Wasteland

Until last week there were only 2 movies that have made me cry - The Green Mile (who doesn't?) and P.S. I Love You (ok, don't tell me Gerard only being in the first 10 minutes doesn't tear you up inside).

So a third has been added.  Wasteland. Maybe it was the full moon, maybe it was the stress of finals week a-comin. But I don't think so. This is a powerful documentary. Vik Muniz is an incredible artist and through this project, an anthropologist, philanthropist, and social activist.

His idea was to change the lives of a group of people with the same materials they use in their lives everyday.

You need to see the full thing (instant view on Netflix!) - the trailer doesn't do it justice. But here it is .


WASTE LAND Official Trailer from Almega Projects on Vimeo.

"The moment when one thing turns into another thing is a beautiful moment. A combination of sounds transforms into music." - Vik Muniz

Here's the poster I made for a class in response to the film.  I arranged our glass bottles into a mosaic in my driveway and stood on the roof to take a picture. Can anyone guess what it's supposed to be? It's a bird in mid flight (inspired by this image).

Producing Independent Films

Christine Walker, co-founder of {Werc Werk Works}, a Minneapolis-based production company (what up, home town) and an alumni of the Univeristy of Utah Film Department, talked about the struggles and rewards of producing independent films.

"Some films simply deserve to be made because they are art, for their social value...the world is a better place because of it."

Walker organized the lecture into 3 sections based on her core values - art, money, and community - but they were so intertwined she kept jumping back and forth between sections.

Here's the poster I made for a class in response to her talk. Her favorite artist is Leonardo DaVinci because he "would have been a film-maker", thus the Mona Lisa. It may be too small to see on here but I've filled in the gaps between letters with her ideas, teachings, and quotes. I'm teaching myself Adobe Illustrator - let me know your thoughts.

Click on the image for full-size.

Emily, Shelby, & Chris

Look at these beautiful people. Chris let me borrow his equipment and have my own photoshoot. (yea, that's him in the photos - not only is he an incredible photographer, he can dance!) Setting up was an experiment in itself since I didn't really know what I was doing, but I'd say it turned out ok. I didn't break anything, so that's a plus. Emily and Shelby are both dancers in the Modern Dance dept at the University of Utah and I am so lucky to get to work with these peeps. They made the process so easy. Essentially, all ll I said was "move" and this is what happened. Here are some of my fav's from the sesh, although choosing just a few (x4) was nearly impossible. I can't wait to do more of this. I think I'm in love.

 Fabric makes things pretty

Boots = magic

This = magic

The movement in her hair and the torque in her legs makes this a favorite

 The lighting on her face makes me happy

 Juicy

 I love the negative space between her left foot and his right leg. See it?

This makes me want to shoot fashion stuff. Cause pretty shoes are in

the full gallery is {here}

Ashes & Snow

Gregory Colbert.
This. man. is. incredible. He has created a most beautiful art project / cultural observation. 


It's called Ashes and Snow. 


It's a project that "weaves together photographic works, 35mm films, art installations, and a novel in letters". None of these photos have been altered or photoshopped post-process. Keep that in mind as you browse.

"In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is without beginning or end, here or there, past or present.”

Impeccable, haunting, mysterious, epic. The exhibit debuted in Venice in 2002, toured through New York, Santa Monica, Tokyo, and was last seen in Mexico City in 2008. No news of where its headed next. 

If anyone feels the need to fill their selfless deed quota...send the dvd my way, please. Or better yet, a confirmed ticket to the exhibit's next locale.

Anthropologie + Artists



Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Anthropologie is collaborating with artists from around the world for their newest designs. Love. Here are some of my favorites.


Patch NYC

  
 

Into the Lighthouse, Ana-Willi Highfield






Donna Demari

 

I especially love this stuff by Leslie Oschmann





  

All of this makes me want to make things! Arts and crafts day, anyone?

He Found Them!

Remember that guy who found a lost roll of professional film in the NYC blizzard and set on a quest to find the owner? He's done it! This is so exciting; I love that with technology these days we are able to follow a story as it unfolds...