Art Historical Reference: Yoshitaka Amano's "Spring"

"Spring" 1998
The Fairy tale

My rendition.
Amano is a genius. And I absolutely love his work. His women are beautiful, fluid, and just gracefully lonely. His art has a mysterious and sensual quality about them that haunts you, quietly kindling your imagination to greater heights.

It's interesting that I ended up doing this illustration for this assignment because it's entitled "Spring." It's somehow appropriate to how things are going right now. Winter's almost halfway over and I'm graduating soon.  There's so much to look forward to and yet no matter how exciting it is, I'm still in "battle mode" trying to prepare for what's inevitable. It's surely a competitive industry out there and right now I'm grateful for this environment surrounded by friends and teachers who have the best intentions.

On that note, this portrait wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Jessica Ramsey and Rich Lily. The flowers refused to stay taped to my back so Rich had to hold them. For this assignment, we weren't allowed to composite so everything had to be done in camera. I love love love the way it turned out.

Other works: Amano's World: 

Read more »

Thanks Rich. just what I need!

"Come, Lord, act upon us and rouse us up and call us back. Fire us, clutch us, let your sweet fragrance grow upon us!" - Augustine

Read more »

CD cover for an assignment: Rampqueen's Evenings Recalling the Unsaid

Read more »

2010: Bangs

My friend Shaun Bailey was kind enough to take my photo the other night. I wanted to document the beginning of this year with a portrait. He's so great. Truthfully, this shows where I'm at. I can feel it in my bones--the loss, the heartache, the gravity of my choices, and just a whole lot of change...and I'm ready to step up. So much to look forward to this year, as well as a couple of things to say goodbye to. I'm turning 25 in a few months...and I feel like I've begun to really cross some borders. Even in terms of my work, I feel like I'm moving forward. There's no heading back now and I'm grateful for this push.

No matter what happens, it boils down to this: I absolutely love what I do.

How many people can actually say this and mean it?

Read more »

Lighting 101 with Greg: 1 2X2 ft Profoto softbox

Documenting Dakota's newly straightened hair.

Read more »

Time to be healthy!

Only got 1 life to live, here's to health and finding happiness in the simpler things!

Read more »

Just passing through.

So, I am back.

after...

2 family reunions
10 San Miguel beers
1 hangover
4 shoots
a round of goodbyes
and
1 funeral.

I left my country filled with grief and I entered this one expecting more sorrow. The new year began with a burial, an end to someone extraordinary. I am not a fan of these final goodbyes. Somehow it seems like part of my heart has been lost and the rest that's survived is slowly hibernating with the current season. Our bodies are only bodies: "Excuse me, just passing through." Life is a journey to the end.

I miss the sun, if only for its warmth, because warmth = happiness in the winter time.

I can barely feel anything right now. Even my current work holds no comfort. Please, someone hold me?

Read more »

Entering 2010

I will make my mark in the humblest of fashions.

Read more »

Grasping for words

Even at the brink of losing everything, she is a fighter to the core.

Her grip is stronger these days, more desperate. Sometimes she doesn't even need to hold on to some thing. She would just continue to reach out, sometimes finding our hands, clasping tightly. Sometimes more restless, grasping at seemingly empty air. Her arms stretch out, high above her head. What are you volunteering for? Why are you raising your hand?

What do you see in your mind, Grandma? You have been sleeping for a while now. Do you have visions of the past, of your childhood dreams? Regrets have abandoned your bedside. What could have been, had been so you do not have to worry.

Last Sunday might have been my last visit. You opened your eyes at the sound of my voice and I think you might have recognized me, but I cannot be sure. I will believe that you did, though. I will miss you.

Read more »

Signs that we Exist

Today, I tested out the 100mm, 2.8 Macro lens that I borrowed from school. I found this shriveled up plant half buried in the snow. Using the macro lens, I've made it appear larger and more significant than it actually is.

We try to make our mark. And somehow every day we do, in however small a scale. We survive the usual struggles even if it means facing our fears once in a while, even if it means standing alone. The grass is nowhere to be seen this morning. The snowstorm is over and the cold hasn't gotten to this plant yet. Somehow I feel cruel taking pleasure in these little half-deaths buried in snow and ice. But you see, we aren't any different. Each day it only continues to get colder.

Ah, 'tis the season to survive.


"Cold"

This photo I took reminded me of his work: "Signs that we exist" Nadav Kander

Read more »

Snowstorm

We're expecting several feet of snow tonight. I happened to glance out the window and the red sky drew me to take a few shots. The sky's giving more than it should tonight, preparing for the morning's loss of color.

Read more »

Inspiration: Strange and Oddly Beautiful Photography 2

Hugh Kretschmer Photography

Read more »

Inspiration: Strange and Oddly Beautiful Photography 1

Incredible gesture, emotion, and depth. I was blown away.

 

Tomohide Ikeya Photography 

Read more »

Home Depot Lighting Kit

Another fun-filled day with Greg Hiesler. Lights were all from home depot and were under $100.

I wanted to make him look otherworld-ly by creating a yellowish, animal-like glow in his eyes.

Read more »