon, being a bit hard to chew, lyrically, I think Avalon is pure genius.
Of course anyone would get super pumped and anxious upon hearing the news that one of his or her favorite bands is due to release a new album. I feel like, for a while, I was tortured and teased with their constant video updates of them working in the studio. I recently just did a bit more research and learned that three-time grammy winner David Bottrill produced Circa’s latest album, Blue Sky Noise and it was mixed by Rich Costey who has worked with The Mars Volta and Muse. In my opinion, one would assume something masterful and creative to be born with this duo working with Circa Survive. However, after listening through Blue Sky Noise, after the third time, I can honestly say this is no Juturna (duh).
I think my greatest frustration with this album is that it sounds… radio-esq. You can fight me all you want on this subject, and do not get me wrong, I can appreciate almost any band that has risen to radio level, but if I wanted to listen to the radio… I would. Circa Survive was originally with Equal Vision Records in which they produced The Inuit Sessions, Juturna and On Letting Go. They recently just signed over and produced Blue Sky Noise with the major label Atlantic Records. I would just like to point out that if I told my 56 year old mother to go to the Atlantic Records website, click on Artists – she would recognize a LARGE handful of the artists they have signed. However, if she were to visit Equal Vision’s website, I can honestly say she would not recognize the names of any artists signed by them. Obviously, being with a major label is going to require a “major label sound”. And for those who have constantly complained about Anthony Green having an “androgynous shrieking voice” can officially zip their lips. Blue Sky Noise proves Anthony can sing with a deeper and less eerie sound. Congratulations, now you can listen to the album and point out every lyric he is singing – no more deciphering. Do I personally like this change? - Of course not. Anthony’s hypnotic voice, to me, is what MAKES Circa Survive, Circa Survive. His presence is still there, but I feel the power has been lessoned or muted. I understand the need and want to evolve musically, and do I think they succeeded in this, hell yes. Musically you can hear great leaps from their previous albums. The drums and guitar are as smooth as caramel. The sound is pure and even has the tranquil, refreshing sounds that will simply glide into your eardrums. It seems as if nearly anyone I have had this conversation with that tells me this album is pretty good, is a musician themselves. I agree with you guys – whole-heartedly.
However… lyrically, this album has taken Circa Survive a few steps backwards. I’m unsure if it’s the change from Equal Vision to Atlantic but there is so much less density in the lyrics on Blue Sky Noise. For me, the lyrics on Juturna and On Letting Go created HUGE amounts of imagery. Listening to this album, I literally feel like crying, as lame as that sounds. One of the greatest lyricists in my eyes has succumbed to the needs of every typical teenager out there that want a direct, fluffy and straight forward lyric about love. Blue Sky Noise is filled with hooks and one-liners for the anguished teen to scream along to. TRUST ME when I say that I would be a hypocrite if I said I don’t listen to songs about love and loss – but I expected something more abstract and vigor from Anthony Green. At least something not so black and white, or cookie cutter. It’s even obvious when viewing the lyrics side by side from the first two albums to Blue Sky Noise.
For me, personally, everything I loved about Circa Survive has been taken out of this album. I feel completely robbed. Blue Sky Noise creates less of an investment for listeners, and maybe this is why I am so bent out of shape about it, because I HAVE devoted a lot into their first two albums. I can sincerely say that Circa Survive has been a huge influence on me, not only in my musical taste but also in my life. Nothing on this album is a sincere punch to the face or an awakening, and that’s what I thrive off of when listening to Circa Survive.
And as Circa once said in Always Getting What You Want off their Juturna album – “It’s the talent, not the promo shots.” Yeah… apparently not.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
creating zombies on sunny days
Created another zombie on Tuesday of Joanna. I'm super proud of this one because it tells a bit of a story. Adding twists to the pictures from now on should be fun :)
Lots of creative ideas going on in this head of mine. Cant wait to complete this set and start on my next idea.
Here is the story based on Joanna's photo. Its from the book "In A Dark Dark Room".
The Green Ribbon
Once there was a girl named Jenny.
She was like all the other girls,
except for one thing.
She always wore a green ribbon
around her neck.
There was a boy named Alfred
in her class.
Alfred liked Jenny,
and Jenny liked Alfred.
One day he asked her,
"Why do you wear that ribbon
all the time?"
"I cannot tell you," said Jenny.
But Alfred kept asking,
"Why do you wear it?"
And Jenny would say,
"It is not important."
Jenny and Alfred grew up
and fell in love.
One day they got married.
After their wedding,
Alfred said,
"Now that we are married,
you must tell me
about the green ribbon."
"You still must wait,"
said Jenny.
"I will tell you
when the right time comes."
Years passed.
Alfred and Jenny grew old.
One day Jenny became very sick.
The doctor told her she was dying.
Jenny called Alfred to her side.
"Alfred," she said, "now I can tell you
about the green ribbon.
Untie it, and you will see
why I could not tell you before."
Slowly and carefully,
Alfred untied the ribbon,
and Jenny's head fell off.
Lots of creative ideas going on in this head of mine. Cant wait to complete this set and start on my next idea.
Here is the story based on Joanna's photo. Its from the book "In A Dark Dark Room".
The Green Ribbon
Once there was a girl named Jenny.
She was like all the other girls,
except for one thing.
She always wore a green ribbon
around her neck.
There was a boy named Alfred
in her class.
Alfred liked Jenny,
and Jenny liked Alfred.
One day he asked her,
"Why do you wear that ribbon
all the time?"
"I cannot tell you," said Jenny.
But Alfred kept asking,
"Why do you wear it?"
And Jenny would say,
"It is not important."
Jenny and Alfred grew up
and fell in love.
One day they got married.
After their wedding,
Alfred said,
"Now that we are married,
you must tell me
about the green ribbon."
"You still must wait,"
said Jenny.
"I will tell you
when the right time comes."
Years passed.
Alfred and Jenny grew old.
One day Jenny became very sick.
The doctor told her she was dying.
Jenny called Alfred to her side.
"Alfred," she said, "now I can tell you
about the green ribbon.
Untie it, and you will see
why I could not tell you before."
Slowly and carefully,
Alfred untied the ribbon,
and Jenny's head fell off.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
THE STATE IS NOT GOD!
long time no blog. hi :)
today has gotten off to a very weird start, to say the least. i wont get into it though. another story for another time.
its been raining cats and dogs for the past two days. working has been a pain in the ass - running in and out of my car to stores, dragging displays inside. hopefully these produce managers dont mind a wet rat walking around their store. apparently, part of 95 has been shut down as well, over near Cranston, RI. March is really flowing smoothly into April - April showers bring May flowers, but enough is enough.
As for art, i feel like ive been in a rut. i have so many ideas but never the motivation to complete anything. ive put myself on hold of starting anything new until i finish what ive already started. i have two pieces that i just cant wrap my hands on, which is pretty odd for me considering i usually have an obsession with making sure things, especially my art, are finished completely and perfectly to my liking. My painting of Cooper that i started over 2 years ago, and the skateboard I received in the mail a year ago from Fishbone, are only half finished. I think subconsciously, i havent finished Fishbones board merely because I despise giving my art away. In my eyes, the only person who can and will adore my work, and respect it to its fullest, is myself. letting go is my biggest fear and it comes into play in every aspect of my life. however, ive made great leaps in the past few months and i plan on only learning and living more.
Enough of that lameo talk... what i HAVE done the past few weeks is what i like to call "Zombiefying". Just a lil something fun and new. Ive never worked with makeup or photography much and im looking to brush up on my photoshop skills. I recently have been reading "Pride, Prejudice & Zombies", so i guess you could say its is where my inspiration has come from. I have done three, thus far, and am looking to switch it up a bit with my next "victim", Joanna. ;)
Hope you like.
today has gotten off to a very weird start, to say the least. i wont get into it though. another story for another time.
its been raining cats and dogs for the past two days. working has been a pain in the ass - running in and out of my car to stores, dragging displays inside. hopefully these produce managers dont mind a wet rat walking around their store. apparently, part of 95 has been shut down as well, over near Cranston, RI. March is really flowing smoothly into April - April showers bring May flowers, but enough is enough.
As for art, i feel like ive been in a rut. i have so many ideas but never the motivation to complete anything. ive put myself on hold of starting anything new until i finish what ive already started. i have two pieces that i just cant wrap my hands on, which is pretty odd for me considering i usually have an obsession with making sure things, especially my art, are finished completely and perfectly to my liking. My painting of Cooper that i started over 2 years ago, and the skateboard I received in the mail a year ago from Fishbone, are only half finished. I think subconsciously, i havent finished Fishbones board merely because I despise giving my art away. In my eyes, the only person who can and will adore my work, and respect it to its fullest, is myself. letting go is my biggest fear and it comes into play in every aspect of my life. however, ive made great leaps in the past few months and i plan on only learning and living more.
Enough of that lameo talk... what i HAVE done the past few weeks is what i like to call "Zombiefying". Just a lil something fun and new. Ive never worked with makeup or photography much and im looking to brush up on my photoshop skills. I recently have been reading "Pride, Prejudice & Zombies", so i guess you could say its is where my inspiration has come from. I have done three, thus far, and am looking to switch it up a bit with my next "victim", Joanna. ;)
Hope you like.
Monday, March 15, 2010
a piece of you for a piece of me.
this rain is making me les miserables. thanks mother nature, but a few days of straight rain was enough. now bring on the sunny spring weather!!
lets see, what is new?! this past weekend i went home with chris. it is so fanatic just being a complete couch potato sometimes. despite my super intense allergy attack on sunday, it was an extremely relaxing and needed weekend. going home now feels like a mini vacation. i dont sleep in my own bed, im allowed to sleep as late as i want, i have dinners cooked for me and i get to go out to nice restaurants with two people i truly care about. not to mention, my mother acts like my own personal assistant. im pretty sure her goal whenever i arrive is to fatten me up by offering endless amounts of goodies. of course, right when i decide to go on my "anti-sweets diet". ah wells.
in other news, i am EXTREMELY excited for the month of may. ive been going on a concert ticket purchasing binge today. i miss that feeling. steeping into a venue knowing for a fact that i am going to have a spectacular time watching one of my most favorite bands play their hearts out on stage. its so strange to think that the time of my life that i was an epic concert junkie was when i was in college. totally broke but somehow always rummaged up enough cash to see a show. i dont know if its because ive weeded out the bands that were "fads" for me at the time, or if its because i recently have severely divulged myself, my time, and my heart in the few bands that really touch my music no no zones... but lately, i feel like ive been seriously lacking in my attendance at shows. However, thus far for the month of may, i have already RSVP'ed to four shows by purchasing tickets. i cant wait. i need that feeling. the excitement that i often confuse for nervousness. listening to the rhythms - triggering emotions and memories. being drowned out by the sound system, despite how loud i am singing along. uniting with complete strangers. throwing my hands in the air. moving my body. tapping my foot. closing my eyes - taking it in. the lights. the smell. not caring who may be watching. letting go.
im ready.
Minus The Bear: May 5th
Skate Fest with The Receiving End of Sirens,
The Dear Hunter & Envy On The Coast: May 8th
As Tall As Lions: May 9th
Circa Survive: May 17th
lets see, what is new?! this past weekend i went home with chris. it is so fanatic just being a complete couch potato sometimes. despite my super intense allergy attack on sunday, it was an extremely relaxing and needed weekend. going home now feels like a mini vacation. i dont sleep in my own bed, im allowed to sleep as late as i want, i have dinners cooked for me and i get to go out to nice restaurants with two people i truly care about. not to mention, my mother acts like my own personal assistant. im pretty sure her goal whenever i arrive is to fatten me up by offering endless amounts of goodies. of course, right when i decide to go on my "anti-sweets diet". ah wells.
in other news, i am EXTREMELY excited for the month of may. ive been going on a concert ticket purchasing binge today. i miss that feeling. steeping into a venue knowing for a fact that i am going to have a spectacular time watching one of my most favorite bands play their hearts out on stage. its so strange to think that the time of my life that i was an epic concert junkie was when i was in college. totally broke but somehow always rummaged up enough cash to see a show. i dont know if its because ive weeded out the bands that were "fads" for me at the time, or if its because i recently have severely divulged myself, my time, and my heart in the few bands that really touch my music no no zones... but lately, i feel like ive been seriously lacking in my attendance at shows. However, thus far for the month of may, i have already RSVP'ed to four shows by purchasing tickets. i cant wait. i need that feeling. the excitement that i often confuse for nervousness. listening to the rhythms - triggering emotions and memories. being drowned out by the sound system, despite how loud i am singing along. uniting with complete strangers. throwing my hands in the air. moving my body. tapping my foot. closing my eyes - taking it in. the lights. the smell. not caring who may be watching. letting go.
im ready.
Minus The Bear: May 5th
Skate Fest with The Receiving End of Sirens,
The Dear Hunter & Envy On The Coast: May 8th
As Tall As Lions: May 9th
Circa Survive: May 17th
Friday, March 12, 2010
drip drip drop
Nom nom nom. just a lil guy a created a few weeks ago. ive decided to do some more "fun" pieces of work, rather than my usual serious types. I always tend to find myself painting more realistically than i want. on this one, i even had to stop myself from shading too much and adding depth. its not where i wanted to go. what a strange feeling. stopping yourself from doing something that usually comes natural. well, regardless, i love how it came out. its now hanging in our kitchen :)
that is all! toodles!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
So, I've created a blog. What of it?!
Well, well, well...
What do we have here? I have turned to the dark side and decided to create a blog to showcase some of my thoughts and my artwork. I am hoping this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. :)
Things have been magnificent with me as of late. I am loving my life entirely and enjoying every moment I have. It is strange, yet fulfilling, to finally admit that I am getting back on my feet again and am feeling like my myself. Its been too long.
I don't have much to post, as of yet, since this is just my first warm up/starter blog.
More things to come!
What do we have here? I have turned to the dark side and decided to create a blog to showcase some of my thoughts and my artwork. I am hoping this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. :)
Things have been magnificent with me as of late. I am loving my life entirely and enjoying every moment I have. It is strange, yet fulfilling, to finally admit that I am getting back on my feet again and am feeling like my myself. Its been too long.
I don't have much to post, as of yet, since this is just my first warm up/starter blog.
More things to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
