Photomontage: A cat in time and space: (And pushy all over)

I call it economic. The Artist calls it "Bling Blang!"

This is a very simple piece by artist Tom Clements. As he says in his description below, he started out with a piece of maple that he had cut a couple of commas out of for a yin yang, but he didn't want to just throw away what was left over.

Now, he has created something far better with all the bits and pieces he had left. It's a playful piece, with all the bits and pieces sort of thrown together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. The dynamic between the light and dark woods, light colored metal to dark stone and jewels, helps to reflect the duality of the symbology, the yin yang symbol which began this art piece. The fact that this piece is hung at an angle makes it more alive, and the effect is heightened by the sweep of lightly colored metal at the back.

I truly enjoy this piece.

Color Physics

Page 39, Chapter 2, The Element of Color
Color Theory, as it is explained in the textbook, is the art and science of color interaction and effects.

• The physicist studies electromagnetic wave-lengths in order to measure and classify color
• The chemist, working with the molecular structure of dyes and pigments, seeks to produce highly permanent colors and excellent paint consistency.
• The physiologist investigates the effects of color and light on our eyes and brain
• The psychologist studies the expressive effects of color on our mind and spirit. 

Colors are in essence, the basis of imagination. One of the most prolific examples of this is the rainbow. It represents an unfathomable and tantalizing aspect of the world, which incites the mind to wonder how such a large thing can simply appear and disappear. Where does the rainbow end? Where does it begin? Is it a bridge to another world? Another plane? Or is it a marker for a pot of gold or other riches?

The collection and diffusion of color makes the world new and different. Different combinations, different patterns, different pigments add spice to life, and to art. 

Culture and Myth

These are five ceremonial native american masks, made by artist Judith A. Dilley using wood and decorated with polished stones and shells to augment their beauty. I grew up reading about myths and legends, and as an American, I find these masks represent an indelible part of our culture. 

I tried to catch all the details I could by taking multiple photos from different angels, and I picked out the best shots, and included taking pictures of the descriptions provided by the artist.

A Blast to the Past. In Wood!

On May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens in Washington blew its top in one of the most stunning pyroclastic displays ever recorded in North America.  My own parents were witness to the ash-clouds which covered this area. My father had even planned to visit the area of Mt. St. Helens that weekend. Luckily, circumstances kept him in Richland. Otherwise, I would likely not be here today.

This wood carving was made by artist Tom Clement, and depicts the disaster. Made from wood, jasper, and agate, this is a compelling "photograph" of the eruption, and gives a great sense of the scope of the volcanic event.

 This carving depicts the possible last moments of Harry Truman, who lived at the base of the mountain. Artist explanation at bottom.

Art

Self Portrait -- Stepping Up!

As an aspiring young artist, I often tried to make self portrait's. Unfortunately, there is only so much a seven year old kid can do with crayons and rough pulp paper. So, for the first time in years, and the first time in Photoshop, I have created a self-portrait.

My first idea was to simply create a picture, cut in half, with one side being half of a front view shot of my face and the other half being a side view shot of my face. Then, I took it one step further. I took pieces of my side view shot and cut it up, taking what I consider to be important aspects of myself and imposing them on my face.
That was the easy part. However, after I actually got into Photoshop, I started playing around with the various art and design options.

...As you can see, I went a little crazy.

That being said, I feel that this portrait captures myself; my sense of drama, my spontaneity, my literality, symbolical connections, pattern recognition, and a sense of humor (Somewhere).